table of
contents
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map of
camp campbell
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pwr
agenda SATURDAY 8:30 am 9:30 am 10:05 am 10:15 am 10:55 am 11:20 am 12:00 pm 1:05 pm 1:50 pm 2:35 pm 3:20 pm 4:05 pm 4:45 pm 6:00 pm 7:00 pm 7:30 pm 8:30 pm 11:30 pm
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REGISTRATION CABIN FAMILY WELCOME TEAM BUILDING intl. & comm. workshop 1 lunch w/ team building workshop 2 team building keynote speaker workshop 3 team building cabin time dinner w/ cabin family cabin time team building fun & games lights out
SUNDAY 8:00 am 8:45 am 9:30 am 9:40 am 10:20 am 11:00 am 11:40 am 11:50 am 12:00 pm 1:00 pm 2:00 pm
breakfast packing rotary speakers team building workshop 4 team building GEESE STORY REFLECTION LUNCH dc roundtable closing
WORKSHOP LOCATIONS PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT FIRESIDE/KARAOKE
TIME/STRESS MANAGEMENT DANCE ROOM
SUPPORT
SUMMERS LODGE
ETHICS LODGE
welcome
to pwr!
dear interactor, February. It’s the month of Groundhogs day, Valentines Day, Super Bowl Sunday, Mardi Gras, President’s Day… and Interact District 5170’s Presidents’ Winter Retreat! We want to thank each and every attendee for spending your weekend with us at Presidents’ Winter Retreat this year. There’s a leader in everyone, and this is a weekend of opportunity to bring out the leader in you. As you meet more of the Interact Family and spread the best kind of love there, don’t forget to try things you normally wouldn’t in this safe space. Our theme this year is to “LIGHT a Candle.” We will light a candle of hope, of service, of understanding, and of commitment to burn brighter than ever and light up the world. We will light up the way for others to cast out the darkness of differences, and ignite a contagious resolve in those we touch to follow in our footsteps. We will L.I.G.H.T. a Candle through: Leadership to take initiative. Inspiration to inspire the uninspired. Growth by breaking barriers & building bridges. Humanity to empathize. Teamwork to be stronger together. For at the end of the day, “All the darkness in the world cannot extinguish the light of a single candle.” - Saint Francis of Assisi
WITH INTERACT LOVE,
LILLIAN ZHAO AND OLIVER BORG GOVERNOR & LT. GOVERNOR 5
workshop
overview professional development
What does it mean to be professional? Why do we want to be seen as professional? Developing professional skills helps gain respect from those you lead. It is a tool to communicate with older generations and to present yourself to your peers in a way that states you are confident and ready to achieve success.
time & stress management
Organize your ambitious self by learning how to balance your priorities and manage your time. Utilize your time to the best of your abilities and wave away all the small distractions! Time is debatable but what you do with it is precious. Remember, you are best when you’ve gotten rest!
support
Take the first step in truly embarking “service above self” by realizing your value and importance within a community. Only then can you inspire others by engaging in ways that not only help you reach your fullest potential but also help others realize their capabilities as well. Create a community of constant support that’ll help you gain positivity and comfort.
ethics
Learn the difference between morals and ethics but also how they are connected. What is right? What is wrong? How do we know? These are the things that affect the entire world. Listen well and learn how to make better decisions about the tough choices we face every day.
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team building
contacts
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cabin cabin
contacts
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other
contacts
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group
leaders team building pop rockers
skittle squad
jelly beans
milky way
pocky pack
crunch crew
mr. & mrs. m&m
lifesavers
red hot tamales
sweethearts
peeps
gummy bears
Chrisly Macaraeg & keani turangan kevina xiao & ilene le
cara nguyen & justin trinh
howard wong & apoorva rajanala van ngo & sheryl ratnam
arthur rodriguez & rujuta kortikar
pooja nair & elizabeth hoang maura copley & kevin dieu ben huang & natasha kuo reena xue & lillian zhao
oliver borg & justine Sarmiento stacy vivi & Jonathan lam
willy wonkas daniel chan & ashley wong
cabins g1 : POOJA NAIR, KEVINA XIAO & SHERYL RATNAM g2 : NATASHA KUO & CHRISLY MACARAEG g3 : LILLIAN ZHAO & ASHLEY WONG g4 : JUSTINE SARMIENTO & KEANI TURANGAN g5 : ELIZABETH HOANG & RUJUTA KORTIKAR g6 : APOORVA RAJANALA & STACY PHAN g7 : REENA XUE & MAURA COPLEY g8 : ILENE LE & CARA NGUYEN
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b1 : DANIEL CHAN b2 : OLIVER BORG & HOWARD WONG b3 : ARTHUR RODRIGUEZ b4 : KEVIN DIEU b5 : BEN HUANG & VAN NGO b6 : JONATHAN LAM & JUSTIN TRINH
keynote
speaker
gail bauer
As the first woman to build and fly her own airplane across the United Sates, Gail Bauer inspires others to build their own success and make a positive difference in the world. Success Builders International recognized Gail as “Success Builder of the Year� for outstanding leadership abilities. She has been the focus of articles in Time, Newsweek, USA Today, and various television documentaries. Gail serves as a community leader in Rotary, church organizations and is currently volunteers at the Humane Society. Gail was involved with Camp RYLA 5170 for many years as the Leadership Director. She was the person who first created the Leadership program as it exists today at RYLA.
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professional development
info do's
• Come dressed professionally and appropriately • Turn off your cell phone • Make eye contact • Wait for your interviewer to sit first before you ask to sit down • Bring an extra resume • Talk slowly, clearly, and precisely • Research the company you are applying for to be able to ask questions and show that you are dedicated and interested
• • • • • •
don't's
Chew gum during the interview Ask to go to the bathroom Arrive late Use “like” or “um” excessively Use slang terms Fiddle with your hair, your resume, your shirt, etc.
