We are only a few weeks away from the United Way of Freeborn County Campaign Kickoff. The kickoff is a time for everyone involved with United Way to join together and celebrate the start of another season to be thankful for what we have in this great community of ours.

Many people are beginning to recognize the Live United T-shirts and some have heard the message around the community of give, advocate and volunteer. Another powerful message is: When you reach out a hand to one, you influence the condition of all.

It sounds so very similar to the golden rule: Treat others as you would like to be treated.

It seems that we often return to this idea. It is simple, which is why it is timeless. Most of us would like to be treated with care, kindness and know that we are valued by others. There is nothing greater than knowing you are appreciated by someone else.

I had the pleasure of spending time with some friends the other evening. We joined together to welcome the new Leadership program participants. The Leadership program is organized by Riverland Community College and our Albert Lea-Freeborn County Chamber of Commerce. It’s become tradition at the start of the year to gather for an evening meal and talk about the hopes and dreams we have for our community.

One of the topics we discuss is what we all have in common. My friend Stephanie Sherman, who is always so positive and encouraging, mentioned that we all want our community to grow and prosper. Everyone agreed with this — it is, in fact, the reason why people attend the Leadership program. They care a great deal about helping others.

This time of year is very busy for the United Way with presentations, events, and a lot of publicity through newspaper articles, radio shows and television interviews. Though it can be tiring, it’s one of my favorite seasons: campaign season. I get to see and talk to so many great people from around the community. I always hear stories of how people were helped by others.

One of the stories being shared this year at the kickoff and on our brochures is the story of Aaron and Nadine Worm and their two boys, Lukas and Isaak. The Worm family is fairly new to this community, but already they’ve seen how people come together to help others. They are generous and kind people, and I know their little boys will grow up to be just as kind.

When we treat others as we’d like to be treated, when we work together to help our community grow and prosper by helping each other through whatever challenges we face, we are making an investment in the future. When we reach out a hand to one, we influence the condition of all.

Here’s to a great fall and a great campaign season! Live United!

Ann Austin is the executive director of the United Way of Freeborn County.