October includes World Mental Health Day, and it has me thinking about something pretty basic: Do we notice people?Who hasn't been around lately? Who always seems to be doing the work but rarely gets thanked? Who is new and still trying to figure out where they fit? Who has something to offer that we haven't noticed yet?
And as we move into fall and toward the holidays, a time of year that can be difficult or lonely for some people, there's another simple thing we can do: check in on one another.
Make the phone call. Send the text. Ask someone how they're doing and take the time to listen to the answer.
October also brings World Polio Day (October 24). It's a reminder that Rotary leadership operates on an entirely different scale, too. For decades, Rotarians have helped lead a worldwide effort to end polio. We recognized a need, decided we could do something about it, and kept showing up.
Maybe there's a common thread.
Leadership starts with noticing what is happening around us and deciding to act.
Sometimes that means taking on one of the world's biggest challenges. Sometimes it means noticing the person sitting across the table.
So here's my challenge for October: Notice someone.
Check in. Listen. Say thank you. Invite someone to contribute. Give someone an opportunity.
Because making a difference in the world and in one another's lives often begins simply by paying attention.
Mike Markley
District Governor 2026–2027
Rotary Club of Boise Southwest
Enjoy these pictures from my September District 5400 Adventures:
1. Buhl Candyland Tourney, 2. Burley Club Members, 3. Teton Valley, 4. Pocatello Centennial Crew, 5. Zone Institute in Phoenix, 6. Mike, Marla and Willa in Buhl, 7. Historic Rupert Town Square, 8. Mike and Becky in Elmore County