“"YOU NEVER GET A 2ND CHANCE TO MAKE A GREAT 1ST IMPRESSION." 12
professional development
notes
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professional development time & stress
management
notes info the priority matrix important
not important
a b
c d
urgent not urgent
take a pwr nap For a quick boost energy 10-20 minutes May cause sleep inertia (grogginess) 30 minutes For cognitive memory processing 60 minutes For a full cycle of sleep 90 minutes
pwr through with pwr breathing 1. Stand up straight, push shoulders back, and tighten your core. 2. Bring your arms in front of your face (90º) and inhale at the same time. 3. Punch up into the air and exhale.
resources {apps}
{tips}
• Todoist • Clear • Pocket • 30/30
• http://99u.com/ • http://www.lifehack.org/ • http://www.inc.com/
{other websites}
• http://www.calm.com/ • http://www.focusboosterapp.com/ • https://www.rescuetime.com/
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professional time & stress management development
info notes
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support
info you are not alone
Just because it’s not happening in front of you doesn’t mean it’s not happening. Just because it’s not happening to you doesn’t mean it’s any less important. Everybody is going through something different and is seeking help in some shape or form. Learning how to become more open, understanding, and accepting of ourselves and each other is crucial for overcoming obstacles and creating a community of constant support.
you are valuable Self worth is the first step towards change in anything. By seeing ourselves and our worth and our individual value within a community- we are able to reach our fullest potential. This also allows us to see the value in others as well- making it easier and more meaningful to support others.
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support
notes
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ethics
think test what is the difference between ethics and morals? • Ethics and morals both relate to “right” and “wrong” conduct. However, ethics refer to the series of rules provided to an individual by an external source, e.g. their profession or religion. Morals refer to an individual’s own principles regarding right and wrong.
is it the truth? • SCENARIO: You are handling club money and in the process, you misplace an envelope. The envelope had $50 in it, and when the President asks if anyone has the missing $50. How do you explain the situation? • INTERACTIVE: Everyone gets a piece of candy. You are at a benefit show and find $20 on the ground. You can either keep the money and put it in your area’s cash box (keep the candy for yourself), or find the rightful owner (give the candy to a friend).
is it fair to all concerned? • SCENARIO: You are the president of your club and a good friend of yours is an officer. Lately, your friend hasn’t been going to events and fulfilling his duties as an officer. In the given situation, if you would impeach your friend as an officer, tell a person in the room “You’re fired.” If you were to let it slide, ask yourself, “Is this fair to all officers on the team?” • INTERACTIVE: You are aboard the SS Interact, but there is a hole in the boat and you are in the middle of the ocean. There are 6 people on the boat, but only four can stay on the boat if the majority of the group wants to live. How do you decide who gets to stay and who has to go?
will it build goodwill and better friendships? • SCENARIO: You are amidst a really busy week, but your best friend is feeling really down and needs someone to be with him/her. Tomorrow is also the day that you have a major test and club work deadlines due, but your best friend expects and needs you to be there for him/her. What do you end up doing that night?
will it be beneficial to all concerned?
• When thinking through an ethical situation, you need to consider all the people involved. Will your decision benefit everyone, some people, or just you? How do you weigh the circumstances of each person and come to a decision that will benefit the majority?
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ethics
notes
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lillian Zhao
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GOVERNOR
elcome to Interact 5170’s President’s Winter Retreat! I’m a lifesaver (or Lifeserver) named Lillian Zhao and have the honor of serving as your 2014-15 Governor. My Interact journey was completely redirected in my sophomore year after attending PWR, when I realized that I wanted to redefine my definition of success as making a positive impact on others and giving back to the communities I’ve benefited from. I moved from Pennsylvania in my freshman year. The cultural, social, and academic adjustment process led me to feel that I was in the dark at times- especially towards the beginning- but a few Interactors I met at a WAPI making service event became the candles that helped guide me through the darkness, casting out my confusion and lack of purpose with the light of their guidance. In the process, I in turn started to shed more light on the corners where the problems our society hid- from family differences to racial and socioeconomic differences, from poverty to a limited access to education. With this I believe that we as lifesavers that serve the community, or Lifeservers, will Break Barriers of Indifference and Build Bridges of Understanding to Transcend the Status Quo. We will light up our candles, and shed light on the darkness in the world. But first, here at PWR, we will light up the candle in each of us to burn brighter than we’ve ever seen. We will rekindle tapering passions, set ablaze the leader in each of us, and pass on the torch to others we touch.
Oliver Borg LIEUTENANT GOVERNOR
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n October 28, 1962 a dream was realized; a dream that the youth would rise up and take a stand to make the world a brighter place. It was that fateful day we were born from the ashes of Rotary, and became something new, something great; Interact. We started out as one small club, one small light, against a vast sea of darkness. Now we are over 250,000 burgeoning sparks fanning the flames for worldly good. Everything starts with a tiny spark within. Your passions, your ambitions, make you, you! Your flame burns brightly and greatly in a way like nobody else, and when your light is shared with another, well its magnificent. This weekend is all about kindling your inner spark, make it roar, make it crackle, make it yours. As Lieutenant Governor I’ve learned time and time again just how important it is to share your light with the world. A voice is one that’s meant to be heard. Three years ago I, Oliver Borg, attended PWR just like you, and three years later I can pinpoint the exact moment of my transformation to be at this camp. I became the leader, the interactor, and the person that I wanted to be, by simply sharing my light. I fanned the flame within me by reaching out to those here at camp. These are among the nicest, most spectacular people you will ever meet, and everyone here wants to be met! I challenge you to simply give 5 people a hug/handshake. I can assure you that we will be thrilled to meet you. What are you waiting for! Go light your candle, be yourself, learn, and better yet; share those flames with everyone around you. You won’t regret it.
