Playbook Initiative Book

The Playbook Initiative

The Boston Celtics & Project 351

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“SOCIETY IS IN URGENT NEED OF YOUNG PEOPLE THAT DARE TO STAND UP TO INJUSTICE.” Benson Chang • Lead Trainer

Project 351’s founding Playbook Team, “Heroes Among Us” 2019 2

IN APPRECIATION

Project 351 is honored to partner with the Boston Celtics for The Playbook Initiative. Playbook is a cornerstone of Celtics United and a continuation of the team's historic legacy of social justice leadership.

Playbook elevates young people as a force for eradicating racism, bias, and discrimination. It serves as a catalyst for greater diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging. Since 2019, Project 351 Alumni Trainers have engaged 5,935 middle-school students in courageous conversations on race, religion, gender, sexual orientation, and ability. The Trainers have also led workshops to develop the knowledge and skills to lead as bridge-builders and upstanders. Through the Playbook Unity Plan, students develop an action strategy for inclusive and safe school communities that foster respect for the dignity of all.

As we begin our seventh year, bias, discrimination, and racism continue to afflict our schools, polarize our communities, and impede our nation’s potential. In response, our shared resolve in pursuit of Dr. King’s Beloved Community and deep faith in young people to lead social change.

We are thankful for collaboration with New Balance, the Massachusetts Association of School Superintendents, our dedicated educators and especially the Trainers representing our 2025 roster: Abington, Boston: Codman Academy, Boston Latin School, Boston Prep Charter, Dartmouth, Fitchburg, Hanover, Holliston, Lexington, Littleton, Lowell, Lynn, Lynnfield, North Attleborough, Norton, Norwell, Old Rochester, Sandwich, Sudbury and Worcester.

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Growing up, I experienced how systemic inequality and prejudice limit opportunities and harm one’s sense of self-worth. That fueled my passion to advocate for marginalized communities and foster environments where everyone is valued and respected.

Playbook reinforces the importance of empathy and resilience. As a Trainer, I get to show kids like me that they have a voice and it should be heard.

Vanessa Lee Deputy Trainer Norton with Benson Chang Lead Trainer

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Project 351 has shaped me to be the person I am and want to be.

I serve to honor my beliefs and inspire younger generations. I’ve learned that leaders willingly serve with compassion and humility.

They are the ones who shed light in a dark world.

Genesis Castro Lead Trainer Lynn with Jayda Gonzalez Deputy Trainer (left)

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Just as the Celtics meticulously craft plays for

their games, I strive to create plays

for change in the lives of these young people, hoping that they, too, will emerge as champions— champions of inclusivity and respect.

Paige Martino Lead Trainer Lynnfield with Ereeny George Deputy Trainer (right)

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I believe this is going to be the start of a change.

A change for every child in my community to feel represented and know that they belong whether they are black, white, Hispanic, or any other race or culture.

Playbook challenges me to lift the voices of traditionally marginalized people.

I’ve learned to speak up for what’s right and ensure that no one is silenced.

Through Playbook, I will lead with love and become a voice for those too often unheard.

Chisom Agbanari Lead Trainer North Attleborough with Naomi Shum Deputy Trainer (left)

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Playbook is a unique and rare opportunity for students to interact with those who are different from them—by lived experience and background. Playbook emphasizes topics that aren’t generally discussed and tough to talk about, but essential for student development.

Mary Flanagan & Jen Marani Educators Norwell Middle School

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Playbook creates a sense of unity that cannot be found anywhere else.

Our shared mission inspires us to be our best selves.

I will teach and model our values.

My hope is that if our middle school students see their Trainers lead with humility, gratitude, kindness, and inclusion, then they will, too.

Vangie McCleary Deputy Trainer Abington with Charlie Hernandez Lead Trainer (right)

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Growing up mixed, I never felt like I was enough of one ethnicity. I want

young kids to realize that they are enough, and that their differences are what make them unique.

Through Playbook I can make an impact on people.

I’ve seen our middle school participants gain confidence to stand up for what’s right. They like being part of a supportive community, where everyone’s ideas are respected and heard. They’re proud to make a difference in their community.

Amaya Parmer Deputy Trainer Norwell with Ben Nguyen Lead Trainer

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I believe in the power of young people to drive meaningful social change. I’m motivated by the belief that true change starts with courageous conversations and education. I want to ensure that people of all identities have the opportunity to succeed without fear of prejudice or discrimination.

As my town becomes more diverse, Playbook is increasingly important to ensure that everyone feels valued and supported.

