50 in 52 Journey

When I went to Mississippi on my Journey I met a man whose fight to be truly alive was a fight to bring his love of reading to people who looked like him. He himself admits that “I don’t fit the stereotype of Southern Black men.” His love of reading was what he channeled to bring himself out of a suicidal state of being. He surrounded himself with others who loved books and added value to their experiences with literature.

It was through his recognition that he wanted to be accepted among peers who looked like him that he began his Hip Hop and Books club in 2007. His love for literacy pervades every part of his humanity and he wants to share the books that reach people wherever they are.

The same was true of his relationship with his friend Carl Watts. Carl was a friend who did not read, until Cyrus built a community of readers around rap. I asked Cyrus to chat with me today about his friend who left us quite unexpectedly last week.

Dafna: Cyrus, thanks so much for chatting with me today. I feel we have become good friends since we met in Pearl, MS and I’ve asked you to chat today about a recent post on your wall about a friend you recently lost. Let me first say that I am so sorry for your loss. Would you please share your friends story?

Cyrus: Thank you, Dafna. You know, one saying I try to include in my posts each day is this: ‘YESTERDAY is gone. TOMORROW is not promised. All we have is TODAY.’ In this case, that was how it was for a friend of mine named Carl Watts. He died on last Fri. after suffering a heart attack. He was only 31. We had been together that day preparing for an author visit coming up over the weekend. Two hours later he was gone.

Dafna: How did you meet Carl?

Cyrus: That is a strange story in itself. We practically lived less than 10 miles away from each other most of my life, however, we didn’t really get to know each other well until about 4 years ago. My first cousin was killed in a car accident at that time, and Carl and him were good friends. Carl then started taking to me because the two of them did music together, and he knew I worked with my cousin in promoting his music. It was just like that. From that point onward we wouldn’t go 2 days without talking to each other.

Dafna: What was Carl’s involvement in your Conversations Book Club?

Cyrus: Funny you should ask, Dafna. Carl was not involved in the book club or books period until I began the urban division called HIP HOP AND BOOKS in 2007. That was when a great deal of those in the hip hop community in Mississippi and LA started to watch what we were doing and begin to participate. That book club got him to reading. In fact, if you look at his last post on his Facebook before he passed, he was talking about the book he was reading by an author he met in 2008 who was coming back in April of this year.

Dafna: Tell me about that. What was the impetus to start that group?

Cyrus: Well, it’s no secret that I don’t fit the stereotype of most southern black men. I had to deal with that from blacks and others. The urban community was leery of me because I looked and talked so different, but I knew that they could benefit from books they could relate to. In order to get their trust and attention, I had to reach out to someone in that community that believed in what I was doing that could also encourage others. That person was Corey “C-Murder” Miller, whose book DEATH AROUND THE CORNER had been published in Dec. 2006. He and I became friends and he brought me on board with his team to handle his PR. I then started to use him to get others to see that no matter what you look like or come from, books can unify all of us. That was really the beginning of my “street cred.” Books did that.

Dafna: How did you meet C-Murder?

Cyrus: Another funny story. I had been told about his book, but like many I judged him initially and said that it was probably just another rapper’s attempt to make money, not really to educate. Boy was I wrong. The book resonated with me on many levels. I emailed him on Myspace, and he contacted me the very next day. Less than a month later we were having regular phone conversations.

Dafna: Did Carl connect with this group right from the beginning?

Cyrus: Not at first. It wasn’t until we were able to bring C-Murder to Mississippi and have him talk about his book, the importance of reading and what books had done for him that people like Carl took notice. After that, Carl began to ask me about other books like Cee’s that he might be interested in. Like I told you during your visit with us in Pearl, Dafna, I think it is our responsibility to find people’s interest and feed it. That is what we had to do with Hip Hop and Books if we wanted to get some in the urban community reading.

Dafna: Describe Carl, what did he love, what was his passion, how did reading change him?

Cyrus: Carl was a true survivor. The odds were against him in many ways. He stuttered, developed kidney trouble and even had seizures, but music was his passion and he pursued it. In fact, when he rapped, you would never know of the speech impediment. It was as if his music was his first language.

I think reading showed him that you don’t have to be a one-note. He saw other rappers doing something different: similar to what athletes do—- diversify. He and I talked about that a lot. In fact, the day he passed, I told him that he needed to write his story.

