October is Economic and Community Development Month, and when I think about our Rotary club and the work we do, I see two very important communities: the community we serve and the community we have with one another as Rotarians.  Both are essential to meaningful service.  When we serve our community, we have the opportunity to change lives for the better and help create an environment where individuals, families, and businesses can thrive. At the same time, service enriches us personally. When we give of our time, talents, and resources, we often receive something in return that cannot always be measured; gratitude, relationships, fulfillment, and opportunities to grow.

 

This month, I invite each of us to think about how we can contribute to the economic strength and development of our community.  One of the most meaningful ways our club is doing this is through our scholarship endowment. Our goal is to raise $25,000 this year, and I am proud and grateful to share that we have already raised more than $8,000 in donations and pledges!  Thank you!  Every dollar we invest in this effort has the potential to create a lasting ripple effect. We support a student, that student gains an education or develops valuable skills, those skills are brought back into our community, and ultimately, our entire community benefits. This is how development works; it starts with an investment in people and can continue to benefit generations to come.  Let's keep going!

 

I also believe that community development begins much closer to home—with our families and with the relationships we build with one another.  Each of us may have a different definition of family. For some, it may be parents, children, and siblings. For others, it may include friends, mentors, colleagues, or people who have simply become part of our lives. Regardless of who we call family, let us make an intentional effort to nurture and preserve those relationships.  The stronger our relationships, the stronger our families. And the stronger our families, the stronger our communities.  Development also begins with something simple: listening.  When we listen to one another (really listen), we understand people's needs, hopes, concerns, and ideas. And when we understand, we are better positioned to act.  Let's listen more so that we can do more.

 

Thank you for everything you do for our community and for one another. I am continually inspired by the generosity, dedication, and service I see within this club.  You are more than fellow Rotarians—you are family. I love you all.  And together, through Service Above Self, we can achieve far more than we could ever achieve alone.

 

With gratitude,

 

Eugene Engmann

President, Rotary Club of Idaho Falls