SERVICE LEADERSHIP ACADEMY HOPE & GRATITUDE WALK

In March 2020, our world was forever changed by the global pandemic. Our foremost priority, always, was the health and safety of our community. Our second priority was to reimagine Project 351 so Ambassadors and Alumni could continue to learn, lead, and serve in a safe and supportive environment.

And, so...the Service Leadership Academy was born! A virtual community for inspiration, leadership development, and community building.

Today, SLA is the foundation of the Ambassador Journey. SLA is convened at important milestones throughout the year: February, to warmly welcome and unite new Ambassadors, and build the foundation for 35ONE leadership; and as the training platform for our three signature service campaigns: Spring, 9.11 Tribute, and Fall. SLA features weekly Community Meetings with special guests; Service Hero team building; Alumni leadership lessons; and a step-by-step “how to” develop and lead successful service.

The Hope & Gratitude Walk is a virtual community-building fundraiser to celebrate unity, express appreciation, and raise critical resources for nonprofit organizations we admire. The Walk was founded in 2020 in response to the pandemic as a platform to express gratitude for the selfless leadership of essential workers, healthcare professionals, and everyday heroes. Each Spring, we unite virtually with the 35ONE community to walk, run, bike, ride, skate, dance, or roll 3.51 miles on a favorite hometown route. Our fundraising efforts benefit three inspirational nonprofit organizations selected (by vote) by Ambassadors and Alumni.

In 2022, the Walk benefited Big Sister of Greater Boston, Embrace Boston, Roca, and World Central Kitchen. Additional resources funded the inaugural “Spirit of 35ONE” Awards, $2,000 scholarships to one or two graduating seniors who most powerfully reflects our vision and values. With joy, we celebrated Skyla Rimple of Mashpee, now a freshman at University of Pennsylvania and Jordan Stanley of Paxton, now a freshman at University of New Hampshire.

We look forward to spreading hope and celebrating gratitude with the Class of 2023 at this year’s Walk!