2024 Ambassador Handbook

Ambassador Handbook

Class of 2024

Except where otherwise noted, this work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution Non-Commercial-Share Alike 4.0 International License. https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-sa/4.0/. It is attributed to Project 351.

Project 351 encourages you to use this Handbook to inspire youth service and build unity, for research, or other noncommercial purposes with proper citation when used publicly.

Please use the following citation when referencing this Handbook: Project 351. (2024). Ambassador Handbook. 2024. Edition. Boston, MA.

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PROJECT 351

Table of Contents Welcome. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5 what is project 351? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 Commitment to lead. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 Our History. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 Ambassador Journey. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12 Service Mission . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14 AlumnI . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22 Service Hero Teams. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26 Regional Unity. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27 Planning Calendar. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30 Contact us. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33

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“You are a light.

You are the light!

Never let anyone — any person or any force — dampen, dim or diminish your light.

Lean toward the whispers of your own heart, discover the universal truth, and follow its dictates.

Release the need to hate, to harbor division, and the enticement of revenge. Release all bitterness.

Hold only love, only peace in your heart, knowing that the battle of good to overcome evil is already won.

Choose confrontation wisely, but, when it is your time, don’t be afraid to stand up, speak up, and speak out against injustice.

And, if you follow your truth down the road to peace and the affirmation of love, if you shine like a beacon for all to see… then the poetry of all the great dreamers and philosophers is yours to manifest in a nation, a world community, and a Beloved Community that is finally at peace with itself.”

Congressman John Lewis Civil Rights Hero • 2024 Service Hero • Good Troublemaker 4

PROJECT 351

“I lead to show my community that we all have good within us and we all have the ability to do good around us.”

MADDIE BALZANO, ALUMNA, AGAWAM

CLASS OF 2024 Ambassadors, It is a great joy to warmly welcome you to Project 351’s youth-led movement of positive change! A movement powered by your kindness and compassion as volunteer, classmate, and friend. And, the quiet and thoughtful ways you make a difference, bring joy to others, and stand up for what you believe.

This year – and your Class – marks a very special milestone: the leadership of 5,000 Ambassadors since our founding in 2011! A cause for celebration at Launch and beyond! This handbook will help prepare you for those leadership opportunities ahead. Turn the page to find inspiration, information, and tools to lead and serve.

As we begin our 14th year, Project 351 is enriched by your families and educators. We are grateful to them for inspiring you to be your truest and best self; and for making our mission possible by their belief and support.

The greatest gift of Project 351 is the opportunity to serve with and learn from you. I’m grateful for the hope you inspire, the goodness you represent, the kindness with which you lead, and your commitment to use your gifts to make a difference in your community and our world.

And so, we begin!

With kindness,

Carolyn

Carolyn Casey Founder & Executive Director Project 351

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What is Project 351?

We sing the song of the unsung hero and amplify the voice of the quiet leader.

At Project 351, we believe that every young person is remarkable and that within them, lie the tools, vision, and desire to build a more just, inclusive and united global community.

Project 351 is a nonprofit organization that develops a new generation of community-first service leaders through the yearlong engagement of an eighth grade Ambassador from each of the 351 cities and towns in Massachusetts. Youth are selected by hometown educators for an exemplary ethic of service and the values of kindness, compassion, humility, and gratitude.

With essential support of hometown educators and guided by Project 351, this rising generation of leaders builds the skills required to lead positive change, deepen awareness of critical issues, and foster community values through unifying service projects and civic engagement. Importantly, Ambassadors create statewide scale of impact by mobilizing their schools and hometowns in support of partners including Cradles to Crayons, Hope & Comfort, and the Massachusetts Military Heroes Fund.

Over a year’s term, Ambassadors—and the thousands of classmates they engage—demonstrate the power and potential of young people in service, and inspire hope for the future they commit to create.

OUR MISSION Build a movement of youth-led service that transforms communities, elevates kindness, and advances opportunity by investing in the courage, compassion, and unlimited capabilities of eighth grade unsung heroes and quiet leaders.

OUR VISION A generation of courageous, compassionate, and skilled leaders to advance the values of community, the aspirations of opportunity, the tenets of civic responsibility, and the dignity and potential of every individual.

