Forward Janesville - TheReport - Fourth Quarter 2018

While thinking about what themes logically tie into our 100th anniversary celebration, I revisited the anniversary video we premiered at the annual dinner in March. The video is a very impressive piece of work by Drywater Productions which concludes by asking the viewer, “What will your legacy be?” That same question popped into my head recently when I was having a conversation with an older Forward Janesville member who was talking about a prominent, local friend who had recently passed away. I did not know this gentleman and asked, “What do you think his legacy will be?” He didn’t hesitate to answer, “Well, he made a whole lot of money and his heirs will be impacted by his substantial wealth.” Fair enough. But that conversation nudged me to think about what it means to create a legacy. For many, the essence of creating a legacy is how you influence and encourage the next generation through your actions and/or your work. Your conduct leaves behind ripples that impact others after your death. Other definitions broaden the scope of creating a legacy by defining specific kinds of ripples one might leave behind. Your ethical choices may have influenced others. You might have shown compassion through your charitable activities. Your scientific discoveries could have contributed to a better understanding of life on earth or a way to heal the sick. Your artistic creations could have touched people in a variety of ways that entertained or helped them more fully understand the human condition. Of course, another way to create a legacy is to contribute some of your personal wealth to a worthy cause like your church, an educational institution, a human services agency, or a community improvement effort like the ARISE Downtown Janesville revitalization project. In all of these examples, individuals, families, and businesses are making forward-thinking investments in future generations. The essential point is that it is not what one acquires that creates a meaningful legacy—it is what one creates. You will be remembered for what you have contributed to your community, your nation, or even the world. For many of us, our legacy will likely be a bit more modest than changing the world. But that doesn’t mean your fingerprints won’t be remembered by those you helped, your generosity of spirit, even something as simple as your hard work to make a park or a playground a place for others to safely enjoy. I recently attended a fundraiser for a friend who was battling cancer (he has since passed away). While at the event I remarked to my wife that the gentleman running the meat raffle—his name also happens to be John—is seemingly at every meat raffle fundraiser trying to help out someone in need. It occurred to me that this activity is part of his legacy. I hope he reads this column and understands that I admire his commitment to helping others. I encourage you to think about what sort of legacy you might create, what sort of ripples you might leave behind. It is key to living a purposeful life. As the narrative in Forward Janesville’s legacy video suggests, “As we give back to our community, that very act forms us, shapes us, defines us. Our actions today will impact generations to come. As we face the next 100 years ahead of us, we must ask ourselves, what will we build? What will last? What will our legacy be?” 4 • W W W . F O R W A R D J A N E S V I L L E . C O M John Beckord • President, Forward Janesville • johnb@forwardjanesville.com L E A V I N G A L E G A C Y View the 100 Years video at www.forwardjanesville.com or on Vimeo at https://vimeo.com/263193373.