2025 Ambassador Handbook

Ambassador Handbook

Class of 2025

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 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.

Planning Calendar . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30 Contact us. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33

Please use the following citation when referencing this Handbook: Project 351. (2025). Ambassador Handbook. 2025. Edition. Boston, MA.

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

“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.

MADDIE BALZANO, ALUMNA, AGAWAM

CLASS OF 2025 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 marks a very special milestone: our 15th year! A cause for celebration at Launch and beyond!

This handbook will help prepare you for the leadership opportunities ahead. Turn the page to find inspiration, information, and tools to lead and serve.

As we begin our 15th 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

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 • Service Hero • Good Troublemaker 4

PROJECT 351

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

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

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

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.

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

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

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AMBASSADOR COMMITMENT TO LEAD

Our service ethos

Our community is led by a set of guiding principles — each of which is essential to our mission

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

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

Begin in gratitude for the privilege of service and the opportunity to learn from those with

world that we hope to build.

whom we serve.

We are a youth-led movement for positive social change, defined by courage, compassion, and a

Enter into community with humility and respect.

spirit of unity that thrives with hope. We build from a foundation of gratitude for those who came

Respect and value the dignity of all.

before us — our families and communities, Alumni, and a long, rich history of Service Heroes, movement makers, and change agents.

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.

As an Ambassador...

Together, we are stronger. Collaborative teamwork increases service excellence. Respect for 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.

the opinions, ideas, and perspectives of others is essential.

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

SERVICE IS JOY!

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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Celebrating 15 years!

Since 2011,

5,588

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

8th Grade Ambassadors have

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.

Served

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.

Mobilized

1,400,000

328,922

neighbors

students and friends in service

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

Developed

Fostered

the skills, confidence,

a culture of kindness

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

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 1.4 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

Committed

through service. As they serve, they develop the courage, compassion, and capabilities to lead aweinspiring change.

Governor Patrick convenes the first class of Ambassadors

1,000 Ambassadors!

Spring Service is launched!

1st statewide service: 9.11 Tribute Service

2011

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Alumni Leadership Council (ALC) founded

Leadership Reunion founded at Holy Cross College

2012

Service Leadership Academy founded

Our Founding Class graduates High School Governor Baker & Lauren Baker welcome our 5th Class

Fall Service Campaign to End Hunger is launched

2014

2,000 Ambassadors!

2016

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

Hope & Gratitude Walk founded

4,000 Ambassadors!

5,000 Ambassadors!

2022

2024

15 years of youth-led change!

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A Year of Service, Leadership, & COMMUNITY welcome

SEPTEMBER 11

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

DECEMBER

JANUARY 25

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.

FALL SERVICE OCTOBER

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

SERVICE LEADERSHIP ACADEMY

APRIL

SPRING SERVICE

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.

Ambassadors mobilize schools and communities in service to hometown food pantries and the families they nourish.

Invitation to Alumni Organization

FEBRUARY

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

THE AMBASSADOR CAMPAIGN TO END HUNGER

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.

MAY

BE KIND TO YOUR MIND MONTH

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In partnership with the New England Patriots Foundation, KyleCares, and Cuerd@s, Be Kind to Your Mind Month features special programming to build a strong foundation of mental health & wellness as you lead and serve.

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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.

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

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

situations. Because of their economic hardship, they lack the resources, opportunities, and support to achieve their unlimited potential. In response, Ambassadors lead Spring Service,

young people in need of the resources to thrive.

the first of three statewide service campaigns. Spring Service supports Cradles to Crayons, a

Project 351’s virtual Service Leadership Academy provides enrichment, training, and mentorship to

more than 3.4 million children since 2002.

nonprofit that provides everyday essentials to children experiencing homelessness and poverty—

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

Ambassadors will apply newly learned leadership lessons to hometown service. United with a

state...35ONE!

shared mission, you will organize your first product drive, collecting gently worn clothing for the

Since 2011, Ambassadors have united their communities to positively impact 1.4 million neighbors. Our

compassion, and generosity. Spring Service is the largest youth-led service in the state’s history

service is only possible through partnership with visionary community leaders including

and generates the largest in-kind donation annually to Cradles to Crayons.

children served by Cradles to Crayons. As you serve, you’ll strengthen the values of kindness,

VISION

OUR IMPACT

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

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!

