August 2014 - Issue Three
T.R.U.S.T., INC. Newsletter
Inside this issue: Scholarship Recipient (p. 2) Meet the Presidents (p. 4) Latest News (p. 7)
T.R.U.S.T., INC. PREPARES TO CELEBRATE 10 YEAR ANNIVERSARY IN 2015 Take a journey back into time with us as we highlight moments within T.R.U.S.T. that helped us accomplish so much in 10 years and allowed us to have a bright future. Visit pages 3 - 6 of this newsletter.
It is with great excitement to inform you that To Respect Unite Support & Teach ("T.R.U.S.T., Inc.") has received official approval from the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) that we are exempt from Federal income tax under section 501 (c) (3) of the Internal Revenue Code. The members of the board of trustees as well as our staff are elated and hope you are too! Although
501 (c) (3) status received! A Dream Realized :) “All of our DREAMS can come true, if we have the courage to pursue them.” -Walt Disney
there are no words that can truly express our gratitude, we thank you for your support throughout the years that has contributed to the success of our organization. The picture located on the right of this article is a snippet of the letter from the IRS announcing T.R.U.S.T., Inc.’s approval. We look forward to the progress we can make now that we classify as a 501 (c) (3) organization.
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SCHOLARSHIP RECIPIENT2014
ANITA M. THORNTON FIRST GENERATION
Miracle Davis Radford University
CONGRATULATIONS TO OUR 2014 ANITA M. THORNTON FIRST GENERATION SCHOLARSHIP RECIPIENT, MS. MIRACLE DAVIS! The above first year college student received this year's Anita M. Thornton First Generation Scholarship for exemplifying outstanding academic achievement as well as a strong commitment to service in her community. She has been awarded $1,000 toward the expenses associated with her first semester of college. We are very proud of her and wish her the best of luck, and we hope you will too! We encourage you to help us continue to be able to support more first generation college students, by donating in support of this great cause. Donate TODAY by visiting our website!Â
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WE’RE HEADED BACK INTO TIME! Join us for the 10 year journey on pages 4-5.
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2005-2010
THE FIRST 5 YEARS 2005-2010
OUR ORGANIZATION’S FOUNDATION WAS LAID AND MADE FIRM. [Pictured: 5 Year Anniversary Celebration Photo (2010)]
The years our organization set out to establish a commitment of service to Old Dominion University (ODU) and the surrounding communities, not just as members of an organization but as members of a family.
MEET THE [FORMER] CAMPUS PRESIDENTS: Our Journey over the Past
Kojo Asamoa-Caesar Founder & Former President, ODU 2005-2007 “The movement to transform our campus from one of apathy to empathy had just began. We had on our red polo shirts with our names on the left chest pocket. Starting with only three members, we were determined to tell everyone we came into contact with about our new organization, its exciting mission and recruit them to join us in bringing it all to fruition. “Main Street” saw us get the most signatures and contact information from interested students. We established enduring programs like Neighborhood Cleanups, Adopt-A-School, Big Brother/Big Sister, For Kids, Inc. Homeless Shelter volunteers, etc., as well as participating in all major Homecoming campus events such as the Parade, PowderPuff Football and Basketball tournaments. We established a strong organization with a firm foundation and a compelling vision to propel it forward for years to come.”
Lynette Ellis Former President, ODU 2007-2008
Lauryn Johnson Former President, ODU 2008-2010
“During my time as president, T.R.U.S.T. was like a big family with a big heart for serving others. We took our first Alternative Spring Break trip to Chicago, which was amazing. This was the year we won the Office of Student Activities and Leadership (OSAL)’s Community Service Organization of the Year award for the first time. Some of our favorite service projects were volunteering with ForKids, I n c . , m e n t o r i n g a t L a rc h m o n t E l e m e n t a r y School, and raising money for scholarships. This year, we introduced the “Scholars 4 Dollars” scholarship fund event, the Scholarship Auction. We were able to raise $850 for a graduating high school senior in the Hampton Roads area, who was first in their immediate family to attend a college or university. We also created a mentorship program for Madison Alternative High School, which was created and inspired by one of our members. T.R.U.S.T. was fun and fulfilling.”
“These years were characterized by extreme growth within T.R.U.S.T. to include an overwhelming presence of students who were passionate about community service. Membership numbers grew from less than 100 to 300 plus, making us one of the largest organizations on campus. We had waiting lists for service projects and long lines to get into general meetings. With a vision to continue in the great legacy for T.R.U.S.T., we were in pursuit of becoming the best student organization on campus. During my terms as president, the Partners for Change program (an internal mentorship program that assisted with member retention) was birthed, participation in various mentorship programs grew, and partnerships with more nonprofits, community agencies, schools, as well as other organizations and offices on campus were established. We were recognized by OSAL as the Community Service Organization of the Year (2009) and the Student Organization of the Year (2010).”
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2010-2014
THE NEXT 4 YEARS 2010-2014 The years where challenges came, the culture of students shifted, and many changes occurred but T.R.U.S.T. learned to adapt, producing a new breed of change agents who loved to serve.
