We Care Committee
Manon Janssen
Co-Chair
Ellen Kitamura
Co-Chair
Judy Johnson
Co-Chair
Caring for Our PAUR Family
We Care helps make the Palo Alto/University Rotary (PAUR) Club a welcoming, supportive, and inclusive community. Through meaningful connections and friendship, we strengthen members’ sense of belonging and help each person feel part of the PAUR family.
We support members through personal outreach, practical help, and fellowship. We celebrate achievements, offer encouragement during difficult times, and stay in touch when members are away from meetings. A thoughtful note, a friendly conversation, or a helping hand reminds members that they are valued and remembered.
The Need
Sometimes a thoughtful note, a home-cooked meal, or a helping hand can make a difficult day easier. When illness, loss, or other circumstances keep members away from club meetings, staying in touch helps them feel connected to their fellow Rotarians.
PAUR is a community of people who care about one another. We Care puts that caring into action.
What We Do
We Care supports members on behalf of the club through personal outreach, practical assistance, and fellowship.
Care and Support
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Celebrating members’ achievements and meaningful occasions.
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Sending notes, emails, flowers, plants, or a stuffed We Care Bear to offer congratulations, sympathy, or encouragement.
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Coordinating memorial gifts when a member loses a family member.
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Helping with home-cooked meals, errands such as grocery shopping, or rides to rehabilitation appointments.
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Calling or emailing members we have not seen recently, including those on a leave of absence.
Fellowship
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Hosting coffee klatches for informal conversation and friendship.
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Visiting members’ workplaces to learn more about one another and strengthen connections within the club.
Our Programs
Coffee Klatches
We Care organizes small-group gatherings that are designed to build deeper connections among members and keep everyone engaged in the life of the Club. These gatherings place special focus on including new members and reaching out to those we haven’t seen in a while, helping to ensure that every individual feels welcome and connected.
Member Outreach
We Care offers personalized support for members in need through thoughtful outreach, whether it’s a friendly call, a kind email, a handwritten note, a nourishing meal, or a helpful ride. We also take time to share congratulations during moments of joy and extend condolences during times of loss, ensuring that every gesture reflects the caring spirit of our Club.
Recognition & Celebration
We Care ensures the systematic acknowledgment of member milestones, achievements, and special occasions through thoughtful Club communications and personal outreach, helping to celebrate and honor the moments that matter in the lives of our members.
New Member Inclusion
We Care actively invites new members to social gatherings, hikes, salons, and PAUR events, creating welcoming opportunities to connect with fellow Rotarians. These efforts help build relationships across the Club and foster a strong, inclusive community where everyone feels part of the PAUR family.
Field Trips to Member Businesses
Twice a year, We Care organizes visits to a member’s place of business or professional space, such as Gleim Jewelry or the Smuin Ballet. These outings provide a fun and engaging way to highlight and celebrate the professional contributions of our fellow Rotarians, while offering members a unique opportunity to connect outside of regular meetings.
Collaboration with Membership Committee
We Care works in close partnership with the Membership Committee to stay connected with members who are on leave or who may be considering resignation. Together, we strive to promote re-engagement and ensure that no one feels forgotten, reinforcing the message that every member remains an important part of our Rotary community.
Brand Impact
We Care extends invitations to friends of Rotary to join us for field trips and select activities, helping to promote PAUR’s visibility and strengthen our presence within the broader community.
Who Benefits
Every PAUR member matters. Members receiving support benefit from the kindness of their fellow Rotarians, and those offering help have an opportunity to put Rotary service into practice close to home.
These personal connections strengthen our whole club. We want every member to know that someone is thinking of them.
How To Get Involved
We Care serves PAUR members, strengthening friendship and support within our club. Members are welcome to join the committee or contribute through personal outreach, practical assistance, and fellowship.
Local businesses interested in hosting a visit to their workplace are encouraged to contact us. These visits offer an opportunity to share their work, connect with our members, and support our Rotary community.