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

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

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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.

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.

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

I want them to have what they need to have a bright future.”

Kira, Alumna, Webster

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9.11 TRIBUTE SERVICE

FALL SERVICE

in partnership with MA Military Heroes Fund & Home Base to honor and remember those lives lost on 9.11 & to support military members, veterans, and their families

in partnership with Hometown Food Pantries to eradicate hunger in Massachusetts Hunger is a persistent, unrelenting challenge in every community in the Commonwealth. A

Each September 11th, the Project 351 community joins millions of volunteers across the country

crisis that has been exacerbated by the pandemic and impedes the full potential of every child.

for a National Day of Service and Remembrance. We unite to honor and remember the loved

Our friends at Project Bread report that food insecurity in Massachusetts is at 16.8% for all

ones lost in the terrorist attacks and the bravery and sacrifice of those who answered the call to

households. That unfair and unjust reality includes 1 in 5 children affected by food insecurity.

serve by enlisting in our military.

Fall Service is a platform to use the skills, confidence, and knowledge you’ve gained as

Our service demonstrates the hope and unity that helped heal our nation after the terrorist

Ambassador to support your hometown food pantry and help eradicate hunger. You’ll also learn

attacks of 2001. Ambassadors “honor and remember” through service to the Massachusetts

how to partner with media, elected officials, and local businesses to help ensure every family is

Military Heroes Fund at Home Base, New England Center and Home for Veterans, hometown

nourished.

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

Under your leadership, Fall Service can include fundraising, a food drive, advocacy, and volunteer recruitment in support of your pantry.

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.

“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, Alumnus, Northborough

“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, Alumnus, Lynn

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SERVICE LEADERSHIP ACADEMY

BE KIND TO YOUR MIND MONTH

In March 2020, our world was forever changed by the global pandemic. Our foremost priority,

In partnership with the New England Patriots Foundation, KyleCares, and Cuerd@s, Be Kind to

always, was the health and safety of our community. Our second priority was to reimagine Project

Your Mind Month asserts our shared belief in wellnes—mind, body, and spirit—as the foundation

351 so Ambassadors and Alumni could continue to learn, lead, and serve in a safe and supportive

for the next generation’s courageous leadership.. We recognize the scope and scale of this public

environment.

health crisis and assert the importance of empowering young people to seize the mantle of

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

advocacy and leadership.

Our month-long mental health program is infused by the spirit of Ubuntu, a founding principle of Project 351. Ubuntu asserts our shared humanity, “I am because you are” and invites BKTYM participants to listen with empathy, learn with humility, and lead with intention.

build the foundation for 35ONE leadership; and as the training platform for our three signature

In 2024, BKTYM’s “Green Bandana: Thread of Hope” united 20 school communities, 450

service campaigns: Spring, 9.11 Tribute, and Fall. SLA features weekly Community Meetings with

Ambassadors and Alumni, and 12 thought leaders engaged as advocates and champions

special guests; Service Hero team building; Alumni leadership lessons; and a step-by-step “how

including Attorney General Andrea Campbell, NFL Player Josh Uche, and WBZ’s Lisa Hughes.

to” develop and lead successful service.

We look forward to expanding the impact of Be Kind to Your Mind Month with you this year!

“Be Kind to Your Mind Month was immensely beneficial to our school community. By the end of our programming, everyone seemed more comfortable with one another and there were conversations about how important it is to honor mental health. As young people, we often act like mental health doesn’t matter since no one chooses to bring it up. But mental health should be discussed with honesty and compassion. Be Kind To Your Mind Programming is the best way to do just that.”

Jay, Alumnus, holliston

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Project 351 Alumni community Project 351 develops leaders who put courage, compassion, and community

CLASS OF 2014, DIGHTON

Noah Avila

first. At the close of their service year, Ambassadors are invited to

UNITED STATES MARINE CORPS, 2019 SERVICE HERO, PROJECT 351 LEADERSHIP TEAM

continue their leadership journey with our Alumni Organization.

