Rotarian Volunteers Building Tiny House

 It's a great way for local greater Seattle area Rotarians to volunteer on a weekend to help build tiny houses, Jesse Tam.  What an experience as our Puget Sound Rotary Passport Club members signed up to learn more about helping our homeless population and how these tiny house are helping those in need.  We spent the day inside a warehouse where supplies and other organzations provided material to make the houses with windows, ventalation and doors for each of the units. 

Placing the sidewalls for the tiny house means team work for the group.  Each wall, roof and painting done with volunteers before they are used for  the tiny villages. These are transitional shelter for people with pets and families. 

There are many rotary clubs to fit your schedule, join us in a zoom meeting or contact any club if you are interested to hear more about other projects and fellowship opportunities. Thanks for reading Jesse  

Rotary Year End Celebration Newcastle

Let's celebrate this Rotary year end event with sharing stories by saving the date, June 28th at The Golf Course of Newcastle.  The views are fantastic with Seattle skylines and amazing sunsets in the evening, Jesse Tam. Invite a few friends and participate in the golf event, receptions  and event tickets for dinner.

June 28th, Seattle 4 will be hosting a cocktail reception to thank Seattle 4 Rotary member, Cathy Gibson,  for her tenure as District Governor. All are welcome - golfers and non-golfers alike.  No charge for the reception only. One drink ticket included. Sign up on the District 5030 website if you would reserve your reservation for dinner at The Golf Club at Newcastle - seats are limited.  It will be a great opportunity to reconnect with fellowship rotarians in person after a year zoom meetings online.

How about a spending an afternoon for a round of golf, register by June 14 for golf and/or dinner.

Four-person Scramble starts at 1:30 pm - Book a foursome or come as a single. Non-Rotarians Welcome. 

Reception 6:00 pm - 7:00 pm Hosted by Seattle Rotary 4 - all welcome.  Sign up for reception only here. No charge for reception only. 

Dinner and Program to follow at 7:00 pm

   

Stay Focused on the Work

We continue to remain focused on the future and work of helping others with Zoom district and club meeting.  Seattle members will continue with fundraising online and virtural fun activities this year.  The district conferences will be missed as we are unable to gather in large groups and share stories with other clubs and members in our region.  Local projects and grants are available to clubs who will continue to fund projects and provide those in need.

Many clubs are providing food for seniors, helping with basis needs, face covering donated to various organizations, warm clothes and more...Training for leadership and new members are virtual and online.  It would be fantastic to meet in person and be able to participate in club visits again.  The fellowship of local conferences, speakers, training and International Conference.

What are some ideas and projects that are important in your community?  There are so many things we can share with others.  Mentoring others or helping for homework for students working online would be a project during stay at home. 

Holiday Social Bingo

November is here and our clubs are going strong with virtural events, fundraising and social media.  Jesse Tam, don't miss the district 5030 holiday social online Thanksgiving bingo.  Tuesday, November 17th from 6:30 pm - 8:00 pm.  Join the fun and connect with club members and friends.  We'll be on Zoom with more details and link to come. Social starts at 6:30pm and at 6:50pm the rules and prizes will be explained.

Be ready for virtual gift card from Starbucks, Amazon, Home Depot...for each winner.  Bingo games start at 7 pm, sharpen your skills. No need to leave home, just sign in and participate with your fellow rotarians.

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Virtual Meetings Continues

 It's another year for Rotary only we've had majority of our meetings virtual this 2020 year which started in July.  Jesse Tam, our district meetings, club, training and social events have been online without formal get togethers.  Let's hope things will get back to normal and people can work on projects and meet together soon.

A few thoughts:

Never underestimate the difference you can make in the lives of others.

No one has ever become poor by giving.

Be the change to the world.

Kindness is free.

Dream without fear, push yourself.

Staying Connected Together

How are you staying connected with your friends, family, co-workers and organizations during this challenging time?  It's virtual with our team meetings, Jesse Tam.  We continue our club meetings in Rotary using Zoom or Team Meeting to keep members updated on skills and training with on district and checking on each other.

It's a different these days, but with technology and learning new skills we are able to strive to make the most of it while we maintain healthly and keep working on our projects.  We'll be able to get through this with everyone working together.

