The "old boys" clubs you mentioned don't exist just for the sake of gaining power. The network just comes naturally as a side-effect of repeated contact with tr

The "old boys" clubs you mentioned don't exist just for the sake of gaining power. The network just comes naturally as a side-effect of repeated contact with trustworthy people with similar altruistic goals. For example, a stated goal of Freemasonry is "to make good men better." The stated motto of Rotary is "service above self" (and btw, Rotary accepts both men and women). Both organizations have a significant community service aspect, and if you showed zero interest in service and expressed desire to join solely for personal gain, you'd likely get rejected. Likewise with Lions Clubs. Can't comment on golf clubs since I have zero experience with them.