Noah is the first member of our Alumni Leadership

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

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

With pride, we witness our Alumni’s pursuit of social change as their profession. They lead as

Communication Battalion at Camp Pendleton. Noah has

founders of nonprofits and foundations, social and racial justice activists, enlisted military and

a special gift for leveraging technology to meet critical

AmeriCorps members, and mission-driven professionals in education, environment, and global

need and affect positive change. In high school, Noah

health.

served as Executive Director of MetroHacks, which seeks

Noor, Noah, and Isabelle are three of 5,229 Alumni who inspire our awe.

to increase diversity and gender balance in the fields of technology, coding, and computer science. Since 2018, Noah has volunteered as Project 351

CLASS OF 2013, QUINCY

Webmaster and technology advisor; which included his redesign of Project 351’s website. In the

Noor Al-Saad

2 1/2 override campaign in Dighton that restored $2.1 million for academic and extracurricular

M.S. IN NARRATIVE MEDICINE, COLUMBIA UNIVERSITY, 2018 SERVICE HERO, PROJECT 351 ADVISORY BOARD

professionals. Save Our Schools, the organization he founded, continues to make an impact, as a

summer of 2018, with no political experience, Noah successfully led a student-driven Proposition programming; and saved the jobs of more than 100 teachers, aides, and other district student-led advocacy and civic action organization.

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

CLASS OF 2015, CHELMSFORD

damages to civilian infrastructure (health, transportation, water, and energy sectors) to help guide

Isabelle Cole

international humanitarian relief efforts. Noor is a Project 351 recipient of the Myra H. Kraft Giving

FOUNDER, “13 REASONS TO FLY,” SALVE REGINA UNIVERSITY; FORMER AMERICORPS MEMBER, CITY YEAR WASHINGTON DC.; INAUGURAL VOYAGER SCHOLAR, THE OBAMA-CHESKY SCHOLARSHIP FOR PUBLIC SERVICE

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. Previously, Noor served as an Alumni representative on Project 351’s Advisory Board. There, she ensured the voices, values, and vision of our Ambassador and Alumni community are represented and honored.

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 educators and eradicate the school drop-out rate.

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ALUMNI LEADERSHIP COUNCIL

SENIOR LEGACY FELLOWS (SLF)

The Alumni Leadership Council (ALC) is a diverse team of pioneers,

Pranav Abburi, Reilly Bergin, Isabel Coviello, Ekaavli Daga, Jack Favata, Sava Kassev, James Keefe,

change-makers, dream-builders, advocates, activists, and the leaders of

Olivia Manganelli, Madison Oxnard, Palak Yadav

our youth-led movement for change. They lead our social justice mission,

REGIONAL LEADERS (RL)

accelerate our movement, and extend the reach and impact of positive change. In return, they develop the skills and confidence to steward

Nakshatra Arun, Jillian Buonopane, Keegan Butler, Keira Carrara, Ruthie Chapman, Nora Christofferson, Bronwyn Daly, Reaghan Donovan, Robyn Douglas, Maria Eduarda Soares, Jasmine

Project 351 with excellence; affect change on the issues that inspire

Findlen, Nicole Flanagan, Jocelyn Graham, Kate Heppner, Lily Hughes, Patrick Jansen, Amelia

their passion, and lead a lifetime of service to a cause greater than self.

Kellogg, Jordan Krawczyk, Calvin Lewis, Maeve Lucey, Jonathan Luu, Grace Lynch, Kayla Maguire,

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

Aryan Shah, Kayla Vallecillo, Caitlin Wilson, Julia Zhou

Natalie McDonough, Madelyn Moreau, Meera Parekh, Kathryn Powell, Lily Price, Abigail Rainsford,

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 communities.

ALUMNI MENTORING CORPS (AMC) Bruno Andrews Mundo, Maddie Balzano, Marco Barbosa, Mateo Barresi, Jasmine Biju, Achraf

This diverse team leads and informs all aspects of our mission. Members advise strategy and

Boukirou, Elizabeth Cordero, William Cruikshank, Ella DeStefano, Marimay Diaz Chan, Evan

program development, lead cornerstone programming, and serve as role models and mentors

Finamore, Andrew Fleischmann, Ali Gastonguay, Emma Goodwin, Grace Jacques, Nya’Lia Lindsey,

for Ambassadors. There are four leadership platforms within the ALC—each designated for a

Logan MacKnight, Aurelia Mello, Robert Moyes, Arjun Mukherjee, Prisha Nair, Pari Patel, Tilly Peet,

unique responsibility and reflective of distinct skills and experience.

