Our #351GratitudeMoment is sent with special love and gratitude to the more than 600 Ambassadors, Alumni, educators, family, friends, and Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts Blue Crew members walking in HOPE and with GRATITUDE this weekend.

Led by our Ambassadors and Alumni, a united community from the Berkshires to Cape Cod are moving their feet and raising funds in support of Be Like Brit, No Kid Hungry, and Wonderfund MA.

ALC Dominique Thomas and her Mom Elizabeth helped kick-off early this morning with a three hour walk, capped by an on-message iced tee from Coffee Break Cafe! Hundreds will follow in their footsteps in their own hometown this weekend.

Over the next two days, we walk in deep GRATITUDE for the heroic essential workers, civic leaders, and other unsung heroes who have courageously led us through this challenging time.

We know there will be countless #351GratitudeMoments expressed and shared by our 351 community. This afternoon, we want to send our greatest thanks to the Walkers...for leading, serving, caring, raising funds, and uplifting community.

We're excited to lace up our sneaks and hit the byways, pathways, beachwalks, hiking trails, Main Streets, and favorite vistas in the most beautiful, generous, and compassionate state in the country.

Please join us -- fundraising is not required. All you need is an abundance of HOPE and GRATITUDE to fuel your journey! You can check out information here: https://project351.org/hope-and-gratitude-walk

#351GratitudeMoment

#HopeandGratitudeWalk

It is a special joy to highlight today's Alumni #351GratitudeMoment. At Project 351, we seek to inspire, enable, and elevate a new generation of "movement makers". Leaders like Whitney Meritus of Yarmouth and Evan Gendreau of Westport, who fuse their passions and abilities to mobilize others for civic change.

We admire their courage of conviction and the idealism of their purpose. And, are filled with hope with the promise of all that is to come. Whitney and Evan, with greatest pride, we dedicate this #351GratitudeMoment to you!

WHITNEY MERITUS, Yarmouth

Ambassador Class of 2016, Howard University '24

Founder, Sturgis East Diversity Squad

1. What is your service mission? What motivates this mission?

My service mission would be summed up as “change the world". I know that sounds cliché; but, it’s true. I think that this year especially, has taught us that life is unpredictable. And, that it can be scary and compel positive action.

I want to help as much as I can and love as much as I can. I want the earth and the people on it to be around for a very long time. If that’s going to happen, then I need to do my part to ensure a safe, fair, and sustainable future for all.

2. What is one of your passion projects?

My Cape diversity project — “The Sturgis East Diversity Squad.” I was motivated by racial insensitivity I experienced as a junior -- and how “outside” it made my classmates and I feel. My school has a very small percentage of students of color, and we really relied on each other during that time. I realized that other Cape students of color probably experience a similar situation.

Initially, my mission was to provide those students with love and solidarity. And, to educate my white classmates about how students of color experience our school community. My belief is that education is essential to progress. And, you should never label anyone without the opportunity to provide perspective and knowledge. No one can do better, until they know better.

I started the Diversity Squad with my friends. I love that I was able to collaborate with them and create a beautiful mission -- one that was truly needed! Through our outreach and efforts, incredibly important conversations have been had. And, bridges have been built to unite diverse students through understanding and love.

3. How has Project 351 prepared you to be a Leader for Life?

Project 351 has demonstrated and taught me about me genuine, authentic leadership. And, importantly, that there are many types of leadership — it doesn’t always look the same.

In my Project 351 family, I’ve seen many people -- who hadn't consider themselves leaders -- become beautiful catalysts for change. Project 351 has taught us that the values and traits that are instinctive to us — are qualities of good leaders. We often are don’t recognize it as leadership because we're just trying to do good in the world. So, we live our values every day.

Project 351 has taught me how to use those values and traits to lead and enact social change. Often times, I see my Project 351 community leading and don’t even have words to describe my admiration. In those moments, I think “wow, that’s leadership.” Project 351 taught me to recognize, value, and uplift those moments.

