Join us on Friday Mornings at Sheraton Palo Alto Hotel
We Care Committee
Manon Janssen
Co-Chair
Ellen Kitamura
Co-Chair
Judy Johnson
Co-Chair
“Connecting, Supporting, and Celebrating Our PAUR Family.”
We Care is at the heart of the Palo Alto University Rotary (PAUR) Club’s mission to cultivate a welcoming, supportive, and inclusive community. Our purpose is to enhance a culture of engagement and retention by nurturing meaningful connections among our members.
Through personal outreach, shared experiences, and recognizing individual milestones, We Care helps ensure that every PAUR member feels valued, supported, and part of something greater. Together, we strengthen the bonds that make PAUR a vibrant and impactful club.
The Need
Without intentional outreach and meaningful relationship-building, members may disengage — leading to missed opportunities for fellowship, support, and collective impact. Clubs thrive when members feel seen, supported, and celebrated, especially during life’s important moments and transitions.
We Care responds to this need by making sure no member feels forgotten and every member experiences the warmth and connection of the PAUR community.
What We Do
We Care is dedicated to supporting all PAUR members on behalf of the club to cultivate a welcoming, inclusive, and connected membership.
Our goals include:
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Celebrating members’ achievements
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Reaching out when a member may need a helping hand or a shoulder to lean on
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Providing celebration and sympathy as circumstances may warrant including:
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Delivering flowers, plants, stuffed We Care Bears
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Sending notes and emails in celebration, sympathy, or to offer moral support
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Coordinating memorial gifts when a family member has passed away
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Letting members know we value their membership and we are thinking of them
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Driving members to rehab appointments
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Providing home-cooked meals
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Reaching out by phone or email to members whom we haven’t seen in awhile or who have taken a leave of absence from the club
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Running errands like getting groceries
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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.
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.
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.
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
We view ourselves as an integral part of member retention and engagement. Every PAUR member is important. Our members in need benefit from the caring of their fellow Rotarians, as does the entire membership. No one should feel overlooked or left behind.
How To Get Involved
We Care is dedicated exclusively to PAUR members, focusing on strengthening connections and support within our Club, which is why participation is limited to PAUR members.
Local businesses are encouraged to contact us if they are interested in hosting one of our quarterly member field trips, offering a wonderful opportunity to connect with and support our Rotary community.