Celebrate Rotary 111th Anniversary

February 23 marks the 111th Anniversary of Rotary International.  Jesse Tam, sharing rotary on this day in 1905 the beginning of a service organization.  Rotary founder Paul Harris formed one of the world's first service organizations, the Rotary Club of Chicago.  It was a place where professionals with diverse backgrounds could exchange ideas and form meaningful lifelong friendships. 

Rotary has continued its commitments to service by providing clean water, improving maternal health, scholarships, fighting diseases and improving lives around the world.  It has partner with WHO, Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation and global organizations.  This year also marks the 30th anniversary of the Polio Plus program. 

Gates Foundation - Jesse 

There are many Rotary clubs global supporting their communities and projects in helping others in the world.  My personal experience started as a Rotarian in Seattle with over 30 years began as a charter member, club president, district level and district governor. Many things have changed throughout the years but the fellowships remain. A regal rewarding event. .  https://jessewa28.wordpress.com/

Seattle Jesse Tam, Gates Foundation 

"It's Ingenuity that make the difference between a Bleak Future and a Bright One"

#Volunteer  #Helpingothers   #Breakingtbarriers

Rotary Serving Humanity, President Elect

Rotary International Assembly recently held the presidents elect training in San Diego, California.  A time to hear about the visions, speakers and social events for the coming rotary year serving 2016-2017.  The highlight for all president elects to gear up and prepare for their rotary year!  Seattle, Jesse Tam blog rotary in the community and help others.

 The theme for 2016-2017 announced by RI President-elect John F Germ.      

"Rotary’s founder, Paul Harris, believed that serving humanity is “the most worthwhile thing a person can do,” RI President-elect John F. Germ said, and that being a part of Rotary is a “great opportunity” to make that happen.

Germ unveiled the 2016-17 presidential theme, Rotary Serving Humanity, to incoming district governors on 18 January at the International Assembly in San Diego, California, USA.

“I believe everyone recognizes the opportunity to serve Rotary for what it truly is: not a small opportunity, but a great one; an opportunity of a lifetime to change the world for the better, forever through Rotary’s service to humanity,” said Germ.

Rotary members around the globe are serving humanity by providing clean water to underdeveloped communities, promoting peace in conflict areas, and strengthening communities through basic education and literacy. But none more important than our work to eradicate polio worldwide, he said.

After a historic year in which transmission of the wild polio virus was stopped in Nigeria and all of Africa, Germ said we are closer than ever to ending polio...."  http://bit.ly/1PmezZr

Leadership Camp RYLA

Sharing rotary Jesse Tam. Rotary offers youths in high school to join and participate in RYLA. Rotarians in Rotary Districts 5180 and 5190 present this superb educational experience and retreat. Camp RYLA, is a Youth Leadership Training Camp for next year’s High School Seniors and tomorrow’s leaders. 

Young men and women spend a week in a challenging program of discussions, inspirational addresses, leadership training and social activities designed to enhance personal development, leadership skills and good citizenship. Attendance is by scholarship only. All winners are selected and funded by their local Rotary Clubs. 

You will also have the opportunity to participate in a character building program provided by the Grizzly Creek Ranch which focuses on leadership, effective communication, trust and cooperation. The adventure and shared insights, you will gain an increased sense of confidence in yourselves and in your team.  

The facility is near Portola, California, Grizzly Creek Ranch is approximately 130 miles east of Sacramento and 40 miles west of Reno.Camps areone week and serves students in northern Nevada and northeastern California. https://jessewa28.wordpress.com/

Camp 2016 Dates:

Week 1  –  June 19 – 24C
Week 2  –  June 26 – July 1
Week 3   – July 10 – 15

One Small Step

Winter brings memories to many families as our rotary clubs and organizations are in the spirit of giving and helping others.  Some Seattle organizations are passing out sleeping bags, warm blankets and care packets for the homeless.  Jesse Tam's club continues to support the elderly with their annual giving with a program of music for the senior citizens.

Coats are attached to a post in some locations with a note for those who need to stay warm to take the jacket.  It's the time to reflect... the gift of sharing.  We can all start with one small step and lead.

Rotary Convention - Seoul

The fellowship over the years from Rotary are priceless. Jesse Tam, rotary provides an opportunity to meet new friends worldwide, participate in community projects, travel and attend International Conventions. The exciting part of attending district conferences and International Convention are the opportunities to sh are ideas, speakers and various projects.  Connect with Rotary members from around the world, exchange ideas across cultures and enhance your professional skills.

Experience the hospitality and culture.

