One of Irish statesman Edmund Burke?s “little platoons of democracy” ? the Reisterstown Kiwanis ? is having recruitment problems.

Founded in 1935, the Reisterstown Kiwanis typifies Burke?s idea of a “little platoon” ? crucial, the 18th-century philosopher said, to the operation of democratic society. Today, the club soldiers on, donating money, sponsoring civic projects and helping neighbors, despite what seems to be a flagging interest in voluntarism.