OUR ORGANIZATION’S LEGACY CONTINUED. [Pictured: Alternative Spring Break Trip Service Project in New Orleans (2011)]
10 Years in the Words of our [Former] Presidents
Charis Booker Former President, ODU 2010-2011 “T.R.U.S.T. was equivalent to a family. Together, we enjoyed our traditional Neighborhood Clean Ups, For Kids Movie Nights, Mentoring, Scholarship Auction, bonding, meetings, the list can go on forever... but the best part of it all was having every member contribute their individual ideas and passions into each event. Each member brought something so unique and special to the table that enhanced our traditions and fostered new ideas as well. That year we went to Camden, New Jersey and Philadelphia, Pennsylvania for Spring Break and made an impact in two cities in one week. As a family, we were able to touch so many lives through our consistent efforts the entire year. We faced challenges, left and right, but we always overcame it. In the end, we walked away stronger, better servant leaders.”
Sunah Hallie Former President, ODU 2011-2012
Corey Pleasants Former President, ODU 2012-2013
Chari Brown Former President, ODU 2013-2014
“The amount of growth I witnessed in the individuals that joined our organization made the organization a m a z i n g . We a l l l e a r n e d t o b e compassionate, attack prominent issues, and share our talents with the community we served together. During my term, I believe T.R.U.S.T. had some of the most devote members. Whether it was helping with an event or planning a social at Booker T. Washington HS where we mentored the youth, we could always count on our members. It was a great year and relationships were formed that I still keep to this day. It was a year we went outside of our comfort zone. We partnered with other organizations to do events we had never done before, and educated our peers on prominent issues to raise awareness. In the fall, T.R.U.S.T. held the first activity hour of the year where we welcomed all incoming students. It was like a family reunion full of laughs.”
“My time as T.R.U.S.T. President was definitely a transition year for the organization. The demographics visible on campus and the culture was changing and I knew that the organization needed to change with it. We were able to enhance the experiences of our members. During that year we were awarded the Community Service Organization of the Year award. We completed more than 200 hours of community service as an organization including our Alternative Spring Break trip to Atlanta, Georgia, which had more than 60 participants. It was definitely a successful year for the organization.”
“The 2013-2014 academic year for T.R.U.S.T. was a very challenging year. We had just lost some of our most dedicated members due to graduation and we were having trouble finding those “types” of members again. One of my best moments for T.R.U.S.T. was actually handing down this great organization to seven new and refreshed leaders. In some aspects, I felt as though I had failed at my job as President and I needed to bring in some students that were like I was back in 2010. There were some great moments while participating in neighborhood clean-ups and I will never forget them. T.R.U.S.T. will always and forever be in my heart and I am so grateful to the leadership that pave the way for me.”
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MEET THE [CURRENT] CAMPUS PRESIDENTS: THE FUTURE OF T.R.U.S.T. IN THE WORDS OF OUR CURRENT PRESIDENTS Josh Wise President, Old Dominion University (ODU) “As President for this upcoming school year, my goal through leadership is to encourage others to serve our community with that classic T.R.U.S.T. passion. When I came into T.R.U.S.T. in 2010, we were ODU's campus organization of the year; I think it's about time we reclaim our title. I have a very passionate executive board this year, and I honestly feel that we have the potential to make a lasting impact that will be felt on campus for years to come.�
Simoine Kenya President, Kennesaw State University (KSU) "Anyone can pat themselves on the back for the temporary changes they influence. But when it comes to T.R.U.S.T., best believe impactful, lasting change will be the result. I am honored to be apart of this organization as one of the chosen leaders of this change. We have no idea of its potential and our assumptions simply undermine it. I look forward to teaching our community that the work will never stop. There is always something to make better."
2014 & BEYOND - OUR ORGANIZATION EXPANDS.
[Below are recent pictures of our campus organizations at ODU & KSU]
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NOW ACCEPTING: SESSION PROPOSALS FOR THE 2015 SERVANT LEADERSHIP CONFERENCE (SLC) Are you passionate about servant leadership and/or community service? Do you enjoy empowering youth and young adults through public speaking? Do you have what it takes to inspire others to "be the change they wish to see in the world"? If you answered yes to one or more of the above questions or think you may be interested in being a facilitator for the next SLC, here's your chance! T.R.U.S.T., Inc.’s 3rd Annual Servant Leadership Conference will occur on Saturday, January 17th, 2015, which is during the holiday weekend honoring the late Rev. Dr. Martin L. King, Jr. We are now accepting proposals for the 2015 SLC and you can find out more information about the proposal submission process by visiting our website. Don't delay! The deadline to submit proposal(s) is September 7th!
CALLING ALL PATRONS & FRIENDS! THE 210 CAMPAIGN In an effort to build support and expand
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our stakeholder base, as well as to fulfill our mission, vision and goals, T.R.U.S.T., Inc. is looking to gain more patrons and friends in 2014. T.R.U.S.T., Inc. wants to raise $2500 in support of our mission. We value our relationships with the communities we serve; therefore, the purpose of this campaign is to
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acquire more donors and not necessarily more dollars. T.R.U.S.T., Inc. is one of the few organizations where everyone can find their place; so become a supporter of T.R.U.S.T. and join our network of change agents. Here’s how: In the new year, join the campaign with a lump sum payment of $12 or
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a $1 per month commitment and help T.R.U.S.T. change the world, one neighborhood at a time. Visit our website to donate and include a memo stating that your donation is for the 210 campaign.
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2014 Servant Leadership Conference
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ARE YOU READY FOR
THE MOVEMENT [TO BE] REVITALIZED? GET READY TO BE REFRESHED, RENEWED, AND REVITALIZED ALONGSIDE YOUR T.R.U.S.T. FAMILY IN 2015 AS WE CELEBRATE
10 YEARS OF SERVICE TO OUR COMMUNITIES!
T.R.U.S.T., INC. Newsletter P.O. Box 35 Norfolk, VA 23501
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