I have found out since his death that his family didn’t know half of what he had accomplished or done with his music and pursuing his dream. In fact, Dafna, on Tues. they asked me to be a part of the eulogy at the funeral to tell people about what his life was like over the past few years.

Dafna: That must have been very challenging for you.

Cyrus: The truth is I didn’t want to do it. I’m not good around people showing a lot of emotion, Dafna. Because of my own challenges, I have hardened myself to a degree where I don’t let things really get to me. It’s hard, though, to see others grieve, and so though I was going to be at the funeral, I had no intention of saying anything.

What changed my mind, though, was the fact that it would be a disservice to those in attendance not to know the full man. They didn’t know his whole truth, and I think that is important to see him for what he has achieved.

Dafna: What would you like Carl to be remembered for?

Cyrus: As someone who made the most out of each day. A man who wanted something better for himself who wasn’t going to allow others and his own shortcomings to stop him. That is the Carl Watts I got to know.

Dafna: What did you want him to write about in his book?

Cyrus: His journey. How his physical ailments had stumped him but not stopped him. I wanted others to know that he was a father who loved his daughter and his family. He lost his mother the week before Thanksgiving in 2009, and that was his biggest fan.

I wanted others to know that he also had fans who loved him for his music.

Dafna: Will you consider writing his story?

Cyrus: Hmm. Dafna, that is something I have not thought about, but now you’ve put it in my mind. I wouldn’t rule it out.

Dafna: What would his family want others to know about Carl?

Cyrus: I think that he was a father, a son, a sibling and friend.

Dafna: How did Carl change you, Cyrus?

Cyrus: He showed me that you can do whatever you want to— all you have to do is believe.

Dafna: What do you want people to take a way from this chat?

Cyrus: I think the most important thing is to not judge a book by its cover. Just because you think someone doesn’t have something in common with you, doesn’t mean you can’t work together to make a difference. That is what Carl and I tried to do.

Dafna: Thank you Cyrus for sharing about Carl. I think many can find strength through knowing about his life. Is there anything else you’d like to share?

Cyrus: Thank you, Dafna, for the great opportunity. Continued success to you, and to your readers, I hope they will take advantage of every opportunity to make a difference in the world around them.

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You can learn more about Cyrus by watching the video interview I conducted with him here: http://www.50in52journey.com/states/Mississippi1.asp And please visit www.cyruswebb.com. There you will find Cyrus’s most recent articles, book reviews,etc.

How many times have you seen a homeless person on the street and asked yourself how many steps removed you are from being in the same position? Or alternatively have you wondered how it could be that they would end up like that? Or are you facing the same situation yourself and wondering where to go next?

It is certainly not a light topic of conversation but for Scot More the experience changed his path and led him to work his life’s passion.

My chat with Scot:

Dafna: Hi Scot! I am so excited to meet you today. Jessica Dally of the Seattle Free School told me about you and well…now it’s time to share you. Can you start by telling me how you would describe yourself as a person?

Scot: My name is Scot Alan More and yes I am as unique as the spelling of my name. My work is to END Homelessness, but my Passion is to remove barriers for peeps who do not have a voice.

I found my “Passion” during my episode of being homeless in 2001. It was HARD to ask for my needs and HARD to access services. I use my experience to help others

Dafna: May I ask you about your episode?

Scot: Sure. In one month, i lost my job, husband and health insurance after a three month stay in the hospital. I have been HIV since Oct of 1989 and have had several episodes of illness, healthy as a HORSE today!!!

Dafna: So glad you are healthy but what a run!

Scot: Yea, you can’t keep this mouth shut!!! LOLOL

Dafna: What were the steps you took to get help?

Scot: AIDS Foundation of Houston (AFH) took me into their housing program for those homeless with HIV/AIDS. The program is called PLR, Project Life Roads. This was a YEAR program and this is how I found my job today at The Coalition for the Homeless of Houston/Harris County. I have been here since.

Dafna: How did they find you/you find them?

Scot: They found me thru my Community Voice Mail number my CVM # (and a few sweaters) was all I had to my name, and it was FREE!!!!

Dafna: If I may, what was the first moment of realizing you were homeless like and how did you get connected with the sweaters and VM? Who helped you?

Scot: I will NEVER forget that moment.