EVAN GENDREAU, Westport

Ambassador Class of 2013, UMASS Dartmouth '21

Candidate, State Representative, 8th Bristol District

1. What is your service mission?

My service mission is focusing on unity through community to drive positive change. As a college freshman, I pursued jobs in government and the public sector to help achieve this mission. I had the opportunity to work on a couple political campaigns before taking a position as a researcher at the Public Policy Center. PPC is a nonpartisan organization dedicated to informing evidence-based policymaking at the local, regional, and state level.

In addition, I'm running for State Representative in a district on the South Coast of the Commonwealth. Working in this field has taught me many things, and I'm motivated every day by engaging with community members through conversations and events. Speaking with neighbors, small business owners, teachers, cashiers, and farmers has both informed my mission and fueled my passion for public service. Hearing from diverse groups about the issues that concern them has given me a deeper understanding of my community and the needs of local residents.

2. How has Project 351 prepared you to be a Leader for Life?

Project 351 has prepared me for leadership roles in countless ways by instilling a sense of community through service. Project 351 showed me that service brings people together in a very powerful way.

Hearing from inspiring speakers at Launch Day and listening to the experiences of other Alumni and community leaders in Reunion workshops were particularly meaningful. Through leading service projects, I learned how to organize a team and coordinate with nonprofit organizations and community groups.

Project 351 is an important part of my life. I was lucky to stay involved after my Ambassador year by serving as an ALC member throughout high school. My advice to Ambassadors is to stay involved and learn as much as possible from Project 351 leaders, speakers, workshops, and events this year -- and as Alumni. Through your involvement, you'll acquire lifelong skills that will help you drive change in your communities.

#351GratitudeMoment

#GoodTrouble

#MovementMakers

We have so much love for our Alumni! We are in awe of the places they go, the leaders they become, and the vision of the Beloved Community they pursue.

Tonight, we continue our #351GratitudeMoments in dedication to the big dreamers, innovators, pioneers, and trailblazers who paved the way for the Ambassadors who followed.

With greatest pride and admiration, we dedicate this #351GratitudeMoment to two Alumni leaders of courage, compassion, and conviction -- Connor Schoen and Deborah Silva.

Connor and Deborah, you continue to inspire, teach, and lead us...and we are grateful beyond measure. Today's #351GratitudeMoment is dedicated to you!

DEBORAH SILVA, Brockton

Ambassador Class of 2015, Tufts University '23,

2020 Service Hero; Founding Class of Playbook Trainers; & Diversity Chair, DREAM Executive Board

1. What is your service mission?

I passionately pursue a world defined by service, compassion, and equality. I strive to leave places and people better than I have found them. I'm motivated by the desire to show others the love and care I have been given. Throughout my life, it is the support of others that has allowed me to achieve positive outcomes. In gratitude for the care extended by my community in my family’s time of need, I pay it forward through service.

Last year, I had the opportunity to serve as a Project 351 Playbook Trainer with the Boston Celtics. I partnered with Surya Adeleye (who you met last week during Leadership Lessons!). Through Playbook, I gained skills and knowledge on facilitating conversations about anti-bias, anti-discrimination with middle school students. And, deepened my passion for diversity and inclusion. Now a student at Tufts, I am dedicated to build on my commitment to social justice.

2. How do you continue you service mission at Tufts?

I volunteer for DREAM, a mentoring program in Somerville. Every week, we meet with our mentees to build skills, relationships, and community. Through DREAM, mentees learn how to be leaders, develop awareness and commitment to inclusivity and diversity, and strengthen their social and emotional well-being. This Fall, I will serve as the Diversity Chair on DREAM's executive board! As Chair, I will expand our programming to create equitable and inclusive opportunities for all.

3. How has Project 351 prepared you to be a Leader for Life?

Project 351 awakened in me an insatiable passion to serve with and for others. This drive is my motivating factor for all that I do -- from volunteer projects in college to cheering up a friend in their time of need.

Project 351's speakers, volunteers, and Ambassadors demonstrate the importance of lifting others up and fighting for justice for all. The words and actions I experience with my P351 family fuel my “call-to-action” to serve. Our community gives me the strength to conquer and accomplish feats I did not know were possible. Between leadership lessons, the support and example of my friends, and tangible tools and insights, Project 351 has prepared me to be a groundbreaker.

