Declining civic engagement is one of modern society’s fundamental challenges. Communities are weaker when their citizens withdraw from public life and function mostly within the bubble of their own family and friends.

Smithfield is doing its best to defy the trend, evidenced week in and week out by the good deeds of civic organizations chronicled on the pages of our newspaper. Hardly a week passes that we don’t have the honor of sharing those good works.

A tip of the hat this week goes to Smithfield’s Rotary and Ruritan clubs, who continue their long tradition of honoring a Citizen of the Year.

The 2024 honoree comes from a friendly “rival” organization in civic circles, the Kiwanis Club, whose Wesley Brown embodies the selfless service that society needs more of. Reporter Stephen Faleski documents the highlights of Brown’s volunteerism on this week’s front page, but a full accounting would fill many pages.

You’ll want to attend the annual Citizen of the Year banquet in the spring to gain a full appreciation of how Brown has enriched his community through Kiwanis, including its popular fishing clinic for kids, Smithfield VA Events and more.

On the topic of Rotary, we’re thrilled to report the news of Tracy Lego’s election as a future district governor of the respected service organization. Leading a district that spans the Southside, Richmond and even the Eastern Shore is a well-earned honor last achieved by a Smithfield resident nearly a half-century ago.

In reading contributing writer Brandy Centolanza’s article on Lego, we were blown away by Rotary’s nearly tripling its local membership in recent years, countering worldwide trends in civic club membership. 

Much of the credit goes to Lego and an infusion of other young members who are rethinking how civic organizations can appeal to prospective members. Strict adherence to weekly meeting attendance rules has given way to more meaningful priorities such as participation in community service projects. A twice-a-month “happy hour” meeting, for example, appeals to busy professionals who can’t commit to attending a weekly club meeting.

Smithfield is stronger because of civic organizations like Kiwanis, Rotary, Ruritan and Lions. Consider joining or, if you can’t make that commitment, support one of their many community service projects.