President Don opened the meeting promptly at 12:00, greeting members and noting a strong turnout; despite the fact 11 of our members are traveling in Morocco with a super tour guide, Sa’adat Keshavjee.
O Canada & Land Acknowledgement
Bob Pearson led the club in O Canada at his chosen tempo.
President Don provided a land acknowledgement prefaced by a statement, that his family has 5 generations residing on the traditional territories of the Blackfoot Confederacy, Tsuut’ina, Stoney Nakoda, and Métis Nation of Alberta Region 3. President Don emphasized: “Our work toward reconciliation will be a long one, and I hope you will join me on it.”
Les Morgan introduced our guests today including a special recognition of Patricia (his wife) as well as Bill Fric from the Millennium Club.
President Don introduced our guest speaker, albeit Anita Lakra was scheduled to do the honors.
Connie Jakab is the founder and CEO of Bravely Connected Communities, a non-profit solving the problem of disconnection in community. Connie has been working in mental health and resilience for over 25 years, focusing her efforts on how belonging creates resilience. She has worked in community, in schools, in homes, and in workplaces. She believes that the opposite of isolation is belonging, the opposite of poverty is community, and the opposite of addiction is connection. Communities that are connected are communities where their youth and families will thrive. She is also a podcaster, a Certified Coach, and
Her motto is: I am brave I show up when it’s hard I love without walls I forgive when it hurts I rise through the storm
Connie brought more than 25 years of experience working in youth resilience and community development. Her central message was simple but powerful:
"BELONGING CREATES RESILIENCE”
From Isolation to Belonging
Connie explained that mental health conversations often focus on problems and deficits. Her approach is different. Rather than asking what is wrong with someone, she encourages communities to ask “What’s strong in you?”.
Through her work with youth, she found that anxiety often decreased when people experienced connection and camaraderie. Creating a safe environment where people feel seen, heard and valued can help build confidence and resilience.
She has taken this approach into her own community of Ogden, where her organization works with people who may be isolated, overlooked or struggling to find their place.
Programs such as Love Ogden bring neighbours together to help one another, while the Dream Academy helps people identify their strengths, develop ideas and discover ways they can contribute.
One of Connie's most memorable messages was that everyone has something to offer—skills, ideas, relationships, experience or simply a willingness to help.
Rotary Is a Place of Belonging
Connie's message resonated strongly with Calgary West members. When she asked members what brought them to Rotary, she heard many of the same themes: connection, purpose, camaraderie, collaboration and impact.
She challenged members to think about someone in their own community who may be on the fringe and ask:
“What do I see in this person that they might not see in themselves?”
Her final challenge was equally powerful: instead of asking how we can make people feel better, perhaps the more important message is simply, “We need you.”
That idea fits naturally with Rotary's own emphasis on service, fellowship and community.
Following her presentation, the Club made a ShelterBox donation in Connie's name as a thank-you for sharing her message with Calgary West.
Club Business & Announcements
Local Community Grants Gord reminded members that the Club's $10,000 grant to Foothills Country Hospice is being recognized at an upcoming dedication ceremony, where a plaque acknowledging Calgary West will be installed. Members of the Local Community Grants Committee have been invited to attend.
Board Nominations – 2027–2028 Members were reminded that expressions of interest are being sought for two Board positions: President-Elect Nominee and Director – Fundraising. Members interested in serving, or wishing to nominate another member, are encouraged to contact Gord.
Fall Assembly – October 19 The Fall Assembly has been moved to October 19. Members were asked to mark the new date on their calendars. The additional time also gives committee members some extra time to prepare their reports.
Rotary Friendship Exchange Darren Grierson indicated Calgary West will not be required to host the upcoming Friendship Exchange delegation, as sufficient clubs have now volunteered. Members who had offered to host may still have an opportunity to assist individually if needed.
Recovery Day Alberta The Club is looking at supporting Rotary for Recovery and Addiction Solutions at Recovery Day Alberta on September 25. More information will be circulated as plans are confirmed.
Volunteer Opportunities Members were reminded about upcoming Foodbank and other volunteer opportunities. Thanks were extended to everyone who continues to contribute their time to Club activities.
Calgary West Rotarians enjoyed a beautiful sunny afternoon at Wintergreen on September 9 for the Club’s annual Golf Championship. Dan successfully defended his championship with a round of 97, while Marvin took Low Net with a 73 and added a 300+ yard drive on #11. The day wrapped up with trophies, dinner and plenty of fellowship at Rockies Tavern & Grill in Bragg Creek.
The remaining golfers had a great time but, after careful consideration of the Four-Way Test, have chosen not to have their scores published. Some scorecards are best left between the golfer and the golf gods!
Connie Jakab is the founder and CEO of Bravely Connected Communities, a non-profit solving the problem of disconnection in community. Connie has been working in mental health and resilience for over 25 years, focusing her efforts on how belonging creates resilience. She has worked in community, in schools, in homes, and in workplaces. She believes that the opposite of isolation is belonging, the opposite of poverty is community, and the opposite of addiction is connection. Communities that are connected are communities where their youth and families will thrive. She is also a podcaster, a Certified Coach, and
