Frontiers International looking for nationwide project

Michael Roknick, The Herald, Sharon, Pa.
Updated ·2 min read

Apr. 8—Frontiers International Inc. and its clubs are looking to go big, Errol Powell, president of the non-profit service organization, said.

"We're trying to come up with a national project," Powell said.

A resident of Tallahassee, Fla., Powell was a special guest Saturday at the Mercer County Frontiers Club's annual banquet at Tiffany's Banquet Center in Brookfield. Attorney Joseph Gunn was the event's keynote speaker.

Powell noted before the event that Frontiers has a long history.

Founded in Columbus, Ohio in 1936, during the depths of the Great Depression. It also was a time when America was racially segregated.

"We were organized to fill the gap left by other organizations that didn't allow people of color to become members," he said.

Like other service clubs, Frontiers had to be nimble during the COVID-19 pandemic as it was difficult to hold regular meetings.

"Our clubs improvised," Powell said. "We were still able to take clothes and food to the needy."

Now with 11 clubs nationwide, the organization is polling the membership of more than 200 to come up with a project for all. It formed a committee to creating a project that will benefit others, but also draw interest of the greater public.

"We're trying to come up with something that's unique for us and helps our organization to grow," Powell said.

The goal is to have a project set to go in two years.

Frontiers International has reached out to partner with other groups, such as the non-profit 100 Black Men of America. This group focuses on improving life within its communities and advancing educational and economic opportunities for African Americans.

Health has and continues to be a focus of Frontiers Clubs, Powell said. In 2019, a hematologist was invited to speak at the organization's national convention. Promoting regular testing for cancer also is a health-care priority.

Powell said Pioneers is also focused on youth involvement.

"We created a Junior Frontiers organization to get those 18 involved with us early on," he said. "We're trying to develop that as a pipeline to grow our membership."

NOTE: This article has been edited to correct Errol Powell's designation as special guest and Joseph Gunn's participation as keynote speaker.