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PROJECT 351

OUR VALUES Kindness The quality of being friendly, generous, considerate, and warm toward all others

Humility The characteristic of being modest, recognizing that my experiences and perspectives are one of many

Compassion The instinct to care deeply about others through greater understanding of their life story and circumstances

Gratitude The quality of being thankful; demonstrating appreciation and kindness with joy

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AMBASSADOR COMMITMENT TO LEAD Our community is led by a set of guiding principles — each of which is essential to our mission and important to our unity and well-being. Throughout this service year, we hope that you gain an understanding of the Project 351 values and ethos that define our service, our community, and the world that we hope to build.

We are a youth-led movement for positive social change, defined by courage, compassion, and a spirit of unity that thrives with hope. We build from a foundation of gratitude for those who came before us — our families and communities, Alumni, and a long, rich history of Service Heroes, movement makers, and change agents.

As an Ambassador...

I begin and end—my service, leadership, and community building—in gratitude I commit to Project 351’s core values as my North Star: kindness, compassion, humility, and gratitude.

I serve with a deep understanding of my own motivations, enriched by self-reflection and a dedication to kaizen—the ideal of continuous improvement.

I believe in the power of audacious hope, the transformative impact of kindness, and the unlimited potential of 35ONE—the belief and practice that we are stronger together.

I lead with love, serve with compassion, and build bridges with respect for the dignity of all.

I reject racism, bigotry, hatred, and bullying of any kind and in every form.

I embrace the knowledge and joy found in a diversity of perspectives, backgrounds, and lived experiences.

I use my voice to inspire, express appreciation, encourage friendship, and amplify the unheard.

I devote my gifts to the causes and issues that inspire my passion; and to the unifying vision of the Beloved Community.

I step up and stand up as an ally and champion for those in need of our advocacy and friendship.

As I serve and support others, I prioritize my own wellness, care, and affirmation -- mindful that 35ONELove begins with self-love.

I will UNITE, ACT, LEAD with purpose, passion, and pride.

And, as a proud Ambasador and member of the 35ONE community, I will demonstrate that our generation is a mighty force for extraordinary change.

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Our service ethos Each time that we UNITE, ACT, LEAD in service, we express...

Begin in gratitude for the privilege of service and the opportunity to learn from those with whom we serve.

Enter into community with humility and respect.

Respect and value the dignity of all.

Serve “with” not “for” community. Communities are rich in wisdom, initiatives, and ideas, but often lack vital resources that allow them to achieve their vision. When we serve, we support their vision by mobilizing resources that may be lacking.

Together, we are stronger. Collaborative teamwork increases service excellence. Respect for the opinions, ideas, and perspectives of others is essential.

We are one team, one community, one family...35ONE!

SERVICE IS JOY!

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Project 351 History Project 351 was founded in 2011 as a one day celebration for Governor Deval Patrick’s second inaugural.

The vision of Project 351 was developed by Carolyn Casey as a reflection of her belief in the unlimited potential of young people to achieve the Beloved Community. Governor Patrick’s embrace of Project 351 enabled the first convening of Ambassadors. On a snowy Dr. King Weekend, the Class of 2011 united to celebrate, learn, and demonstrate the transformative impact of eighth graders in service.

By day’s end, a movement of hope-in-action had been founded. The optimism, energy, and potential of those eighth graders couldn’t be contained within a single day—and Project 351 was born. Each year forward, Project 351 Ambassadors would unite the entire state as one team, one community in service to cause greater than self.

One year later, Governor Patrick convened the second Class of Ambassadors to celebrate Dr. King and kick-off a 12-month leadership journey. The mission of Project 351, as an independent, nonprofit youth leadership organization, had begun! Continuing with the engaged leadership of Governor Maura Healey, Project 351 is a grassroots, youth-led, school-based movement for positive change. One that advances Social and Emotional Learning objectives, scales transformative impact for nonprofit innovators, and develops a rising generation of upstanders, bridge builders, and change makers.

Today, our Ambassador & Alumni community stands more than 5,000 strong, with more than 1.3 million lives positively impacted through service. With Project 351 enrichment, training, and mentorship, Ambassadors dedicate a year to build unity, cultivate kindness, and transform lives and communities through service. As they serve, they develop the courage, compassion, and capabilities to lead aweinspiring change.

Governor Patrick convenes the first class of Ambassadors Spring Service is launched!

1st statewide service: 9.11 Tribute Service

2011

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Our Founding Class graduates High School

1,000 Ambassadors!

