HUMILITY. GRATITUDE. KINDNESS.
COMPASSION. HUMILITY. GRATITUDE.
KINDNESS . COMPASSION. HUMIL ITY. COME. KIND MPASSION. HUMILITY. GRATITUDE. KINDNESS. COMPASSION. HUMILITY. GRATITUDE.
KINDNESS. HUMILIT . KINDNESS. CO A SSION.
HUMILIT KINDNESS.
HUMILIT TITUDE.
KINDNESS. COM HUMILIT A SSION. HUMILIT KINDNESS. COM TITUDE.
KINDNESS.KIND. COMaSSION.
HUMILIT
“I have three lessons that guide me. First, service is not a hand out—it’s a helping hand. And everyone needs a helping hand at some point. Next, give with your heart. In an instant, your world could change and roles could be reversed. And finally, be thankful every day.”
Shane McColgan, Class of 2021, Carver 2024 Service Hero
With love, we dedicate Fall Service to Shane MColgan, Class of 20211, Carver, whom we lost in May 2023 following a valiant fight with Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML).ML).
Shane was 16-years-old and a cherished son, brother, grandson, friend, Alumnus, and change maker. At age seven, he found his life's purpose- -ending hunger in his hometown of Carver. Two years later, he and his family founded the "Shane Gives Thanks Food Pantry to nourish families and strengthen the spirit of generosity and compassion. What began as a dream to feed hungry children now serves 1,300 neighbors each month.
It was a privilege to have known this remarkable young man. Shane exemplified your generation's audacious hope and fervent activism in pursuit of what is good and just. We carry his indomitable spirit forward as we commit greater kindness, deeper humanity, and service leadership rooted in love.
Shane is forever 35ONE and forever in our hearts. Through your leadership of Fall Service and beyond, his legacy of love will endure.
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 have gained knowledge and understanding of the Project 351 values and ethos that define our service, our community, and the world that we hope to build, together.
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 the long, rich history of Service Heroes, movement makers, and change agents.
As an Ambassador...
I begin—and end—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 idea of continuous improvement.
I believe in the power of audacious hope, the transformative impact of kindness, and the unlimited potential of 35ONE.
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 partnership, 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 member of the Class of 2025 and 35ONE community, I will demonstrate that our generation is a mighty force for extraordinary change.
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
When we UNITE, ACT, LEAD in service, we express our core beliefs...
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!
“When World Central Kitchen arrives in community after a natural disaster, we need to just get started, get into the kitchen and cook. This is the most effective decision we can make. One plate at a time added up to millions of meals because we just got going.”
Chef José Andrés, Service Hero
We begin in gratitude for your devotion to nourish our communities and ensure every family has consistent access to nutritious food. We live in challenging times with sustained economic hardship and deepening divides. But, we know the power of service, the hope inspired by 35ONELove, and the impact we make when we unite in a shared mission. Our commitment to Fall Service is motivated by our respect for the dignity of all and belief that every child -- every individual -- deserves the resources they need to thrive.
The first step of leading change (after our ‘why,’ of course!) is to understand the scale and scope of the challenge:
According to Project Bread, 1 in 4 households with children, are currently food insecure. This amount has increased in recent years.
Over 20% of households with children in Massachusetts are food insecure.
Our response? To build bridges and unite our Commonwealth. The compassionate action and unified purpose of 35ONE. And, in your hands is the inspiration, information, and blueprint you need to help end hunger in your hometown. These pages include the knowledge and motivation to guide your development of Fall Service.
This Toolkit gains its strength from you. It will be your companion for training calls, resource for best practices, and canvas for your goals and vision. Please use it to guide your service journey, strengthen your confidence and courage as leader, and mobilize your hometown to end hunger.
At each stage of Fall Service, we “Learn, Act, and Reflect” to ensure our vision, action plan, and values reflect the best of us and respect for the dignity of those we serve. As always, let kindness, compassion, humility, and gratitude guide your path of service.
Thank you for your commitment to end hunger and nourish your community.
Project 351 celebrates 1.5 million lives impacted in 15 years and the Class of 2025 has impacted nearly 88,000 neighbors through dedicated and compassionate action!
As we close out this service year, our most important leadership challenge and skillbuilding opportunity lies before us.
This Toolkit is your guide for this final chapter of your Ambassador year. In it, you’ll find guidance, inspiration, best practices, and plenty of room to reflect, plan, and execute. But, the Toolkit is only valuable if you invest in it. So, dive in and bring your voice and vision to the cause of hunger.
Each chapter will guide you through opportunities to LEARN, A LEARN, ACTCT, and REFLECT REFLECT. . And, each page turned will bring you closer to ending hunger in your community... and to developing the skills and values of a leader capable of extraordinary change.
You understand this by now: we can’t solve problems we don’t understand. And, to truly understand, we must seek knowledge, perspective, and wisdom from those most familiar, committed, and affected by the cause to which we are devoted. In this case, hunger
AL ALUMNI INSPIR A UMNI INSPIRATION TION
From Chapter 3 on, each chapter begins with Alumni Inspiration. The Class of 2025 stands on the shoulders of 5,229 Alumni who have worn the navy tee and served their community with excellence. Their reflections and lessons learned offer invaluable perspective.
Throughout this Toolkit, we’re going to pause and TAKE FIVE—an opportunity to reflect and learn from a Project 351 champion with expertise we value. Each will share five lessons of leadership to guide and inform your service. We’re very grateful to our TAKE FIVE team for sharing their wisdom and believing in YOU!
Your leadership of Fall Service will take many forms including building an Action Plan, team management, civic engagement, creating partnerships, and—of course—service! Each action should reflect our values and thoughtful intention, and be executed with optimism and joy!
Every Toolkit chapter features an inspirational quote or statistic in graphic form that reflects or reinforces a key message. Weekly, you will be given the same graphic to share on Instagram, Facebook, and other social media channels to help you STW!
Leadership is a continuous journey. The best leaders dedicate time and effort to learn from each experience—both roses and thorns. By reflecting on strengths and opportunities for further growth, we ensure our next service mission will have even greater success.
QUESTIONS
Guiding questions invite your reflections and insights, and provide documentation of your leadership-in-action.
ACTION STEPS
At the close of each chapter, this summary of important priorities will help focus your efforts and maximize your time.
Erin McAleer, President & CEO, Project Bread
Project Bread is the statewide antihunger organization that connects people and communities in Massachusetts to reliable sources of food, while advocating for policies that make food more accessible—so that no one goes hungry. Food insecurity is disproportionately experienced by people of color, immigrant families, and those with fewer economic means. And, food insecurity correlates to lower levels of educational attainment, high levels of unemployment, and additional economic hardships. Project Bread promotes legislation that deconstructs historical racism and structural inequities, so that we can drive meaningful change to improve food security to address immediate need and long-term sustainability. We focus on solutions that provide Massachusetts residents with reliable sources of food and give them ongoing food security, so that they can reach their academic potential and live healthy lives.
