As we dedicate this week of SLA to learn about the issue of hunger and our opportunity and obligation to help nourish communities, we have special excitement and gratitude for the featured Movement Maker on this afternoon's Zoom Community Meeting -- Billy Shore, Founder of Share Our Strength.
A 2018 Service Hero and forever aspirational role model for Project 351, Billy is one of the nation's most visionary and impactful leaders in the fight to end hunger. Add to that -- he's a husband, dad, author, and volunteer firefighter with his son Nate.
Billy founded Share Our Strength in 1984 with his sister Debbie, as a response to a devastating famine in Ethiopia. SOS is ending hunger and poverty in the U.S. and abroad, through No Kid Hungry -- which has provided more than one billion meals to children at risk of hunger.
In response to the pandemic, Billy and SOS are at the forefront of helping to ensure the 22 million children who rely on school for breakfast and lunch are being nourished.
It is a great honor for our community to learn from Billy's wisdom, optimistic resolve, and unrelenting efforts in the face of the growing crisis of hunger.
Like Billy, Ambassador Devon Das of Lincoln is passionate about ending hunger. He dedicates today's #351GratitudeMoment to the unsung heroes at the heart of nourishing communities: "I am thankful for the food pantry and soup kitchen workers who continue to ensure that those at risk of hunger are fed during the pandemic. I admire them -- along with hospital workers --as they, too, put their lives on the line to feed communities that are often the most affected by this crisis.
I serve because because there is hope, a light at the end of the tunnel. For if we all work together, if those who are always fed help those who aren’t, hunger will ultimately be overcome.
Earlier today, Governor Charlie Baker announced the extension of the stay-at-home directive through May 18th. We remain most grateful for his strong and sure guidance, compassion and care for those most affected by COVID-19, gratitude and admiration for the heroic frontline and essential workers, and moving reflections on the special character and values that define and unite our Commonwealth. A depth of compassion and resolve that will help see us through this great challenge and ensure that better days are ahead.
In his daily briefings, the Governor regularly reminds us of the importance of gratitude for those people and things we hold most dear, including and especially our family and friends. He recently talked about, "the importance of loved ones putting it all out there and making sure they don’t leave anything unsaid.”
Our daily #351GratitudeMoments embrace that spirit -- the urgency of now as an opportunity to demonstrate the love and appreciation we feel for those who bring meaning and joy to our days -- especially now.
This afternoon, Otis Ambassador Avery Carr dedicates her #351GratitudeMoment to the treasures in her life:
"I am thankful for all my friends who are sticking with me and checking in on me during this strange time. They’re always doing things to inspire me and I love them all so much. From text messages to FaceTime calls to zoom calls...we're finding new ways to stay together and keep connected.
I’m also thankful for living in a place with lots of beauty in nature. My favorite place is the image I have attached. It’s the top of a waterfall near my home that I go to frequently. It’s a beautiful place and I’m grateful to be walking distance from it. Being in nature is one of the things that keeps me going.
Overall, I’m thankful for the people who surround me with love and are always there me. And, when I need alone time, I’m thankful for the gift of my escape into nature."
At Project 351, we are grateful for leaders like Governor Baker and Avery who remind us that every day can be a Thanksgiving for the gifts that matter most.
Today, we kick-off Week 3 of our Service Leadership Academy, with a focus on hunger -- a challenge which has grown dramatically and exponentially since the pandemic. Over the next five days, we will learn about the root issues of hunger, hone skills for leading change, and mobilize for impact in support of local food pantries and global efforts like the World Food Programme.
Creating the Service Leadership Academy has deepened our respect and admiration for educators. We have long regarded them as heroes -- that belief has only deepened. We feel so fortunate that our educators are all in for 351 -- on top of their demanding responsibilities as teacher, guidance counselor, principal, administrator, Assistant Superintendent, or Superintendent. They select Ambassadors, mentor and coach them throughout the year, offer expertise on programming, advocate for our mission, lead Launch and Reunion -- and countless local and regional service -- as volunteers, and serve as endless source of wisdom, encouragement, and belief.