Alumni Leadership Council (ALC) founded

Leadership Reunion founded at Holy Cross College

2012

Governor Baker & Lauren Baker welcome our 5th Class

Fall Service Campaign to End Hunger is launched

2014

2,000 Ambassadors!

2016

Since 2011,

4,891 8th Grade Ambassadors have

Served

Mobilized

1,225,105

312,580

neighbors

students and friends in service

Developed

Fostered

the skills, confidence,

a culture of kindness

Committed to a lifetime of

and courage to lead and

and compassion in

civic responsibility

succeed as agents of

hundreds of schools and

and service

positive change

communities

Service Leadership Academy founded 3,000 Ambassadors!

500,000 neighbors served!

2018

Celebrating a decade of service with our 10th Class!

The Playbook Initiative, with the Boston Celtics, begins!

2020

Welcome to our 14th class!

Hope & Gratitude Walk founded

4,000 Ambassadors!

5,000 Ambassadors!

2022

2024

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A Year of Service, Leadership, & COMMUNITY welcome

JANUARY 13

LAUNCH & SERVICE DAY

Congratulations to a new Class of unsung heroes and quiet leaders. Get ready for an exciting year to Unite.

Act. Lead. with new friends who share your passion for making a difference.

in partnership with JOHN HANCOCK In honor of DR. MARTIN LUTHER KING JR. & CORETTA SCOTT KING

Ambassadors kick off a year of service and leadership development through a celebratory day of impact and unity.

FEBRUARY

SERVICE LEADERSHIP ACADEMY

APRIL

SPRING SERVICE

Inspiration, mentorship, and community building virtually to prepare Ambassadors for their year of service leadership.

IN SUPPORT OF CRADLES TO CRAYONS

Ready, set, lead...your first statewide service project! Project 351 will guide you step by step as you positively impact tens of thousands of children experiencing homelessness & economic hardship.

MAY/JUNE

HOPE & GRATITUDE WEEKEND Walk/run/bike/move for 3.51 miles (or more!) in your hometown with friends and family. United, we raise funds in support of nonprofits selected by you and your fellow Ambassadors!

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SEPTEMBER 11

9.11 TRIBUTE SERVICE IN SUPPORT OF THE MASSACHUSETTS MILITARY HEROES FUND In tribute to the unifying power of community, service to “honor and remember” in support of bereaved families of Fallen Military Heroes.

DECEMBER

FALL SERVICE

OCTOBER

SERVICE LEADERSHIP ACADEMY SLA is back with more inspirational programming, leadership training, and special guests!

THE AMBASSADOR CAMPAIGN TO END HUNGER Ambassadors mobilize schools and communities in service to hometown food pantries and the families they nourish.

Invitation to Alumni Organization JUNE

LEADERSHIP REUNION HOSTED BY THE NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS FOUNDATION

Join Project 351’s Alumni community to serve and lead through high school and beyond!

Celebratory gathering of Ambassadors and Alumni! Unite for leadership development, service impact, and team building with special guests.

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Project 351’s Service Mission Each year, a new community of diverse and committed Ambassadors convene to build unity, cultivate kindness, and transform lives and communities through service. Their leadership addresses the causes and consequences of poverty, and builds a Commonwealth that progresses diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging.

Over a year’s term, Ambassadors are invited to lead hometown service to provide compassion and care for children experiencing homelessness, families facing hunger, seniors with economic hardship, and young people in need of the resources to thrive.

Project 351’s virtual Service Leadership Academy provides enrichment, training, and mentorship to prepare Ambassadors to lead with skill and confidence. We learn about the value of small acts of kindness, and the extraordinary impact realized when we unite as one team, one community, one state...35ONE! Since 2011, Ambassadors have united their communities to positively impact 1.2 million neighbors. Our service is only possible through partnership with visionary community leaders including

VISION One day, every child will have the essentials they need to feel safe, warm, ready to learn, and valued.

PROJECT 351

For Spring Service, Ambassadors mobilize hometowns to donate like-new clothing and shoes to ensure thousands of at-risk children can grow, learn, and thrive!

Everyone living in the US will have access to essential hygiene products to feel clean, confident, and healthy.

Throughout the year, our product drives collect thousands of hygiene items, including soap and toothpaste, to support the health and dignity of youth and families facing economic hardship.