CONNOR SCHOEN, Westborough

Ambassador Class of 2013, Harvard University '20

Co-Founder, Breaktime

1. What is your service mission? What motivates this mission?

My service mission is to ensure that every young person has the opportunities and support that they need to pursue their dreams. When I was a freshman at Harvard, I was working at the Y2Y Harvard Square Shelter for young adults experiencing homelessness—an initiative I learned about through Project 351. At the same time, I was grappling with confusion about my own identity and navigating my path of coming out as bisexual. While at Y2Y, I learned that 40% of young adults experiencing homelessness identify as LGBTQ+, and many of them are homeless -- simply because their families kicked them out because of the way they identified. These peers taught me that no matter what, the most important thing in life is to just be yourself.

Y2Y was the first place I came out, and to this day, I feel immense gratitude to the people there that showed me how important it was to just love myself for who I am. This whole experience inspired me to found Breaktime to elevate young adults, like those at Y2Y, out of homelessness through transitional employment and financial empowerment. For the last two and a half years, I have been tirelessly committed to the mission of breaking the cycle of chronic homelessness. And, to ensuring that every one of my peers has the support they need to realize their full potential and live a stable life. Now that I've graduated Harvard, I'm excited to continue my work on Breaktime full-time. I'll continue to work relentlessly and innovate to solve this issue.

2. How has Project 351 prepared you to be a Leader for Life?

Project 351 was truly a life-changing public service experience for me. For the five years I served as Ambassador and on the ALC, I learned how to plan out projects, organize a team, build partnerships, and mobilize people and resources to accomplish big social change.

Project 351 equipped me with the frameworks I needed to understand project management and movement building, and it empowered me with the confidence I needed in my own leadership capabilities. Through its incredible community and amazing network of inspiring social innovators, Project 351 demonstrated to me -- at an early age -- that a career in public service is not only possible, but an incredibly meaningful way to live your life.

I would not be where I am without Project 351 today as a leader, social innovator, and human being. Project 351 instilled me with the values and inspiration I needed to chart the course I’m on, and every single day I am grateful for that.

Project 351 isn’t just something you do; it becomes part of who you are. Project 351 is definitely part of who I am, and I am constantly guided and inspired by the leadership of all the Ambassadors, Alumni, volunteers, and staff involved. I have so much love for this organization!

#351GratitudeMoment

#LeadersforLife

#GoodTrouble

This week marks the seventh of our Service Leadership Academy, our remote learning, leadership development, and civic engagement model that was created in response to the pandemic. Every day, we marvel at the compassion, creativity, and commitment of our young leaders.

This week, our SLA focus is on "Leaders for Life". We're excited to gain inspiration and enrichment from champions and role models with a lifetime commitment to lead positive change. We begin with a very special community -- nine Classes of Alumni, on whose shoulders the Class of 2020 stands.

This week's daily #351GratitudeMoments will celebrate Alumni "Leaders for Life". We kick-off with two courageous advocates who use their voice and skill to advance the rights and opportunities of others -- J.P. Grant, on behalf of LGBTQ community, and Megan Burke, in support of those affected by mental health challenges.

We're so proud of and grateful for J.P. and Megan's relentless devotion to social change, and dedicate this #351GratitudeMoment to them.

J.P. GRANT, Needham
Ambassador Class of 2016, Penn State '24
National Student Council Member, GLSEN (Gay, Lesbian and Straight Education Network)

1. What is your service mission?
My service mission is to provide a safe and beloved community for all people. I want every young person to feel ignited to shine. I want every young person to value their authenticity. I want every young person to know that it only takes one person to change the world. Everyone can be great.

2. What motivates your service mission?
What motivates me is seeing young people empowered and ready to serve for the issues and causes they believe in. Activism and leadership looks different in various ways. I’m inspired by people who are willing to help others who have no expectation for anything in return but love. Through GLSEN, I'm honored to have a national platform to advocate for greater acceptance and love for LGBTQ youth.

