Dear Ambassador, 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 in. Your year of leadership and service begins with a high energy celebration -- Launch & Service Day in Boston on Saturday, January 13, 2024. We'll honor the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and Coretta Scott King, and celebrate you -- the Ambassador Class of 2024! As an Ambassador, you join a community of 4,891 eighth graders who came before you and embraced the opportunity to serve and lead. Together, their efforts have positively impacted more than 1.2 million neighbors through service -- inspiring evidence of your generation’s extraordinary ability to create positive change. This Ambassador Welcome Packet provides a roadmap of the year of service ahead. Inside you’ll find inspiration, information, and tools to help prepare you for your Ambassador leadership and service. In addition, you’ll receive weekly emails (beginning in December) and invitations to informational calls as we countdown to Launch Day. Please find key dates inside. In this season of gratitude, I’m thankful for your families and educators for inspiring you to be your truest and best self, and for their support of your Project 351 leadership. Their belief makes our mission possible. I send special appreciation for 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. I can’t wait to begin! With kindness,
Carolyn Casey Founder and Executive Director
Ambassador checklist Be on the lookout for your official Project 351 welcome email! Please add info@project351.org to your email contacts to ensure you receive Ambassador emails! Confirm your participation as an Ambassador! Complete the Class of 2024 Ambassador Registration form by Friday, December 15th. (Registration link will be included in your welcome email.) Follow Project 351 on social media @project351 for inspiration, information, & community building! Bookmark the Ambassador Resource Hub at www.project351.org/class-of-2024 for easy access to information & updates! Subscribe to the Project 351 Ambassador Calendar (located in the Resource Hub) for key dates & Zoom call information! Get excited for an inspirational year of friendships, service, and leadership development! 617-387-7100
www.project351.org
info@project351.org
key Dates & Milestones Tuesday, November 28 • 7:00 pm Ambassador Welcome Zoom #1
Wednesday, December 13 • 6:00 pm Ambassador Welcome Zoom #2
Friday, December 15 Deadline to submit Ambassador Registration/Family Permission Form
Monday, January 8, 2024 • 7:00 pm “Countdown to Launch!” Zoom
Saturday, January 13, 2024 • Boston 14th Annual Launch & Service Day in celebration of the Ambassador Class of 2024! • Please Note • Zoom information will be emailed prior to each call.
a youth-led movement for good At Project 351, we believe that every young person is remarkable and that within them, lies the tools, vision, and desire to build a more just, inclusive, and united global community. Each January, we unite eighth grade unsung heroes representing the Commonwealth’s 351 cities and towns for a life-changing year of service, leadership, and friendship. United by their passion for making a difference, Ambassadors invest a 12-month term to develop the skills, knowledge, and confidence to lead positive change. As they serve, Ambassadors build awareness of social issues, develop lifelong leadership skills, strengthen values of empathy and kindness, and build a statewide ethic of service and civic engagement. Hometown educators are our most essential and valued partner. They select their district’s Ambassador -- quiet leaders representative of the Commonwealth’s racial, cultural, socioeconomic, and geographic diversity; provide mentorship; and maximize Project 351 service and programming in support of educational outcomes. Project 351 is a gateway to a lifetime of mission-driven leadership. And our Ambassadors -a beacon of hope. At a time of increased division and polarization, they demonstrate the promise of a more united, engaged, and compassionate world.
617-387-7100
www.project351.org
info@project351.org
SINCE 2011,
4,891
8th Grade Ambassadors have
served
mobilized
1,227,937
319,070
neighbors
students & friends in service
led transformative impact for: Cradles to Crayons, Massachusetts Military Heroes Fund, Martin Richard Foundation, Pine Street Inn, Greater Boston Food Bank, Meals of Hope, the Wonderland, Fresh Truck, Y2Y Cambridge, Hope and Comfort, La Colaborativa, and hundreds of hometown Food Pantries
617-387-7100
www.project351.org
developed
fostered
the skills, confidence, and courage to lead & succeed as agents of positive change
a culture of kindness & compassion in hundreds of schools & communities
committed to a lifetime of civic responsibility & service
info@project351.org
A year of leadership & Service November & December 2023
2024
Orientation & Warm Welcome for the Class of 2024 We extend a warm welcome through weekly emails and two informational calls for Ambassadors and family members. We’ll build unity and ensure you have the inspiration and information you need for a successful Launch Day and Ambassador year!
Saturday, January 13
14th Annual Launch & Service Day • Boston in honor of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. & Coretta Scott King and in Celebration of the Class of 2024 A celebratory day of inspiration and impact as Ambassadors unite to honor the legacy of the Kings and kick-off their year of service!