Provide support to the families of military personnel who have died as a result of active duty service post 9/11/2001.

9.11 Tribute Service unites communities to “honor and remember” by providing care packages, financial support, and tributes to veterans, military families, and Fallen Heroes.

End hunger through service, fundraising, and advocacy in support of hometown food pantries and the community members they nourish.

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OUR IMPACT

Fall Service mobilizes Ambassadors to lead food drives for local pantries in order to stock the shelves for the holiday season and reduce hometown hunger.

SPRING SERVICE

in partnership with Cradles to Crayons to address childhood poverty & homelessness More than 1 in 3 Massachusetts children, 12 years old and younger, live in low-income or homeless situations. Because of their economic hardship, they lack the resources, opportunities, and support to achieve their unlimited potential. In response, Ambassadors lead Spring Service, the first of three statewide service campaigns. Spring Service supports Cradles to Crayons, a nonprofit that provides every day essentials to children experiencing homelessness and poverty— more than 3.4 million children since 2002.

Ambassadors will apply newly learned leadership lessons to hometown service. United with a shared mission, you will organize your first product drive, collecting gently worn clothing for the children served by Cradles to Crayons. As you serve, you’ll strengthen the values of kindness, compassion, and generosity. Spring Service is the largest youth-led service in the state’s history and generates the largest in-kind donation annually to Cradles to Crayons.

“My goal is to help kids feel proud and hopeful.

I want them to have what they need to have a bright future.” ~ Kira, Class of 2021, Webster

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9.11 TRIBUTE SERVICE in partnership with MA Military Heroes Fund to honor and remember those lives lost on 9.11 & to support military, veterans, and their families Each September 11th, the Project 351 community joins millions of volunteers across the country for a National Day of Service and Remembrance. We unite to honor and remember the loved ones lost in the terrorist attacks and the bravery and sacrifice of those who answered the call to serve by enlisting in our military.

Our service demonstrates the hope and unity that helped heal our nation after the terrorist attacks of 2001. Ambassadors “honor and remember” through service to the Massachusetts Military Heroes Fund, New England Center and Home for Veterans, hometown veteran and military, troops overseas, and families of the Fallen and the loved ones lost on 9.11 Tribute Service includes the creation of 1,000 care packages for military and veterans; local acts of service—such as landscaping a hometown VFW; and the creation of a Tribute Stone Garden in remembrance of the Fallen and 9.11 victims.

“Tribute Service inspires me to continue to honor and remember the lives lost over 20 years ago. Serving with people who were there to remember their loved ones was inspiring. The families wanted to continue their loved one’s legacy. Helping to carry a small amount of that legacy means a great deal to me.” ~Axel, Class of 2022, Lynn

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FALL SERVICE in partnership with Hometown Food Pantries to eradicate hunger in Massachusetts Hunger is a persistent, unrelenting challenge in every community in the Commonwealth. A crisis that has been exacerbated by the pandemic and impedes the full potential of every child.

Our friends at Project Bread report that food insecurity in Massachusetts is at 16.8% for all households. That unfair and unjust reality includes 1 in 5 children affected by food insecurity.

Fall Service is a platform to use the skills, confidence, and knowledge you’ve gained as Ambassador to support your hometown food pantry and help eradicate hunger. You’ll also learn how to partner with media, elected officials, and local businesses to help ensure every family is nourished.

Under your leadership, Fall Service can include fundraising, a food drive, advocacy, and volunteer recruitment in support of your pantry. In 2022, the Fall Service team united to nourish more than 34,117 neighbors across the state.

“Being suitably nourished is a basic human right, and no matter what someone is going through - healthy food should always be a constant in their lives. It is crucial to make sure that hunger is ended because that will show those battling food insecurity that we care for them and that they are going to be okay.”

- Arjun, Class of 2023, Northborough

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SERVICE LEADERSHIP ACADEMY 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.

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PROJECT 351

HOPE & GRATITUDE WEEKEND Hope & Gratitude Weekend is a virtual community-building fundraiser to celebrate unity, express appreciation, and raise critical resources for nonprofit organizations we admire. Hope & Gratitude Weekend 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 2023, the Walk benefited Cuerd@s, Shane Gives Thanks Food Pantry, and Martin Richard Foundation. 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 you this year!