3. How as Project 351 prepared you to be a Leader for Life?
Project 351 has prepared me to be a leader for life by giving me the tools no one could buy. My selflessness and creativeness, but most importantly, my heart and my voice that led me to guiding others. Through Project 351, I developed the confidence needed to affect change and advocate for others.

MEGAN BURKE, Holliston
Ambassador Class of 2014, Villanova University '21
Founder, The Beautiful Mind Campaign

1. What is your service mission?
My mission is to transform all random acts of kindness to consistent acts of love. Whether it be in my personal relationships or The Beautiful Mind Campaign, a peer-to-peer mental health advocacy organization, I strive to form long-lasting, intentional connections rather than momentary, surface-level transactions.

2. What motivates this mission?
My sister motivates everything I do. Through severe mental health struggles, they has demonstrated what true courage sounds, looks, and feels like. I serve for those like my sister who courageously choose life and wake up every morning. Each of them deserve someone to hold their hand and to walk their journey with them. Rather than someone who tells them which path to take.

3. How has Project 351 prepared you to be a Leader for Life?
Project 351 gave me the confidence, capability, and sheer audacity to challenge the status quo. I have learned that my age, gender, and professional experience do not have to hold me back from enacting change and disrupting institutions, social systems, or societal patterns that disenfranchise certain vulnerable populations. While I acknowledge I still have a lot to learn, Project 351 has taught me that the best way to learn about the world is to completely and wholly immerse myself in it.

If every young person took an active role as the creative, entrepreneurial, collaborative individuals they are, there's no stopping our generation from changing this world for the better!

#351GratitudeMoment
#LeadersforLife

Today's #351GratitudeMoment is sent with love and admiration to our dear friends at the Massachusetts Military Heroes Fund and to the families of the heroes they honor. Over our decade-long partnership with MMHF, we've had the humbling opportunity to learn about the service and sacrifice of the Fallen -- and to meet their loving families. Their patriotism compels our greater service and our commitment to honor and remember throughout our service year.

Scotty Cameron, ALC of Walpole, echoes the appreciation deeply felt across the 351 community in his #351GratitudeMoment:

"I am thankful for the Massachusetts Military Heroes Fund. Especially during these uncertain times, it is comforting to know that there's an organization that cares for the families of brave heroes who lost their lives in service to our great country.

MMHF helps so many people who deserve greatest care and I have a ton of gratitude for their staff and volunteers. Their organization is built upon remembering the heroes who sacrificed themselves for our country. These heroes inspire my dedication to veterans in my community of Walpole.

Last year, their example motivated me to landscape my local VFW. I want to be sure that the heroes in my town know that they're amazing and that I'm grateful.

I'm so thankful the Massachusetts Military Heroes Fund demonstrates this gratitude at a huge scale for veterans and families of the Fallen."

#351GratitudeMoment

#HonorandRemember

#MemorialDay

This week at SLA has been dedicated to honoring, remembering, and appreciating our military and veterans. As we prepare for Memorial Day weekend, we dedicate this #351GratitudeMoment to the wonderful partners, mentors and organizations that have enriched and inspired us.

Very special thanks to Rob Gordon, West Point graduate, Army Colonel with 26 years of service to our nation, and architect of national service; Naval veterans Jimmy White and Jen Malandra,"Character Does Matter" Mentors with the Travis Manion Foundation; Alumni and Lance Corporal Noah Avila, USMC; and Surya Adeyele, Alumna and Tufts University '24 for their generosity of time, wisdom, and invaluable perspective. And, for each modeling powerful examples of service to cause greater than self.

Their important lessons and beautiful reflections on the meaning of Memorial Day further compel our young leaders' weekend remembrance. Including, their tribute to the Fallen in support of Massachusetts Military Heroes Fund virtual Flag Garden.

As part of that mission, Molly Castle, AMC of Norwell; George Potenza, RST of Foxborough; and Ambassador Faleehah Dam of Foxborough were very honored to serve with Robert Kraft, Donna Spigarolo, and the New England Patriots Foundation in support of MMHF's vision. This afternoon, the team planted 2,552 flags outside of Gillette Stadium -- one to honor each of Foxborough's brave Fallen from the Revolutionary War. Just one expression of the Kraft family's and Patriot's deep and abiding commitment to our military, veterans, and their families.

