US Chamber of Connection

Thanks to our Mayor, Bruce Harrell, Seattle is now the first major US city to host Welcome Days for all newcomers. His vision for "One Seattle" shows everyone what is possible when a city makes connection and community a priority. "I'm Seattle Mayor Bruce Harrell and I'm excited to welcome you to Seattle. Now whether you've come here to study or pursue your career, explore new opportunities or just start fresh we are thrilled to welcome you to our vibrant and inclusive city. Your presence makes Seattle stronger your unique experiences and talents and passions will enrich the fabric of our city and contribute to the shared progress we strive for every day. It all begins with Seattle Welcome Day - this day is your gateway to the resources and relationships that help guide you as you begin your Seattle adventure." Please join us at the next Seattle Welcome Day hosted at Town Hall Seattle. https://lnkd.in/e4uWHtNv ?? ??

On Saturday, a packed room of newcomers—from ages 18 to 80, across industries, cultures, and neighborhoods—gathered for the second Seattle Welcome Day at Town Hall Seattle. The energy was powerful, and the impact was real. "Until today, I never felt ready to call myself a Seattleite. Thank you for giving me the confidence to truly connect with my community." Throughout the morning, attendees shared conversations, reflections, and a renewed sense of purpose. They recognized that relationships take time and energy, but even small efforts can make a big difference. As one participant put it, “The energy in the room with people interested in taking those first steps is powerful.” More than just an event, Seattle Welcome Day was a catalyst for connection and belonging: ?? “Welcome Day has given me hope and tools for crafting a better future for myself, my neighborhood, and hopefully the world.” ?? “It provided an appetizer of what is possible collectively… reigniting the desire for connection no matter how short or long you have been in the city.” ?? “Intentionality is the key! I love all the helpful frameworks and the accountability to create the community you are yearning for.” It was a reminder that no one has to build their Seattle life alone. With mutual aid, shared experiences, and intentional connection, we are all part of shaping an inclusive and welcoming city. If you recently moved to Seattle (or know someone who has), Seattle Welcome Day is the launch pad to a relationship-rich life in Seattle. Let’s keep building community—together. #SeattleWelcomeDay #CommunityMatters #NewToSeattle #SocialConnection #Belonging Carolina Montilla Vlack Media

The KOMO TV and Seattle Chamber of Connection "Community Builder of the Month": Nivi Achanta and the Soapbox Project. The Soapbox project helps turn existential fear about climate change into action through community and education in Seattle. Watch the interview with our friend Steve McCarron: https://lnkd.in/g6q4Ccin Every month we will be celebrating community builders, the unsung heroes in our cities who bring us together. "Ordinary people doing extraordinary things." #community #socialinnovation

We are excited to announce our collaboration with the Seattle ABC station, KOMO TV, for a series of educational segments on the six points of connection. This first segment, with our very own Charlotte Massey, introduces the six points and shares the highlights from the first Seattle Welcome Day. https://lnkd.in/gpvg_TMD

10 Reasons to Attend Seattle Welcome Day – March 1st at Town Hall Seattle. 1?? Make new best friends in your neighborhood. ???? 2?? Learn how you can make an impact. ??? 3?? Sign up for social activities and tours. ???? 4?? Get outside your silo and meet people from different walks of life. ???? 5?? Find someone to play pickleball or your favorite sport. ???? 6?? Meet the amazing Chamber of Connection team. ???? 7?? Explore how you can transform your life in Seattle. ????? 8?? Learn from community builders across the region. ????? 9?? Get a bear hug! ???? ?? Enjoy coffee and Mighty-O donuts. ??? Learn more and register: https://lnkd.in/e4uWHtNv

We hosted our third monthly support group for community builders in Seattle this week. 30 leaders from across the city participated - people who bring us together to play, serve, burn calories, and advocate for change. Ironically, being a community builder can be incredibly lonely. It is critical to come together and support each other! At the US Chamber of Connection, we want to provide the kind of support and community for these leaders as business leaders have in organizations like Entrepreneurs' Organization, YPO and Vistage Worldwide, Inc.. At the monthly meetings, we share our challenges and wins, learn from each other, and find ways to collaborate to expand our communities. This week we talked about: - How to generate income as a community builder? - How to prevent burnout? - How to measure the impact of our work? Do you know a community builder in Seattle who leads a community of 100+ people and is looking to meet other community builders? Have them DM us so we can invite them to join our next session at the Ballard Collective. #connection #entrepreneurship #leadership #democracy

Our founder and CEO shares the story of the founding of the US Chamber of Connection at our launch party hosted by Gensler and sponsored by Amazon. Highlights: - Aaron was inspired by his grandfather, JE Slater, who created the idea for the Peace Corps for President Kennedy and who was the CEO of The Aspen Institute for 25 years (models for connecting people across boundaries) - Aaron began his work bridging divides and connecting people with the founding of the Taproot Foundation in 2001 which earned him the Draper Richards Kaplan Foundation and Ashoka fellowships - Aaron founded the US Chamber of Connection to systemically address the nation's greatest challenge, the decline in connection and trust - We are starting by focusing on the population most open to making changes in how they connect, the 12 million people who move each year Watch the video on YouTube. ?? ??

Looking for a little inspiration today? Listen to these founding members of our newcomer community commit to living their best lives and inspiring the nation to come together. Video: https://lnkd.in/gqhxmRQ7 ?? ??

The first official Seattle Welcome Day! What a blast - the energy in the room was enough to power the city for the rest of the year. New friends were made. Communities were formed. Visions for a connected life emerged. Boundaries were bridged. Bear hugs were given. Who were the founding members of the newcomers club? People who moved here last week and 10 years ago. 16-year-olds and 70-year-olds. Seattleites who moved here from across the country and around the world. College students and empty nesters. Jews, Christians and Muslims. America at its best. What did we do together? ??? We learned about the history of newcomers to the city since 1851 and how they made this city the most influential city in the world per capita ?? We were inspired by the stories of newcomers who are thriving here - Michael Hebb , Susan Lieu and Charlotte Massey ???? We worked with other newcomers to envision the life we want to build in Seattle ?? We asked each other for help to find the communities we want to thrive ??♀????? we made plans to connect every 2 weeks in our neighborhoods ?? We pledged to each other to live our best lives and inspire everyone to be part of reconnecting our nation Big thank you to Gensler and Town Hall Seattle for your partnership to make it possible. Join us at the next Seattle Welcome Day March 1st. https://lnkd.in/gXNgYNwc ????

Microsoft’s Taylor Black and our founder and CEO, Aaron Hurst discuss the launch of the US Chamber of Connection with Seattle magazine today. Join us in making Seattle the most welcoming city in America! https://lnkd.in/gpEKGevH ????