Friday, August 15, 2014
Wednesday, July 9, 2014
The Importance of Teamwork
The Importance of Teamwork
Olivia Gieger
Honestly, as a new member of the teen leadership corps,
starting a Cradles to Crayons collection drive was really scary. The task of
collecting 15 trash bags of clothes or books or toys was intimidating. The fact
that hundreds of children were fully dependent on having these items was that
much more intimidating. How could I, the new little freshman from Wellesley
High School, take on such an important task?
Luckily I wasn’t alone in completing this seemingly impossible
endeavor. I joined up with my fellow classmates and teen leaders, Louise Lynn
and Ethan Chiu, and together- although we still had to each collect the same
amount of donations- the task seemed a little less ominous.
Louise, Ethan, and I brainstormed together and decided we
wanted to have a book drive. We made it our goal not only to collect books in
good condition, but we wanted to collect titles that would excite children and
inspire an interest in reading for them. We reached out to local elementary
schools and set up collection bins there. We all met with the management of
Wellesley Books, and they helped us tremendously, giving us a collection bin in
their store and spreading the word of our drive through their social media. We
also spread the word through friends, family, and neighbors with young
children, which proved to be very effective; most of our donations came from
asking friends.
When the drive was over, we had collected 1,130 books which
would go to help over 375 children. This was incredibly rewarding to think we
could make an impact in the lives of so many kids with something as special as
a book. Even more so, however, it was especially rewarding to think that
Louise, Ethan, and I completed it as a team, and in doing so we were upholding
one of Cradles to Crayons’ core beliefs of working together and connecting a
community.
Tuesday, May 13, 2014
My One-On-One
Hey guys!
I just wanted to share my one-on-one experiences with all of you! I had two on-on-ones, the first was with my headmaster and the second was with an assistant dean at my high school (Brookline High School).
When I met with my headmaster, I went to talk to her about using my high school as another drop off location. She was very receptive to my ideas an agreed to let me put in a bin. Since the meeting went so well, I also pitched a few other ideas that I thought she might be able to help me with such as getting a Cradles to Crayons movie night going or having some kind of competition to help spread the word about our mission. She was a great leader and connector to have met with because she not only helped me get this site approved but she also referred me to the assistant dean who is another powerful member of my school's administration to help me with the placement of the donations bin.
I met with the assistant dean (Mr. Mason) the next week, which went way less well than my previous meeting. He was rude, critical and pessimistic about almost every aspect of my project. So in order to win him over, I was polite and stayed professional; I just gave him all the information to quell his doubts. Finally he agreed to help me!
Although the second meeting was difficult and unexpected, it was important to stay professional and let our mission/cause speak for itself.
I just wanted to share my one-on-one experiences with all of you! I had two on-on-ones, the first was with my headmaster and the second was with an assistant dean at my high school (Brookline High School).
When I met with my headmaster, I went to talk to her about using my high school as another drop off location. She was very receptive to my ideas an agreed to let me put in a bin. Since the meeting went so well, I also pitched a few other ideas that I thought she might be able to help me with such as getting a Cradles to Crayons movie night going or having some kind of competition to help spread the word about our mission. She was a great leader and connector to have met with because she not only helped me get this site approved but she also referred me to the assistant dean who is another powerful member of my school's administration to help me with the placement of the donations bin.
I met with the assistant dean (Mr. Mason) the next week, which went way less well than my previous meeting. He was rude, critical and pessimistic about almost every aspect of my project. So in order to win him over, I was polite and stayed professional; I just gave him all the information to quell his doubts. Finally he agreed to help me!
Although the second meeting was difficult and unexpected, it was important to stay professional and let our mission/cause speak for itself.
Tuesday, April 22, 2014
http://nonprofitfinancefund.org/state-of-the-sector-surveys?utm_source=2014+Survey+Results+-+alll+NFF%2FBAC+lists+excl+Arts&utm_campaign=4-7-14SurveyResults+to+NFF%2FBAC+lists+excl.+Arts&utm_medium=email
Study of the state of non for profits--pretty interesting how it connects to how when general city resources shut down so do non-profits and then they can't serve the people they do.
Study of the state of non for profits--pretty interesting how it connects to how when general city resources shut down so do non-profits and then they can't serve the people they do.
The link below is to a study Harris Interactive conducted
for them (note that it was from a widely-representative panel of adults across
the U.S.) demonstrating the health benefits
from volunteering.
Some great stats on how volunteering:
· Lowers stress
· Improves mood
· Increases sense of connection to community
· Enriches sense of purpose
We see first-hand these benefits, but it’s great to have
a study to point to!
Friday, April 18, 2014
National Child Awareness Month Youth Ambassador Program
Check out this great opportunity for a Youth Ambassador Program next school year! It's for young people ages 16-22 who are committed to service to fellow youth in their communities and the issues they face-- a perfect description of you all!
http://www.ysa.org/ncam?utm_source=National+Service+Briefing+4.17.14&utm_campaign=NSB+4.17.14&utm_medium=email
http://www.ysa.org/ncam?utm_source=National+Service+Briefing+4.17.14&utm_campaign=NSB+4.17.14&utm_medium=email
Monday, April 14, 2014
One on Ones!
Hey guys!