How can YOU help in the fight against food insecurity?
1.Spread awareness and dispel myths. Prior to the pandemic, household food insecurity in Massachusetts was at 8.2%. The coronavirus pandemic fueled a hunger crisis unlike any other in our lifetime, at its peak rendering 19.6% of households food insecure. Hunger can affect anyone.
2.Work with your local food pantry, and ask them about the barriers to food access. For many people who are food-insecure, getting the help they need can be a challenge. Obstacles include lack of transportation, language barriers, physical mobility limitations, fear of stigma, or simply not knowing where to turn.
3.Schools are key partners in the work to end hunger. Massachusetts became the 8th state to make free school meals permanent. This is a starting point for ending childhood hunger. School meals are a major part of daily nutrition for children growing up in low-income households. Food served in schools makes up half the daily calories for many students in Massachusetts. Going forward, advocate for year-round access to nutritious and delicious food through school and summer meal programs. Support critical meals for students such
as implementing school breakfast, and supporting school nutrition staff with resources and training year-round. For more information, contact Project Bread at ActionTeam@Projectbread.org.
4.Your leadership matters, so raise your voice to help hungry people. Changing public policies can make a substantial impact in the lives of families who struggle to make ends meet. You can influence policies that protect people from hunger by engaging your elected officials. In Chapter 2, you’ll learn how to inspire your local elected representatives with your commitment to end hunger!
5.Visit www.projectbread.org to learn more. Promote our FoodSource Hotline, learn more about our programs, join the Project Bread Action Team, and sign up for next year’s Walk for Hunger. We have lots of tools that you can use to help Make Hunger History in Massachusetts!
This year, in the United States, the richest nation on Earth, 34 million people and 9 million children, are projected to experience, or currently experience, food insecurity in 2025. While these statistics reflect progress from the crisis level caused by the pandemic, food insecurity remains significantly higher than pre-pandemic.
North, South, East, West. From North Adams to Cape Cod and the Islands, hunger is a persistent and debilitating challenge—affecting every one of our hometowns.
A hungry child—family member, senior, or veteran—is not acceptable at Project 351. We are moved to act because our neighbors, families, and friends need our care and support.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture defines food insecurity as a lack of consistent access to enough food for an active, healthy life.
While we all at times experience the personal sensation of hunger, food insecurity refers to “a lack of available financial resources for food at the household level.” Food insecurity is complex, and can affect people in any city or town, living above or below the poverty level.
Source: Feeding America
THE STATE’S FOUR REGIONAL FOOD BANKS OFFER COMPELLING STATISTICS:
The Greater Boston Food Bank is the largest hunger-relief organization in New England and among the largest food banks in the country. Last year, GBFB distributed 109 pounds of food, the equivalent of over 90 million meals.
Each month, the Merrimack Valley Food Bank supplies 140 food pantry and meal programs, which impacts 30 communities and 80,000 people.
Last year, the Food Bank of Western Massachusetts distributed 14.6 million meals total in Berkshire, Franklin, Hampden, and Hampshire counties— 30% of which benefitted children aged 0-17.
Nearly 5,000 volunteer hours and 115 agencies help to distribute food in partnership with the Worcester County Food Bank—reaching 75,000 people each year.
The Berkshire Food Project served over 39,000 meals throughout 2024.
Service Hero and Massachusetts State Rep. Andy Vargas of Haverhill co-sponsored the “School Meals for All” legislation, which was passed in 2023 and will provide permanent free school meals to all Masschusetts children, ending the practice of “meal shaming,” or placing restrictions on children whose families owe money for meals. As many as 55% of the nearly 18,000 students enrolled at Bunker Hill Community College in Boston qualify as food insecure—and in response, the school opened its own food pantry in 2019, which has already distributed more than 75,000 pounds of food.
The 2024 projected food insecurity rate for children in Hampden County is 20.4%—the second highest in the state.
1 in 6 children on Cape Cod are food insecure. Often, these children participate in free food programs at their schools, but weekends can be very difficult for their families. The organization Cape Kid Meals was created to provide food for the weekend for all children in need, and currently serves 37+ schools across the Cape and over 1,000 children.
During Fall Service, through service and community engagement—and by raising your voice in support of a cause you believe in, you will help ensure that thousands of neighbors, family, friends, and classmates across Massachusetts will have access to nutritious food this holiday season.
As we learn and serve, it is important to understand the connection between poverty and hunger; as well as between race, ethnicity and hunger. Greater knowledge fuels our urgent responsibility to work to eradicate food insecurity and the underlying inequalities in our society that perpetuate hunger and poverty.
These statistics reflect the unjust and disproportionate impact of the intersection of hunger, race, class, and sexual orientation on some of our neighbors, families, and friends:
In 2024, 1 in 3white households with children compared to nearly 1 in 2 Black and Latino households with children were food insecure.
(Source: US Census Household Pulse Survey)
37%
The percentage of all households in Massachusetts who reported food insecurity in 2024. This is greatly surpassing the level of food insecuity at the height of the pandemic of 19.6%
(Source:Greater Boston Food Bank)
LGBTQ+ and People of Color households experience food insecuirty at higher rates than the households of straight white families.
55-56%
The percentage of Black or Latino LGBTQ+ households with child who experienced food insecurity in MA as of May 2024.
The federal nutrition program, SNAP, has increased substantially since the onset of the pandemic. In 2024, SNAP supported an average of 1.1 million people –1 in 6 households – each month to purchase food. More than 1 in 4 SNAP households have at least one child.
(Source: Project Bread)
(Source: Greater Boston Food Bank)
Social media is a powerful platform for changing the world. The ALS Ice Bucket Challenge is just one example of the global scale and life saving impact of a viral social media phenomenon. Inspired by Service Hero Pete Frates Service Hero Pete Frates, millions of people around the world dumped a bucket of ice over the head, posted an image, and donated to ALS research.
According to The CPA Journal, the first year of the Ice Bucket Challenge (2014), 17 million people posted their challenge videos, which were watched by 440 million people a total of 10 billion times! And, an astonishing $115 million was raised in just eight weeks! That investment tripled the research budget of the ALS Association, yielding breakthrough scientific discovery and greater hope for those affected by ALS.
To set a strong foundation for your social media/end hunger efforts, let’s cover some basics.
You can find Project 351 at:
Facebook: @TeamProject351
X: @TeamProject351
Instagram: @project351
Hashtags we’ll highlight for use throughout Fall Service:
#ServeForShane
#p351FallService
#MotivationMonday
#WhyIServeWednesday
#UniteActLead
#readysetserve
#endhunger
#NoKidHungry
Tips
Spread the Word. Social media is a megaphone for service. Post details (time, date, location, wish list) to encourage donations.
