Showing Up: Finding Community with the Active 20-30 Club

A little while ago, I was invited to attend a Game Day Social with the Active 20-30 Club of Red Bluff, CA—a group dedicated to service, leadership, and building connections within their community. Their mission is all about fostering relationships and giving back, which immediately struck a chord with me because, well… that’s exactly what I want Umbrella Social to be about, too.

A Brief History of the Active 20-30 Club

The Active 20-30 Club has been around for over a century, originally forming from two separate organizations—the 20-30 Club (founded in 1922 in Sacramento, CA) and the Active Club (founded in 1926 in Aberdeen, WA)—both created to provide young humans with opportunities to grow as leaders while making a difference. In 1959, the two merged into what is now the Active 20-30 Club, which has since expanded into an international organization.

At its heart, the club is about community. While many service groups focus on specific industries or professional development, the Active 20-30 Club is different. It’s not about job titles or resumes—it’s about people. Young humans coming together, not just to help their communities, but to build friendships, support one another, and create spaces where everyone belongs.

And in Red Bluff, that sense of belonging extends even further. Their chapter is deeply family-oriented, welcoming not just adults, but their children, spouses, and loved ones as well. It’s not just about volunteering—it’s about fostering relationships that span generations.

The Spiral of ‘What Ifs’

Shortly after agreeing to go, the nerves set in. What if I said something stupid? What if they didn’t like me? What if I completely blanked on how to play the game and embarrassed myself? I went to bed excited, but by the time I woke up, the anxiety had taken over.

I had to remind myself: I’ve felt this way before, and those experiences turned out just fine. In fact, some of the best moments in my life have come from stepping outside my comfort zone. So I challenged the intrusive thoughts, reminded myself that I do know how to talk to people (even if my brain sometimes likes to pretend otherwise), and made the conscious choice to show up anyway.

Game DAY at Dibble Creek Outpost

The event was held at Dibble Creek Outpost, a cozy pub-style spot with amazing food and an incredibly kind waitstaff. And true to their family-first vibe, the event wasn’t just a bunch of adults—it was families, kids, partners, and friends all hanging out together. That made the atmosphere feel so much more welcoming, like I wasn’t just stepping into a social event, but into a community that had room for everyone.

We played a game called Ransom Note, where you have two minutes to form a response to a prompt using random word magnets. Now, let me tell you—I don’t do well under pressure. Timers make my brain short-circuit, and suddenly, all logic and language skills go out the window. But even though I (briefly and internally) panicked at first, it actually turned out to be really fun! There was laughter, ridiculous answers, and a lot of playful banter.

More importantly, the people were genuinely welcoming. Conversations flowed naturally, everyone was kind, and by the end of the day, I felt a little more at home in a space that had initially felt intimidating.

Why It’s Worth It to Show Up

If there’s one thing I took away from this experience, it’s that stepping outside of your comfort zone is always worth it. Sure, it’s scary. Sure, the ‘what ifs’ will try to talk you out of it. But every time you challenge those doubts and put yourself out there, you open the door to new friendships, experiences, and opportunities.

Umbrella Social is all about fostering community, and this was a reminder that building relationships starts with showing up. It starts with pushing past fear and letting yourself be part of something bigger.

So, will I be attending more events with the Active 20-30 Club? Absolutely. And I can’t wait to see where this connection leads.