When you move to a new community, what are the first steps you take to make new friends or build your professional network?

Regardless of their age, most people say something along the lines of, “I try to get involved” or “I find a way to give back.” Where answers vary are the methods people use to accomplish those goals.

The answer to this question varies dramatically from person to person. Usually there is a common theme between folks of the same age who answer the same question.

Years ago, after graduating from college, people recognized the best way to grow their professional and social networks was to get out and meet people. Most people recognize that best way to gain respect from clients and colleagues is to be good stewards of the community.

Clubs like Rotary, Kiwanis, Optimists, etc. were — and still are — outlets to meet and connect with people and make a difference. Weekly meetings offered a time to catch up on how the work week was going, how the children were doing, what was going on in the neighborhood. So when you ask older adults how they make new friends, most do not skip a beat before answering, “I join a service organization or club.”

Millennials attempt to connect as well, but they tend to do so digitally. When young people want to connect with others in their field, they find them on LinkedIn. If they want to make a friend or find a romantic partner, they like a Facebook post or swipe right on a dating site.

Last month, the Niles-Buchanan Rotary Club voted to disband after nearly a century of service in southwest Michigan. When we shared the news last Friday in the newspaper, Paul Rifenburg, a Rotarian, said millennials’ lack of interest contributed to the decline of the Rotary club.

He was absolutely right.

You young folks about to click the share button and begin ranting on your Facebook feed about the millennial who just turned her back on you, stay with me for a moment.

Multiple people commented or called to say that it was unfair of Paul to point the finger at a younger generation, and if he had said it was all our fault, maybe the ruffled feathers may have been justified. But I do not think that was what he meant.

The need to join organizations like these may seem obsolete, because most of what these groups accomplish (at face value) can be accomplished in other ways.

Does this make millennials apathetic or lazy? Some people in older generations believe so.

I do not think that millennials are generally less philanthropic or service oriented than the generations preceding them. In fact, millennials are known for being givers. Take for example the popularity of crowd funding sites like GoFundMe and KickStarter — the majority of this youthful generation believes in sharing what they have by making generous donations to causes they feel are worthy.

If millennials aren’t apathetic and truly do what to help, is the problem that the Baby Boomers and Gen Xers are cold and entitled?

I saw comments implying just that repeatedly this weekend and had to shake my head and laugh. It’s just that ridiculous.

There seems to be a misconception that members of service organizations are rich, older men, and the groups are selective and non-inclusive. As a 26-year-old female who is by no means a Rockefeller and has attended numerous service club meetings, I can assure you this is certainly not the case.

The bottom line is that regardless of which generation we belong to, the majority of us are chasing the same goal.

Millennials, please keep in mind that, while you can make a difference and connect with others at the click of a button, there is value in face time. It is amazing what we can accomplish when we put our heads together.

These organizations are responsible for thousands of dollars in scholarships annually. They put coats and gloves on children who may not have otherwise received them. They feed hungry bellies, host the events that have been tradition in our communities for years, connect people in need to resources and help you grow as not only a professional, but a person. Plus, you make good friends!

While other networking and fundraising opportunities are just a tap away, I caution you not to underestimate the strength in numbers, the value of a support system and the power of well-established organizations with national (and sometimes international) support.

Most importantly, millennials, I remind you to refuse to be offended. Rather than quickly assuming that you are not welcome to these organizations or scoffing at the older folks you believe are calling you apathetic, prove them wrong and get involved.

Older generations, I encourage you to consider new ways of reaching the younger generations. Take advantage of the tools millennials use to recruit new members, and show them all the awesome work you are doing in this community.

These organizations are too valuable for us to let the generation gap get in the way.

Ambrosia Neldon is the general manager at Leader Publications. She can be reached by phone at (269) 687-7700, or by email at ambrosia.neldon@leaderpub.com.