Tag our Project 351 accounts in your posts!
Educate. Build awareness of the challenge of hunger with infographics, inspirational quotes, facts, and statistics.
Celebrate unsung heroes. On #ServiceHeroSunday, celebrate and appreciate your Food Pantry partner, Cornerstone Partners, LT, and volunteers who make your service possible.
A picture is worth 1,000 words. We’ve all heard that before! In service, that’s especially true. Snaps of your Food Pantry, your LT in action, and overflowing donation bins builds the interest and support of your followers.
Express gratitude. Use social media to appreciate your Cornerstone Partners, Leadership Team, community partners, and other stakeholders. Tag them in your posts.
"I want to help as many people as I possibly can. No one should have to go hungry. This service is particularly close to my heart as my family has always been very involved in our local food pantry. I hope to help feed people in my community and ease at least one worry during the busy holiday season."
Macy, Sandwich
"No one should be food insecure.Times are tough for a lot right now with surging prices. We need to do all we can to help people in our communities."
Chris, Westwood
"Food is such an important part of who we are, especially during the traditions of the holiday season. Everyone should be able to celebrate their culture and family traditions to the fullest."
Coralie, Wenham MY VOICE
Source: Project Bread
At Blue Cross, we’ve proudly supported Project 351 for 15 YEARS because we believe in their unique approach to which centers the ideas and energy of YOUNG PEOPLE. When communities, nonprofits, and companies work together, we can solve tough problems.”
Lucy Darragh Strategy and Social Impact Director Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts
Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts (bluecrossma.org) is a communityfocused, tax-paying, not-for-profit health plan headquartered in Boston. They are committed to showing up for everyone like they’re the only one and guiding their members to the exceptional health care they deserve. In keeping with that commitment, they are rated among the nation’s best health plans for member satisfaction and quality.
Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts has a special place in Project 351’s heart and history. They’ve been “true blue” believers since our founding in 2011, inspired by your leadership, compassion, and unlimited potential to create the positive change we wish to see in the world. And, in 351 cities and towns across the Commonwealth!
We are deeply grateful to our friends at Blue Cross for their leadership and investment in your Fall Service. Their generosity and faith powers our mission foward as we “Make Hunger History!” We draw inspiration from their leadership on issues of Health Justice and food insecurity. Let’s dive in to learn how Blue Cross and their partners are nourishing communities across our state.
Blue Cross’ 4,000 employees are inspired by five core values:
1. Be the example. Do what’s right, not what’s easy.
2. Be kind. Act with humility and heart.
3. Be curious. Ask questions. Seek diverse perspectives.
4. Be courageous. Bring bold ideas and make them happen.
5. Be community focused. Always.
“EMPATHY,
Jeff Bellows’ Three Words to Change the World
YOUR VOICE: What partner (or partners) will you rely on during your Fall Service campaign?
Jeff Bellows Vice President
Corporate Citizenship & Public Affairs Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts
Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts is deeply committed to helping all Massachusetts community members lead healthy lives and ensuring equitable access to the environments, experiences, and education needed for good health.
Blue Cross understands that health isn’t just about what happens in a doctor’s office, it also involves the social and economic conditions that affect people’s well-being. Its Health Justice strategy aims to eliminate health inequalities by understanding the root causes of health disparities – like access to nutritious food.
Healthy lives require healthy food, and healthy food is a human right. Promoting access to healthy food has long been a pillar of Blue Cross’ work in the community. Individuals and families across the Commonwealth, particularly in low-income neighborhoods and communities of color, struggle to access affordable, healthy food options. In Massachusetts, 1.8 million adults, or 33% of the state’s population, reported chronic food insecurity with one in three individuals reporting running out of food or not having enough money to purchase food every month (source: Feeding America 2020).
To overcome these challenges, Blue Cross works to promote “Food Justice” so that everyone can have access to healthy food and a sustainable food system.
Food justice requires:
• Food security. Ensuring all community members have reliable access to healthy, culturally relevant food.
• Food systems transformation. Reimagining the production, processing, distribution, and consumption of food to make the system fair and just.
• Community participation. Giving all community members a voice in shaping the food system.
• Environmental sustainability. Ensuring food production, processing, and distribution does not harm the environment and the local ecosystem.
• YOU. Your leadership, service, advocacy, and compassion.
The importance of a sustainable food system cannot be overstated. A sustainable food system not only provides access to healthy food but also supports local economies and protects the environment. Prioritizing sustainability, a focus of many Food Justice organizations, is an investment in the long-term health of Massachusetts communities, making sure that future generations, like yours, have access to the resources they need to thrive.
Food is not just about nutrition; it’s a crucial part of our culture, health, and community. When people have access to healthy food, they lead healthier lives, which means they can attend school, work, and contribute positively to their communities.
But as you’ve learned and read in the Introduction, millions of our neighbors experience food insecurity and struggle to access fresh and nutritious food. Food insecurity can lead to serious health issues, such as obesity, diabetes, and heart disease, which are often exacerbated by a lack of access to nutritional options. Achieving food justice is crucial in addressing these disparities and ensuring that all communities, regardless of their socioeconomic status, have equal access to healthy food.
For 15 years, Blue Cross has proudly invested in your leadership as bridge builders, change makers, and a statewide force for good. This Fall, they’re by your side in our common mission to Make Hunger History. Whether organizing food drives, raising awareness about food insecurity, or advocating for policies and organizations that nourish community, every act of service, compassion, and 35ONE Love counts.
Food Justice is Health Justice.
Your leadership of Fall Service will help us achieve both!
[At Project 351, we draw inspiration from dreamers and doers who use their gifts to uplift their communities. Leaders like Jeff Bellows, Blue Cross’ Vice President of Corporate Citizenship, and Addario Miranda, ALC, Lowell, and Youth Advocate, Project Bread. Recently, Jeff and Addario bonded over their shared passion to end hunger and hopeful vision for changing the world.
Addario: At Project 351, we begin with our why. So, I’d like to ask, “what is your why?”
Jeff: My why is rooted in an inherent need to be involved. I want to help people be their best selves. Ever since I was young, I’d see a problem and want to solve it. Throughout my career, I’ve been the happiest and most fulfilled when I’m working on a team to create greater equity and opportunity for every member of our community.
Addario: What are your three words to change the world?
Jeff: Empathy, authenticity, passion. Empathy is essential to understanding other people’s perspective and their why. Authenticity is being the real you and never wavering from your values and beliefs. And passion – I believe passion can change the world!
Addario: Every day, you’re leading positive change as the Vice President of Corporate Citizenship. What’s corporate citizenship?
Jeff: Corporate citizenship is a company’s values coming to life. It’s the investment, policies, and employee engagement that reflect our priorities and beliefs in the communities where we live and work. Blue Cross’ values are the reason I’m here.
