Teach them Well

• Feb
  3
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• 2

In January, Project 7 visited our friends at Mercy Street for our monthly “7 Day” volunteer event.  Located in West Dallas, Mercy Street provides an array of educational, recreational and ministry programs to the community.  For our visit, the P7 team was given the opportunity to mentor students in an after-school program held at a nearby elementary school.  It was fun to be back in a school setting around so many kids and teachers. We were each assigned to specific groups.  Oddly, my classroom had only one student, the teacher and her two grandsons.  This made for an interesting tutoring session where the boys and I shared our love for Flamin’ Hot Cheetos, talked about sports, and discussed the importance of being kind to one another. The best part about this not-so-typical set-up was that it led to an awesome opportunity to spend quality time with the teacher.  She shared about her experiences from her 20+ years of teaching and her passion for education and the students.  It was obvious her excitement for empowering her students with real-life skills and it was an honor to spend time with such an amazing individual. Teachers need just as much encouragement and support as kids.  The role that they play in the lives of their students is significant and they need to be reminded that their work is appreciated.  The next time you bump into a teacher or educator tell them “thank you,” give them a high-five, a hug…something!  They deserve it! Do you remember a time when a teacher made an impact in your life?  Share with us…

A Day in the Life of an Intern

• Jan
  18
• 
• 3

Hey there!  For all those who are interested in filling my shoes, I think it’s only fair I give you a glimpse into the fabulous life of a Project 7 Intern.  The pace is fast and things move quickly.  There will be days you will be running around town making deliveries, picking up supplies and getting things done.  And other days you'll be on a plane traveling to a tradeshow or sitting in the office making sample kits. Not one day is identical. But that's one of the best things about the job. So, if that sounds like something you'd like take a look at a few tips I believe will help you along the way: -       Work hard and don’t be afraid to get your hands dirty. -       Flexibility is vital for survival. -       Enjoy traveling and meeting new people. -       Organization and attention to detail are key. -       Dream BIG!  But be willing to back it up with a strong work ethic and determination. -       Be confident enough to work independently, but also enjoy working with others, as we are a T-E-A-M! -       Prepare yourself for smiles, laughter and a whole lot of fun!! Here’s the cool thing...  Regardless of what you are tasked with – whether it be making copies, answering phones, or planning a product launch - you are ultimately helping to provide clean water to those in need, food for American families, education to girls in Africa, and on and on…!!  That my friends, is the reason that Project 7 exists.  To do good and give back.  We need you!  Let’s “Change the Score” together. Let the application submissions begin! - Shanna (the intern no more)

What is MLK Day?

• Jan
  17
• 
• 0

I am ashamed to say it, but for most of my life, Martin Luther King Jr. Day was another day to have off from school or take a vacation from work. Yeah, it's based on a great man who did great things, but growing up in a world not divided (obviously) by race, it's hard to imagine or understand the real impact Dr. King and his movement had on this world.  In an effort to educate myself and truly honor the 25th anniversary of MLK Day, I started researching the man and movement that is Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. And what I found was a visionary and truly inspirational man who's teachings and principals can be applied to today's social issues just as they were decades ago. Dr. King's beliefs were based on his concept of "somebodiness," the celebration of the individual and human worth. Basically the belief that every human is somebody, regardless of race, gender or economic worth. He believed in rational and non-destructive social change. And he believed in helping your fellow man above all else. Dr. King said "Life's most persistent and urgent question is: 'What are you doing for others?'" And, that is the one question we really need to ask ourselves. What are we doing for others?  This 25th anniversary of MLK Day has been marked as a Day of Service in an effort to motivate people to realize Dr. King's answer to his most persistent and urgent question and help to create his dream of a "Beloved Community." A website has been created by the Corporation for National and Community Service (CNCS)  to support the MLK Day of Service. The site has a ton of resources for those looking to get involved. Check it out.  In addition to the MLK Day of Service, the CNCS has issued the MLK 25 Challenge - take at least 25 actions during 2011 to make a difference in the lives of others and strengthen our communities.  So, my message to you is instead of taking MLK day off to go to the movies or do whatever it is you do on this day, identify one thing you can do to serve your community today and go do it. So tell us? What's it going to be?

We Need a New Intern

• Jan
  9
• 
• 4

So, we lost our intern Shanna... because she is now a full time employee! That makes us two for two... first Brad, now Shanna... so a big congrats to her and now bring on the intern apps! You must be available to start working full time in Southlake, TX by February 15 (or sooner if we find the right person!) Compensation: $10/hour. DETAILS: Key Responsibilities include: - 7 Day Volunteer Event Support - Travel/Road trips - Communications/Social Media - Research/Brainstorming - Volunteer Outreach - Tradeshow support - Festivals and special events - Office manager duties Requirements: - Must be at least 18 years of age - Must have high school diploma - Strong oral and written communication skills - Knowledge of office administration - Problem solving, interpersonal, team building, leadership & decision making skills - Attention to detail - Effective organizational and time management skills - Computer skills including working knowledge of Word and Excel - Must be able to lift 25 lbs So, what do you do if you are interested? Submit your resumé to ryan@project7.com (please cc info@project7.com just in case our spam filters get you!) Please include the following: 1. Tell us why you want to be a part of Project 7 2. Tell us about a cause you are passionate about We will schedule phone interviews with the worthy candidates! Please submit your applications by January 23, 2010. Let’s change the score.

Get a Degree in Doing Good

• Jan
  3
• 
• 2

With more and more entrepreneurs looking to use business as a way to give back, business schools are responding by providing special degrees in things like social enterprise. This could have a huge impact on how well non-profits are funded and how much positive social change is accomplished in the world.  With common sayings like "compound interest is the most powerful force in the universe" how have we not identified that the most powerful giving force is the collective consumer. The average U.S. consumer spends $49,638.00 a year on a range of necessary and desired expenditures. Just imagine if a small portion of that gave back.  Just a short post, but food for thought. Hopefully the next generation of business students continue to demand expertise and instruction in how to effectively marry profitability with charity. And we hope that big business continues to embrace it as well! Change the Score.