It was when I called a friend of mine from the hospital and gave him the keys to my apartment and told him to give away all my stuff!!! I had ZERO money and NO chance for employment. I thought this was the end. I found my CVM # thru AFH when I entered their program.

EVERYTHING has been uphill since then. I attribute my health to the support that has been so freely given to me and NOT the medications!!!! Medications is NOT a CURE!!!!

Dafna: Wow Scot! Thank goodness for your health! Who told you about AFH?

Scot: Freinds: AFH has been in Houston for many years and still is doing an AWESOME job !

Dafna: Good to know! How do people who need AFH find them?

Scot: Mostly thru medical and social service providers, but also thru word of mouth. Sometimes if you tell someone homeless news, its FASTER than social networking!!!! Of course Broadcast messaging HELPS with getting the word out on the street!!!

Dafna: Is there a number or website?

Scot: 713-623-6796 www.afhouston.org

Dafna: What were you doing professionally before you found yourself unmarried, uninsured and homeless?

Scot: AH working as a store manager for Starbucks!!!! The job was WAY too stressful for my health. Working 80 hours a week and having AIDS DO NOT mix!

Dafna: Had you ever envisioned yourself doing what the kind of work you do today?

Scot: NEVER!!!! I LOVE MY WORK! I can not imagine doing anything else. Before I was working to make others money, now I am able to actually make a social change.

Dafna: What had you dreamed of as you were planning your future?

Scot: Having a nice home with a husband and 3 dogs!!!! And a comfortable salary! Now I am HAPPY to be single in a small one room apartment. Working class poor.

Dafna: Your dreams today?

Scot: To make as many changes for the better before I stop breathing. I truly believe that we can END homelessness. I also believe that there is a cure for AIDS. We need sweeping legal changes in many many areas around our youth.

I can go on and on…

Dafna: What are the impacts you have been able to make bringing this end in sight with your community?

Scot: MORE PERMANENT HOUSING!!! Developed Homeless Court with the city of Houston, working on changing laws to protect our throw-away youth, raise the education for our Transgender sisters and brothers, working on healthcare reform (we will NEVER END homelessness without healthcare reform!!!).

A 10 year plan to END homelessness means nothing without systems change. I am privileged to be a part of this change.

Dafna: How do you give a person who is homeless a voice in this process, not only healthcare, but court, education etc…?

Scot: I include my 2,100 CVM clients in on surveys, focus groups and information on how to empower themselves. Many are friends of mine on Facebook. YES, the homeless use social networking!!!

More importantly, Everything I do has the interest of the client FIRST!!! There are MANY agencies who are for the Agency first and NOT the client.

This includes government.

Dafna: Had you ever met or engaged with an individual who was homeless prior to going through your experience?

Scot: NEVER!!!!! I had NO idea what it was like to be homeless.

Dafna: What basic assumptions that you had about homelessness changed in you as a result of your experience and your current position?

Scot: Not to sound cliche but Never judge a book by its cover. And NEVER say NEVER!!! LOL This could happen to anyone. Particularly those with health issues.

Dafna: What message do you hope people who read this take away?

Scot: This is NOT about being homeless or formerly homeless. I’m NOT keen on the tittle “Homeless”. Basically: we are all the same peeps. I LOVE how small our world is becoming. The more we know about each other the more we heal as one. Next time you see someone on the streets look them in the eye and know that you are looking into your own soul.

Dafna: You are so beautiful Scot. I am so happy you have found a way to live your purpose and find your health.

Scot: Come on along for the ride. Life is FUN!

Dafna: Please tell me how people who want to reach out to you can contact you and how we can be a part of the solution.

Scot: I live my life transparently, you can find me all over the web. Mostly I use Facebook. Feel free to email or visit our website smore@homelesshouston.org www.homelesshouston.org, ww.cvm.org

Dafna: Last question: What do you think it is about you that gives you the strength to focus on others and find your health at the same time?

Scot: I don’t know!!!! the weird thing is that the busier I become the more energy I have to help others and the healthier I become!!!! I find my strength in others!!!!

Dafna: Thanks so much for being you Scot!

Scot: Thank You and Make this a Great Day!

Dafna: I did, I spent time with you!

Scot: <Blush>

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My take-aways from my chat with Scot: Open your eyes to all people. Be aware of the options available when you need help. When your life hits a hiccup learn from every experience you have, you may be the one to help everyone else who faces that same hiccup get through the challenge and on the road to a better life. I know that I have learned from my experiences with hardship and I hope I can use them to make your life a little easier.