Addario: How would you define Health Justice?
Jeff: If we achieve Health Justice, every member of the community will have healthy lifestyles and equitable access to the environments, experiences, and education needed for good health. To reach our goal, we partner with community to eliminate structural barriers that prevent us from achieving wellness and work to dismantle their root causes. Ending food insecurity is one of our Health Justice promises.
Second, we’re inspired by your commitment to Health Justice, especially through work to promote mental health and wellness and to end food insecurity. The third factor is Project 351’s leadership team, whom we admire for their excellence and spirit of gratitude.
Finally, Project 351 gives me hope. I get energized by your Ambassadors and Alumni. You’re brilliant and passionate and are changing the world!
Addario: My final question: Our country is really divided, with too much anger and fear. What advice do you have as we work to build a more united and compassionate Commonwealth and country?
Jeff: We’ve learned so much from our community partners. To solve complex challenges, we must find common ground and that process – if done well – builds unity.
[Class of 2021, Lowell
The first step is listening with compassion and hearing to understand. No matter what the topic, there’s always at least two sides. It’s important to learn other perspectives and try to walk in their shoes. You may not change their opinion, but you can show grace and give space for them to express their feelings. That greater knowledge helps you discover things you share in common. You begin to solve the challenge as you build bridges of understanding. At this challenging time in our country, I have faith Project 351 will help us find the way forward.
Addario: Thank you, Jeff!
Jeff: Thank you, Addario. You’re an amazing young man. I want you and every Ambassador to know that Blue Cross is proud to be your partner. We admire your courage to stand up for what you believe in and your leadership to make hunger history!
Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts is more than a health care company, they’re a force for powerful change. We are honored to serve with and learn from these visionary leaders to achieve equitable and just communities, where every child and family has the resources they need to thrive.
1 5
We have special appreciation for Blue Cross’ commitment to local communities – the 351 cities and towns you proudly represent. They know that the people most affected by food insecurity often have the best understanding of their community’s challenges and solutions:
• 2 million adults in MA, or 37% of the state’s population, reported chronic food insecurity with one in three individuals reporting running out of food or not having enough money to purchase food every month.
• One in three households in MA experienced child-level food insecurity, meaning that a child was hungry, skipped a meal, or did not eat for a whole day because there was not enough money for food. Children from LGBTQIA+, Black, or Hispanic households had higher rates of food insecurity than rates overall.
•Regionally, food insecurity varied greatly across MA, with 32% of households in Eastern Massachusetts – the largest population in the state – experiencing food insecurity.
•Among households with children, the prevalence of child-level food insecurity is 50% in Western Massachusetts, 41% in Central Massachusetts, and 32% in Eastern Massachusetts.
Our state’s regional diversity requires strategies that are uniquely their own. That’s why Blue Cross collaborates with nonprofits that involve historically excluded groups to create a blueprint for change.
This week of Thanksgiving, we give thanks for Blue Cross’ leadership and partnership. We draw inspiration from eight of their regional Food Justice partners, and their example of innovation, collaboration, and respect for the dignity of all.
Take a look at page 25 to learn more about eight of Blue Cross’ partner organizations across the Commonwealth. Scan the QR code for detailed information about each organization.
1 2 3 4
All Farmers
Springfield and surrounding area
Greater Boston and beyond 2 3 4 6 7 8
5
Boston Area Gleaners
Acton and Eastern Massachusetts
Cape Cod Council of Churches
Cape and Islands
Commonwealth Kitchen
FOOD JUSTICE CATEGORIES
Food Security
Food Systems Transformation
Community Participation
Environmental Sustainability
6
7
8
Grow Food Northampton
Northampton and surrounding area
Marion Institute
Marion and South Coast
ROOT
North Shore and Essex County
Southeastern Massachusetts
Agricultural Partnership
Southeastern Massachusetts
Scan this QR code for more information on Blue Cross’ partner profiles.
Three leadership traits of which you are most proud and why. Identify and reflect on the leadership skills/values you’ve developed through Launch, Spring Service, and 9.11 Tribute Service.
1. 2.
3. Five things you have learned about the local fight to end hunger from your Food Pantry partner. How will you use this newfound knowledge to strengthen your service?
One new skill you hope to gain through Fall Service.
"I want to do as much as I can to contribute help to people in need. I have come to fully realize the kind of impact I can have on my community and the world."
Edwin, Pittsfield
"My final why is rooted in compassion and community. I've learned that hunger isn't just about a lack of food, it's about a lack of opportunity, dignity, and hope"
Giovanna, Lenoxx
"I know that everyone's lives are not the same. Knowing that I sometimes have more privilege than others, it makes me want to do this project even more."
Israa, Malden
> >Gain a greater understanding and appreciation of the people, organizations, and resources that make your hometown special.
> >Develop skills of civic engagement to unite your community in the fight to end hunger.
> >Learn how to build effective relationships with the media, elected officials, and local businesses and recruit them in support of your service.
Massachusetts is comprised of 351 cities and towns. Each one is rich with unique history, assets, and resources that give it strength and define its identity. Last Fall, your educators selected you to represent one of those communities as Ambassador. This Fall, you have the opportunity to showcase all that is good and kind and generous about your hometown.
Spring Service engaged your school and organizations you know well. With your greater confidence and skill, it’s time to explore beyond the walls of your classroom as you Unite. Act. Lead.
Community Mapping focuses on identifying new resources and partners in your fight to end hunger. As you do, you’ll learn about some well-known assets and hidden jewels in your hometown. Our cities and towns are filled with amazing people and institutions. Imagine tapping all of that wisdom, experience, and energy to creating change? All it takes is a leader with a big heart, clear vision, and commitment to make the world a better place. All it takes is YOU!
Let’s explore your community, discover its unique assets, and identify how you can partner to fight hunger.
Hometown Assets:
Youth groups
Public and private schools, & their school communities
Government offices—city manager/Mayor, state senator, state representative, city council, etc.
Libraries & bookstores
Parks and public areas
Nonprofit & community organizations
Faith-based institutions & organizations
Veterans & military groups
Civic organizations (e.g. Elks & Rotary)
Arts & culture organizations
Senior Citizen Councils & volunteer groups
Businesses & stores
Historical & cultural sites
Community events & celebrations
Landmarks & tourism
Newspaper, radio, & cable outlets
Community websites & social media platforms
In partnership with your LT, identify what makes each of these community assets special and a potential resource for your fight to end hunger. For example:
A YOUTH GROUP convenes ENERGETIC YOUNG PEOPLE
Your LOCAL BOOKSTORE has a COMMUNITY BULLETIN BOARD
The FALL HARVEST CELEBRATION is jam packed with RESIDENTS AND NEIGHBORS.
Work with your Leadership Team to brainstorm a list of YOUR community’s resources and how you can partner to end hunger. Recruit a team member for outreach and set a deadline for action.
