2026AMB Welcome Packet

CONGRATULATIONS & WELCOME to

THE CLASS OF 2026!

TABLE OF

CONTENTS WELCOME!

02

SO...WHAT’S AN AMBASSADOR?

03

LEADING POSITIVE CHANGE

04

THE YEAR AHEAD!

05

REFLECTIONS ON LEADERSHIP

06

WELCOME! We’re so happy you’re here!

Warmest welcome to Project 351, a community of eighth grade Ambassadors and high school mentors who unite to create awe-inspiring change. Together – across 351 cities and towns – you build a more kind, compassionate, and equitable Commonwealth.

“I’ve always been in love with the idea of changing the world and helping others. My whole life I’ve thought ‘one day...one day, I will’. Project 351 has taught me that making change doesn’t have to be one day, it can be now.

Over the last year, I’ve organized and lead very successful service projects. Even though we were guided by leaders and role models along the way, I still did it. And I’m so proud of myself for that. These weren’t empty promises of ‘I will’. They were my vision for change...executed.

The most important lesson I’ve learned as an Ambassador is to be a doer instead of a follower.”

ELIZA • ROCKPORT

Your year’s term as Ambassador kicks-off on January 17, 2026 – our annual Launch and Service Day in tribute to Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and in honor of YOU! Over 12-months of leadership development, community building, and service, you’ll develop the skills, knowledge, and courage required to lead positive change. And, as you do, you’ll have fun and build lifelong friendships!

Although our formal Launch is in January, your Project 351 journey begins right now! Over the next two months, we’ll share inspiration and information to ensure you’re ready for the best possible Ambassador year!

In close, a special message of gratitude to your family and educators – your first and best role models. We look forward to a wonderful year as 35ONE! With kindness,

Carolyn Carolyn Casey Founder and Executive Director 02 03

SO...WHAT’S AN AMBASSADOR?

N! O I T S E U Q T A E GR Am·bas·sa·dor /amˈbasədər/ noun

1. 8th grade unsung hero and quiet leader 2. change maker and bridge builder 3. part of a youth-led movement for change 4. kind, compassionate, humble, grateful 5. proudly represents one of 351 cities and towns!

6.Y-O-U! 03

A YOUTH-LEDMOVEMENT FOR CHANGE

Project 351 is a youth-led movement of positive change powered by the wisdom, compassion, and skill of 8th grade Ambassadors.

United across 351 cities and towns, they make an awe-inspiring difference in their communities and our Commonwealth.

SINCE 2011,

5,586 SERVED

1,500,430

neighbors

MOBILIZED

332,266 friends & classmates in service

DEVELOPED

BUILT

UNITED

IMPACTED

the skills and confidence, to lead positve change

a culture of kindness & compassion in schools & their hometowns

351 communitiess in a shared mission & across every facet of diversity

critical needs including childhood poverty, hunger, environment & military/veterans

“Service builds communities, breaks barriers, and brings humanity together.

At Project 351, I’ve learned how to lead and have been given a lifetime of hope.

I have found myself and my place in the world.”

ANIKA • BRAINTREE

04

THE

AMBASSADOR LEADERSHIP JOURNEY

Congratulations & welcome to 35ONE! Get ready for a life-changing year of leadership, service, and friendship!

January 17

February

March

LAUNCH & SERVICE DAY

the playbook initiative in partnership with the BOSTON CELTICS

SERVICE LEADERSHIP ACADEMY

In Honor of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr & Coretta Scott King

Kick-off your Ambassador year at an unforgettable day of celebration & service in Boston!

With inspiration from Celtics’ change makers, build the skills & knowledge to make a difference as bridge builders & upstanders.

Learn how to lead your first service project in support of Cradles to Crayons. Featuring inspirational speakers, skillbuilding & step-by-step support to ensure your service success!

April

May

June

be kind to your mind

LEADERSHIP REUNION

Special programming to build a strong foundation of mental health & wellness!

Reunite & celebrate with your Ambassador friends! A day of awe-inspiring service impact, special guests, leadership workshops & fun!

Spring SERVICE! Ready, set, lead! Your first hometown service project for Cradles to Crayons will make a difference in the lives of thousands of children across the state.

in partnership with KyleCares, Cuerd@s, and WBZ-TV

at GILLETTE STADIUM

Hosted by the Patriots Foundation

July

August

September 11

Summer vacation Soak up the sun, spend time with family & friends, and reflect with pride on the first half of your Ambassador year! Build excitement as we prepare for the second half of your leadership journey!

SERVICE LEADERSHIP ACADEMY Build the confidence & skills to serve local veterans, deployed service members, and HOME BASE. Featuring inspirational speakers and Alumni best practices.

9.11 TRIBUTE SERVICE We “honor & remember” the tragic loss of September 11, 2001 through service for our military, veterans & the families of the Fallen and 9.11 loved ones. In 2026, we will honor the 25th anniversary with unity, love, and hope.

October

November

December

Fall service

invitation to alumni community

in partnership with BLUE CROSS BLUE SHIELD and PROJECT BREAD

Continue to lead & serve with Project 351 through high school & beyond!

You’ve only just begun!

SERVICE LEADERSHIP ACADEMY Help “Make Hunger History” by gaining the knowledge & skills to lead Fall Service. Featuring visionary leaders, skill-building & step-by-step support to ensure your service success!

MAKE HUNGER HISTORY!

Unite schools & communities in support of your hometown food pantries & the families they nourish.

Service Leadership Academy and enrichment programming are VIRTUAL through Zoom!

05

REFLECTIONS ON LEADERSHIP

Project 351 is something everyone should experience — I feel more optimistic and hopeful about humanity knowing there are others who think the same way I do.

Jack

Alumni Leadership Council • Ludlow Harvard University ‘29

Domilove

Ambassador • Brockton

With Project 351, I’ve found the family of a lifetime and a cause greater than self that has become synonymous with my life’s purpose.

Project 351 has deepened my understanding of true leadership -rooted in service, compassion, and resilience. I’ve learned to show up for others, listen carefully, and lead with humility and empathy. Leadership doesn’t require perfection, rather a commitment to growth and to work as 35ONE to make a positive impact.

Arianna

Ambassador • Revere

06

The most powerful lesson I’ve learned from

PROJECT351 is that social change is never done alone.

It thrives through unity, mentorship, and shared purpose. I’ve come to believe that when we rise together, our power is limitless and our impact, truly lasting.

SAVA • SHARON