Always wishing for you a life well lived! Onward and Upward, together.

When I was a young girl I was very influenced by a journalist who went undercover for an extended period of time and lived on the streets to highlight the plight of the homeless in Cincinnati. I was in awe of him and of his nightly commentaries, each it seemed to me, aimed at helping us become better people and to create a better city. This same man became Mayor of our city and after an early end to his role as Mayor he became the host of a talk show host. I was so excited to watch his show because even though he made a very bad, very public choice, I remembered how he inspired me and hoped for that same meaning to be found in his show.

Jerry Springer let me down. I watched his show and literally became sick to my stomach and filled with embarrassment that around the world people would watch this show and believe it in any way represented the American people.

I stopped watching talk shows to avoid that feeling…and as I got older I stopped watching the news because I felt it too gave a very poor representation of who we truly are as a people. I could no longer handle the “if it bleeds it leads mentality.”

Turns out (as I actually know from the wonderful emails I receive from so many of you) that I am not alone. Today I had the honor of chatting via skype with Sumaiya Malik, founder of the Good News Gazette. Sumaiya mines the news outlets for Good News stories and shares them with the rest of us who have wanted to clear our minds of the negative angle stories. She has done the digging for us!

Please meet Sumaiya:

Dafna:

Hi Sumaiya! Thanks so much for chatting with me today. I learned about you when you emailed me and told me about the Good News Gazette. First, How did you come across the Journey and What was the inspiration for the Good News Gazette?

Sumaiya:

I was actually checking out some positive news videos on the CBS News website a couple of weeks ago, and saw the story about you and your journey pop up as a recommended video. I hadn’t seen it before and was intrigued, so I decided to check it out. After watching it, I KNEW I had to get in touch with you to do a story for Good News Gazette! I was so inspired by your journey and the people you met along the way,that I knew it would be a perfect story for Good News Gazette. I launched the site almost a year ago to highlight positive and inspiring news stories that I hoped would help people feel good about reading the news, and your story seemed to be right in line with that

Dafna:

Did something happen in your life that led you to start the GNG? Had you been planning it for a long time?

Sumaiya: In the past I used to do regular “news fasts” to keep my mind free of the negativity that so often creeps in after watching the news. But in the fall of 2008, in the run up to the election, I got sucked back in to a pattern of watching the news again. And then the financial crisis happened and I was “hooked” again, wanting to keep up with the latest news. After the election was over, I found myself getting tired of the negativity again, and contemplated starting another news fast. And then I found a story about a young boy named Brendan Foster, who made it his dying wish to feed the homeless. The story talked about young Brendan’s wish, and all of the people in his community, and ultimately around the country, who helped him see his wish fulfilled.

I was so inspired by Brendan’s selfless desire and by all of the people who joined in to help fulfill his wish, that I wanted to create a website devoted to highlighting positive and inspiring news.

So I taught myself HTML from a few books and got started a few months later

Dafna: What were you doing at the time?

Sumaiya: I had just gotten laid off from my job a few months before I launched the site.

And so focusing on positive news definitely helped me keep my spirits up.

Dafna: What did people say to you when you told them you were going to do this?

Sumaiya: Everyone was REALLY supportive. A number of people told me that they, themselves, had often thought about starting a similar site, but just never got around to it.

Dafna: What do you hope people will gain from visiting your site?

Sumaiya: My primarily goal is that people will leave the site feeling better than they did when they arrived. I really just want to remind people that there’s good out in the world, happening day in and day out, that there are all kinds of people who are striving to make a difference and leave the world a bit better for them having come through it. If the site can even just bring a smile to someone’s face, it makes me feel good to have launched it.

Dafna: How has your life been impacted by your decision to do this?

Sumaiya: I’ve always been a pretty positive person, with a “glass half full” kind of outlook on life. Launching the site has kept me even more mindful of the good that’s happening in the world, and of the impact that ordinary people are making in their communities.

It’s also helped bring me in touch with like-minded people who are committed to holding that positive consciousness about the world, which has been really wonderful.

Dafna: Has there been a particular “like-minded” individual who has given you support/encouragement to move forward? Have you met a particular champion for you?

