I joined my church yesterday and my son asked me "Why is it important to join?"

I told him that joining the church is a sign of a commitment; that I want to be seen as a member of the family of this church. I want to be a part of something that means something to me.

It got me to thinking about other things we join in our lives: starting as early as childhood we join scouts, sport teams, musical groups, the debate team and a variety of different organizations that make us feel part of the group. We hang out with like-minded people.

As adults we join the bowling team or poker group for recreational fun, groups like Toastmasters to improve our skills, chambers to network, the rotary to give back to our community. We join a cause, perhaps walking a mile for a charity or boycotting a retailer based on their employment tactics. We join friends for a drink or join with another business on a work proposal.

What motivates you to join something; is it what you can get out of it or what you can provide?