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howard Wong
G
SECRETARY
reetings PWR Interactors! I am so honored to be your very own Mr. M&M for this empowering weekend you are about to have but please feel free to call me Howard as well! I am beyond grateful that you committed your weekend time to spend with Interact and I ensure you that I will try my best to let you have as much fun as possible! I am your District Secretary for this academic year so if you see a guy around holding a bunch of papers with a stationary items, that most likely will be yours truly! I am currently a Senior from Area 6’ Belugas of Independence High. Similar to Mr. M&M, I have always been very ambitious about my hobbies & dreams. Some of my hobbies include going out to eat, having spontaneous road trips/adventures, trying out local milk tea cafes, and taking pictures of absolutely anything. A huge shout out to my talented partner, Mrs. M&M for picking me up when I need it the most & being the glue to our team building family. I aspire for everyone around me to feel loved, appreciated, and included. The more literal part of my life I would say are the people, my friends especially Interactors. I want to be the ignition of passion in your hearts to initiate more service & reach your goals. I want to be the light for any of you who are feeling lost or just need a helping hand in any aspect of your life. I hope you will gain something from PWR, take it away, and have a wonderful time from the powerful trip so we can all work together in changing the world one day at at a time! ^_^ <3
Elizabeth Hoang
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INTERNATIONAL COORDINATOR
ey, everyone! I’m Elizabeth! I’d like to start off by saying that I am absolutely honored to serve as your International Coordinator for this academic year. I’d also like to give a major shout out to my Skittle Squad! Interactors are similar to Skittles because like the various colors of Skittles that make up a rainbow, the unique personalities and characteristics of Interactors from all over Northern CA make up one family. Interactors, YOU are the rainbow that appears after rain and are the light that appears in total darkness. (Cheesy, but so true!) This weekend, you’ll be able to exemplify courage and compassion by demonstrating leadership potential. So how are you feeling right now? Excited, happy, nervous, worried, or all of the above? I’ve been in your footsteps exactly a year ago when just like you, I was a PWR attendee. Attending PWR was the best decision I’ve ever made-- it’s the reason why I’m here today as International Coordinator and Co-President of Independence High School Interact. So now that you’re at PWR, do NOT be afraid to BE yourself and IMPROVE yourself. Be that candle, light up, fight total darkness and stand up for what you believe in. I know it’s not easy, but trust me when I say that all you need to do is believe in yourself and you’re halfway there. It is my hope that, in unity with Rotary and the 7,000 members of Interact District 5170, you’ll grow a profound love for Interact and service just like I had. Anthony Liccione once said, “It’s not what you have on the outside that glitters in light, it’s what you have on the inside that shines in the dark.” From PWR, I know you all will take something special with you back to your communities. So go have the time of your lives!!
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Daniel Chan
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COMMUNITY COORDINATOR
ello everyone! I hope you are having a sweet-tastic time, and not a sour one! My name is Daniel Chan, and I am your all-candy loving Willy Wonka along with my partner in candy-crime, Ashley Wong, and we are your emcees for PWR 2015. On normal days, I am honored to be the Community Coordinator of Interact District 5170, and even more so, proud to be part of this amazing family of Interactors. I enjoy late night adventures, splurging on foodie explorations, and most importantly, doing service. My favorite movie has been on a total roller coaster ride lately, but I think I’ve settled down at the 500 Days of Summer station, even though Pirates of the Caribbean seems to be approaching rather quickly. I am also in love with quotes, and if I could, I would respond seamlessly with a plethora of quotes, hoping to sound as eloquent as possible. However, to dive into a deeper level of self-exploration, there is one beautiful thing that defines me as a person—Interact Club. This family has given me a chance to not only give back more than I receive to my community, but it has allowed me to find out more about myself than I would’ve ever known. And it’s all thanks to you. It’s because of your divine commitment to service that I am constantly inspired to reach past the stars, it’s because of unbiased love that I know there is a family waiting for me to return, regardless of wherever I go. Interactors, it is because of you. You are the reason why Interact is what it is, your compassion and courage, your fearlessness and ambition— you are the reason why I believe that our family is truly magical, after all Interact love is the best love.
Ilene Le
PUBLICATIONS COORDINATOR
H
ello, my name is Ilene Le and I am a sugar addict. I am also a senior at Oak Grove High School as well as Interact District 5170’s Co-Publication’s coordinator. It has been approximately 45 minutes since I have last indulged in something sugary and high in artificial sweeteners which I am not proud of. Although, something I am very proud of is being able to welcome you all and be a part of this year’s Presidents’ Winter Retreat! As one of my last few moments as an Interactor I am eager to spend this exciting weekend long experience sharing and being inspired by everyone. Before we jump into all the fun this weekend has in store for us, I feel it crucial that you know a couple of important things about me. One, my favorite shows are Parks and Recreation as well as Adventure Time. Two, I hate wearing socks (especially to sleep)! Three, I love books as if my life depends on it. And last, but certainly not least- my favorite foods are ice cream and chicken wings if you ever want to ask me out on a date because I am single (and going to regret putting this here, but oh well). I like to believe that everyone is very unique and special in their own ways. I also like to believe that, “a candle does not diminish because another candle is lit- instead it creates an illuminating force that helps light up the world” With that being said, I would also like to say that I am in love with you and I like your personality very much. And that you are beautiful and shine brightly and no one can take that away from you. If I’ve come off too bold, I hope that tells you a little bit more about me and I apologize- it’s just that you all never cease to amaze me and I hope we can become friends.