“Project 351 reminds me that having faith and hope— and our unity through service for others —are the most important ways to get through these tough times.” ~ LIA, Class of 2020, AUBURN

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THE PLAYBOOK INITIATIVE

in partnership with The Boston Celtics

Project 351 is very proud to be the Boston Celtics’ Community Partner for The Playbook Initiative, the team’s signature program of their community engagement mission. Inspired by members of the 2016-17 Celtics roster, the Shamrock Foundation created Playbook, an innovative and impactful anti-discrimination and bias-prevention program. Playbook engages middle school students in courageous conversations to build the knowledge, skills, and confidence required of upstanders and bridge builders. Playbook reflects Project 351’s belief in Dr. King’s vision of the Beloved Community and faith in young people as a catalyst for unity and respect for the dignity of all.

Annually, a team of Project 351 Alumni are selected for accelerated training with Celtics and 351 staff. Trainers build skills of facilitation and communication; gain knowledge of issues of diversity, equity, and inclusion; and strengthen their commitment to strong, just, and united communities.

Each February, as a cornerstone of SLA, Trainers lead and inspire Ambassadors through immersive Playbook Workshops. Participants discuss real-life social scenarios reflecting on forms of bias and discrimination with courage and candor. Trainers and Ambassadors examine the motivation and impact of the scenarios; and develop positive interventions to utilize as upstanders and bridge builders. Trainers continue their workshops at hometown middle schools, engaging more than 1,000 students.

Fortified by the lesson of Playbook and the example of the Celtics, Ambassadors will strengthen their commitment to Dr. King’s vision of the Beloved Community and their abilities as a catalyst for unity and positive change.

We offer deepest gratitude to the Boston Celtics for their faith in you, belief in our mission, and the privilege of partnership toward greater unity, compassion, and inclusion.

2024 PLAYBOOK TRAINERS Jill Calistra, Ava Cariddi, Benson Chang, Noah Crocker, Madeleine Cronin, Ereeny Georges, Calla Gum, Haaris Khan, Sammy Levenson, Callie Loeffel, Fabyana Maitre, Ben Nguyen, Lily Price, Madyson Raskett, Jack Regan, Victoria Rich, Brooke Rosenshine, Shreya Shukla, Victoria Villar, Palak Yadav

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PROJECT 351

“The best leaders in the world serve others.” ~Brad Stevens, President of Basketball Operations

Boston Celtics

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Project 351 Alumni community Project 351 develops leaders who put courage, compassion, and community first. At the close of their service year, Ambassadors are invited to continue their leadership journey with our Alumni Organization.

Through high school and beyond, Alumni deepen knowledge and skills, and build awareness of issues and causes that inspire their purpose.

With pride, we witness our Alumni’s pursuit of social change as their profession. They lead as founders of nonprofits and foundations, social and racial justice activists, enlisted military and AmeriCorps members, and mission-driven professionals in education, environment, and global health.

Noor, Noah, and Isabelle are three of 4,891 Alumni who inspire our awe.

CLASS OF 2013, QUINCY

Noor Al-Saad MS IN NARRATIVE MEDICINE, COLUMBIA UNIVERSITY, 2018 SERVICE HERO, PROJECT 351 ADVISORY BOARD Noor is a member and co-founder of a local branch of “Who is Hussein?,” a humanitarian nonprofit.

While an undergrad at the University of New Hampshire, Noor led research to support those in the Middle East affected by war and instability. She coded, mapped, and reported on war-related damages to civilian infrastructure (health, transportation, water, and energy sectors) to help guide international humanitarian relief efforts. Noor is a Project 351 recipient of the Myra H. Kraft Giving Back Scholarship, which annually honors a senior for their exemplary service. Scholars are selected by the Kraft family for a $20,000 investment in higher education. Noor and Josh Florence, Class of 2011, serve as Alumni representatives on Project 351’s Advisory Board. There, they ensure the voices, values, and vision of our Ambassador and Alumni community are represented and honored.

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CLASS OF 2014, DIGHTON

Noah Avila UNITED STATES MARINE CORPS, 2019 SERVICE HERO, PROJECT 351 LEADERSHIP TEAM Noah is the first member of our Alumni Leadership Council to enlist in the armed forces, where he earned the rank of Sergeant, United States Marine Corps.