January – February
Service Leadership Academy Ambassadors unite virtually for our online learning forum featuring weekly leadership development, community building, and inspirational special guests!
March – April
Spring Service in Support of Cradles to Crayons Ambassador-led service at their school and/or in their hometown. Spring Service supports children experiencing extreme economic challenge or homelessness. The first of four statewide campaigns guided by Project 351’s leadership development and mentorship model.
May
Hope & Gratitude Weekend Walk/run/bike/move for 3.51 miles in your hometown with friends and family. United, we raise funds in support of causes and issues selected by the Ambassador Class of 2024.
June
Leadership Reunion • Gillette Stadium, Foxborough Celebratory gathering of Ambassadors and Alumni for leadership workshops, inspirational speakers, and service impact at Gillette Stadium!
August – September
9.11 Tribute Service in support of the Massachusetts Military Heroes Fund To honor and remember the lives lost in 2001 and Fallen Heroes since 2001, we promote peace and unity through youth-led service.
October – December
Fall Service : The Ambassadors' Campaign to End Hunger The Class of 2024 mobilizes schools and communities in service to support hometown food pantries and the families they nourish.
December
Join the Project 351 Alumni Organization! At the close of the year, Ambassadors are invited to continue to serve and develop their leadership skills as Alumni!
617-387-7100
www.project351.org
info@project351.org
Frequently Asked questions 1. What is an Ambassador? An Ambassador is an eighth grade student selected by hometown educators for a year of transformative leadership opportunities. Youth are selected for an exemplary ethic of service and the values of kindness, compassion, humility, and gratitude. Ambassadors are eager to serve, lead, and learn; and reflect this remarkable generation's passion to make a difference. Ambassadors are chosen by educator selection rather than student application to ensure the recognition of unsung heroes and quiet leaders. Each Fall, hometown educators engage a locally-designed process based on Project 351’s values, criteria, and program expectations. We're grateful for the wisdom of educators in selecting the eighth grader who best reflects the hopes and aspirations of their school and community. Project 351 values and celebrates the rich diversity of our Commonwealth. We welcome Ambassadors from all races, ethnicities, religions, genders, gender expressions, national origins (ancestry), abilities, and sexual orientations.
2. Is there a cost to participate in Project 351? There is no cost associated with Project 351 for the Ambassador, family, or school district. Project 351 is devoted to ensuring full access to participation for every Ambassador and provides the resources, enrichment, and mentorship to guide success. The Project 351 team would be grateful to learn of any barriers to participation (e.g. internet access), so we can provide guidance and assistance.
3. What are the benefits of ambassador participation? Leadership, confidence, friendships, and the skills to make a difference as change maker, kind friend, and engaged classmate. Ambassadors gain a sense of pride with each successful service campaign, as their ideas turn into action -- positively impacting tens of thousands of children and families across the state. The Ambassador’s year-long term of leadership begins with an inspirational Launch Day in Boston. On Launch Day, Ambassadors unite with eighth graders from every corner of the state for service and celebration. Over the next twelve months, Ambassadors learn from one another’s diverse perspectives and ideas; strengthen knowledge of issues and causes of importance to them; and inspire their family and friends to join them in hometown service projects. Ambassadors build knowledge and skills that support classroom and community success including communication, project management, teamwork, and the values of empathy, inclusion, and generosity. We’re proud that the 4,891 Alumni who precede the Class of 2024 embrace service leadership as a priority in their college and career choices.
617-387-7100
www.project351.org
info@project351.org
Frequently Asked questions
4. What are the expectations of an Ambassador? Ambassadors are selected by their educators because of their demonstrated kindness and potential to lead. Ambassadors reflect the pride of their family, school, and community and bring their best self to Project 351. As a member of the Class of 2024, Ambassadors serve, learn, and lead with a diverse community of peers in service projects and leadership development opportunities. Our most successful Ambassadors have an open heart and mind, respect for others, passion to make a difference, and actively demonstrate Project 351’s core values of kindness, compassion, humility, and gratitude. Project 351’s mission and service impact is powered by the active engagement of our Ambassadors. Our hope is that each Ambassador will participate in the 12-month “Leadership Journey” (January–December 2024). Please note that Ambassador participation in Launch & Service Day on Saturday, January 13, 2024 is required. Highlights of the 12-month leadership program includes: Launch and Service Day (January 13, 2024, Boston) In honor of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and Coretta Scott King and in celebration of the Class of 2024! Service Leadership Academy (SLA), a virtual learning and leadership development forum to build the skills and confidence to lead our statewide service campaigns. Leadership Reunion (June, Gillette Stadium), a celebratory gathering uniting Ambassadors and Alumni for leadership training, service, and fun! Four statewide service campaigns, featuring our proven model of youth-led impact: 1. Spring Service (March - April 2024) 2. Hope & Gratitude Weekend (May 2024) 3. 9.11 Tribute Service (August - September 2024) 4. Fall Service (October - December 2024) Ambassadors have the option to participate in regional service and leadership opportunities throughout the year. Project 351 supports the Ambassador’s successful leadership of four statewide service campaign with comprehensive training, mentorship, and one-on-one coaching. The Class of 2024 will support children facing economic challenge and homelessness (Spring Service, benefiting Cradles to Crayons); innovative nonprofit organizations selected by Ambassadors (Hope & Gratitude Weekend); our military and veterans (9.11 Tribute Service, supporting the Mass Military Heroes Fund); and hometown food pantries (Fall Service, to help end hunger across our state). At the conclusion of their service year, Ambassadors are invited to continue their leadership development as a member of our Alumni community.