Sumaiya: My biggest champion has been my boyfriend, Scott. He has been so incredibly supportive ever since I first mentioned my idea to him, and he is such a wonderful “cheerleader” whenever I start to question if I’m on track.

I “met” a woman named Mary McManus during a Blog Talk Radio interview I did a couple of weeks ago who has been incredible.

Even though I’ve only known her a few weeks, she has been introducing me to others who might be inspired by Good News Gazette, and is helping to spread the word. It kind of feels like when you’re on the right track, people just show up to help you on your path.

Dafna: What do you think it is about you, where does it come from, this motivation to share?

Sumaiya: I wish I knew! I just know that it feels good to help others, and so it is something that I enjoy doing.

Dafna: Do you remember the first time you became aware that it feels good to help others?

Sumaiya: It was when I was little. I was always the kid working to support one cause or another, whether it was collecting money for UNICEF on Halloween, or writing letters to my congressman to help save the whales, or walking to raise money for one charity or another.

I have to laugh when I think about it now, but I was always pretty earnest

Dafna: Where did you learn about the causes? Do you remember your first?

Sumaiya: I don’t know if this was my first, but it sticks out. When I was in 5th grade, we had to do oral presentations to the entire class about a subject of our choosing. I picked giant pandas because I thought they were so cute. And then as I did research for my presentation, I realized that they were endangered and the idea of that made me feel horrible. So I would write letters to my congressman and senators, and maybe even the President explaining that they just HAD to do something to help the pandas.

Dafna: In regards to your sending letters to your members of congress and the President about helping the Pandas. Did you ever get ANY responses and if so/if not what impact did that have on you?

Sumaiya: I actually did receive responses from my Congressman’s office and the White House. I remember being so excited at the time as letters came back on official letterhead; I felt so important It was wonderful to know that someone had actually taken the time to read my letter and respond. I’m sure nothing happened beyond that, but at the time I felt like I was not only witnessing democracy in action, but being part of it!

Dafna: As you have collected stories has there been a particular story that has really moved you or changed the way you think about things?

Sumaiya: That’s a tough one because there are so many really great stories. But a few stick out. One is a story about Shams Kareem, a 3 or 4 year old Iraqi girl who was badly injured as a result of a roadside bomb. A journalist for The Times in London did a series of stories about Shams, highlighting her plight and her father’s desire to bring her to the UK for treatment. And Times’ readers stepped up and raised the necessary funds to bring Shams, her father and her aunt to London for treatment, with small children even donating their allowance after they heard of her plight. For me, the story highlighted our common humanity, and the importance of compassion.

Shams went to London and received treatment, often from doctors who donated their services. It was so heartwarming to read about.

Dafna: Do you get responses from readers of the Good New Gazette? Do you know how it is impacting the lives of your readers?

Sumaiya: The feedback I’ve received from readers has been overwhelmingly positive. And sometimes, though I don’t think the readers know it, their feedback comes at exactly the right time with a reminder of why I’m doing this in the first place. For example, last year soon after I launched the site I was getting a bit discouraged that it wasn’t growing as quickly as I would have liked. And then I received an email from a reader who said “your mission is essential,” which was exactly what I needed to hear at that moment to get my motivation back in gear.

A lot of readers simply write to thank me for reminding them of the good in the world, which is just so heartening.

Dafna: How have you changed since you began?

Sumaiya: I think I’ve become much more conscious of how interconnected we all are, and how the stories I’m highlighting on Good News Gazette impact others. I’ve realized how important it is for me to be a positive force in the world, because I see, through the stories on the site, just how people can positively impact the world around them.

Dafna: What is the message you’d like to send the readers of this interview?

Sumaiya: That each person has the ability to “be the change” they wish to see in the world, and that everyone, regardless of their background, can be a force for good in the world if they so choose.

Dafna: Thank you so much for being the change you wish to see! You do provide a desperately needed service!

Any final thoughts?

Sumaiya: Thank you for everything that YOU do! I’m so very glad that we connected.

Dafna: Me too! As you have stated, you meet so many wonderful people by doing this kind of work. It is easy to see the beauty that surrounds us! I can’t wait to share your story today! How can people who read our chat find you?

Sumaiya: They can visit Good News Gazette at www.goodnewsgazette.net, and anyone wishing to contact me directly can simply click on the “Contact Us” link at the bottom of each page on the site.

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Good News, pre-selected and picked through for your enjoyment. A simple idea which I know makes a difference in the lives of so many. That’s what changes our world, those simple ideas.