Mylie Provencher, Nathan Ramani, Lalitha Sarvendram, Elsie Serrano, Aiden Shaughnessy, Anray

Senior Legacy Fellows (SLF): In their fifth year of service, SLFs provide expertise, perspective, and skill to strengthen Project 351 programming, service, and capacities in

Sheng, Sejal Shirole, Edith Tufts, Yanira Uribe Rosa, Taliah Westbrook, Kyle Wetjen, Clara Wildeman, Sam Woodsmall, Olivia Wright, Molly Wronski, Amanda Yanez

partnership. Each SLF leads a “legacy project.” designed in collaboration with Project 351 staff. Enrichment focuses on career skills including project management, communication, and stakeholder relationships.

Regional Leaders (RL): RLs are the engine for the statewide impact and unity of 35ONE. Through innovative and community-based regional service, regional team-building, and the stewardship of the Regional Leadership Team, RLs power our mission forward.

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.

Playbook Trainers: Through workshops, training, and mentorship by Celtics and Project 351 staff, Playbook Trainers gain facilitation and leadership skills to successfully engage middle school students in courageous conversations on race, religion, sexual identity, gender, and ability.

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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 5.900 middle students since 2019.

Fortified by the lesson of Playbook and the example of the Celtics, Ambassadors will strengthen

“The best leaders in the world serve others.”

Brad Stevens, President of Basketball Operations

Boston Celtics

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.

PLAYBOOK TRAINERS Chisom Agbanari, Megan Ashun, Chelsea Barnor, Genesis Castro, Benson Chang, Donnell Davis, Stacy Domingo, Ereeny Georges, Jayda Gonzalez, Charlie Hernandez, Audrey Kertscher, Haaris Khan, Elnaz Khosraviani, Ava Khouri, Vanessa Lee, Paige Martino, Evangeline McCleary, Lydia McLean, Addario Miranda, Ben Nguyen, Amaya Parmar, Jay Patel, Isabella Reith, Shreya Shukla, Naomi Shum, Jasna Singh, Olivia Thompson

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SERVICE HERO TEAMS

REGIONAL UNITY & SERVICE

Unity is a core value of Project 351. We gather from every corner of the state

We are from 351 cities and towns—each unique and beautiful in their own

and demonstrate the remarkable change that can happen when young people

way. As we unite statewide, we honor the places we call home through a

come together as one community. Each year, 40 Service Hero teams become the

regional structure for greater impact and more service joy!

meeting ground for friendships and the mobilization for service impact.

Our statewide community gains strength from 15 Regions led by ALC Regional Leaders. This team

Service Hero teams are the foundation of our efforts to build community, share values, and lead

creates regional service, trainings, and community building for local Alumni and Ambassadors.

service and programming. Each team is named in honor of an inspirational force for good—global

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

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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PROJECT 351

2025 AMBASSADOR HANDBOOK

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PROJECT 351 REGIONAL MAP

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2025 AMBASSADOR HANDBOOK

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

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

GRETA THUNBERG, ENVIRONMENTAL ACTIVIST, SERVICE HERO

INSTAGRAM: @Project351 HASHTAGS: #UniteActLead #P351

competitions and raffles. With parental/guardian permission, we encourage you to create/use social

gratitude

media to engage and stay updated with Project 351!

Gratitude is at the heart of our mission, and essential to our efforts to build community and

We update these channels regularly with inspiring service stories, upcoming deadlines, and fun

inspire positive change.

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

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.

CONTACT US!

We are grateful to a number of creative professionals, whose work brings beauty to these

QUESTIONS, COMMENTS, FEEDBACK, SERVICE JOYS? Email info@project351.org and include your

Chang, Jennifer Cogswell, Andrew Fleischmann, Natalie Reid, and Boston Celtics. And, to

pages: J Sherman Studio, artist Anita Rundles, and photographers Michael Casey, Benson

name and community. We love hearing from Ambassadors and Alumni! We welcome your ideas,

Jon Goose and his team at Color Copy Center Boston for making these pages come to life in

inspiration, and feedback. You can learn about our team by visiting www.project351.org/team.

print.

WITH GRATITUDE FOR THEIR GENEROUS INVESTMENT & BELIEF

The Crimson Lion/ Lavine Family Foundation

strategic Partners

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2025 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 Street, 16th Floor, Boston, MA 02109 project351.org