617-387-7100
www.project351.org
info@project351.org
launch day: Inspiration & Information! 1. What is launch day? Launch Day is Project 351's annual kick-off to the Ambassador year. The Class of 2024 will convene for the first time on Saturday, January 13th in Boston for an unforgettable celebration. You can expect a day packed with inspirational speakers, leadership development, new friendships, and the transformative impact of 8th graders united in service.
2. Is transportation provided? Project 351 provides transportation to/from Boston for Launch Day. Regional buses are staffed by trained and experienced educators and adult volunteers. The bus ride programming will include inspiration and information about the day ahead, and an opportunity to build friendships with Ambassador classmates from your region! In late December, Ambassadors and families will receive detailed transportation information. This brief will include information about your regional bus stop location, Bus Captain contact information, and schedule for morning pick-up and end-of-day drop-off.
3. Are meals provided? Ambassadors will receive a breakfast snack, lunch, and afternoon refreshments. Water and snacks will be available throughout the day. Ambassadors are encouraged to share any dietary restrictions in the Ambassador Registration & Family Permission form. Project 351 staff will call families of Ambassadors with health and/or dietary restrictions to provide guidance on appropriate meal options and any additional support required for a successful Launch Day.
4. Can family members attend launch day? Unfortunately, due to capacity limitations, we are unable to welcome family members on Launch Day. We will ensure family members are part of the celebration through social media posts, photos, and a Launch recap!
5. What is the Dress Code for Launch? Ambassadors should dress in comfortable and casual clothes, suitable for the day’s variety of activities – including community service! To ensure safety and warmth, please wear closed-toe, comfortable shoes. Upon arrival, Ambassadors will receive a drawstring cinch sack and their official Project 351 t-shirt (navy and long-sleeve).
6. What is Project 351's Covid-19 policy? As we prepare to welcome the Class of 2024, the health and safety of our Ambassadors and community remains our foremost priority. All participants must meet one of the following criteria: be up-to-date on the CDC’s latest COVID-19 vaccination recommendations or test negative within 48 hours of Launch Day using a PCR or athome COVID test.
617-387-7100
www.project351.org
info@project351.org
Ambassadors! My name is Anika Teckchandani, the 2020 Ambassador from Braintree and a member of the Alumni Leadership Council. Congratulations on your selection as Ambassador and warm welcome to 35ONE! I want to share my Ambassador experience with you: Project 351 gave me a reason to have hope. Hope for a better community, hope to end hunger, hope for more unity, hope for a better world. As teenagers, many of us can feel let down by the world around us. We believe that we’re too young to do anything of meaning or impact. Project 351 teaches us the opposite. It opens our eyes to a whole world of possibilities and, by doing so, changes our lives and those we’re privileged to serve. When I was in middle school, I was frequently asked, “What is your special talent". I never had a really good answer. Sometimes it would be dancing, other times it would be swimming. Many of my friends confidently knew their gift -sports or cooking or baking. I thought I'd never find my answer, but that turned out to be wrong. The day I became an Ambassador at Project 351, my answer was found. My talent is service and my gift is helping others. It's something I am good at and have great passion for. Project 351 influences each Ambassador in a unique way, with one common thread: it changes our lives and opens our hearts. Project 351 inspires me to wake up every morning with the knowledge that -today -- I can change my community and this world. This confidence puts the happiest smile on my face and gives me hope -- that together -- we can make the world a better place. Congratulations, once again! I can’t wait to serve with you in the year ahead! Sincerely, Anika Teckchandani Ambassador, Class of 2020, Braintree Alumni Leadership Council, 2021 -- 2024