 Stay postive...make good choices...let's help slow the spread. Stay connected, thanks for reading  https://jessetam.wordpress.com/

Fighting Poverty in the Community

We all want to learn and have a healthly balanced meal for our families. Jesse Tam, one of the most important things in our community is the fight against hunger.  Our local clubs can volunteer every month with friends and family on Saturday morning to help repack some of the produce with Harvest Against Hunger with rotarians.  The repacked food will be distributed to local food pantries and meal programs serving people in need. Stay Connected   https://jessetam.wordpress.com/

Register to attend the and join the fellowship with your club to help fight poverty in the community. Here's the details for those who are interested in participating:

We'll start at 8:30 AM with donuts, coffee and orientation, then move into the warehouse to pack food until 11:00. You'll be helping to pack some of the millions of pounds of healthy fruits and vegetables Harvest Against Hunger provides every year for families and individuals in need

Don't forget to use @harvestagainsthunger experience with your social networks! Warehouse location
22220 68th Ave S.
Kent, WA  98032

Saturday 3/14/2020 8:30 AM - 11:00 AM
Saturday 4/11/2020 8:30 AM - 11:00 AM 
Saturday 5/9/2020 8:30 AM - 11:00 AM   
Saturday 6/13/2020 8:30 AM - 11:00 AM     
Saturday 7/11/2020 8:30 AM - 11:00 AM 

Leadership, Network and Opportunities

January, can you believe another year has come and gone.  Jesse Tam,What are some things you or I would like to accomplish? This year in rotary, our club continues to focus on membership growth, fellowship and projects in our local community.  Finding ways to connect with rotary within our district and globally is part of the networking opportunities we share together.  

Our clubs and several districts in our region are forming a networking platform online to reach out to members to share ideas, connect and provide business opportunites. It's exchanging ideas and working on projects and sharing our passion. Open doors and opportunities in your community with volunteering or mentoring by giving a bit of your time.  Take the time to refresh yourself and be energized with a fresh mind and spirit. Stay connected  https://jesse-tam.blogspot.com/

Rotary theme for 2020-21:

2020-21: Rotary Opens Opportunities

RI President-elect Holger Knaack's theme for 2020-21, Rotary Opens Opportunities, asks Rotarians to create opportunities that strengthen their leadership, help put service ideas into action, and improve the lives of those in need.

Be Involved In Our Community

How quickly the months have flown by. Last month, our Rotary club were able to spend an evening of fellowship with the Seattle U Rotaract members on campus to share their ideas and vision for the coming year.  It was a fun night with food, presentation and quick game to break the ice.  Each of the board members were introduced and this year the club co-presidents are sophmores Keenan and Celia.  Seattle International District rotary club members decided that this type interaction should be more frequent with our rotaract community.

Some of the things discussed were to partner together for future projects and volunteer opportunites in our local community.  It was a great evening spent on campus and buying our meals at the school dining hall.  It's always terrific to take time out of your daily schedule and commit to helping others.  

This year's district conference will be held near Seattle's waterfront, the Bell Harbor Conference center.  See you there...Jesse    http://rotaryfriendship.blogspot.com/

Empowering Communities

It's that time of year when spring is here and we start to focus on yard cleanup and helping our communities, Jesse Tam. Our Seattle International District rotary club will be hosting a fundraising dinner featuring keynote speaker Byan Pape' founder and CEO of MiiR.  Come join us on Sunday, April 28th from 4:30 pm to 7:30 pm and learn about the local and international projects we participate in. Sign up soon as registration closes on Thursday, April 25th to reserve your seat
https://portal.clubrunner.ca/2729

It will be a casual evening of food and fun to empower our future leaders in our local and world communities.  Don't miss the raffle, paddle raise, dessert dash, games and more. Join us with other Rotarians and friends in supporting our community projects by visiting our club or "Give Big" to our foundation.  There are many ways to serve and volunteer in our region.

Come join the fun or schedule a time to drop by and visit our club meeting.  We meet 2 times monthly on the 1st and 3rd Thursday each month.  Check the website and events calendar for featured speakers and happenings.

Thanks for reading. Stay in touch, Jesse http://rotaryfriendship.blogspot.com/

Conference, Fellowship and Leadership

It time for 5030 District Conference at the Tulalip Resort, April 27-28, 2018.See you there, Jesse Tam. The theme Open New Doors to Rotary between our interact, Rotaract and Rotary Members.  Come join us and hep celebrate the accomplishments between all three types of clubs and all Rotarians.  See what Rotarians are doing to Make a Difference in the community and across the world. Check out the breakout sessions, speakers and learn what is in store for our future. 