In this #351GratitudeMoment, we reflect back one week ago to Devin McCourty's definition: "Leadership requires a heart of servitude." And, pay honor to those brave and patriotic leaders who made the ultimate sacrifice in service to our nation.

We will never forget.

#351GratitudeMoment

#HonorandRemember

LINK: Photos - Patriots plant 2,500 American flags at Gillette Stadium

We'd like to dedicate today's #351GratitudeMoment -- and our great admiration -- to our Ambassadors and Alumni.

When this year -- and, as a result, our program year -- took a turn, we created the Service Leadership Academy, to virtually unite our community to learn, build community, and serve. SLA is all new...never been tested. And, what amazing pioneers you have been! Every day is a showcase of your passion and compassion; and -- in the face of challenge -- your strength, resilience, and hopeful spirits.

We're especially moved by your resolve and resourcefulness to find new ways to stand up, step up, lift up, and give back in ways that bring support and comfort to your community. (All while staying safe and socially distant, of course!)

Thank you for shining so bright through SLA. And, for reminding us that the best way to make "good trouble" is to stick to the list on the right!

Class of 2020 and Alumni, this #351GratitudeMoment is for you!

#351GratitudeMoment

#BelovedCommunity

#GoodTrouble

Today's #351GratitudeMoment is dedicated to four partners, leaders, and inspirations. Each of whom will play a central role in our first "Hope & Gratitude Walk" -- the culminating event of our Service Leadership Academy.

On May 29th, Ambassadors and Alumni will lead a Hope & Gratitude Walk to raise funds for three inspirational nonprofit organizations. We will walk with HOPE for the health and care of our neighbors, and in GRATITUDE to the heroes and civic leaders whose courageous service ensures the safety, recovery, and strength of our Commonwealth.

Today's first #351GratitudeMoment is for founding partner and Leadership Partner Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts. We are most thankful for their support of the Walk, expert guidance on the healthy benefits of walking, and steadfast belief over the last decade! They are true blue partners and champions every step of the way!

We send three additional #351GratitudeMoments to the three grantees we are privileged to support. Over the last two weeks, Ambassadors and Alumni researched, reflected, and selected -- by vote -- the three organizations that motivate their passion and service. Through SLA, we've been honored to learn from the inspirational leaders of these organizations -- each a veteran Project 351 Service Hero.

Today, we announce the grantees with #351Gratitude, love, and admiration for our Walk grantees:

1. BE LIKE BRIT -- Be Like Brit serves the children of Haiti through sustaining a safe, nurturing home rooted in the virtues of Faith, Hope and Love. The foundation of BLB is a sense of social responsibility, community involvement and unconditional love. Our Launch Day Unity Project provided thousands of essential hygiene items for the 66 children of BLB, and sponsored a new home build in BLB's community of Grand Goave, Haiti. Cherylann Gengel, Project 351 chaperone and volunteer, inspired us on our May 3rd Community Meeting. https://www.belikebrit.org/

2. NO KID HUNGRY -- No Kid Hungry is working to end child hunger in America today by ensuring that all children get the healthy food they need every day to thrive. NKH has served over 1 billion meals to children in need -- including in Massachusetts through partners like Project Bread. Since the pandemic, NKH has provided 800,000 meals a day to children missing the nutrition of school breakfast and lunch. Billy Shore, Founder of SOS/NKH, motivate our fight to end hunger as featured "Movement Maker"on April 22nd. https://www.nokidhungry.org/

3. WONDERFUND -- Wonderfund MA creates moments that matter. The Wonderfund works on behalf of children engaged with the MA Department of Children and Families. They provide comfort and dignity to children in traumatic situations and enrich childhoods that have been impacted by abuse and neglect. First Lady Lauren Baker is a Wonderfund champion and member of the Board. Annually, we partner with the Wonderfund at Launch and/or Reunion. Lauren shared her passion for the Wonderfund as she kicked-off SLA on April 8th. https://www.wonderfundma.org/

Our Hope & Gratitude Walk is a virtual community-building fundraiser to celebrate unity, put the leadership lessons of SLA into action, and provide critical resources for nonprofit organizations we admire.