Youth Group
ex. Resource:
Opportunities to Partner:
Unique Asset:
Young people!
Host a collection site; recruit volunteers
Juan Week of December 3
Team Member: Deadline:
ex. Resource:
Opportunities to Partner:
Local Bookstore Community bulletin board Hang a STW flyer Autumn November 13
Unique Asset:
Team Member: Deadline:
ex. Resource: Unique Asset:
Opportunities to Partner:
Team Member: Deadline:
1. Resource: Unique Asset:
Opportunities to Partner:
Team Member: Deadline:
2. Resource: Unique Asset:
Opportunities to Partner:
Team Member: Deadline:
3. Resource: Unique Asset:
Opportunities to Partner:
Team Member: Deadline:
Everybody welcomes good news—including opportunities to make their community and our world better! Local and regional press provide a megaphone for our service. Their engagement helps elevate the issue of hunger, recruit support, and spark community engagement long after Fall Service is done. The holidays are an especially wonderful time for media outreach, as news outlets seek positive stories that convey the spirit of giving.
There are three outcomes of media coverage:
Sharing your story of service will inspire others to ACT.
Elevating the issue of hunger will compel your neighbors to CARE.
Demonstrating the positive difference that young people can make will build PRIDE AND UNITY in your hometown.
Engaging the media strengthens your skills of communication and your confidence as a source of inspiration. The process of our engagement must be thoughtful, strategic, and respectful. Please engage a caring adult to support these important efforts.
Build your media outreach plan into your Action Plan and STW efforts. A unified plan will allow you to resource and prepare appropriately for each milestone.
“People want to volunteer like crazy. In the fires in Ventura, we got more than 2,000 volunteers in less than a week. People love to activate themselves to the betterment of the lives of others—they really have that call to help others. So, activating volunteers with (awareness) through media and different social media platforms, that’s very important.”
CHEF JOSÉ ANDRÉS, SERVICE HERO & FOUNDER, WORLD CENTRAL KITCHEN
Lisa Hughes, News Anchor, WBZ-TV
We live in an era of innovation, inspiration, and immediate access to news. It is a privilege to report to you on historic events, community newsmakers, and the best of our humanity. As the mom of two Project 351 alumni and Board Member of Big Sister of Greater Boston, I take pride in stories that highlight the remarkable difference that young leaders make through service.
1. Research & Discover. Read your local newspaper, listen to radio stations, and watch local cable. Make a list of the reporters, editors, and news outlets that may be interested in your project. If you attend an event where you have an opportunity to introduce yourself to a reporter—take it! You won’t be able to do this if a reporter is on a stressful assignment or breaking news. But, if you see that the journalist is having a moment of “down time,” say hello!
2. Develop your pitch. Be concise, but add a dose of your inspiration and passion. Economic challenge has increased the crisis of hunger across the state. Your efforts to support those facing food insecurity is news that we care about. Prepare and practice your key messages -- important facts and your “WHY”. Start with the problem you seek to solve: “1 in 5 households with children experience food insecurity. Young people in _______ (insert your city/town) are working to change that.”
3. Personalize—and proofread! Customize your “pitch” for each journalist. Make a personal connection by complimenting them on a recent story that interested you. And be sure to carefully proofread anything you share or send to your media contact.
4. What’s the hook? Offer a compelling visual or event to draw interest. For example, include the time and location for your delivery of donations. That moment represents the fulfillment of your goal—providing support to your hometown food pantry. Help the reporter tell their story by sharing opportunities that bring your service to life.
5. Start early…be persistent and polite. Send your initial pitch two to three weeks before your Food Drive. Project 351 will provide you with a sample Media Advisory and Press Release for you to customize. Follow up by phone to confirm the information has been received. Send polite emails leading up to your event to confirm their coverage. The week of your event, send an updated Media Advisory to finalize details. Good luck!
Engage a caring adult and/or Project 351 to guide and support you.
Personalize the media release template from Project 351 to tell YOUR service story.
Define YOUR pitch. Why does the fight to end hunger matter? How can the viewers/readers support your team’s service?
Be sure to include an inspiring and interesting “visual”—your LT in action, images from the Food Pantry, etc.
Identify spokespeople, who—in addition to you—can best share your story of service and impact. Cornerstone Partners can be great in this role!
Brainstorm a list of your top media targets. Focus on those that have a high likelihood of interest in your service.
Gratitude, always! Be sure to appreciate your Cornerstone Partners, LT, and other key contributors to Fall Service. Follow-up with the reporter with a note of gratitude for their interest and consideration.
MEDIA ENGAGEMENT MATRIX
Name:
Title:
Media Outlet:
Contact Info:
STW Goal:
The pitch:
The compelling visual:
Name:
Title: Media Outlet:
Contact Info:
STW Goal:
The pitch:
The compelling visual:
Name:
Title: Media Outlet:
Contact Info:
STW Goal:
The pitch:
The compelling visual:
Name:
Title: Media Outlet:
Contact Info:
STW Goal:
The pitch:
The compelling visual:
The individuals who serve your communities and our Commonwealth as elected officials may have different ideologies, but they share a common passion—to make our state the best it can be. These leaders enter public life with the noble purpose of improving opportunity and the quality of life for every citizen. They consider you and your peers important constituents. Your voice matters, as do the issues you care about.
Engaging elected officials in your Food Drive will help build visibility for the issue of hunger and the important leadership of your Food Pantry. Our elected officials have the opportunity to advocate for policies and funding that can positively impact hunger, and your outreach will help encourage their support. Let’s “Take Five” to learn how to recruit an elected leader to serve with you.
“We’ve learned to shout our anger and whisper our kindness. We need to flip that around and shout our kindness and whisper our anger.”
GOVERNOR DEVAL PATRICK, FOUNDING HONORARY CHAIR, PROJECT 351
Former State Representative Smitty Pignatelli, Service Hero
I loved serving my constituents in the beautiful Berkshires, and especially value time with young people. Full of ideas and fresh perspective, youth challenge and motivate me. Here are five tips for engaging your elected officials.
1. Research and confirm your elected officials. Make sure you have the correct name, title, and contact information.
2. Plan ahead. Provide enough time to engage. Fall is a busy season, so reach out early
3. Prepare well and establish contact. By phone call, letter or email, be sure your outreach is polite, informed, and specific.
4. Identify specific opportunities to engage. Ask your elected official to help in one or all of these ways:
Promote your Food Drive in the elected official’s constituent newsletter or on their web site. The reach of both is in the tens of thousands.
Donate time & food. Visit your Host Site to meet you and donate to your Food Drive. Elected’s team can also help with media engagement.
Issue a Proclamation. For State Senators and Representatives, request a proclamation from the Commonwealth that recognizes the efforts of your LT and school in the fight to end hunger.
