Ambassador Handbook
Class of 2025
“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 • Service Hero • Good Troublemaker
“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 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 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
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.
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
Humility
The characteristic of being modest, recognizing that my experiences and perspectives are one of many
Gratitude
The quality of being thankful; demonstrating appreciation and kindness with joy
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.
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!
Celebrating 15 years!
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 1.4 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 through service. As they serve, they develop the courage, compassion, and capabilities to lead aweinspiring change.
Governor Patrick convenes the first class of Ambassadors
1st statewide service: 9.11
Tribute Service Spring Service is launched!
Our Founding Class graduates High School 1,000 Ambassadors!
Alumni Leadership Council (ALC) founded
Leadership Reunion founded at Holy Cross College
Governor Baker & Lauren Baker welcome our 5th Class
Fall Service Campaign to End Hunger is launched
2,000 Ambassadors!
Served
Since 2011, 5,588 8th Grade Ambassadors have
1,400,000 neighbors
Developed the skills, confidence, and courage to lead and succeed as agents of positive change
3,000 Ambassadors!
500,000 neighbors served!
Fostered
Mobilized
328,922 students and friends in service
a culture of kindness and compassion in hundreds of schools and communities
Service Leadership Academy founded
Celebrating a decade of service with our 10th Class!
The Playbook Initiative, with the Boston Celtics, begins!
Hope & Gratitude Walk founded
4,000 Ambassadors!
Committed to a lifetime of civic responsibility and service
15 years of youth-led change!
5,000 Ambassadors!
A Year of Service, Leadership, & COMMUNITY
welcome
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.
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.
APRIL SPRING SERVICE
JANUARY 25
LAUNCH & SERVICE DAY
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
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.
OCTOBER SERVICE LEADERSHIP ACADEMY
SLA is back with more inspirational programming, leadership training, and special guests!
JUNE LEADERSHIP REUNION
HOSTED BY THE NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS FOUNDATION
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
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.
DECEMBER FALL SERVICE
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
Join Project 351’s Alumni community to serve and lead through high school and beyond!
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 1.4 million neighbors. Our service is only possible through partnership with visionary community leaders including
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.
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.
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 everyday 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, Alumna, Webster
9.11 TRIBUTE 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
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 at Home Base, 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.”
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.
“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
Axel, Alumnus, Lynn
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.
BE KIND TO YOUR MIND MONTH
In partnership with the New England Patriots Foundation, KyleCares, and Cuerd@s, Be Kind to Your Mind Month asserts our shared belief in wellnes—mind, body, and spirit—as the foundation for the next generation’s courageous leadership.. We recognize the scope and scale of this public health crisis and assert the importance of empowering young people to seize the mantle of 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.
In 2024, BKTYM’s “Green Bandana: Thread of Hope” united 20 school communities, 450 Ambassadors and Alumni, and 12 thought leaders engaged as advocates and champions including Attorney General Andrea Campbell, NFL Player Josh Uche, and WBZ’s Lisa Hughes.
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
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 5,229 Alumni who inspire our awe.
CLASS OF 2013, QUINCY
Noor Al-Saad
M.S. 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. 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.
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 SCHOLAR, 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 educators and eradicate the school drop-out rate.
ALUMNI LEADERSHIP COUNCIL
The Alumni Leadership Council (ALC) is a diverse team of pioneers, change-makers, dream-builders, advocates, activists, and the leaders of our youth-led movement for change. They lead our social justice mission, accelerate our movement, and extend the reach and impact of positive change. In return, they develop the skills and confidence to steward Project 351 with excellence; affect change on the issues that inspire their passion, and lead a lifetime of service to a cause greater than self.
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 communities.
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 four leadership platforms within the ALC—each designated for a unique responsibility and reflective of distinct skills and experience.
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 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.
SENIOR LEGACY FELLOWS (SLF)
Pranav Abburi, Reilly Bergin, Isabel Coviello, Ekaavli Daga, Jack Favata, Sava Kassev, James Keefe, Olivia Manganelli, Madison Oxnard, Palak Yadav
REGIONAL
LEADERS (RL)
Nakshatra Arun, Jillian Buonopane, Keegan Butler, Keira Carrara, Ruthie Chapman, Nora Christofferson, Bronwyn Daly, Reaghan Donovan, Robyn Douglas, Maria Eduarda Soares, Jasmine Findlen, Nicole Flanagan, Jocelyn Graham, Kate Heppner, Lily Hughes, Patrick Jansen, Amelia Kellogg, Jordan Krawczyk, Calvin Lewis, Maeve Lucey, Jonathan Luu, Grace Lynch, Kayla Maguire, Natalie McDonough, Madelyn Moreau, Meera Parekh, Kathryn Powell, Lily Price, Abigail Rainsford, Aryan Shah, Kayla Vallecillo, Caitlin Wilson, Julia Zhou
ALUMNI MENTORING CORPS (AMC)
Bruno Andrews Mundo, Maddie Balzano, Marco Barbosa, Mateo Barresi, Jasmine Biju, Achraf Boukirou, Elizabeth Cordero, William Cruikshank, Ella DeStefano, Marimay Diaz Chan, Evan Finamore, Andrew Fleischmann, Ali Gastonguay, Emma Goodwin, Grace Jacques, Nya’Lia Lindsey, Logan MacKnight, Aurelia Mello, Robert Moyes, Arjun Mukherjee, Prisha Nair, Pari Patel, Tilly Peet, Mylie Provencher, Nathan Ramani, Lalitha Sarvendram, Elsie Serrano, Aiden Shaughnessy, Anray Sheng, Sejal Shirole, Edith Tufts, Yanira Uribe Rosa, Taliah Westbrook, Kyle Wetjen, Clara Wildeman, Sam Woodsmall, Olivia Wright, Molly Wronski, Amanda Yanez
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 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
“The best leaders in the world serve others.”
Brad Stevens, President of Basketball Operations Boston Celtics
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.
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!
PROJECT 351 REGIONAL MAP
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.
“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.