We will be sharing additional information and warmly welcome you to participate! Fundraising is not required! Join us in HOPE & #351GRATITUDE. For more information, please visit https://project351.org/hope-and-gratitude-walk

And, one final message of #351Gratitude to our amazing Ambassadors and Alumni! Thank you for selecting three outstanding leaders of transformational change for the children they serve. We are so proud of you...and can't wait to Walk with you...together, though apart!

#351GratitudeMoment
#BuildHope
#ShareGratitude
❤️

Rounding out the week with a #351GratitudeMoment for all of the heartfelt, creative, and magnanimous ways educators, families, celebrities, and even, former Presidents, are celebrating the amazing Class of 2020!

We have special love for this Class as we celebrate three graduations -- our 8th graders, high school seniors, and college grads. As individuals, so remarkable. As a collective, they are the hope we wish to see in this world.

We wish we could magically restore their anticipated milestones, special events, and moments of timeless memories. We lack that superpower, and replace it with our heartfelt appreciation, admiration, and pride. And, hope that our virtual Leadership Reunion in June provides a measure of joy and magic!

But, tonight, we want to share a #351GratitudeMoment for the countless educators going door-to-door or leading car parades in celebration of their graduates. Providing each one with a special moment of joy and celebration. Their devotion fills out hearts.

As do the endless tributes by proud families, beaming with certainty of their graduates' unique brand of special. Their scholar, athlete, artist, activist, entrepreneur, change maker...ready to shine their shine in ways that illuminate our world.

This weekend, there are a few national celebrations of note. Tomorrow evening, "America Honors the High School Class of 2020" with #GraduateTogether -- a celebration produced by Lebron James.

Highlights include musical performance and messages of encouragement from special guests including Alicia Keys, Megan Rapinoe, Pharrell Williams, and Service Heroes Malala Yousafzai and Yara Shahidi.

The highlight of this tribute to grads will be a commencement address from former President Barack Obama.

So, after a day of outdoor exploration in the sunshine, celebrate your favorite graduate tomorrow at 8 p.m. Apparently, it is on every channel! A fitting tribute to the wonderful, resilient, hopeful, forward-looking, and amazing Class of 2020!

Graduates, educators, and families, this #351GratitudeMoment is for you!

#351GratitudeMoment

#Classof2020

This afternoon's #351GratitudeMoment is dedicated with much admiration to a great man, inspiring leader, and wonderful Dad.

Yesterday, Devin McCourty was the special guest of our weekly Community Meeting, a forum for wisdom, insights, and encouragement from leaders we admire. Devin McCourty & Jason McCourty are 2020 Service Heroes, and Devin generously shared an hour to build community with our statewide crew.

One word: Wow.

Sixty minutes of inspiration, including Devin's dedication to continuous growth as a husband, father, son, brother, Patriot, and social justice leader. Reflections on the humbling influence of Civil Rights leaders like Dr. King and John Lewis. And, his definition of leadership -- a lesson learned from Matthew Slater, "Leadership requires a heart of servitude."

Devin concluded with a message of hope and resilience --encouraging our eighth grade Ambassadors and Alumni to focus on emerging from the pandemic stronger and with a deeper commitment to service and compassion.

The hour was packed with countless gems, but no greater moments than the on camera appearances by his adorable children, Londyn and Brayden. Devin managed to love up his children without skipping a beat!

We have greatest affection and admiration for this great and good man. And, endless #351Gratitude for his generosity of spirit and depth of humanity -- and that of his brother, Jason. We are grateful for the privilege of honoring them with a Service Hero team of Ambassadors, who serve in their honor this year.

And, we offer special appreciation to our beloved friend Donna Spigarolo, Director of Community Relations, New England Patriots. Every day, all across New England, Donna makes magic -- like last evening -- possible, and we are thankful.

#351GratitudeMoment

#ServiceHero

#GoodTrouble

#BelovedCommunity