• Visit UNESCO World Heritage sites
• Sample traditional Korean fare
• Experience Seoul’s vibrant nightlife

Rotary International 2016 Convention will take place in Seoul, Korea from May 28- June 1 at the Kintex Center, an hour outside of Seoul.  It will be held in a beautiful and spacious setting with organized events and tours before, during and after the convention. Read more  http://www.riconvention.org/

Young Professionals Summit

This summer, a selected group of Rotary young professionals joined district leaders in Berkeley, California at a summit to discuss perspectives on what younger Rotarians look for in Rotary.  Leaders from western U.S. and Canada attended the summit.  Seattle has launched several new Rotaract clubs in the past several years.


   Joining rotary has provided lifelong fellowship, networking with professionals, volunteer and making a difference in the communities all over the world and locally.  It provides an opportunity to network, mentorship and work on projects, Flexibility is important with busy schedules and work. Find out more from your local chapters:  UW Bothell, UW, SU Chapter....

International Day of Peace

International Day of Peace (“Peace Day”) is observed around the world each year on 21 September. Celebrate Peace Day in your own way.  Anyone, anywhere can celebrate and honor this day with a simple lighting of a candle or sitting in silent meditation.  It could be doing a good deed for someone you don't know.

Established in 1981 by resolution 36/37, the United Nations General Assembly has declared this as a day devoted to strengthening the ideals of peace, both within and among all nations and peoples. Furthering the Day’s mission, the General Assembly voted unanimously in 2001 to adopt resolution 55/282 establishing 21 September as an annual day of non-violence and cease- fire. 

The theme of this year's commemoration is "Partnerships for Peace - Dignity for All" which aims to highlight the importance of society to work together to strive for peace.

End Polio - Africa

We are fortunate to live without the fear of polio in our children.  .  Jesse Tam participated with Rotary, Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation and World Health Organization (WHO) to help with polio immunization  in Africa.The fight to end  polio still exists in some countries   Join us learn more about volunteering in your community.  https://jessewa28.wordpress.com/

"Africa’s last polio case occurred in Somalia on August 11 last year. Nigeria, one of the last three polio-endemic countries, reached one year without a reported case on July 24. The World Health Organization (WHO) may soon remove Nigeria from the list of polio endemic countries. When Africa goes three years without a case of polio, WHO will certify the region as polio-free. 

A polio-free Africa has been within sight for over a decade. Health workers, community leaders, government officials, and global partners helped reach 230 million African children with the polio vaccine, in some of the most difficult conditions imaginable."  

Read more:  http://www.endpolio.org/stories/posts/africa-goes-one-year-without-a-polio-case/#more

Rotary Conference Highlights

Rotarians and guests gathered for our 2015 District 5030 Conference at the Tulalip Resort this  weekend. Jesse Tam was selected as RI representative aide from Hong Kong David H. and his wife.  It was an exciting occasion introducing them to the Seattle area for the first time. After arrival from Seattle International airport, we headed to the the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation to see the projects for Shelter Box, clean water and other global programs.

At the conference, we explored new ways to light up Rotary and light the path to alleviate major challenges, locally and globally. It was a wonderful opportunity to make new friends, strengthen relationships and participate in activities and sessions that will help Rotarians make the world brighter. Here are a few highlights.            http://jessetam.com/

• Thursday evening award and recognition dinner hosted by our district governor for his leadership team, assistant governors, past district governors and guest.

• Friday morning golf fundraiser for Rotary foundation with registrations, business meetings and breakout sessions in the afternoon. An evening reception for our presidents and president elects with plenary speaker RI President's representative. 

• Saturday continued with breakout sessions, Foundation reception and awards and recognitions.

• Sunday breakfast with plenary sessions, celebration of life, RI President's representative and passing of the banner.  Looking forward ahead to 2016....

Nepal Rotary Journey

The worst tremor to hit South Asian nation in over 80 years, Kathmandu, Nepal was hit with 7.8 earthquake.  Jesse Tam visited the beautiful city in February 2007 for Rotary when they were getting their first district recognition.  Nepal is filled with so much historical sights and kind people.  The country still goes without indoor heat in many homes and gas lines for auto fuel  were long during my visit. 

The quake was so powerful that it was felt in northern neighboring India, Tibet and Pakistan.  The death toll in Nepal was 1,130, but is is almost certain to rise in the coming days.  Thinking of our friends and Rotarian for a quick recovery, strength, safety and courage to all those affected.  Learn more https://jessewa28.wordpress.com/

Jesse's visit to Nepal and Rotary meeting with club president of Patan, gift exchange. Remembering the fellowship and friends, a wonderful year and reception.

Nepal

         
 Snowcapped Himalayas and the valley of Kathmandu the historical sites of Nepal