As a Trainer, I aim to inspire others to become advocates for justice, creating a more inclusive and equitable society for all.

Ava Khouri Lead Trainer Hanover with Lydia McLean Deputy Trainer (right)

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Service through Playbook is essential to my growth as a person and a leader.

I have to continue my journey as a change-maker to give hope that progress can be made.

Haaris Khan Lead Trainer Littleton with Kierob Cherubino Deputy Trainer

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“PLAYBOOK HAS THE POWER TO HELP CHANGE THE WAY WE LOOK AT EACH OTHER IN A PROFOUND WAY.” Jeff Duffany Educator Sandwich Middle School

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I serve because I do not want any child to go through the battles that I had. I strive to have a legacy the same as my grandfather: to be an inspiration to my family and to all who come after me.

To be a leader is already my life's work, but to be the mentor who helped teach and inspire other people to lead is a dream I hope to accomplish.

Addario Miranda Lead Trainer Lowell with Abby Mitchell Deputy Trainer Tamara Waruingi DeputyTrainer Lynn Hgh School

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As a Playbook Trainer, I mentor youth during a signiicant stage of their lives, when their identities are formed and beliefs are developed.

I strive to create an environment where they feel safe expressing themselves without judgement. I want to develop leaders who are confident and passionate about improving their communities.

Hnuchi Moua Deputy Trainer Fitchburg with Chelsea Barnor Lead Trainer (right)

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When I was three, I was diagnosed with hearing loss.

My world was flipped upside down, I became an outcast who struggled to communicate.

I was fortunate to have a loving family to show me that differences are what makes one perfect.

In time, what I had perceived as a disability became an ability to dive deeper into my values and what I want to contribute to this world.

My experience inspires my commitment to Playbook.

Our community of Playbook Trainers are driven by a passion for making this world a better place. To stand up and

build unity. To bridge together people of different backgrounds. To lift each other up in a world that seems to do everything it can to tear us down.

We’re determined to lead and learn and unify, driven by respect for what makes every individual special.

Jay Patel Lead Trainer Holliston with Sarah Marzugi Deputy Trainer 29

My Dad is the kindest, most humble person I know.

He wears a turban, so the first thing many people think when they see him is “terrorist.” He’s been stereotyped, and verbally and physically assaulted. This stems from a lack of education and understanding.

Through Playbook, we can make an impact in this bias-ridden society.

My Dad is my inspiration for our mission of compassion and inclusion. I want a world in which everyone sees him as I do—where we all see one another through kinder eyes.

Jansa Singh Lead Trainer Lexington with Elnaz Khosraviani Deputy Trainer (right)

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PROJECT 351

Project 351 is a transformative leadership development program that cultivates a new generation of change makers, civic leaders, and social entrepreneurs. By effort and example, 35ONE leaders forge strategies and solutions that build a more just, inclusive, and equitable world.

Project 351’s leadership model—the only one of its kind in the nation—begins with an intentional journey of service, civic engagement, and leadership development for 8th grade unsung heroes (Ambassadors) representing the Commonwealth’s 351 cities and towns. For a year’s term, Ambassadors unite to build the skills, knowledge, empathy, and courage required to lead bold change.

Transformed by their Ambassador year, high school Alumni continue to develop skills and lead statewide social change through our Leadership Continuum. A robust portfolio of leadership, service, and career development opportunities engage high school Alumni as capacity builders, mentors, and program leaders.

Powered by purpose, members of our Alumni community lead as founders of innovative nonprofits and foundations, social and racial justice activists, enlisted military and AmeriCorps members, and mission-driven professionals in education, environment, and global health.

Since 2011, 5,229 eighth graders have united as Ambassadors to positively impact more than 1.4 million neighbors through service and advocacy. Project 351 is fueled by the wisdom and skill of young people and the generosity of private sector leaders including Boston Celtics Shamrock Foundation, Anonymous, Governor Deval and Diane Patrick, Jeannie and Jonathan Lavine/ Crimson Lion Lavine Family Foundation, Martin Richard Foundation, Blue Cross Blue Shield, John Hancock, HYM Investment Group, Governor Charlie and Lauren Baker and media partner, WBZ-TV. Portraits by Michael Casey. © CASEY Photography. All Rights Reserved.

Additional photographs provided by Benson Chang and The Boston Celtics. All Rights Reserved.

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“One isn’t necessarily born with courage, but one is born with potential.

Without courage, we cannot practice any other virtue with consistency.

We can’t be kind, true, merciful, generous, or honest.”

Maya Angelou Poet • Activist

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