 More highlighted details are found on our “Top 10 Reasons You Can’t Miss This Conference!”   There's time to register for the conference and check out the break out sessions.  Come early and participate in a round of golf prior to the conference.  It's a short drive from Greater Seattle/Bellevue metropolitan area for all attendees.  

1. Stay at the Tulalip Resort close to Seattle and enjoy awesome food!!
2. Come compete and “Play for Polio” in our trivia room while getting the latest updates as to our progress towards complete eradication.
3. Listen to the very best Speakers as you experience plenary sessions that will both motivate and educate, plus a variety of inspiring club celebrations.
4. Attend a full day of experiences of our Young Professionals, Rotaract and Interact.
5. Experience the greatest shopping at the Prime Outlet Mall just next door.
6. Enjoy informal fellowship during our social times.
7. Reminisce with your classmates from PETS during special reunion opportunities for Past Club Officers and District Governors.
8. Meet both incoming and outgoing Youth Exchange and learn more about how Rotary serves in the world throughout this cultural exchange program.
9. Rub elbows with distinguished Rotarians of national stature, international Rotarian guest and visiting District Governors.
10. You don’t want to miss the FUN!   

More information for Rotary conference  https://www.rotarycon2018.org/

Focused on Fellowship and Giving

Fellowship and giving, Jesse Tam. This year has been filled with focused on ways to continue growth in our clubs and bring fellowship to the district level.  It's always busy this time with holiday celebrations and family gatherings ahead for many.  The West Seattle Rotary celebrated it's 70th anniversary with a huge cake, of course and stories from achievements during the many years as an organization.  It continues to be the "fun club" and share in giving with a shopping spree for children at Westfield Southcenter with volunteers in December.  The early morning event shares a time for children to select items and enjoy a breakfast with volunteers and rotary members.

The Rotary theme "Making A Difference" can relate to each and everyone of us. It could be setting aside an hour a week or monthly to tutor school children or adults, helping the food banks, cleaning someones yard or visiting elderly people who may not be able to get outdoors.  The things each of us can achieve are endless and will surely bring smiles to others.  Plan ahead and see how you can make a difference in an activity or talent to share with others.

A great way to learn and keep active is being a mentor and continue to volunteer in our own communities.  I've find mentoring those in college, graduate students and our future leaders are great ways to connect in helping them decide on career paths.  The students are filled with questions about jobs and new ideas about the future ahead.

Stay connected, Jesse.tam  https://rotaryfriendship.blogspot.com/   Sharing fellowship and giving in our community network, Make a Difference.

Peace Making a Difference

How can each of us make an impact or small difference in this world?  Jesse Tam, making a differences starts with one person, idea and reaching out to spread the word and taking action.. The Peace: Making a difference Rotary Day at the United Nations in Geneva is November 10-11th.  Here's an opportunity to learn and hear from others.

"More than 600 participants are expected for the Rotary Day at the United Nations in Geneva, where United Nations representatives and experts of the humanitarian world will educate and inspire delegates on how to actively build peace at the local, regional and global levels.  Plenary sessions and workshop"   http://rotarydaygeneva.com/en/

Stay in touch, we all have stories from our daily lives and community in ways to make changes and reaching out to others.  Thanks for reading Jesse http://rotaryfriendship.blogspot.com/

Growing Our Club Membership

Growing our club membership, Jesse Tam. Like any organization, changes are necessary in order to adapt to our members' needs and grow our club. The club decided starting in July of this year to meet twice a month for the regular meeting on the 1st and 3rd Thursday instead of weekly meeting. The decision was to allow each of the members to explore other clubs and hold more service events to involve the whole family and friends.

One of the events held was a social for our club members to know each other at Ivars on Lake Union with friends and families.  It was an informal gathering to discuss upcoming events and how we can make a difference in our community.  Fairly simple meet and greet for those interested, spending an evening outdoors with family and getting to know our members.

The club had the summer BBQ hosted at one of our member's home with a brief officer's meeting. It was well attended in a relaxing wooded setting with delicious appetizers, BBQ chicken, pulled pork, salads, cobblers, desserts, wine and more.  It's nice ice breaker to develop fellowship with other members, spouses and guests.