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Jonathan Lam
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PUBLICATIONS COORDINATOR
elcome to PWR you beautiful Interactors! I’m Jonathan Lam from Independence High School, and I’m super excited to meet you all this weekend! (: If you see me, come up to me and give me a hug because gummy bears are very huggable! I love playing tennis, chilling with friends, watching science fiction movies, and most of all, designing. It has been about 6 years since I first picked up Photoshop and started making logos for people on YouTube. Design lives within me… literally. Everywhere I go, I try to analyze the different fonts on billboards, restaurant menus, signs. Throughout the years, I’ve grown to appreciate design in the world. One of the hugest influences in my life was (you guessed it) Interact! I joined Interact back in Freshman year when a bunch of my friends joined, and over the years, it has literally turned my life around for the better. Never in a million years would I have imagined to be where I am today with such a supportive Interact family. Interact really sparked a light in me that has continued to shine. This is the light that I believe everyone single one of you carries. So keep that light burning through PWR and never be afraid to follow your dreams. My biggest advice would be to savor every second you have with the people around you, and always live in the moment. Forget about that homework you have do when you return or the event you’re going to the week after. Be Limitless.
Chrisly Macareg
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DIGITAL MEDIA COORDINATOR
et ready to Pop, Rock, and Drop it at PWR 2015 everybody! Hola, my name is Chrisly Macaraeg and I am one of the two Digital Media Coordinators for Dynamo DC. I am a current senior at Moreau Catholic High School and in my free time when I’m not interacting with peeps I am asbprezzing, dancing, vlogging, watching horror films, or writing. Some poppin’ facts about me are: (1)I was born on Christmas and that’s why my name is Chrisly. (2)I speak Español almost fluently. (3)I know all the lyrics to every song in Hairspray by heart <3. On a more serious note, my advice for you all during PWR, is to just go out of your comfort zone (I know, it can be really difficult, especially if you don’t know ANYONE.) But trust me, it will be worth it. Try your best to go out and shake someone else’s hand, talk to someone sitting by themselves, and to sit with strangers during meals. If it gets awkward, that’s okay! You will meet such amazing individuals during this retreat who are dedicated to service, just like you. Now that I am a senior I look back on my PWR experience and I realize how blessed I was to be able to be attend. Remember you were selected to come here for a reason, someone saw potential in you to be the next officer, president, or even DC member. Don’t doubt your abilities. Be confident. Get out there. And rule the freakin world. The people I reached out to in my cabin last year at PWR inspired me to apply to be on DC, and now look where I’m at (: Sit back, relax, and let the magic of PWR do the rest.
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Apoorva Rajanala
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DIGITAL MEDIA COORDINATOR
ey there my little M’s! In case you didn’t know, my name is Mrs. M&M, but I can also go by Apoorva! I am so excited to spend an entire weekend filled with fun, emotion, and bonding; I hope you’re as excited as I am! As a part of being District 5170’s co digital media coordinator, I always love learning more about media. Shout out to the cutest Mr. M&M for supporting and encouraging me every day and I only hope that we can be there for all of you PWRful Interactors! A strong feminist and an energetic dancer, I will always join crazy dance jams or a serious conversation of the various controversial issues that our society makes us endure. There are so many directions that we can take when it comes to changing the world, yet I do my best to stay optimistic with all that we can do. I believe that positive thoughts results in positive actions and that with the right attitude, Interactors far and wide can prevent the darkness from engulfing the light within our souls. Elisabeth Ross once said, “People are like stained glass windows. They sparkle and shine when the sun is out, but when the darkness sets in, their true beauty is revealed only if there is a light from within.” I challenge you to never stop until you have spread your light to every corner of this beautiful and fascinating world. I am forever dreaming about the future and all that it holds---I dream of successful endeavors and a world that is soon to be changed with the help of Interactors, my M&Ms, and me.
Ben Huang OUTREACH COORDINATOR
N
ice to meet you, how you “Ben”, I can show you incredible things - magic, service, and passion within, I see you all here and I think… Oh my goodness. It’s happening. You’re all here for PWR. Looks like it’s crunch time! My name is Ben Huang, and I’m proud to serve as one of your two District Outreach Coordinators and a leader of the Crunch Crew! I’m currently a senior at Branham High School in Area 7, and my hobbies include playing badminton, listening to music (I love indie/alternative, but also note the TSwift reference above), and watching lots and lots of movies. I love talking about anything so feel free to come up and introduce yourself! Despite my interests however, the average person will generally associate me with my left-handedness, my distaste for the color orange, and the mole on the left side of my face. When I attended PWR in 2014, it was an opportunity for me to open up and discover Interact for what it was. It gave me a chance to see that there is a community of individuals who care for not only their surroundings, but also for each other. I learned that in a way, we are all like candles sitting in a dimly lit world of understanding and when I attended PWR, my candlewick was lit, and I was inspired to be the flame that lights the candles of those not yet ignited. Hey, who knows, maybe that candle will be YOU! This weekend, I want you to discover your passion, your flame, and I want you to use it to illuminate the lives of those around you, to grow and learn, but most importantly, to have a “”sweet”” time!
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Pooja Nair
H
OUTREACH COORDINATOR
ey There! I’m Pooja Nair from Skittle Squad (taste the rainbow) and I’m so super excited to have you here this weekend for PWR. I am a junior at Mission San Jose High School in Area 5 and this year’s Co-Outreach Coordinator with the the amazing Ben Huang. My favorite things are geocaching, reading, and my Jr.Interactors. Ever since I joined junior Interact in Seventh grade, I fell in love with service. But the moment that love turned into a never endig passion for service was right here a year ago during PWR 2014. I stood in the middle of a group of students with only two people I knew and I had honestly never felt so alone and intimidated. All I had was three pieces of advice from a PWR alumni. Raise your hand. Introduce yourself to everyone-shamelessly. Be the person you want to be. And so I decided to push way my inhibitions and do exactly that and to this day, that weekend has been the most influential in my entire life. I went to being someone with social anxiety so strong that I felt like I was drowning every time I spoke to someone who accomplished what she set her mind to regardless of her fears. PWR changed my life. I know that all of you here this weekend are amazing individuals and leaders and I’m so excited to get to know you! So just feel free to walk up and say hi anytime!