We're biased, but we believe our educator champions are the greatest. And, our Ambassadors and Alumni do, too!
Today's #351GratitudeMoment is a team effort, from the 351 crew in Sandwich. The Sandwich team is one of our most united, engaged, and impactful group of Alumni and Ambassadors. And, they give large amounts of credit for that to their mentor -- Sandwich Public Schools 8th grade history teacher Jeff Duffany.
We turn the platform over to them for today's #351GratitudeMoment:
"Mr. Duffany has been a Project 351 volunteer for the past six years and is the backbone of the Project 351 Sandwich team.
Without Mr. Duffany, Project 351 would be nowhere near the caliber that it is today in Sandwich. He is a study in dedicated leadership. He puts in countless hours with every Ambassador and Alumni. He always stands up for us, looks out for us, and is always there when we need him.
Mr. Duffany is more than an educator and a mentor, he is an advocate, an activist, and a change maker.
Molly Kent, Alumni: "I'll never forget the day that Mr. Duffany pulled me out of his history class in eighth grade and told me that I was chosen for this thing called Project 351. I was extremely nervous and very unsure of myself. If it were not for Mr. Duffany’s presence and assurance, I would’ve never got on that Launch Day bus and made it to Faneuil Hall. He has impacted every one of our 351 team's lives in tremendous ways. I can not thank him enough for his commitment and care. Thank you, Mr. Duffany!
Jack Burgess, Alumni: Mr Duffany is so selfless in his service to the Sandwich Project 351 team. Year after year, he takes students under his wing and makes sure they get the most out of their Project 351 experience. He played an instrumental role since my first Spring Service project as an eighth grader, and I will always be grateful
Kelly Broder, Alumni: Mr. Duffany has supported Project 351 Alumni and Ambassadors and has served the Sandwich community through countless acts of service. Thank you Mr. Duffany, for your guidance in all of my service. You’ve changed our community with your leadership and encouragement.
Jack Mulcahy, Ambassador: Thank you for always being your honest and funny self. Somehow, on top of being a great teacher, you find the time to do Project 351, generation citizen, and student council. I want to be a leader like you someday, and with your help, I’m on the right track."
Jeff Duffany -- educator, mentor, champion, and friend. We are so thankful for your leadership and loyalty. And, deeply inspired by all the lives you've changed through your tireless dedication and unwavering belief in the unlimited potential of every student, including and especially Sandwich's 351 crew! This #351GratitudeMoment is for you!
This afternoon, we have appreciation and excitement for our first Service Leadership Academy's "Leadership Lessons" -- another forum to learn the skills required to lead positive change. These weekly workshops will pair Alumni interviewers with inspiring subject area experts.
Today, ALC Sophia Gustafson of Medfield will interview Helen Hopkins Kellogg, Principal, Brook Road Advisors. We're so grateful for the opportunity to learn from Helen's expertise in corporate social responsibility and environmental stewardship at companies like The Timberland Company and Seven Generations. Helen's life of service and optimistic belief in this rising generation's ability to progress change is a source of inspiration to us.
The environment is a unifying passion of our young leaders, including Ambassador Tilda Rieder of Salem, who offers today's #351GratitudeMoment in tribute to the unsung professionals that make her favorite outdoor escape possible: "I am grateful for the amazing employees at The Trustees of Reservation properties -- this picture was taken at my favorite one, Crane Beach on the The Trustees - Crane Estate in Ipswich.
The Trustees have an amazing mission -- to beautify and preserve these historic and natural sites across the North Shore. It is so special to be able to go and visit these places that are so well taken care of by their wonderful team. I want them to know they're appreciated."
Today, Ambassadors and Alumni are uniting in green action as stewards of the planet. This afternoon, we will gather for our Service Leadership Academy Community Meeting, featuring this week's "Movement Maker" Reverend Mariama White Hammond, ecological and environmental justice leader. It will be a special honor to welcome Rev. Mariama to our community.