It's time for each of us to make a difference in our community and do what we can.  Every small effort from one can be of value and provide that opportunity for change.  Think of a few things that you can do and see the results.  Thanks for reading - Jesse  https://rotaryfriendship.blogspot.com/

Sharing and Making a Difference

You can start  "Making A Difference" across the world and in the community. Begin as a volunteer, mentor or sharing ideas - Jesse Tam.  The theme for Rotarians across the global as we lend a hand and share in how we can all make a difference with projects and volunteering.

 There are many ways to be involved with spending a few hours a week or monthly by mentoring in our educational institutions.  The local food bank are great places or help with cleaning and planting trees or gardens in our cities.

Rotary: Making a Difference. “Whether we’re building a new playground or a new school, improving medical care or sanitation, training conflict mediators or midwives, we know that the work we do will change people’s lives — in ways large and small — for the better.”  2017-18  RI President Ian H.S. Riseley’

There are many local clubs and organizations to join.  It's a wonderful experience to connect and learn from others. Take the lead and see the difference with one person.  Thanks for reading, stay in touch. Jesse https://rotaryfriendship.blogspot.com/

Convention, Top 5 Reasons to Attend

Convention is almost here, Jesse Tam with a 5 hour non-stop flight from Seattle metro and Bellevue friends. Another exciting year for fellowship and convention in Atlanta to renew with friends from near and across the global.  Hear about recent projects, future outlook for clubs, speakers, share success stories and more from June 10 - 14th, Atlanta, GA.  Bill Gates co-chair of Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation will be one of the speakers.  

Top 5 Reasons to Join Us  http://www.riconvention.org/en/atlanta/top-5-reasons-join-us  from Rotary International convention site.

1. Meet the most inspiring people in the world

Rotary members from more than 130 countries meet at the convention every year. This is your unique opportunity to connect with old friends, make new ones, and share stories about your club’s current and future projects.

2. Strengthen your club and your passion for Rotary

The general sessions and breakout sessions offer countless ways to help you get the most from your Rotary membership and make your club stronger. In the House of Friendship, you’ll find new ideas, learn best practices, and share project successes — it’s where the Rotary world comes together!

3. Join The Rotary Foundation celebration

The culmination of a yearlong celebration of the Foundation’s centennial takes place in the city where it all began. Join the festivities at The Rotary Foundation’s 100th Birthday Party. Attend a book signing and meet the author of “Doing Good in the World: The Inspiring Story of The Rotary Foundation’s First 100 Years.” See all the activities we have planned.

4. Explore the American South

Bask in the sun on the Atlantic and Gulf shores. Test your game at some of the world’s most celebrated golf courses. Experience the magic of Florida’s Disney World, Universal Studios, and Sea World.

Explore the natural wonders of the Appalachian Trail and the Blue Ridge Mountains. Step back in time at Colonial Williamsburg. Sample the sophisticated charms of New Orleans, Savannah, and Charleston. Learn more

5. Enjoy special tours and events offered by the Host Organization Committee

Watch for more information about special activities like Restaurant Night, Host Hospitality Night, and a screening of "Gone With the Wind" at the historic Fox Theatre. Visit the Host Organization Committee site to find more activities.

Thanks for reading  http://rotaryfriendship.blogspot.com/  Jesse, stay connected.

Bellevue Inspiration Playground Opportunities

The Rotary Club of Bellevue has partnered with the City of Bellevue to help fund and build an inclusive outdoor play environment at the Bellevue Downtown Park. Inspiration Playground will have an accessible design and feature sensory-rich play experiences and equipment suitable for all ages and abilities. Bellevue Rotary is in charge of coordinating $4.3 million Inspiration Playground capital campaign.

The outdoor playground provides opportunities for all children to social\y together and also build understanding and acceptance. It will be a play space for the welcoming the entire community in outdoor fun and exercise. Be a part of Play for All campaign, see information and link for naming opportunities.

Visit the PLAY FOR ALL campaign website www.inspirationplayground.org for more information. Add your name to the whimsical design elements of the Inspiration Playground fence. You can also honor family or friends, commemorate an occasion, or share an inspiring quote. Click here to view our gallery of choices, and consider making a donation that will make your gift a legacy that will live on at the Inspiration 
Playground  

Thanks for reading join the community projects  Jesse 

Read more about the ground breaking of the Inspirational Park on Jesse Facebook 

Youth Exchange Experience

Rotary is an organization for all age, Jesse Tam from Seattle suggests seeking an opportunity to learn about culture and travel with youth exchange. Clubs can hosts a student for the school year or summer exchanges.  Below is an article from Rotary Voices blog...