Kevina Xiao
H
EVENTS COORDINATOR
ey guys, how have you bean? I’m a jelly bean, are you jelly? I’m Kevina, a junior from Harker, and I am one of your Events Coordinators for the ‘14-15 year! PWR is one of the most exciting weekends ever, and I hope that you will enjoy it as much as I will! But first, let me tell you a story. Once upon a time, a tiny piece of tinder wandered the cold earth. One day, she felt this flicker of warmth and was drawn in towards the heat. Closer and closer she wandered, until she stood in front of this great big, warm, welcoming fire. Inspired by all of this energy and positivity, she knew that she wanted to become part of this source of light. She was immediately welcomed in and found her passion for service and what she wanted to do: she wanted to change the community, help others, and inspire her peers to do the same. And so, as a part of the collective flame, she and the other tinders helped it grow. That tinder was me. We all begin as dry tinder, but once we meet that life-changing spark, we light up. With gentle support and guidance, we grow. Interact is the embodiment of our light; it inspires those around us, gives warmth and compassion to the community, and illuminates the darkness to give us more opportunities to accomplish goals. Our passion is the fuel that empowers us to break barriers, combine our strengths, give and gain support, and achieve heights that have never been reached. In fact, I believe that jelly beans are like light. Although we come in varying colors, together, we become brighter, stronger, and more interesting. So, my Interact jelly beans, tinders and flames, and future leaders, let’s break barriers of indifference and light up the world!
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Van Ngo
H
EVENTS COORDINATOR
ello my candy children my name is Van Ngo and I am proud to be part of the RED HOT TAMALE FAMILY!! I am looking forward to being your family leader to guide you through this Candy Land we call PWR. Here is a little info about myself. I love basketball (ball is life), I’m one of your DC events coordinators, I love sushi, milk tea is my main drink, I am terrified of whales or large sea animals, I LOVE basketball, I am not friends with heights, if I sing in front of you that means we are truly family, I was part of the legendary Sochi Show Stoppers, I am doing my very first cosplay this year, I always wanted to own a food truck, and I am shaking to be involved in this retreat!!! This year at PWR our incredible board will help show you that you are the light of the candle of Interact. We hope to help your find the leader in you while meeting some of the most amazing people in Interact. We will do our best to show you the opportunity to have an amazing time, but it’s on you to make this a life changing experience :) I hope you enjoy this weekend as much as I do and I am glad you can join us at our 2015 Presidents Winter Retreat!!!
Justin Trinh AREA 1 DIRECTOR
H
ello my beautiful, amazing, wonderful, and sweet Interactors! My name is Justin Trinh. I am a senior at Alameda High School and I am an honorary member of the Pocky Pack; making the world a sweeter place since February 13th, 1997. Welcome to the Presidents Winter Retreat of 2015. PWR is an amazing opportunity that I challenge each and every single one of you to take advantage of. As I write this, I can’t help but remember that PWR was the catalyst for my Interact journey. Through PWR, Interact went from being just some community service club to being my family. I guess you could say I was a Pocky who had finally found my Pack. I initially had no idea what to expect from PWR, but the moment I stepped into Camp Campbell, I was thrown into unfamiliar waters. At first I was shy, not really knowing anybody. But everybody was warm and welcoming and I soon opened up to the new experiences. I made new friends and learned valuable skills. PWR will give back what you put into it so open your mind up to new experiences. Each and every single one of you has been chosen because someone recognized the spark inside you. This spark of passion for service and fellowship, the same spark that unites us all, is what brought us all here. I implore you all to take advantage of this weekend to look into yourselves for self-discovery but also to look outward to see how you can ignite your spark into a fire to spread to others. Together I know that you will develop your passion for Interact this weekend and you will shine so bright at the end of it, ready to bring your new light to the world!
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Stacy Phan
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AREA 2 DIRECTOR
ello there movers and shakers, flame holders and flame ignitors, I’m Stacy Phan! I serve as the 2014-2015 Area 2 Director, attend San Leandro High School as part of the Class of 2016, I write a lot, care a lot, and get way too fierce in passionate and intense conversations about views, beliefs, ideas and thoughts. I’m a huge believer in the oh so sweet power of service, speaking big and doing bigger, in breaking things that aren’t broken to find something that works even greater than ever before, and I believe in every single person being an inspiration because every single person impacts another. Throughout the year, it is easy to succumb to the pressure and the expectations, it is easy to let the flame inside of yourself die out, lose the way behind your actions, and allow the darkness that is left to cover you. Here at PWR, you will find people who are overwhelmingly caring, mind-blowingly creative, hugely inspirational and extremely passionate. You will find people who are different than you, but with similar struggles and similar passions as you. And with those people the experience you encounter this weekend, that flame inside of yourself that you once felt dwindling, will grow stronger and it will be greater. PWR is the time to let go of the pressure, let your mind wander, let your ideas flow, let yourself grow and let your passion spread like wildfire. Take this weekend to reignite your flame and in the process, spark another’s. Enjoy PWR everyone, and say hi to me and give me hugs!
Reena Xue
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AREA 3 DIRECTOR
i everyone! I’m Reena Xue, your Area 3 Director, and I’m so excited to welcome you to PWR 2015! Please don’t hesitate to approach me and talk to me about anything at all as I always love meeting Interactors! When I’m not engrossed in Interact, you can always find me singing in a horribly off-tune voice or munching on any type of food I can find. I attended PWR last year as a junior and had no idea what to expect, but I can
assure you that you’re in for an amazing weekend! What I learned from workshops paired with the emotional bonds and eternal friendships that I formed in just one weekend have pushed me to work harder in my desire to serve. In fact, PWR really sparked my increasing involvement in Interact, as I saw role models in last year’s DC members. My advice for you is to come in with no expectations, and you’ll undoubtedly leave beyond empowered, beyond fulfilled, and beyond ready to spread your passion and encourage others in their own pursuit of service. YOU were chosen to experience PWR for a reason, to lead and serve and impact those around you, so take what you learn at PWR and do just that! Remember that when you inspire someone else, your energy is not dimmed; instead, you’ve created a second burning flame of passion, equally bright and equally capable of continuing the perpetual chain reaction that you ignited. Sometimes, all someone needs to accomplish something great is an example or someone to spark a change in them. So, maybe PWR will be your spark, but my challenge to you is to be that spark for someone else to take action and create a bigger change in the world! I can’t wait to meet you and see your impact, one that may even one day save a life!”
