Ambassador Journey
Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.’s vision of the Beloved Community inspires our mission and youth-led service movement. Each January, Project 351 honors his life and legacy by convening a new Class of 8th grade Ambassadors who embrace the responsibility to lead with a determination to make a difference.
Selected by hometown educators, these unsung heroes and quiet leaders unite for a transformative year of service and leadership. They join a warm, welcoming community built on the belief that service is joy and that world changing impact is possible. They offer their unique gifts, force of idealism, and dedication to a cause greater than self. From 351 cities and towns, they become one community, one team, one force for extraordinary good.
Ambassadors are invited to “unite, act, and lead” for 12 months of inspirational service, empowering leadership training, and teamwork with a statewide network of friends.
Launch & Service Day in honor of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
Hosted by John Hancock and media partner WBZ-TV, Launch Day is an inspirational start to the Ambassador year. The full day of celebration and friendship includes an inspirational kick-off at Faneuil Hall with Governor Charlie Baker, team based service at high impact nonprofit organizations across Boston, and a Service Celebration at the John F. Kennedy Presidential Library & Museum. More than 400 educators, Alumni, and volunteers unite to lead a day of enrichment, inspiration, and joy. At day’s end, Ambassadors are invited to lead their first hometown project -- Spring Service in support of Cradles to Crayons.
Spring Service | In support of Cradles to Crayons
Spring Service demonstrates the awe-inspiring impact of young people united by a shared mission. Each April the Spring Service team leads hometown service to collect gently worn clothing and shoes, and financial donations in support of Cradles to Crayons. Through Project 351 customized training and mentoring model, Ambassadors gain the skills and confidence to mobilize their schools and community in service, while strengthening the values of kindness, compassion, and generosity. Spring Service is the largest youth-led service in the state’s history and generates the greatest in-kind donation to C2C annually. Below, we invite you to learn about 2018 scale of engagement and impact of Ambassador leadership on the lives of children in homeless or challenging economic circumstances.
United in Remembrance | Memorial Day
A core value of Project 351 service is the expression of gratitude, respect, and support for veterans, military, first responders, and their families. It is the deepest privilege for Ambassadors to represent Governor Charlie Baker and Secretary of Veterans Services Francisco Urena at hometown Memorial Day ceremonies across the state. Ambassadors are invited to read the Governor’s official proclamation and support local Veterans’ events.
Leadership Reunion
In June, Ambassadors and Alumni reunite for Reunion — a supercharger that fuels our statewide movement for good, builds friendships, strengthens the courage and capability to lead, and launches the second half of our service year. Reunion is hosted by the New England Patriots Foundation at Gillette Stadium, in partnership with Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts. Highlights include leadership workshops, inspirational speakers, high impact service, and our annual Peace & Unity Walk. Annually, the Kraft family generously honors a Project 351 senior with the Myra H. Kraft Giving Back Scholarship, a $20,000 investment in recognition of the honoree’s exemplary service leadership, humility, and values.
9.11 Tribute Service | In support of the Massachusetts Military Heroes Fund
Each September 11th, Ambassadors honor and remember through service in partnership with the Massachusetts Military Heroes Fund. Projects are dedicated to Massachusetts residents lost on September 11, 2001 and Fallen Heroes with local roots since 2001. Through service, the Tribute team demonstrates their patriotism and reverence for those we honor. Tribute Service includes leadership of MMHF’s annual “9.11 Service”, which creates 1,000 care packages for active duty service members from Massachusetts and local veterans struggling with homelessness. Ambassadors and Alumni also lead “hometown tributes” to honor the 9.11 anniversary and in support of local heroes – police, fire, first responders, and military.
Fall Service | The Ambassador Campaign to end Hunger
Ambassadors conclude their service year by leading the fight to end hunger in their hometown. Fall Service models the training and mentorship of Spring Service, with an additional focus on civic engagement and media relations. Ambassadors and their Leadership Team of peers raise awareness, resources, and food donations to restock the shelves of their hometown food pantry after Thanksgiving and in advance of the December holidays. As the Ambassador Journey concludes, the Alumni experience begins!
“As a Project 351 Ambassador, I have grown as a leader.
I have developed compassion and perseverance and I take great pride in my service.
I have made an impact on my community and I am very proud of that.”