The last club I belonged to was a highly exclusive sorority. Our meetings were held under the playground slide every recess, and our sole purpose for existing was to debate which of our other classmates were worthy of membership.

I can claim involvement in lots of organizations now – all of which are made up of people I consider friends – but I wouldn’t call any of them a club. Clubs imply socialization, fraternity, leisure.

Even if I did find a local group dedicated to some pursuit I enjoy, I’d never have the time to make the meetings. So what’s the solution?

Cyber clubs, of course.

Yahoo! Groups boasts “millions of groups at your fingertips.” In the Animal section, you can hook up with giraffe lovers, Australian show rabbit aficionados or people who advocate a diet of raw food for their dogs. Under Hobbies, meet fellow potato gun fanatics. The Trippy Dippy Hippies group shares the Culture & Community list with Road Ragers Anonymous and a club for people named Brenna.

The nice thing about online clubs is that you can take part whenever you choose. And if you’re lucky enough to find a good one, it can be incredibly supportive and educational.

Watch out for the wackos, though. Unless, of course, you are one already – in which case, I’m sure there’s a group for you, too.