I wanted to send out a reminder to all of you about one of your themes this session, which is having one on ones! It is a great way to get some help or new ideas on your project and a great way to get more donations! I found a great connector, the superintendent of my school system. I had a meeting with my superintendent, Mrs. Spinelli, last week and it went really well! I wanted to share my experience and encourage you guys to start thinking about who you can have your on on one with if you haven't had a chance to do so yet.
I did a lot of research on Mrs. Spinelli before our meeting so I would be able to have some background information. I really admire her as an educational leader in my community and I made sure I approached her in that aspect as opposed to coming right out and "demanding" help with my drive. When you approach people by complimenting them first they tend to usually be a lot more open to what you have to say, so that's what I tried to do. Because she is such great educational leader in our community I asked her if there was anyway she personally could help me with my drive or if she could get me in contact with someone who could help me out. It is usually a good idea to approach the person you meet with with a few ideas of how they can help you. I told her all about how C2C encourages education and how our donations to these children can help these children get to school, build their self-esteem, etc. She was so open to helping me and getting contact information for people that would be a great source to me from around the community! She even is going to donate PJ's to my PJ drive! If you are planning to have a meeting with a connector or already did always remember to send a thank you of some sort!
My meeting with Mrs. Spinelli was very successful and I wanted to share my experiences with you all and invite you guys to ask questions, or even share about your meetings you've had with connectors.
-Emma Estabrook
I wanted to send out a reminder to all of you about one of your themes this session, which is having one on ones! It is a great way to get some help or new ideas on your project and a great way to get more donations! I found a great connector, the superintendent of my school system. I had a meeting with my superintendent, Mrs. Spinelli, last week and it went really well! I wanted to share my experience and encourage you guys to start thinking about who you can have your on on one with if you haven't had a chance to do so yet.
I did a lot of research on Mrs. Spinelli before our meeting so I would be able to have some background information. I really admire her as an educational leader in my community and I made sure I approached her in that aspect as opposed to coming right out and "demanding" help with my drive. When you approach people by complimenting them first they tend to usually be a lot more open to what you have to say, so that's what I tried to do. Because she is such great educational leader in our community I asked her if there was anyway she personally could help me with my drive or if she could get me in contact with someone who could help me out. It is usually a good idea to approach the person you meet with with a few ideas of how they can help you. I told her all about how C2C encourages education and how our donations to these children can help these children get to school, build their self-esteem, etc. She was so open to helping me and getting contact information for people that would be a great source to me from around the community! She even is going to donate PJ's to my PJ drive! If you are planning to have a meeting with a connector or already did always remember to send a thank you of some sort!
My meeting with Mrs. Spinelli was very successful and I wanted to share my experiences with you all and invite you guys to ask questions, or even share about your meetings you've had with connectors.
-Emma Estabrook
Tuesday, April 1, 2014
Hi Teen Leaders!
I know the impact you are making is very important to you. I wanted to share some high lights and interesting points of a survey we gave out to our partners/the social workers who work with the families and children we serve.
93.55% of our partners reported that we provide high quality items
88.17% said we fill their request in a timely manner
83.7% said we are always reliable as a resources for children's items and 0% said we are not reliable
73.12% reported that C2C's items are critical in helping them support families
59.68% of partners said they do not receive winter coats from other sources
Because of the winter appropriate items children are able to play safely outside during cold weather (91.40%), travel safely to and from school (93.01%), and attend school during cold weather (90.86%)
Over 70% of the families we serve are single parents
Self-esteem, school readiness, and relieving parent stress all rated in the high 80's and 90's in terms of how our products help families
Parents are able to pay for groceries because they do not have to spend money on these items (87.10%)
If you would like to see the full survey, you can come to my desk and check it out the next time you are in!
I know the impact you are making is very important to you. I wanted to share some high lights and interesting points of a survey we gave out to our partners/the social workers who work with the families and children we serve.
93.55% of our partners reported that we provide high quality items
88.17% said we fill their request in a timely manner
83.7% said we are always reliable as a resources for children's items and 0% said we are not reliable
73.12% reported that C2C's items are critical in helping them support families
59.68% of partners said they do not receive winter coats from other sources
Because of the winter appropriate items children are able to play safely outside during cold weather (91.40%), travel safely to and from school (93.01%), and attend school during cold weather (90.86%)
Over 70% of the families we serve are single parents
Self-esteem, school readiness, and relieving parent stress all rated in the high 80's and 90's in terms of how our products help families
Parents are able to pay for groceries because they do not have to spend money on these items (87.10%)
If you would like to see the full survey, you can come to my desk and check it out the next time you are in!
Friday, March 28, 2014
Online Community Guidelines
Be respectful
Don't take over the discussion: Step up, step back/listen up
Be supportive and inclusive
Be positive
Keep an open mind; really listen to what others say
Don't use inappropriate or offensive language or images
Don't spam the group
Only post links, articles, and images which are related to the TLC program, C2C mission, service, leadership, the need, about your projects, etc.
I encourage posts about other events and activities you can invite your fellow Teen Leaders to such as plays, concerts, service projects, etc.
In general use your best judgment!
Be respectful
Don't take over the discussion: Step up, step back/listen up
Be supportive and inclusive
Be positive
Keep an open mind; really listen to what others say
Don't use inappropriate or offensive language or images
Don't spam the group
Only post links, articles, and images which are related to the TLC program, C2C mission, service, leadership, the need, about your projects, etc.
I encourage posts about other events and activities you can invite your fellow Teen Leaders to such as plays, concerts, service projects, etc.
In general use your best judgment!
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