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Keani Turangan
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AREA 4 DIRECTOR
assup! If you tryna pop, rock, and lock it, then I’m your girl! A little about myself: I’m the Area 4 Director and I love being a part of the stampede. I’m a proud senior at American High School. I went to PWR two years ago when I was a sophomore. I had the greatest time, had the best cabin, and was inspired to be involved in Interact as a leader. I came out of my shell this weekend, and I hope you do too. I ain’t about that boring life. I love to have fun and jump around. I don’t want to waste a minute of my life. I have been ready for an adventure of service. YAHHHHHHHHH! I love to listen to music on my Pandora account. I have a total of TOO MANY stations. I have a range of reggae to ratchet music. No matter what is playing, I’m blasting my music in my room and rocking out. I really feel bad for my neighbors because I’m pretty sure they can hear my music through the walls. Oh well. I love to dance, so if you wanna hang out, we WILL dance. I will teach you how to pop, lock, groove, break, and anything else that is possible. You find some good music, I’m there and we will party. This weekend is going to be fantastic. I hope I can spark your inner rock star so you can share your starlight with others. Every single person has something poppin’ about themselves. It is now the time to express yourself and become a leader of change and inspiration. Don’t be afraid, just be yourself. Take in everything you learn and apply it when you go back to your home club. You have the opportunity to have a great adventure, so stay positive. I hope you rock it out this weekend. Stay poppin’ <3
Justine Sarmiento AREA 5 DIRECTOR
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ello, sugar, I’m Justine Sarmiento! I am a senior at Washington High School, serve as the Area 5 Director for this academic year, and have made it my personal mission to attach a face to your name by the end of this weekend. For me, PWR 2013 was a whirlwind of nametags, meals, and workshops. I was so caught up in catching up that, looking back at the experience now, I could have made more out of the limited time I had. You are given the chance every day to create the best memories of your life. This weekend, you are given an opportunity beyond that— to create the best memories with the best people. You are here for a reason. Engage yourself. Be receptive. The attendees around you have been given the same opportunity, and you will all experience the same PWR, but it is ultimately what you make of this experience that will create rippling effects beyond anything you can control. It is your light that will shine in cracks that others cannot reach. It is your initiative, your action, your barrier to break. It is your flavor of life, love, and now to create (humor me). Sweet—or sour? Here are your tools. What will you build? Here is the kindling. What will you fuel?
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Cara Nguyen
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AREA 6 DIRECTOR
elcome PWR pals, to my favorite event of the year! I’m Cara Nguyen, a junior at Milpitas High School, and serve as the 2014-2015 Area 6 Director. First off, congratulations on being chosen to attend Presidents’ Winter Retreat 2015. I am beyond excited to meet you all— the current and future leaders of this district. What always amazes me is the amount of diversity throughout District 5170, and even more so, the ability for all of us to unite despite our differences. We are breaking barriers every day, from forming unbreakable relationships despite the distance separating us to surpassing the limits that this society has placed upon us. You, Interactors, make change happen in this world around us. But we all know that it’s a lot easier said then done. On our journey to change we are faced with a multitude of sticky situations, and the roads to fix them aren’t always straight. Realize that with adversity comes strength, and with strength comes success. So stick through it, and your rewards will surely be sweet. Here at PWR, I hope you learn that there will always be people to support you throughout all of your struggles. We’re all just Pocky’s in a pack— great on our own, but even better together. This weekend, hold yourself to no limits. Meet new people, gain new experiences, and realize that within you, there is a light that shines bright. We are all flames. As we come together, we create a more incandescent light that all of the darkness in the world cannot extinguish. Once PWR is over, continue to spread the flame by igniting it within others. Be the reason, be the light, and above all, be the hope in this disheartened world that so desperately needs it.
Natasha Kuo
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AREA 7 DIRECTOR
ey! My name is Natasha Kuo and I am honored to serve as your 2014-2015 Area 7 director! I’m a junior at Archbishop Mitty High School and in addition to Interact, I love ARKs, playing tennis and volleyball, listening and playing music, hanging out with friends, learning how to drive (haha) and spending time with my family and you of course! Even though there’s a variety of things I like to do, Interact holds a special place in my heart. It started as a little candle flame for me when I was just a wee freshman (though I still look the same). I was intrigued by the cute merchandise and the family atmosphere of the club, and after my first year in high school I decided to apply for an officer position. Little did I know, that application would be the start of the best part of high school for me! As I grew as an Interactor, my candle flame light turned into a cute campfire. It was after summer bondings and my first FLC when my passion ignited into a blazing fire, which is still here today! It is amazing how much one simple choice of joining a school can impact you. Everyday, Interactors inspire me to want to change the world with their amazing dedication and enthusiasm for the club. Like a crunch bar, I’m not short, I’m funsized, but that doesn’t put a capacity on my love for Interact or smiling! I’m so excited to be part of your 2015 PWR experience, so don’t be shy and say hi! --- STAY CRUNCHY AND STAY CRISPY ---
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Kevin Dieu
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AREA 8 DIRECTOR
i you. Yes you. You’re probably reading this because you’re trying to avoid talking to people or you just made eye contact with someone you’re just too shy to meet. It’s ok. I was like that too. My name’s Kevin Dieu and I am so proud to say that I am this year’s Area 8 Director, and even more honored to welcome you to President’s Winter Retreat! I came to PWR 2014 not really sure what to expect. I knew that it changed lives. Problem was, I wasn’t sure if it would change mine. But oh boy, was I in for a surprise, and rest assured, you will be too, if you just muster up all your courage and open up to these people around you. Why? Because each and everyone of these people here (including you) were chosen for a reason. Your passion for Interact was noticed. Those embers are just waiting to be kindled into an inferno and PWR will provide you with what you will need to light that fire. For those of you who aren’t so jittery about meeting new people and already have a bonfire already lit within you, help someone else find their flame, because only then, will we burn 5170 degrees, brighter than any star in this Milky Way. Nothing will be able to put us out. So look up, with a fiery glint in your eyes, a smile on your face and join us for a weekend that you will never forget!
