Unite for Good

East Bremerton Rotary Charts a Bold Course for Community Impact

COURTESY OF ALAN BEAM

By QUINN PROPST
Ward Media Staff Reporter

The East Bremerton Rotary Club is gearing up for another impactful year with a renewed commitment to service, fellowship, and community engagement under the 2025–2026 theme: Unite for Good. As part of Rotary International—a global network dedicated to humanitarian efforts—the East Bremerton chapter continues to make a meaningful difference both locally and abroad.

Club President Jeff Rowe, said this year the club will focus on strengthening its local impact while maintaining its connection to international causes like disaster recovery, clean water access, and polio eradication. In East Bremerton, the club provides scholarships, serves meals to youth at the Boys and Girls Club, volunteers at the Illahee Preserve, rings bells for the Salvation Army during the holidays, and participates in a variety of service-driven initiatives.

At the heart of the club’s mission is Rotary’s guiding principle: Service Above Self. It’s a philosophy embraced by every member, emphasizing the importance of giving time and effort beyond personal interests to uplift others—whether that’s helping one neighbor or transforming a community.

“It’s about, what can I do, you know, and we put our money into what we do, but I think there’s more joy when you put yourself into what you do,” Rowe said. “We try to do as much as we can for youth in many different ways.”

Looking ahead, Rowe has outlined a set of goals designed to inspire deeper engagement, broader visibility, and stronger community ties. First and foremost is the importance of having fun, Rowe said. 

“There are four tenants that all Rotarians live by, but our motto, the fifth tenant, is to have fun, and that is really what drew me to this club, the membership being that way,” Rowe said.

Rowe plans to expand social activities outside of regular Wednesday meetings—such as “fifth Wednesday” events, fireside gatherings, vocational nights, and casual get-togethers—to build camaraderie and foster lasting friendships among members.

Another key goal is to grow membership. By showcasing the club’s positive impact and tailoring events to appeal to a range of age groups, the East Bremerton Rotary hopes to attract new members who bring fresh ideas and enthusiasm. 

Increasing awareness about Rotary’s work—both online and in the broader community—will be crucial in that effort. Plans include boosting the club’s digital presence and improving social media outreach to better reflect the energy and relevance of its service projects, he said.

Rowe also plans to implement an onboarding program to help new members get the most out of the group.

While global initiatives remain important, this year’s strategy puts an emphasis on local impact. The belief is that building a stronger foundation at home will, in turn, help fuel broader efforts abroad. The club also intends to deepen collaborations with other local Rotary chapters, sharing resources and combining forces to expand fundraising and volunteer power. These joint initiatives—paired with support from members’ networks of family, friends, and colleagues—can multiply the club’s ability to serve and create lasting change.

With the Unite for Good banner in hand, the East Bremerton Rotary Club enters the new Rotary year with clarity, purpose, and optimism. As always, it remains committed to building a stronger community—one project, one partnership, and one act of service at a time.