Co-write a letter to the editor with your local elected to raise awareness on the issue of hunger and the leadership of your local Food Pantry.
Deliver. Ask your elected and their staff to help your LT pack and deliver donations. As we serve together, I can hear your ideas, which ensures your voice is heard...and helps make me a better leader.
Advocate. Share statistics and stories about hunger in your community with your elected. Ask them to advocate and to remember the issue of hunger when passing laws or allocating budget resources.
5. Follow-up! Stay in touch. Let your elected officials know about the success of your Food Drive and how they can be of further help. Thank the elected officials and their team for their hard work on behalf of your cause.
We are lucky to live in a Commonwealth where businesses embrace the dual objectives of “doing well and doing good.” Companies of all sizes play an instrumental role in making our communities strong and vibrant. Through investment, expertise, volunteer engagement, and partnerships that innovate and transform, the private sector stands with us on the frontline for creating change.
Project 351 is only possible because of the investment and partnership of the business community. And, on the local level, Ambassadors and Alumni have creatively engaged stores, restaurants, and other businesses to support their service. This “Take Five” offers guidance on how to recruit the private sector in support of your service mission.
Kanna Kunchala, Senior Vice President & Chief of Staff, City Year
At City Year, our AmeriCorps members build close relationships with students, provide academic support, serve as “near-peer” mentors, and partner with educators to help students succeed. Our work would not be possible without private sector partners who dedicate financial resources, time, energy, and wisdom to support our Corps Members and the students they serve.
1. Think about values alignment. Your work as a Project 351 Ambassador is guided by a core set of values. So, identify businesses whose values align with yours and whose priorities align with your goals. A number of companies will be more inclined to support a Food Drive—grocery stores and restaurants are two examples. Prioritize those who share your interests. Companies that share a deep commitment to community are most likely to support your project.
2. Find the right person to contact. Use the company’s website. There’s usually a section called “About Us”, where you can find information about the company’s community commitment. This section often includes the appropriate staff leader and the process for submitting donation requests. This may be by letter, online form, or phone call.
3. Be bold, be brave, be polite. Be specific about your request (e.g. donation of goods for a raffle, financial support for the Food Pantry), the impact it will make, and how you will recognize the company’s generosity. Don’t be afraid to dream big about the company’s engagement, you never know where a polite and inspirational request may lead!
4. Engage your partners in your Food Drive. The best way of building support for the long-term is to engage executives and employees in service. You can start by inviting your contacts to attend an LT meeting. Listen and learn about your partner, their business, and their priorities. Together, you’ll strengthen your bond through service.
5. Creative gratitude is the most memorable. Distinguish yourself with a creative thank you. Make sure to share gratitude at the conclusion of your project. Ask your partners for feedback and encourage them to stay engaged with Project 351 Let them know how you will continue your service with Project 351 as Alumni. Let them know about your continued service Project 351 as Alumni Tell them a 2026 Ambassador will begin their service year in January!
Develop a target list of elected officials you hope to engage, identify your request (e.g. “Please come serve with my Leadership Team!”), and determine the most effective process for contact. Be sure to include your outreach dates in your Action Plan and to ask a caring adult for additional guidance.
Name:
Title:
Phone:
How I Hope to Engage Them:
Email:
Name:
Title:
Phone:
How I Hope to Engage Them:
Email:
Name:
Title:
Phone:
How I Hope to Engage Them:
Email:
What leadership lessons do you hope to learn from partnering with an elected official?
What issues and ideas do you wish to share with your elected official(s)?
Identify areas of need where local businesses can add strength. Focus on their expertise and assets. For example, a local pizza shop could contribute a pizza party to the homeroom that collects the most donations. A moving company could transport your donations to the Food Pantry. A bank could advertise your Food Drive on their ATM screens. During training, we will share examples of “donation request” letters for your use.
1. Fall Service needs:
Potential business partner:
Name, title, and contact information:
Process/deadline for request:
2. Fall Service needs:
Potential business partner:
Name, title, and contact information:
Process/deadline for request:
3. Fall Service needs:
Potential business partner:
Name, title, and contact information:
Process/deadline for request:
4.
Potential business partner:
Name, title, and contact information:
Process/deadline for request:
THREE leaders you connected with in your community. Engaging with the media, local businesses, and elected officials requires courage, confidence, and a plan for success. Please share the impact of your outreach and the leadership skill you developed through engagement.
MEDIA:
Impact:
LOCAL BUSINESSES:
Impact:
ELECTED OFFICIALS
Impact:
5
FIVE things you learned by community mapping.
What surprised you most?
What challenged you?
Favorite part of your hometown
Most interesting aspect
In your opinion, what is your community’s greatest asset?
ONE way you are excited to engage your community in Fall Service.
"Watertown Food Pantry contributes to my why of spreading kindness because even if donating food feels small, it can brighten up someone's day. IIwant to spread joy so everyone can feel the kindness that IIfeel from my community. I aspire to have the leadership of the people who volunteer at my local pantry and I hope the difference I make spreads to others."
Dominique, Watertown
"Give people hopewhether they be strangers or friends, so that when they see someone in need they’ll step up to the plate."
Lyla, Fitchburg
"I am motivated to give everyone the opportunity to be their best self by providing them with food on their table. No child deserves to worry about their next meal or what they will be eating when they get home."
Kylie, Sterling
MAP your Community. Brainstorm a list of your community’s resources and make a plan for outreach.
RESEARCH your local media outlets, elected officials, and businesses. Decide which of these you will reach out to.
ENGAGE your Community! Once you have mapped your community, done your research, and identified potential partners, it is time to reach out.
USE this week’s social media graphic (on the next page) to celebrate & encourage your community partners (media outlets, elected officials, business leaders). Tag your community partners in your posts and celebrate their contributions to your team and project.
“
“ Leadership requires an unwavering commitment to real outcomes. Leadership is reaL outcomes for real people.
Rep. Andy Vargas
State Representative, 3rd Essex District
NAME CLASS TOWN
2022 Robbie Moyes Avon
MY WHY
My "why" is through the power of being the best I can be to bring out the best in others. Whether it's through service or conversation, giving a donation or a smile, the influence of good sparks a chain reaction of good karma that is essential for building a strong community.
My mission is to engage my community in
Let your creativity take hold of your service
MY MISSION
My mission is to engage my community in service through the passions we share in hopes of influencing others to do the same. My mission revolves around the principle of giving purpose through passion.
Let your creativity take hold of your service project! Be unique and ambitious in your ideas to engage your community with your service project. You will find these are the most successful and the most fun!
> Untap the potential of the next generation of Ambassadors to increase service impact.
> Build skills as mentor, motivator, and mobilizer!
> Learn how to use storytelling and arts & crafts to inspire elementary students to build the knowledge, awareness, and ability to help end hunger.
