While recently watching early morning “educational TV” with my Grandson, I thought about how different his experiences as a child are compared to his mother’s. I recall those early days of my daughter’s life worrying about the challenges she would face. I watch her now as she takes what was taught, combines it with what she has learned on her own, and creates a new way to prepare the next generation.
The fact is my daughter is not raising her son the same way we raised her. Still we see many of the values and outcomes that were the foundation of her young life and ours. Combined, his upbringing will prepare my grandson for a future yet defined, and thankfully not for a world that no longer exists.
It is difficult to face facts that define a loss or a condition we do not desire. Hard truths can make us question who we are and what we can do. But it is our belief in future possibilities that keeps us moving forward.
In looking at our Sertoma Family, consider these Facts, Truths, and Beliefs:
Fact – there are fewer service clubs and service club members than in the past
Truth –now, more than ever society needs individuals to come together and strengthen communities
Belief –the future needs of communities can benefit from the knowledge and experience of service clubs and service club members
Fact – service clubs have not changed much in the past 100 years, relying on structures and traditions dating back to the time of the Titanic.
Truth — the changes in society and technology render the traditions and structures of service clubs anachronistic
Belief — the future of service to communities by service clubs will be the result of changes in how it provides that service
The future will be defined by our actions. We can stand resolutely and be washed away by the tide of change, or catch the rising tide of change and move forward into a 2nd Century of Service.
Steven Murphy
Executive Director
Sertoma
