Community leaders are the backbone of our thriving towns and cities. They deserve heartfelt appreciation for their unwavering commitment to making our community a better place. Stepping up to lead can mean facing public criticism, dealing with conflicting interests, struggling with limited resources, experiencing burnout from high demands, and making tough decisions that may not fully satisfy anyone.
Our leaders take the form of elected officials (like local government), civic organization leaders (like Rotary Clubs and Chamber of Commerce), school and educational leaders (like teachers and PTA members), youth leaders (like coaches), health and emergency leaders (like nurses and first responders), religious leaders, business leaders, volunteer coordinators, cultural and artistic leaders, and grass-roots organizers and advocates. And I am only scratching the surface of the many roles they fill. You could list some yourself who have inspired you.
Community leaders listen, mentor, cultivate, network, invest, collaborate, support, guide, and sometimes pull their hair out. During this holiday season, please take a moment to express your gratitude to those who have inspired you. William Arthur Ward said “Feeling gratitude and not expressing it is like wrapping a present and not giving it.’’ You will both be better off for having spoken up.
SUSAN ATKINSON
Durango, Colo.