Arthur Rodriguez AREA 9 DIRECTOR
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reetings, Interactor. My name is Arthur, but you can call me AROD or Papa Peep! I hail from Morgan Hill, a little city on the outskirts of District 5170, and I am a junior attending Ann Sobrato High School. I enjoy running, milk tea, and I aspire to go into the Foreign Service where I may continue the humanitarian work that I have fallen in love with because of Interact. One year ago, I stood as one of you, reading this booklet, having not a single thought as to why I had been selected to attend PWR. Sure, I loved leadership, but at the time, my involvement in Interact did not extend much farther from my desire to solely be credited with the 10 community service hours I needed to be considered an active member. Yet, by being gradually introduced to Interact’s core values of family, service, and how the two cohesively work to improve the lives of others across the globe, I realized how much I loved this lifestyle. You stand here today for a reason, and you may not know it—yet. Welcome to Presidents’ Winter Retreat, where either your mere spark will be kindled into the bright flame I know burns within you OR where your already flourishing fire will illuminate the path ahead of you even further. Either way, the steps onto the grounds of Camp Campbell mark the beginning of a journey that will take you farther than you will anticipate. You were chosen because of what you are—a passionate individual in whose hands remains the future; during your stay, you, too, will find this to be true. So, always remember, “all the darkness in the world cannot extinguish the light of a single candle.” You are a guiding light, providing hope through your everlasting flame.
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Maura Copley
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AREA 10 DIRECTOR
i everyone! I’m Maura, I spend my time doing random things like swimming, reading, playing music, following politics, baking, studying space and more. I love a smorgasbord of activities (and fun words) and am currently serving as the Area 10 Director. Interact has opened up so many doors for me, and my passion for this club really changed last year at PWR 2014. At this retreat I saw the scope of the district, and just what amazing human beings Interact members truly are. I walked into PWR knowing only one of my best friends/president, questioning what I was doing with my three-day weekend. Through the weekend I realized that people aren’t as scary as they seem, Interactors are generally friendly, also that it can take only one inspired person to better the world. This event was what got me involved in Interact and serving my community. I felt so inspired after meeting my fellow attendees and learning about what they were doing to help others, and their communities. Just like the Milky Way lights up the sky at night, you can light up the world we live in, and inspire others. It only takes one person’s smile, handshake, hello or good deed to have an impact on someone else, and I like to think that those good thoughts will have a positive ricochet on others. Having an open mind this time last year allowed me to make friends that I still talk to today, and leave behind some of my timid, and shy personality. I encourage you to approach this weekend with optimism and positivity, and that good things come to you through it. If you find yourself in need of some conversation come say hello because I love to meet people, but I’ll probably talk to you about some random fact I’ve picked up somewhere!
Ashley Wong
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AREA 11 DIRECTOR
hat’s good squad!? My name is Ashley Wong, and I am your all-candy, swagtastic Willy Wonka along with my partner in candy-crime, Daniel Chan, and we are your emcees for PWR 2015. First things first, I love RedBull. Furthermore, when I’m not being candylicious, I am humbled to serve as the Mama eagle of the Exhilarating Area 11 and could not be more honored to share this Interact experience with you. PWR is what inspired me beyond compare to truly become the best me I could possibly be and is why I’m where I am in Interact, ASB, Sports, academics, and everything else that occurs in my life. Peace, love, optimism, and serving are all key principles of my life as are looking at pictures of puppies, instagramming, making day trips out of food adventures, and eating eggs. I love eggs. Whether it’s running the distance with my beloved cross country team, spending late nights working on homecoming with ASB, organizing city wide events with youth commission, falling over hurdles in track, or giggin’ with the homies, everything I am involved with has molded the interactor I am today. Out of everything I left back home, I’m most excited to be HERE with YOU and to share this weekend with you. Bring everything you have out this weekend, let who you TRULY are shine through, break your walls down, and find out where your interact journey will take you. Everyone here is your family. If you ever need anything, call me, beep me, if you want to reach me. LET LOOSE! “A little nonsense now and then is relished by the wisest men.” –Willy Wonka. Let’s empower change, shall we? PWR 2015 let’s get it!!!
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Rujuta Kortikar
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AREA 12 DIRECTOR
ello there, fellow Interactor! I’m delighted to (indirectly) make your acquaintance, and I hope that we can actually meet over the course of these next couple of crazy days. My name is Rujuta, and I’m your Area 12 Director! I also consider myself a singer, a pianist, a competitive napper, and an avid reader of Jaden Smith’s tweets. I went to my first Interact meeting because it was raining outside and the club provided a warm sanctuary. I like to believe that we were all led to join Interact by some invisible force and, one way or another, we have all been brought together to experience PWR 2015 for the same reason: we have the passion and drive to improve our world. To empower change. To inspire the uninspired. Listen, to be completely candid (no not the picture kind because those always turn out hideous), you are extremely lucky to be here today. You are here because you are a leader in your community. Because you have impacted your world. You may be shy, or loud, or tall, or short. That’s perfectly fine! Always remember that there is NO prototype for a leader. Everybody who has the passion for something and the courage to show it is a leader. Embrace these next couple of days, make them count. Introduce yourself to someone you could never see yourself talking to. Try something new. Find your passion, your flame, and let it thrive.
