Community Service: Building Engagement Through Service

As she begins her second year leading Coastal Encinitas Rotary’s Community Service Committee, Jan Dickieson is focused on building understanding, participation, and impact throughout the club.

Reflecting on the past year, Jan is especially proud that Coastal Encinitas Rotary joined other area clubs in the Epic Day of Service, helping build bed frames for North County children who did not have beds of their own. The project marked a return to large-scale hands-on service and demonstrated Rotary’s ability to make a tangible difference in the community.

Jan believes the club achieved a healthy balance between financial support and hands-on service during the past year and hopes to continue that approach moving forward.

One of her primary goals for 2026-2027 is to ensure that Community Service projects are well understood by the membership and that opportunities to participate are open to everyone, not just committee members. She hopes more Rotarians will become involved in projects throughout the year and experience firsthand the impact those efforts have on the community.

Looking ahead, Jan will consider the year a success if the committee distributes all allocated funds by May 31 and completes at least three service projects that attract participation from members beyond the committee itself.

Her message to fellow Rotarians is simple: ask questions, learn about the projects the committee selects, and, most importantly, show up. Whether delivering meals, volunteering at a service project, or lending a hand where needed, every member has a role to play in strengthening our community.

Through thoughtful stewardship of club resources and increased member engagement, Jan’s vision for Community Service is one where more Rotarians work together to make a meaningful difference in the lives of those we serve.