If you feel there has come a time in your life when you need to give back to the community and world around you, there are many different well organized philanthropic service organizations that can help you.

While I cannot cover every worthy organization in one column, I have included the larger organizations that may be found in your community.

"Service above self" is the Rotary International motto and befits much of the national and International service organizations.

On the Rotary International Web site you can find information about their service projects like PolioPlus, a goal to eradicated Polio by the year 2005. You can also read the current version of "The Rotarian" or past issues and find out what their Youth Exchange program does.

The Rotary International is the oldest International service organization, and, with 1.2 million members in 158 countries is considered to be the largest, as well.

The second largest is Lions International, slightly smaller, but in 170 countries.

Lions International, while another fine philanthropic service and social club, has a relatively minor Website. The site has little more than links to specific service projects and districts, a bit of history and fund raising ideas.

One of the major national projects of the Lions is the collection of used eyeglasses for the visually impaired. These and many local community events are what make the Lion's club so popular.

Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks (BPO Elks) is another service/social club with a nice Internet presence. Find out how to become a member, read the Elks Magazine Online, view local and Grand Lodge calendars and read essays from all over the U.S. about "Why am I an Elk?"

Online you find out little about the "fraternal" order's heavily-ritualistic initiation, but you do find information on their highly-successful Hoop Shoot, coeducational sports program. The Elks also take pride in their care of veterans of war and their "commitment to youth."

According to the Kiwanis Web page, Kiwanis International is "an organization devoted to the principle of service; to the advancement of individual, community, and national welfare; and to the strengthening of international goodwill."

The active or retired business professionals that make up Kiwanis created "Young Children: Priority One," which focuses on the special needs of children from prenatal development to age 5.

Their biggest endeavor is the Worldwide Service Project, a $75 million campaign in partnership with UNICEF to eliminate iodine deficiency disorders by the year 2000.

A smaller, but equally important service organization, is the Optimist International. Their Website explains, "Our positive approach, our upbeat outlook, and our commitment to creating a more optimistic future is what differentiates Optimist Clubs from any other volunteer opportunity."

Optimist clubs are most well known for the Optimist International Junior Golf Championships (OIJGC) and the positive attitude so pervasive in their Optimist Creed.

The Optimist International Website is somewhat lightweight compared to other service organizations, but still gets the point across to interested visitors.

For Optimist International, like all the other clubs mentioned above, you must be proposed by an existing member and have some level of committee or club approval before being officially asked to join. While this may sound a bit daunting at first, most clubs heartily welcome new members that agree to the bylaws of the club and sponsorship is usually strongly encouraged.

While there are many other worthy service organizations, many not listed have religious requirements like the Catholic-based Knights of Columbus or more regionalized service areas, like European-based Round Table International.

So the next time you are tempted to discuss how bad things are in the world, consider doing something about it and make a difference.