History was made Monday night — certainly a milestone worth celebrating because it builds on a rich past — but the most exciting prospect of the evening is what it could mean for the future.

For the first time in the more than four decades that all have existed, three of the Niles area’s most prominent civic organizations — the Rotary, Kiwanis and Optimist clubs — got together for fellowship and to talk about the common threads that bind these community organizations together.

It is somewhat surprising that it never happened before, but the holiday dinner at Orchard Hills Country Club was a way for members of each group to get to know other like-minded individuals who care about the community.

Although I think most had some general idea as to what the other clubs do, this certainly opened many people’s eyes to the fact that all three focus on one the most important elements of our community: our children.

From the Optimist soccer to Rotary’s Christmas angels to the Kiwanis boot drive to the scholarships that all three clubs provide, hearing about all the project that support our youth helped forge a bond that will not soon be forgotten.

And, hopefully, this is just the beginning.

The evening ended with a challenge for members — personally I am part of Rotary and Optimist clubs and have been a Kiwanian in the past — to think about what the organizations could do collectively to continue to make a difference and have an even greater impact.

Even though civic volunteerism has waned and all groups struggle to gain new members, the sky is truly the limit as to what could be accomplished.

Sandra Day O’Connor, the first woman to serve on the U.S Supreme Court, made a great comment on this concept of togetherness and partnership in building our world.

“We don’t accomplish anything in this world alone … and whatever happens is the result of the whole tapestry of one’s life and all the weavings of individual threads from one to another that creates something.”

We can no longer rely on government, big corporations or other entities to take care of our communities or make the positive changes that have to happen. It comes down to us as individuals and as citizens.

Everyone can play a role. Do you want to get involved with one of these organizations? Let me know. I would love you to be my guest to learn what each is all about.

This milestone stands out from the past and hopefully will one day be looked as the first brick in the shared foundation of a bright future.

 

Michael Caldwell is the publisher of Leader Publications LLC. He can be reached at (269) 687-7700 or by email at mike.caldwell@leaderpub.com.