As we listen, learn, and act in support of our planet, we continue to reflect with gratitude for our natural environs. Today's #351GratitudeMoment is from our Medford Ambassador Jackson Olander.
Like so many of his 351 Classmates, Jackson is inspired by Service Hero Greta Thunberg: "Greta Thunberg is a personal hero of mine...She inspires me because she brought herself incredibly far in her efforts to fix the world. She is living proof that a child can make people listen, living proof that anyone can change the world.
I personally hope and aspire to change the world for the better. I want to do as much for the world as Greta has. I aspire to make a difference because there are so many people who need someone to make that difference.
And, if not me, who will?" This afternoon, Jackson shares his beautiful #351GratitudeMoment: "I am thankful for Bellevue Pond in the Fells. The Middlesex Fells Reservations is a forested area of over 2200 acres, and this pond is just beyond the front entrance.
I picked this spot because of its tranquility and peace, a great contrast to the busy road not even 50 yards away. I have spent hours sitting there with my friends, alone with a book, or just watching the water.
It is an easy and accessible way to decompress and consider life -- especially during this time." 🌎💚
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The gratitude reflections of Ambassador Pranav Govindarajan of Holliston remind us of the various ways we can be envrionmental stewards -- through service, education, and respectful exploration of our natural environs.
His #351GratitudeMoment beams with examples of where -- and from whom -- he finds inspiration this Earth Week: "My Dad has had a major influence on me. He is very kind and has been a huge inspiration. His emphasis on hard work, kindness, and perseverance has propelled me to give my best in everything. I want to be just like him.
He has never forgotten where he came from and continues to work hard. During our recent visit to India, my dad took us to his school. There were not enough classrooms to hold everyone, so the students had to study outside, under an arched roof. They did not have access to clean water.
My dad always finds ways to give back. He installed a water filtration system in the school so that the students could drink clean water. His quality of giving back to the community has influenced me to be just like him.
I would also like to express my gratitude to Mrs. Jaime Cutone and Mr. Ryan Venditti for leading our Robert Adams Middle School Student Leadership Team.
Together, we work on with ways to help the school community. For example, we're currently working on a composting project that makes our school more environmentally friendly.
In this process, we're educating our student community on the benefits of composting and what can and cannot be composted. Anything we can do to bring awareness about going green is invaluable.
Finally, preserving nature is important so that all of us can enjoy the beauty that our earth offers. My family loves hiking and we try to visit as many waterfalls as we can during our trips!"
his week, Project 351 goes green for Earth Week! Week 2 of Service Leadership Academy will focus on environmental activism through enrichment, at home service, and the inspiration of leaders like Reverend Mariama White-Hammond, ecological justice Movement Maker.
Our #351GratitudeMoments are going green, too, as Ambassadors reflect on the places in nature that bring them inspiration and peace.
We begin with the reflections of Ambassador Xan Vella of Wellesley, whose activism for the planet is an inspiration to us, "I've been inspired by Greta Thunberg and her global activism at such a young age. I took part in both the eco-march in our town, as well as the school protest for climate change. Climate change is a big problem, that affects the younger generations in particular. Greta’s a hero of mine for making the issue more visible on the global stage." For today's #351GratitudeMoment, Xan shares a walk in her woods: "Recently I’ve been grateful for water. A little weird, right? (Editors' note: We don't think it's weird!) With Covid-19, it is good to focus on something that hasn’t changed, like water.In quarantine I’ve been taking lots of walks and just putting myself in nature. There's a pond that I like to walk to, with a little wooded area surrounding it.
Sometimes I sit but other times I just walk -- enjoying the quiet and the songs of the birds. The water in the pond flows to a river and a little waterfall, which I find calming and peaceful.
Water has an immense amount of energy and is more powerful than you or me. We need water to survive, it is essential to life -- in fact, water makes up 70% of of us. It impacts weather and climate all over the world. Our waterways are home to thousands of earth’s creatures. Water is so important, but we still pollute and take it for granted.