Reblog  Rotary Voices  A larger than life youth exchange experience

It would be impossible to pick a favourite memory from my exchange in Germany due to the sheer number of opportunities I had and dreams I lived. From sailing in the Baltic Sea, to walking in the North Sea, to swimming in the Mediterranean, there are simply too many experiences to pick a favourite.

On the one hand, I felt so incredibly small when I realized where I was sitting and with whom I was sitting; as I was just a boy from Ontario who suddenly found himself halfway across the world, with people who would maybe only have a one in a billion chance of meeting together in any other circumstance. And yet, on the other hand I had never felt so large in comparison to the vastness of the world, and the borders as I had pictured them. The world suddenly felt like it had shrunk, and that there was nowhere that was out of my reach anymore.

Birthday on a beach 
One of the many stories that I do love to share, however, was when I was celebrating my 18th birthday during our year-end European Tour. All the exchange students had gathered on the beach at night to watch the stars in the little town of Portofino, Italy, and eventually I found myself sitting back to back on a rock with a Brazilian student, a Russian student, and a Taiwanese student. In all of my life, no other moment has ever made me feel so paradoxical as that night.

Larger than life
If I had to try to make a metaphor that could explain the experience, I would say that it gave me a feeling of being “Larger than Life” while still humbling me with the realization of the sheer amount of opportunity that had been given to me by the kindness of others; as without everyone back home in the Rotary club supporting me, I could have only dreamed of being where I was that night.

Out of all my life experiences, I would say that my exchange year played a fundamental role in forming and shaping the person I am today. It has shaped my world view; given me the courage to break out of my shell; and has given me the experience of living in an interconnected and continually shrinking world.

It has also inspired me to seek an international career, as I am currently studying in International Affairs and Policy due to the inspiration I received from my exchange year to continue living an international lifestyle.

Doing Good In The World

Doing Good in the World, join or volunteer in a service organization Jesse Tam Nepal to Bellevue, Seattle Gates Foundation,education, clean water...We make new resolutions each year and the Rotary Foundation celebrates 100 years with displaying their float at the Rose Parade titled Doing Good in the World 2017. Learn more about the committee and organization in promoting projects to serve humanity in our community and worldwide.

Read about the 2017 float committee and contributions http://www.rotaryfloat

 Winner of the 2017 PRINCESSES’ TROPHY 

Most beautiful float 35’ and under

2017 Float
Doing Good in the World

The 2017 Float promotes and celebrates the 100 years of The Rotary Foundation. The Foundation empowers Rotarians to travel throughout the world and create and complete projects which serve people in need in six areas of focus which are: promoting peace, fighting disease, providing clean water, saving mothers and children, supporting education, and growing local economies.  The spectacular and colorful dragon is clearly a world traveler carrying luggage decorated with the six symbols of the areas of focus.  The Dragon also is proudly wearing a necklace with a medallion marked 100 for the 100 years of service.

Stay in touch  http://rotaryfriendship.blogspot.com/  Jesse

Presidential Medal of Freedom

Seattle's Bill and Melinda Gates were selected to receive the Presidential Medal of Freedom to be presented at the White House November 22.  President Barack Obama named 21 recipients for the nation's highest civilian honor.

The Gateses are among recipients named by the president in honoring “individuals who have made especially meritorious contributions to the security or national interests of the United States, to world peace, or to cultural or other significant public or private endeavors.”  The list includes honorees as Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Robert De Niro, Ellen DeGeneres, Frank Gehry, Tom Hanks, Michael Jordan, Robert Redford, Bruce Springsteen, Vin Scully, Newt Minnow, Eloise Cobell and Diana Ross.

The Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation manages an endowment fund worth nearly $40 billion.  It has invested $36 billion in projects to fight polio, malaria and tuberculosis and global health and education initiatives.  

"Our Global Policy & Advocacy Program has teams dedicated to advocacy, policy analysis and government relations, as well as strengthening philanthropic partnerships and the charitable sector in the United States and overseas.  In addition to the policy and advocacy staff at our Seattle headquarters and in Washington, D.C., we have a European and Middle East office based in London, and country offices in China, India, Ethiopia, Nigeria and South Africa"