A great way to make friends and network on Mercer Island is to get involved in a local organization and meet people with whom you share a unique interest or passion for a special cause. The Mercer Island Women’s Club’s motto is “friendship starts here,” or if you’re interested in networking or giving back, the Mercer Island Chamber of Commerce or Mercer Island Rotary Club might be a great fit for you. These are just a few organizations of many on the island that offer opportunities to get involved and become part of the community.
Best Organizations to Join on Mercer Island
Mercer Island Chamber of Commerce
About: The Mercer Island Chamber of Commerce supports the growth, development, and advancement of the businesses of Mercer Island while promoting the Island as a special place to live, work and play.
Member info: A member-funded, nonprofit group of business and professional people, the Chamber holds membership luncheon meetings on the first Thursday of the month featuring speakers on topics of local and regional interest.
Website: www.mercerislandchamber.com
Mercer Island Preschool Association
About: Established in 1937, Mercer Island Preschool Association (MIPA) is an all-volunteer, non-profit organization devoted to improving the education and well being of children, ages birth to Kindergarten on Mercer Island, as well as in the greater Seattle area and Eastside communities. MIPA offers local families many highly regarded and well-attended family events, concerts, lectures, socials and playgroups. MIPA is a PTA affiliate and 501(c)(3) organization.
Member info: MIPA has a variety of membership options and members are mostly families of children ages 0 to 5. MIPA hosts monthly membership meetings, which often include social time and educational speakers.
Website: www.mipreschoolassociation.org
Mercer Island Rotary Club
About: The Rotary Club of Mercer Island was chartered in December 1963 to meet the needs of Mercer Island residents, business and community leaders who wanted a Rotary relationship. The Club organizes the annual Mercer Island Rotary Half Marathon, which encourages runners and walkers to put their feet forward to help support Colon Cancer Awareness and Prevention, and to support the Mercer Island Rotary Foundation with its contributions to local, regional and international charitable organizations.
Member info: The club has grown over the years to more than 150 members who meet at noon every Tuesday, at the Mercer Island Community & Events Center. A number of our founding members are still active today.
Website: www.mirotary.org
Mercer Island School District – Parent Teacher Associations (PTA/PTSAs)
About: Each of Mercer Island School District’s PTAs support and enrich children’s academic and social education experience through PTA programs, social events, and fundraisers. PTAs also keep parents informed through regular e-newsletters.
Member info: Information about joining each individual school’s PTAs is available on the websites below.
Websites: West Mercer Elementary, Island Park Elementary, Northwood Elementary, Lakeridge Elementary, Islander Middle School, Mercer Island High School
Mercer Island Women’s Club
About: The Mercer Island Women’s Club is a social and philanthropic organization that welcomes all women who are current residents of Mercer Island, Washington. Whether you are new to Mercer Island or a long-time resident, we invite you to participate. We are a club of women who are diverse in every way yet find common interests and bonds with lasting friendships.
Member info: Over 350 enthusiastic women of all ages enjoy a variety of activities tailored to the interests of the current membership. Whether you are single or married, have free time during the day or in the evening, there are activities for you.
Website: www.mercerislandwomensclub.com
Stroum Jewish Community Center
About: The SJCC is a hub of Jewish life and culture on Mercer Island and welcoming to all. Adults can join a sports league or a book club and attend events in the Kesher Garden or the newly remodeled state-of-the-art auditorium. Seniors can learn to play bridge, join fitness classes, and attend our popular Jewish Touch Series.
Member info: The SJCC offers a variety of membership options including a Cultural Arts membership.
Website: www.sjcc.org
& More!
There are also three great local swim and tennis clubs that offer lots of great opportunities for meeting neighbors and friends, especially during the summer months. These membership clubs include the Mercer Island Beach Club, the Mercer Island Country Club, and the Mercerwood Shore Club.
The following service organizations and special interest clubs also provide opportunities to connect with your community – as well as to give back to your community through organized volunteer efforts and events.
Friends of the Mercer Island Library
Mercer Island Arts Council
Mercer Island Community Fund
Mercer Island Children’s Hospital Guild
Mercer Island Historical Society
Mercer Island Lions Club
Mercer Island Masonic Lodge 297
Mercer Island Schools Foundation
Mercer Island Sister City Association
Mercer Island Visual Arts League
Open Space Conservatory Trust
VFW Post 5760