There have been reports that the decrease of human interaction due to COVID have helped the earth's waterways become clearer and heal other parts of nature.
During Earth Week, I want to thank water for making our planet as amazing as it is." #351GratitudeMoment
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We have so much to be grateful for at the end of Week One of our new Service Leadership Academy.
To our Ambassadors and Alumni, THANK YOU for diving into this all-new program with compassion, creativity, and all-in commitment! To Charlie Rose and First Lady Lauren Baker, your legend at 351 grows and we are filled with love and appreciation for you.
For our ALC, thank you for your leadership and mentorship -- and the efforts of so many of you to create and design virtual service, programming, and team building.
To our educators and families, thank you for all the ways you support and strengthen all that our 351 community strives to do and be.
And, every day, our admiration and appreciation grows for the frontline and essential workers who teach us the true meaning of service, sacrifice and the power-of-love-in-action.
As we prepare to GO GREEN for Week Two of SLA, we turn the microphone to @Cambria.parrott, ALC of Brewster. In this #351GratitudeMoment, Cambria pays tribute to one of those frontline heroes, very dear to her: "I am grateful for my Uncle Raymond. He is a firefighter in Boston, and served in the Army when I was younger. He has been one of my greatest supporters in everything I do, especially my service. He never fails to ask me about my projects, and helps me work out the kinks to ensure I achieve the best outcomes.
Uncle Raymond is an innovative and quick thinker, with the creativity I strive to have. He hosts me every time Project 351 is serving in Boston, and asks me to about anything and everything about my life. He cares so much about me and encourages me to stretch the boundaries and go the extra distance.
Mondy is someone who is humble and kind, and never thinks twice when he has the opportunity to help
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I wish to have his kindness and care for others, and be just like him. He has been and always will be a huge inspiration for me. Love ya, Mondy! ❤️" Thank you, Uncle Raymond, for your inspiring example of courageous and compassionate service. This #351GratitudeMoment is for you!
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Today, our Ambassadors, Alumni, and 351 team unite to dedicate this #351GratitudeMoment gratitude to First Lady Lauren Baker.
Simply put, we love Lauren! Tireless champion of our most vulnerable as Chair of the Wonderfund MA; leading hope and healing as co-founder of COVID-19 Relief Fund; magnificent First Lady and partner (and wife!) to Governor Charlie Baker; relentless advocate for the nonprofit sector; devoted Mom, wife, and friend; and -- for which we count our lucky stars -- a Service Hero, (in her words) an "Ambassador-wanna-be", and always, always on the other end of the phone/text/email as advisor, encourager, and friend to Project 351.
Once again, our First Lady was there for our young leaders, yet again, as she kicked-off week one of our Service Leadership Academy. Yesterday, Lauren was the first "Movement Maker" featured on "Conversations with Charlie". A dialogue on how to inspire and lead change with our Board Chair and Honorary Dean Charlie Rose.
We treasured every minute -- especially her one-on-one conversations with our Ambassadors sharing their fears, looking for guidance, and offering their support through service. Lauren's advice and encouragement were invaluable, and her hope and resolve, an inspiration.
As we dedicate this #351GratitudeMoment to our First Lady, we share this message she offered during yesterday's Community Meeting. Reflections as heartfelt and beautiful as the person from whom they came. “We are all facing uncertainty and change, and that requires each of us to dig deeper into our humanity and support each other with greater love, charity, and patience than ever before, and if we do that -- together -- we will get through this. "
First Lady Lauren Baker, with love and gratitude, we dedicate this #351GratitudeMoment to you!
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In the spirit of One Boston Day, we remember with love and give gratitude in hope.
Today's #351GratitudeMoment is in video form by Ambassador Carliana Mejia of Lynn. She shared additional thoughts on the special people she appreciates: "The values and strengths that I admire in these frontline heroes are -- that no matter how hard the situation is -- they will always be there to help you. They just won’t give up.
My message for them and their family is to stay strong and don’t lose hope. If we come together as one community and support one another...we will be okay!" One Boston, One Community, One Commonwealth
United in hope.
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