> Create an Action Plan and strong educator partnerships that enable service success.
Community mapping and engagement are the bedrock of Fall Service. You’re discovering how to identify unique assets in your hometown and recruit their support to nourish families and neighbors. Now, we begin with the most joyful and fun community members in your hometown: elementary school students!
This chapter will teach you how to:
Work alongside principals, administrators, and educators to create partnerships of mutual benefit and important impact
Adapt or create an exciting lesson plan
Bring your passion for service to the next generation of your hometown’s Ambassadors
Invite K-5 students to use their skills and energy to support a successful Food Drive. If this special opportunity appeals to you, we encourage you to focus your time and energy on your elementary school as your only Host Site. You’ll build new leadership skills, deepen impact for your Food Pantry, and generate lots of Service Joy!
Elementary engagement is a key strategy for building a community-wide ethic of service. It provides you with an opportunity to learn new skills and build important knowledge.
As you partner with elementary educators, you may hear the terms: “service learning” and “Social and Emotional Learning (SEL)”. Don’t be intimidated, both refer to the process of educating students about issues, building skills and motivation, and co-creating—as a school community—opportunities to make a difference.
“Service learning” is something you do every day with Project 351—combine learning with leading. Elementary engagement invites you to make those “wow” moments possible for K-5 students.
And, here’s the bonus! As your educator partner and you develop a service leadership and learning project for elementary students, you’ll benefit, too! Elementary engagement will increase YOUR leadership and communication skills; knowledge and confidence; AND impact for your hometown Food Pantry.
“I’m so excited to engage elementary-aged children for Fall Service! When my little brother Benjamin assists me in service projects, he experiences pride, joy, compassion, and confidence. He knows that he did a good deed and supported his community. I want to make sure that every child has the opportunity to learn about the goodness and importance of community service.”
YVETTE ESTEVEZ, CLASS OF 2019, WEST NEWBURY
As a member of our blue and orange community, it’s important to represent our core values of kindness, compassion, humility and gratitude in every interaction. At your elementary school, this includes conversations with educators, planning sessions with your team, and the behaviors you model in the classroom.
A teacher’s classroom is their special space. It serves as the expression of their passion for teaching, values of their student community, and the standards and behaviors they want their young scholars to emulate. It is our privilege and honor to be invited to enter a classroom. The educators are investing in YOU as a leader and demonstrating their belief that YOU will positively impact their educational goals. Pretty cool, right?
As a guest and role model, you hold special status in these classes—which you can maximize to get students excited about service! Imagine if this partnership continues yearto-year? With Fall Service, you have the opportunity to spark a service movement in your hometown!
Over this service year, you have demonstrated the service impact made possible through partnerships, collaboration, and the spirit of 35ONE.
Partnering with an Elementary School will require the knowledge and skills you’ve developed as an Ambassador. The privilege of investing in a school’s culture of service will empower future leaders. There are two key educators and one group of individuals—with whom you will build partnerships for success. With each, it’s important to:
BUILD trust and express gratitude.
LISTEN & LEARN about the school community, their values and vision, and how Fall Service can help strengthen their school pride, unity, and impact.
SHARE the mission of Fall Service and your vision of classroom engagement.
ESTABLISH shared goals and a united plan—including timeline, communication, and roles and responsibilities.
“Always remember—a future Ambassador or two could be in your classroom! When I served with my Fifth Grade Leadership Team, I was mindful of my responsibility to model kindness, inclusion, and enthusiasm for service. My goal was to inspire them to “unite, act, lead” in ways that exceeded their expectations and encouraged them to keep leading!”
MICHAELA CAMPBELL
Class of 2014, Holliston, 2025 Service Hero
1.School Administration
Typically, your first contact with the school will likely be an administrator (such as the principal or a guidance counselor).
2.Educator
Your classroom teacher and other engaged educators will be wonderful role models and your best resources for learning about your students. They’re experts at managing the classroom and bringing out the best in their students, and can advise on successful engagement.
3.Classroom—the
Leading classroom-based service and engagement may feel daunting, so we’ve created some tools to help you get started! SLA Training and our Community Call will also focus on tips and tricks for success.
GOAL: A “YES! WE’D LOVE TO SERVE WITH YOU!”
To get started, you need confirmation of their belief and support! The school principal—or their appointed colleague—will provide guidance on the expectations of partnership and process required to get to YES!
Explore your school’s—or school district’s website—to find contact information.
If possible, partner with YOUR elementary school so you can leverage existing relationships and your knowledge of the school community
Build a communication plan!
Begin! You can email, call, or visit.
Schools often have a mascot or values statement. Is there common ground between Project 351 and the school? For example, you both share a commitment to kindness. If so, highlight your common values and vision, and articulate the alignment between Fall Service and their school community.
To prepare for the meeting:
Are you a graduate of that elementary school? Highlight your loyalty and gratitude for the school community. And, commitment to “pay it forward.”
Include an article, photo, or impact numbers from your Project 351 service to inspire the educators’ confidence.
Explore the school calendar, which you can often find online. Are there upcoming service projects, performances, fundraisers, or assemblies that Fall Service could support and strengthen?
Goals, vision, and timeline for partnership in support of Fall Service.
A copy of “Stone Soup” — and your ideas for student engagement/classroom activity. (Project 351 will provide you with detailed lesson plans for your use!)
Your passion, belief, and Project 351 pride.
result? They say: YES, We’d love to serve with you!
Ask the Principal to reach out to the recommended classroom educator to encourage their partnership.
Listen and learn from the Principal’s guidance on that educator; their students—goals, culture, values; and insights on successfully engaging that grade level.
Send a follow-up note of gratitude and restate your agreed upon goals.
Prepare to inspire your Classroom Educator!
Your principal has said YES! And, has recommended a classroom teacher for collaboration. They’re excited to meet/speak with you! Let’s go!
Educators are the best resource for learning about a particular grade level and classroom. They’re the experts at classroom management and helping a lesson run smoothly.
Build excitement for the fight to end hunger and the positive impact you will have with students.
Create a partnership based on shared values and common goals.
Listen and learn about the classroom—academic/values/ community goals and the standards and protocols to support the educator’s expectations.
Share information about Project 351, Fall Service, your WHY?, and your plan for classroom engagement.
Are there particular activities that work best for their class?
What are classroom “rules” and expectations? For example: do students have to raise their hand to answer questions?
What motivated the educator to say “yes” to your engagement?
How are classroom materials used? Do students need permission to use supplies? Do they each have their own? What will you need to supply?
What are the school’s guidelines on the use of student photos on social media/with local media? Would you be allowed to share photos of your service together?
Congratulations! The educator says: I’M IN! Let’s partner to inspire my students to devote their special gifts for fighting hunger!
Express appreciation and excitement!
Clarify educator’s goals, expectations.