I hope you have enjoyed my chat with Sumaiya and I am here ready and listening to help you put your simple idea into action. Check out the Journey Institute site http://journeyinstitute.org and send us your ideas, let us help you take your idea off of the couch and put it into action in YOUR community!

Onward and Upward TOGETHER!!

As I traveled around the country in 2009 one of my goals was to reflect who I really believed we were as an American people. I believed that we were made up of a country of good people. People who not only cared about themselves but cared for their neighbors as well. So often in the media we see reports that reflect our civilization as brutal, thieving, selfish, criminal and uncaring. Certainly there are people who watch and can compartmentalize that part of society as a small part of who we are. Yet, for many people in our country they see nothing that reflects the good of who we are as a people and they begin to believe what they see reflected back to them, the media is their mirror.

My challenge was to create a different mirror. My mirror was to reflect what is good and beautiful and indeed my mirror is filled to brimming over with stories from every corner of our country of people who cared enough to change their lives and make their lives and communities stronger by helping another.

I will preface the next part of my thoughts by saying that I am no movie critic. I generally enjoy the acting, filming, story-lines, costumes etc… in most movies. Last weekend I saw a movie that I would say technically was a good movie. What I did not enjoy was the feeling I was left with when I reflected upon the mirror they were holding up to American society.

The reflection in this mirror included- a corrupt politician, a corrupt police officer, a corrupt military contractor and a country where those who attempt to do good all die or are maimed. I’m sorry, but that’s not my country. Yet, even as I sat there I thought to myself about how power corrupts. I thought about how so many truly believe that the police and the politicians are all corrupt. Is it true? Are some politicians and police corrupt? In some cases, I’m sure. Is it the rule and not the exception? I absolutely do not believe so.

Yet, how often do we hear the stories of corruption in politics? How often do we hear the stories of corruption in the police force? I believe it is so often that there is no room to tell the stories of the hundreds and thousands of others who take roles to save our lives and protect our streets, people who put themselves up for criticism at every turn as they do their best to make laws that will better our lives and bring money to our communities. There is no room for these stories in the mirrors we look at to reflect our society.

I am not here to say that everyone is good. I am however here to say that there are many who are. Perhaps if we start turning our media cameras, our mirrors of our society, onto those who are champions of our nation we will see ourselves as a nation of good and we will live up to that side of the story.

I am working to do my part. I want to keep sharing those stories which reflect what is positive in our society. If you want me to share a story please send it along. I know there are many out there and I dare-say, we need to see them more than ever.

We are a community, America, let’s work together to change the way we view ourselves, the way were are viewed abroad and the way we are viewed in our own neighborhoods. My mirror is available to you whenever you need it. My mirror reflects a beautiful society and a wonderful place to live.

What do you see in your mirror today?

It is always fun for me to meet people via Twitter. A 140 character introduction can be very powerful. Many months ago I received a Tweet from the Seattle Free School and realized the value so immediately “Re-tweeted” the information and web link to all of my followers. Today I had my first opportunity to chat with founder Jessica Dally and am excited to share our conversation.
Be ready to be inspired:

Dafna
Hi Jessica! Thanks so much for chatting with me this afternoon. I first learned about you when I was tweeted to take a look at your website. I was very impressed and am excited to learn about Seattle Free School (SFS) and about you!

Where did the idea to start SFS come from?

Jessica
I basically found the idea elsewhere and then came back only to find it not here yet so made it happen. I was asked a bunch to teach and wanted to be a part of something bigger, more sustainable, then just me travelling all over the place teaching.

When I saw the idea of a free school I wanted to see if it was in seattle as it was clearly exactly what I was looking for; a way to teach but also get something back, a way for me to learn things too!

It wasn’t in seattle already so rather then wait for someone else to make it happen (which would have been my MO in the past) I decided to make it happen… it’s a good project for me as it has lots of moving parts, lots of diffeerent things to work on and thus I keep busy and don’t get bored with it.

We started with a free website and we still to this day ask people to print out and hang flyers for us… if everyone on our 1200 people mailing list did that we’d have seattle covered!

Dafna
One of your key positions as an organization is that you do not accept or use money. Can you explain that?

