This year our cluster had monthly coffee days like last to get to know one another better than having just our one monthly cluster event. (Those tend to be very well attended and active, but less intimate!) I personally adore these coffee times – rotating around our cluster towns – with smaller groups sharing and getting deeper into their experiences and one another. And kids are always invited. 
Author Archives: Kim Van Cleave Michaels
Holiday Lights and Magic – December 2023
The holiday lights sparkled, along with the spirits of au pairs from around the globe. We shared the traditions from many of our home countries and got a little bit closer last Sunday. Then we stole gifts… In a lively white elephant, au pairs got into the spirit of the swap. We had a fun time and walked away with a smile and another gift (if not the one we selected). When you are far from home, it’s good to know you have a community of people who understand and are there for you. Grateful for the kindness in this group toward one another in this holiday season and throughout the year.
Pottery Painting with Global Pals – November 2023
A group of our best and brightest artists painted their hearts out in our first ever pottery painting cluster meeting at the University Village shop, Paint The Town. It was cathartic and relaxing. And the au pairs got some beautiful keep sakes or gifts for the holidays. Talent abounds in this crew!
Spooky Underground Touring in Old Seattle – Nov 2023
On Sunday, Oct 22 au pairs from two of the Greater Seattle area clusters dressed up for Halloween and hit the underground tour. We learned of the history of the great Seattle fire, the diverse businesses that existed in the underground and how it is used in present day. Great to spend some time together to meet the community.
APIA Global Community Day in Seattle – September 2023
Nearly 100 people, including host parents, host siblings and au pairs from around the globe joined their Seattle area Au Pair In America community to celebrate!
The au pairs brought down the house with a culture fair that had posters, food, dancing, language and all the smiles. We had representative from Zimbabwe, Peru, Panama, France, Colombia, Brazil, China, South Africa, and Germany showing their colors and sharing themselves. We enjoyed treats specially made from Colombia and Brazil and kids got to “travel the world” with their passports collecting country stickers. Host parents shared their stories about their friendships with au pairs and best practices informally with one another. We had a nice (but small this year) water balloon toss game (so many families with babies and nap times made this a bit smaller this year). The bigger kids colored, did word searches, a bingo diversity scavenger hunt, and got tattoos for kids of all ages. After the event, they headed down to meet our new lady troll in West Seattle. And the weather couldn’t have been better. All in all, it was a lovely day for the world.
As American as Baseball – August 2023
As American as baseball…the remarkable APIA family of au pairs from all WA clusters gathered to watch the Mariners beat Kansas City in a sunshine filled stadium. We got to know one another a bit more in seventh inning stretch and won some big league chew. A gorgeous day of global, peace-seeking, adventure-driven community at the ball park.
Pools and Shoes – Exchange Day Celebrations – July 2023
The au pairs in WA state gathered up for some swimming, singing and donating of shoes for the J-1 exchange day national celebrations. They played a water safety quiz and listened to their joint Spotify global jam mix. Summer fun!
Exchange Day is coming soon on August 7, and APIA is excited to celebrate with a shoe drive. Held on the first Monday in August, Exchange Day is a nationwide celebration of the power of international exchange. Program participants come together with their American hosts to share cultural experiences, give back to their communities, and have some fun. This day is also an opportunity to raise awareness of international exchange programs and spread the word about the power of cultural exchange.
APIA has historically celebrated Exchange Day in August with shoe drives, AP get togethers, and more. 
Prizes and pizzas in a park – June 2023
What a nice day! The weather was warm and the company warmer. We played some get to know you, speed dating and trivia games and had, well, pizza in a park. Gasworks is iconic Seattle and our community enjoyed one another and the day we were given.
Seattle Touring in our own Town – May 2023
A small but mighty group went touring in our own town. We tried a new tour company and hit the streets to hear about what we didn’t yet know. They told us great stories of Seattle octopus, revealed the real “first Starbucks” location, talked through the Seattle fire and the newly built city and told tales of a man named Ivar and his eccentric ways (leading him to start the first fish and chips chain in the city.). 
The Future is Female – Gates Foundation and Au Pair In America – April 2023
Au pairs from China, Luxembourg, Guatemala, Thailand, Mexico, Colombia, Brazil, Peru, Poland, Germany, and South Africa gathered at Gates Foundation to learn about the work they are doing around the globe. Our gracious tour guides expertly talked through the data on world hunger, equity, pollution, parental leave, sanitation and disease. The young women of Au Pair In America (who will soon be adding their voices and efforts to the good fight for justice) learned about birthing methods and patient treatment around the globe, as well as water free toilets ready soon for market to combat ringworm. It was a great learning morning and wonderful part of this group’s journey while here in Seattle. They had smart insights and intelligent responses. The future is in good hands.