Noah serves as Cyber Security Team Lead in the 9th Communication Battalion at Camp Pendleton. Noah has a special gift for leveraging technology to meet critical need and affect positive change. In high school, Noah served as Executive Director of MetroHacks, which seeks to increase diversity and gender balance in the fields of technology, coding, and computer science. Since 2018, Noah has volunteered as Project 351 Webmaster and technology advisor; which included his redesign of Project 351’s website. In the summer of 2018, with no political experience, Noah successfully led a student-driven Proposition 2 1/2 override campaign in Dighton that restored $2.1 million for academic and extracurricular programming; and saved the jobs of more than 100 teachers, aides, and other district professionals. Save Our Schools, the organization he founded, continues to make an impact, as a student-led advocacy and civic action organization.

CLASS OF 2015, CHELMSFORD

Isabelle Cole FOUNDER, “13 REASONS TO FLY,” SALVE REGINA UNIVERSITY; FORMER AMERICORPS MEMBER, CITY YEAR WASHINGTON DC.; INAUGURAL VOYAGER SCHOLER, THE OBAMA-CHESKY SCHOLARSHIP FOR PUBLIC SERVICE Isabelle is founder of “13 Reasons to Fly,” a schoolbased awareness and peer support movement to encourage those afflicted by mental illness to “choose life and hold onto hope.” Her mission is “to spread positivity, raise awareness and support people affected by mental illness by promoting acts of kindness, support to those who struggle, and education regarding mental illness.” Isabelle is building a school-based network for peer support and awareness of mental health and suicide prevention.

Prior to her enrollment at Salve Regina University, Belle dedicated a year to serve with City Year Washington DC. City Year, an Americorps program, engages 17-24 year olds full-time in schools to partner with educator and eradicate the school drop-out rate.

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ALUMNI LEADERSHIP COUNCIL The Alumni Leadership Council (ALC) elevates diverse young leaders who represent Project 351’s core values and invests in their skills and potential as community builders. Alumni engagement and a series of enriching Leadership Summits strengthen participants’ courage, confidence, and commitment to inclusion, civic responsibility, and social justice. The ALC is a tribute to the contributions of the 4,891 leaders who have served as Ambassadors since 2011.

The vision for the ALC is informed by the priorities and aspirations of our high school Alumni.

Members are selected, through competitive statewide application, for exemplifying Project 351 values, the highest standards of service, and individual initiative to engage peers to make a difference in their community.

This diverse team leads and informs all aspects of our mission. Members advise strategy and program development, lead cornerstone programming, and serve as role models and mentors for Ambassadors. There are three leadership platforms within the ALC—each designated for a unique responsibility and reflective of distinct skills and experience.

Senior Legacy Fellows: Lead capacity-building projects in support of greater organizational, program, and service excellence.

Regional Leaders (RL): Build Project 351’s capacity, visibility, and unity in their region by stewarding a community of Alumni and Ambassadors to engage in our mission.

Alumni Mentoring Corps (AMC): Lead and mentor a Service Hero team of 8 to 10 Ambassadors throughout their 12–month leadership journey. AMC members model and strengthen Project 351 values and vision, inspire and lead signature service, and build team pride and unity.

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SENIOR LEGACY FELLOWS Benjamin Abbott, Bryce Cioffi, Faleehah Dam, Wunnyuriti Ismail, Maeve Padien, Tori Rich, Anika Teckchandani

REGIONAL LEADERS Claire Adler, Nakshatra Arun, Jenna Bobrowski, Sadie Brennan, Jillian Buonopane, Jill Calistra, Julia Caron, Ekaavli Daga, Bronwyn Daly, Devon Das, Clara Donovan, Rhiannon Esposito, Jack Favata, Tara Geoghan, Ereeny Georges, Pranav Govindarajan, Emma Keeley, Lorelei Kellum, Haaris Khan, Estella LeBlanc, Montserrat Llacuna, Carolina Loeffel, Maeve Lucey, Olivia Manganelli, Leanna Matczak, Reeghan Morawiec, Anna Noroian, Caitlin O’Donnell, Anya Patel, Emmy Roberts, Cameron Scerbo, Lauren Scott, Aryan Shah, Maria Eduarda Soares, Josie Tucker, Xan Vella, Willem Vollmer, Meredith Wu, Julia Zhou, Olivia Zoito