Create a timeline for action and a vision for your classroom engagement
Confirm date(s) and time(s) or your classroom visit.
Send a follow-up note of gratitude and restate your agreed upon goals and timeline.
Prepare and get excited to meet the students!
Praise students for their good work and responses! Being kind and positive helps maintain a good classroom environment. Model the Project 351 values in your interactions with the students.
Icebreakers are good! Relate them to your lesson, look back to your team builders for inspiration. The students will look up to you and want to know who you are, too!
Students may be chatty with the excitement of a classroom guest! The teacher will likely help you with classroom management. There are many strategies, such as pausing and waiting, “hands up”, and counting down to refocus students.
Be flexible! Your lesson will not go exactly how you planned and that is okay! Adapt to the needs of the class. Remember, the students haven’t read your lesson plan, so only you will know if something doesn’t work perfectly!
Elementary students grow and learn in bursts of inspiration and discovery. Your educator can provide guidance as to how your leadership in their classroom can reflect the different stages of growth.
This grade-by-grade overview provides broad student enrichment priorities. Don’t worry—you’re not their educator or responsible for these important objectives! But, it’s helpful to have an understanding of each grade level’s focus:
KINDERGARTEN: Self Control Skills, listening and following directions, counting, alphabet and basic spelling, cutting/pasting
GRADE 1: Group activities, learning words, writing basic sentences, handwriting, reading at a basic level (so it’s better to read stories aloud to them!)
GRADE 2: Improving concentration, independent reading, basic writing to form short paragraphs, basic computer skills
GRADE 3: Friendships and group activities are well-established, begin reading basic chapter books, responding to more inference based questions, writing good sentences to form short stories or paragraphs
GRADE 4: Improved organizational skills, can understand themes and genres, building vocabulary, able to conduct research
GRADE 5: Students more self-aware, can analyze characters/plots, can present information to classmates, basic understanding of societal issues
In your meeting(s), your educator will provide important guidance on your students, their grade level, and what approaches work best in their classroom.
Adapted from a Swedish Folktale
There once was a traveler who came to a small village, tired and weary from his long journey. The traveler did not have anything to eat and hoped that a friendly villager would be able to feed him. He came to the first house and knocked on the door. He asked the woman who answered if she could spare just a small bit of food as he had traveled a long journey and was very hungry. The woman replied, “I’m sorry, I have nothing to give you. I can barely feed my own family.”
So the traveler went to another door and asked again. The answer was the same: “I have nothing to give you.” He went from door to door and each time was turned away.
Undaunted, the traveler went to the village square, took a small tin cooking pot from his bag, filled it with water, started a fire and dropped a stone in the pot. As he boiled the water, a passing villager stopped and asked him what he was doing. The traveler replied, “I’m making stone soup. Would you like to join me?” The villager said yes, and asked if carrots were good in stone soup. “Yes, thank you!” said the traveler. The villager went home and returned with carrots from his garden to add to the boiling water.
Soon, another curious villager came by and was invited to join them. She went home and returned with some potatoes. A young boy soon joined the group, with his mother and dinner plates from their home.
In time, a crowd gathered with each offering their own favorite ingredient: mushrooms, onions, salt, black pepper, acorn, squash. Every villager wanted to contribute to the stone soup!
Soon, the air was filled with the delicious aroma of stone soup. And, the traveler declared, “our dinner is ready!” The community gathered for a joyful feast -- all thanks to a single stone.
Maura Reilly Rowell, 2nd Grade Teacher
Cole Elementary School, Norwell
I love being in the classroom with my students, especially in these challenging times. Their fresh ideas and perspective on our world and their sense of wonder keep me smiling each day. My students will be our future leaders and I love to watch them grow. I encourage you to inspire your hometown’s next generation of Ambassadors! Your service and example will teach them the power of their potential to change the world. Here’s my “Take Five” on engaging elementary school educators and students in your fight to end hunger:
1.Work with the school administration. A supportive school principal should be your primary goal! They have their own “toolkit” to help ensure success, including STW, recruiting district administrators, and their personal engagement. Set up a meeting to let them know what you’re trying to accomplish and the importance of ending hunger. Ask for their guidance and support.
2.Engage the community. Find out if you can present at a School Committee meeting. Most often, elected officials are thrilled to support initiatives that are cross-district. They just need to be informed, understand your vision, and feel your enthusiasm! The School Committee will help amplify your call-to-serve.
3.Engage younger leaders. Your elementary schools may have a student council, service club, or ambassador program. Work with their staff liaison to mobilize their leadership of STW, homeroom announcements, or as your elementary LT.
4.Prepare and have fun! If your plans include a classroom project, like Stone Soup, prepare for success in three important ways:
Create a shared vision with the classroom instructor.
Develop a plan, including the materials you will need.
Relax, smile, make eye contact, use first names when you can, demonstrate your passion for ending hunger (it’s infectious!).
5.Always follow up! Be sure to let the students know the impact of their service. And, as every Project 351 Ambassador knows by now – gratitude is essential. Personal thankyou’s to the principal, educator, and students is always a nice touch! Notes, posters, banners – create your own “thank you” art! Or, engage the school newsletter to thank the community for their commitment to help others.
THREE goals you have for engaging elementary school students
FIVE ideas you have to inspire and motivate the next generation of Ambassadors to serve and lead.
ONE thing you are most excited for when engaging elementary school students.
"I want to make sure no one goes hungry, and to make sure everyone has plenty of food in order to live happily. I want to leave my mark on this world in a meaningful way that makes a difference, no matter how big or small that difference may be. ANY difference makes an impact"
Aidan, Wellesley
"My "why" is to help end hunger in the world, starting in Boston. Especially for kids, to help them continue to grow and learn to have success in their lives! I also want to spread awareness of this epidemic of hunger and help people learn how to serve."
Soleil, Boston
"In a world where you can be anything, be kind to those around you. Which thoroughly motivates me to Make Hunger History this Fall."
Morgan, Essex
ENGAGE YOUR SCHOOL PARTNER. Reaching out to the principal, guidance counselor, or other administrator.
ENGAGE YOUR EDUCATOR PARTNER. Develop goals that will be mutually beneficial, and ask for your educator partner’s feedback and suggestions on your lesson plan.
PREPARE YOUR LESSON PLAN. Review the lesson plans offered by Project 351, adapt them according to your school’s needs, and practice!
EXECUTE YOUR LESSON PLAN! Be flexible and ready to adapt on your feet in the classroom with the students.
EXPRESS GRATITUDE. Over the last three years, the dedication and devotion of educators has been heroic. Please be sure to express gratitude for their example of excellence, and their support and expertise in support of elementary engagement.
Sometimes you don’t even know you made a difference. Be Kind. be compassionate. You may just change a person’s life.
Cherylann Gengel Co-Founder, Be Like Brit 2015 Service Hero