Dear Boonville: At a meeting of the Boonville Jaycees on Tuesday night, I discussed the mission of the Boonville Daily News in light of the group’s focus on volunteerism.
The national organization, online at usjaycees.org, supports numerous initiatives aimed at bringing people together, including Relay for Life, Outstanding Young Farmer and Support Our Troops.
You’ll recall that our local Jaycees chapter sponsored a rodeo earlier this month. This is the second year for the event, which is aimed at raising money for the following year’s rodeo and bringing attention to the mission of the Jaycees and activities in Boonville.
The BDN also aims to stay active in the community. It provides support of events such as the Festival of Lights, looks to engage students through the Newspapers in Education program and has held special events such as 2009’s pet get-together with proceeds benefiting the Boonville Humane Society.
In terms of coverage, I said, the BDN aims to educate its readers about topics that are of interest to readers; provide people with balanced views of issues; serve as a forum for the exchange of opinions; and provide a way for readers to share their news and photos with others.
I explained that we’d like to let other people know what community organizations are doing. We’re always looking for text or photo submissions, and we’d also like to profile members of the organization in the newspaper to let people know who these individuals are and why they chose to become volunteers.
I was asked a great question at Tuesday’s meeting: What other organizations are we trying to work with in this way?
Over the past several months, we’ve run articles about the Boonville Lions Club, Cooper Lodge No. 36 and Concerned Citizens for the Black Community. At this time, one way we’re able to profile other groups is when they bring us news about their upcoming events. This allows us to detail what’s current and fill people in on what these groups do.
I want to thank the Boonville Jaycees for their generous time and kind attention on Tuesday. I’d also like to make a standing offer to other community groups: The BDN is always happy to make a presentation, to talk in person or by phone and e-mail.
Building a community is a team effort, and it’s nice to know that there are so many people who have a mind to work and hearts that are dedicated to service.
Contact news and online editor Nate Birt by calling 882-5335 or e-mailing nate@boonvilledailynews.com.
