When our foundation’s new campus opened last June, it was exciting to finally have a single roof under which all of our employees could gather and meet with experts, partners, and grantees trying to tackle some of the world’s big challenges.

But one thing was missing—a place where everyone else could come to get more engaged in our issues. This week, that’s changing with the opening of the new visitor center at the foundation.

In a sense, this is the most exciting part of our new campus because it really opens a window into the work we’re doing. It’s an opportunity for people to get more involved in a conversation about how to tackle some of the tough problems we face such as malaria in Africa, growing enough food to feed the world’s poor, and family homelessness in Washington State.  We’re eager to share what we’re learning and highlight some of our partners’ successes.

Mostly, though, I hope the visitor center will be a place that educates, inspires, and motivates others to get involved in whatever issues interest them—in whatever way makes sense.  We hope to encourage visitors to use some of the really cool interactive tools to engage with friends, family, and others with similar interests to their own.

Bill and I have been fortunate to be able to travel, study, and give back through the work of the foundation. But we firmly believe that anyone can be part of the solution, regardless of the time or money they have available.

I hope you’ll come by the new visitor center soon, and bring your family and friends. I’m pretty sure you’ll find something that excites you and leave with some fresh ideas about how to join us in helping make the world a better place.

If you'd like to take a peek at the Visitor Center, watch the video below.

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