Sheryl Ratnam AREA 13 DIRECTOR
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O YOU FEEL THE HEAT? Well, that’s the fiery passion of service and leadership in the air, my friend. Hello and a warm welcome to PWR 2015! I’m Sheryl your Area 13 Director and resident Red Hot Tamale. When I’m not mired in piles of school work, I’m probably with my Debate Team or my Mock Trial Team or my CYLA team or my Rally Board team or my SAGE team or my Girl Scout troop. Oh and of course, my Interact family. As you can tell, I’m part of a lot of different groups, both academic and otherwise. For a while, I felt overwhelmed, unsure of how to contribute my own individual value to each team, especially Interact, considering it was such a large organization. It was PWR, actually, that helped me really step out of my comfort zone, and I mean this in the most eye-opening, spiritually enlightening term. PWR helped me understand myself far better as a thinker, leader, and human being altogether. And I embraced that self-knowledge as I moved forward in all of my endeavors. This weekend is a time for self-discovery, empowerment, and fun. Now on a less somber note, I enjoy catching up on episodes of Criminal Minds, scrolling through my Tumblr feed, watching movies directed by Christopher Nolan, and listening to all things One Republic. I am a self-prescribed Thai Milk Tea aficionado and my favorite place to eat is In-N-Out (shout-out to the state of California). I’m really messy, lose things really easily, and I am currently double majoring in procrastination and sleep deprivation. But all that aside, I love meeting new people so feel free to come up and say hi anytime this weekend! I guarantee that this weekend will be an unforgettable experience. I hope you make the most out of it, make new friends, and go back and make our District a little brighter.
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advisors
michelle lewis(left), margarethe pfeffer(right), pat lewis, chris miller, benjamin biscocho, bonnie best, rebecca buldo, timothy fan, jeff olevson, and nick leon
Leadership | Inspiration | Growth | Humanity | Teamwork |
Advisors help select and build winning teams. Advisors are coaches helping their team reach their goals.
One step at a time, Advisors walk the same path and feel your same pains.
Advisors have seen so much over their years. They share wisdom.
Advisors are shepherds who protect their team from harm.
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upcoming
events
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upcoming
events
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cabin district council
positions contacts secretary
Records and shares meeting minutes from every District Council meeting Works with Area Directors monthly to collect statistics from each school in the District Checks in on International Project money submissions with advisory team Works with Outreach Coordinator(s) to create and organize the District Directory Manages registration process for all major District events Maintains District Council archives (statistics, debriefs, etc.) Works with advisor to balance reported to actual deposit submissions for fundraising
international coordinator
Creates the International Project to align with the District’s visions and goals Functions as the International Project’s representative Serves as the liason between chosen organization and the District Coordinates with the chosen organization to determine the District’s cause and goals Updates chosen organization/ project to review progress and foster new ideas for success Educates District Council and Interactors on International Project Gives inspirational presentations for big District events Provides knowledge, support, and resources to Interactors to aid clubs in achieving their goals Works with District Council members to raise awareness about the International Project Coordinates District International Fundraising Events
community coordinator
Organizes the District Wide Service Project/ theme for the year Provides resources to Interact Club for community service project ideas Learn of individual club service projects and tells their story Collects community service project statistics from clubs to help clubs reach their goal Exemplifies the Rotary motto of “Service Above Self” Leads community service workshops at District events Coordinates District Wide Days of Service throughout the year
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district council cabin
positions contacts events coordinator
Manages logistics for large District events (NPM, FLC, PWR, IC, SSO, etc.) Supports and advises clubs on event planning with helpful resources Organizes District fundraisers and events (Halloween Haunt, Stars on Ice, Date Auction, etc.) Finds a meeting venue for District Council meetings Organizes Open District Council meetings Organizes an Appreciation Dinner for Rotarians and club advisors Aids Community with District Wide Days of Service
outreach coordinator
Serves as the liaison between Rotary International and the Interact District Encourages clubs to become involved with Rotary International Works with Area Directors & Secretary to create District Directories Works with Area Directors to establish new Interact & Junior Interact clubs Updates New Club Starter Kit with Publications Coordinator(s) Fosters positive relationships with other Districts and assists in their development
area directors
Serves as a liaison between Interact clubs and the District Builds and mainatains relations with Rotary clubs in their area Looks for new club opportunities/ potential Assists Outreach to create the District Directory Organizes area-wide service and fundraising events Holds area meetings with school club officers to plan future events Collects individual club statistics to record and report progress to District goals Cultivates and recruits potential future District Council member
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district cabin council
positions contacts publications coordinator
Pre-requisite: Prior experience in graphic design (Adobe Photoshop, Indesign, etc.) Creates original graphics for publications Produces occasional newsletters in the year Generates event publication (packets/workbooks at NPM, FLC, PWR, etc.) Designs fliers and forms for District Events (NPM, FLC, PWR, Stars on Ice, etc.) Suggests the theme for publications and events Creates graphics for the website Assists Outreach Coordinators with updating the New Club Starter Kit Assists IT Director and Digital Media Coordinator with media and website maintenance Promotes Interact 5170â&#x20AC;&#x2122;s vision through new and creative District Merchandise
digital media coordinator
Pre-requisite: Skill set to complete the following OR a strong interest in gaining these skills Manages all Interact 5170 properties including, domains, accounts, passwords Updates the website regularly to ensure material is relevant Collects Area updates for website of upcoming events Collects and monitors International project goal progress on wesite Creates International and Community Project videos Creates event videos, teasers, slide shows, etc for Interact events Take photographs of individual clubs around the District at District events interested in applying? check out the district website, 'interact5170.org' to recieve notice when applications are released in early may!
"YOU MISS A HUNDRED PERCENT OF THE SHOTS YOU DON'T TAKE." -WAYNE GRETZKY
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