Page 68 - South Mississippi Living - August, 2023

story by
Victoria Snyder
Do you know the people who live on your street, in your neighborhood, or in your
city? Whether your answer
is yes or no, you should always take the chance to be more involved in your community!
One such organization to help
you get more involved is the Rotary Club. We spoke with the 2022-
2023 President of the Rotary Club
of Gulfport, Chris Estrade, about
the importance of community involvement. The Rotary Club is a network of neighbors, friends, and problem-solvers who see a world where people unite and take action
to create lasting change. Clubs work together to support education, grow local economies, and protect the environment. Estrade has had the opportunity to be a Rotarian for 13 years; two years as a member of the Rotary Club of Central Hancock County and 11 years as a member of the Rotary Club of Gulfport. “Our mission is to provide service to others, promote integrity, and advance world understanding, goodwill, and peace through our fellowship of business, professional, and community leaders,” he explains.
Giving back to your community
is important. No matter where you are, you have a community, because your community is whoever you
have something in common with. Your family, your coworkers, your neighbors, your town, your county – all a part of your community! Issues including pollution and infrastructure problems can affect you, and it affects where you live, work, play, etc. When you help to solve problems in your community for yourself, you’re helping everyone around you while you’re at it! “It’s important to be involved in the communities that we serve because we live here and we understand the needs of our area,” Estrade says.
We all want to leave things better than we found them. Lead by example so the future generation will have ties to their own communities.
Businesses, individuals – everybody can do something! You’ll be able to build strong connections with those around you. Volunteer, be involved in a beach clean-up, donate to a cause close to your heart, or help host an event.
Be proud of your community. It’s yours. Help it become the best it can be!
68 | August 2023
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