ALUMNI MENTORING CORPS (AMC) Pranav Abburi, Emmanuella Chisom Agbanari, Isabelle Alphonse, Ryan Bailey, Maddie Balzano, Marco Barbosa, Reilly Bergin, Alexis Bowie, Keegan Butler, Benson Chang, Isabel Coviello, Will Cruikshank, Ella DeStefano, Reaghan Donovan, Robyn Douglas, Jasmine Findlen, Andrew Fleischmann, Alisha Gastonguay, Jocelyn Graham, Kate Heppner, Sava Kassev, James Keefe, Jordan Krawczyk, Calvin Lewis, Natalie McDonough, Addario Miranda, Claire Mullen, Madison Oxnard, Jay Patel, Meera Parekh, Lily Price, Abigail Rainsford, Isabella Reith, Aiden Shaughnessy, Shreya Shukla, Kayla Vallecillo, Kyle Wetjen, Clara Wildeman, Molly Wronski, Palak Yadav

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SERVICE HERO TEAMS Unity is a core value of Project 351. We gather from every corner of the state and demonstrate the remarkable change that can happen when young people come together as one community. Each year, 40 Service Hero teams become the meeting ground for friendships and the mobilization for service impact.

Service Hero teams are the foundation of our efforts to build community, share values, and lead service and programming. Each team is named in honor of an inspirational force for good—global leaders, everyday heroes, and young people—who make a unique difference.

Our Service Heroes represent the vast diversity of those who create change across Massachusetts and around the world. We hope they remind you that your own potential is without limit!

With support from your AMC Team Leader, you will learn about and gain inspiration from your Service Hero. We invite you to join us as we honor your Service Hero through excellence in service and by leading with kindness and compassion. And, we encourage you to build friendships and memories that last, as you unite with your Service Hero teammates to improve the lives of those we are honored to serve.

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REGIONAL UNITY & SERVICE We are from 351 cities and towns—each unique and beautiful in their own way. As we unite statewide, we honor the places we call home through a regional structure for greater impact and more service joy!

Our statewide community gains strength from 15 Regions led by ALC Regional Leaders. This team creates regional service, trainings, and community building for local Alumni and Ambassadors.

Throughout the year, you will be invited to join these optional events, including Earth Day Service!

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PROJECT 351 REGIONAL MAP

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PROJECT 351

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Social Media At Project 351 we believe that social media is a powerful platform for changing the world when used responsibly and respectfully. And, we invite you to join us on our social media platforms!

FACEBOOK: Project 351 INSTAGRAM: @Project351 HASHTAGS: #UniteActLead #P351 We update these channels regularly with inspiring service stories, upcoming deadlines, and fun competitions and raffles. With parental/guardian permission, we encourage you to create/use social media to engage and stay updated with Project 351!

Please note, we understand that not everyone uses social media, and every opportunity through Project 351 will also be shared by email.

CONTACT US! QUESTIONS, COMMENTS, FEEDBACK, SERVICE JOYS? Email info@project351.org and include your name and community. We love hearing from Ambassadors and Alumni! We welcome your ideas, inspiration, and feedback. You can learn about our team by visiting www.project351.org/team.

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PROJECT 351

“I have learned you are never too small to make a difference.”

GRETA THUNBERG, ENVIRONMENTAL ACTIVIST, SERVICE HERO

gratitude Gratitude is at the heart of our mission, and essential to our efforts to build community and inspire positive change.

We extend deepest appreciation to Danielle West, Boston Public School Educator, and Leadership Team member, for her vision, skill, and expertise as designer of this handbook.

We are grateful to a number of creative professionals, whose work brings beauty to these pages: J Sherman Studio, artist Anita Rundles, and photographers Michael Casey, Benson Chang, Jennifer Cogswell, Andrew Fleischmann, Natalie Reid, and Boston Celtics. And, to Jon Goose and his team at Color Copy Center Boston for making these pages come to life in print.

This Handbook is dedicated to Bill, Denise, Henry, & Jane Richard and the Martin Richard Foundation for their faith in our mission, extraordinary investment in your unlimited potential, and inspirational example of love-in-action.

WITH GRATITUDE FOR THEIR GENEROUS INVESTMENT & BELIEF

strategic Partners

2024 AMBASSADOR HANDBOOK

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“There is always light.

If only we’re brave enough to see it.

If only we’re brave enough to be it.”

AMANDA GORMAN POET • CHANGE AGENT • SERVICE HERO

50 Milk St, 16th Floor, Boston, MA 02109 project351.org