Jessica
We started without it because it didn’t seem right to raise money at first for something that wasn’t really operational, we didn’t know if the community even wanted it. Then as we moved on we realized that not only did we NOT need it to operate (it would make some things easier but a lot of things harder… we would have to raise money for pay for a person to raise money!) but some aspects of what we do are made easier because we don’t take money. Getting press, getting other people to teach, getting people to help spread the word all of that has been made much easier because we’re odd… because we don’t take money. And because of that people want to help with time instead, not everyone, but a heck of a lot of people.

I had one woman really insistent on giving money. I told her she couldn’t give to Seattle Free School (money at least!) but she could give to the space we were at, which is a small nonprofit called Cascade People’s Center.

That way we take us out of being the middle man.

We don’t raise funds, we don’t pay and then the donated money goes directly to the organizations helping us operate. The Seattle Public Library is another place we tell people to give $$ if they feel really inclined, as we wouldn’t be as viable without them.

By not having money we need less money - as odd as that sounds.

Dafna
What do you hope others will learn from your model?

Jessica
The idea of a free school… the idea of sharing knowledge at least some of it, without the exchange of money, and more globally, that you can start and run a small community organization without funding. That’s the idea I’m working on promoting this year. So many ppl get hung up on the legality and financial concerns of starting a nonprofit

and they either don’t make the change they’d like to see or lose vision with all the technicalities.

Dafna
Since you point out the without funding part, what do you do for your own income?

Jessica
I work a job, this is volunteer for me. I work at Community Voice Mail in the national office here in Seattle.

Dafna
Ahhhh. I interviewed the fouder of the Dallas Community Voice Mail (http://www.50in52journey.com/states/texas6.asp) Great program!

Jessica
Yes, Larry, great guy!
I also work with Tech Soup Global. Tech Soup Global is essentially a clearing house of software, hardware and information (though I’m sure you could get a better definition at their website). They help nonprofits get discounted tech needs basically. So rather then paying for office, you get a discounted version. That’s the idea in a very tiny nutshell

Dafna
How did you know you could start SFS? Technically speaking….

Jessica
I didn’t… I didn’t have any attachment to it’s success… My two big goals were that it wouldn’t fail because I didn’t put effort into it or got bored and that I’d learn something from it. We started without money because I didn’t like the idea of taking money for something that wasn’t proven and eventually learned that it really wasn’t needed.

In my case the idea was a good fit as I like learning and this idea keeps me busy in many different ways.

Dafna
How long has it been going on?

Jessica
Our first class was just under two years ago… March 15th, I think, 2008… the idea started at the end of 2007 early 2008. So a couple of years really.

Dafna
What is your goal for SFS?

Jessica
Honestly there’s no end goal… for me it’s just fun to see what’s possible without funds, without the traditional needs of a regular nonprofit. I’d love to see more classes, more people being sure of themselves enough to share their skills… but really I just enjoy seeing what’s possible, classes getting bigger, people coming to teach even though they don’t know what they want to teach but they want to give back. The spread of classes on twitter. All of it is very exciting and almost every class I teach lately is filled with new people who haven’t been to a class before. Watching that spread is just absolutely amazing but there’s tons more to do… slowly, without money growing quickly can be deadly!

Well, semi slowly… we have 1200+ ppl on our email list already and tons of followers on Twitter.

Dafna
It sounds very exciting!

Jessica
It absolutely is! Our biggest class was 125 people, which is as big as we can get with our current spaces (and really bigger than is good for most classes, though it was fun for everyone to be part of something so huge)! For me, now, I want to spread that excitement, because it’s a powerful agent of change for people, to be empowered.

Dafna
How has your life changed since you started this?

Jessica
Wow, that’s a huge question…when I first started this I didn’t think it would change anything and then one day I realized it was actually something pretty amazing and powerful. One of the huge ways it’s changed me is to make me a TON more confident in speaking, teaching, talking to people.

It’s made me realize that a ton of things are possible if you ignore the naysayers, or at least only give them credit if what they’re saying is really true, which it might be for them, but far too often it doesn’t need to be for you, that the impossible isn’t a heck of a lot of the time.

Knowing and witnessing that people care is amazing. People get and like the idea almost (almost) across the board and their willingness to help is inspriring, it makes me think differently of the world and makes me realize that if you are passionate about something you can indeed make it happen, more often then not.

It’s also made me have to be very creative, to think up other ways to get a task done.

We can’t throw money at a problem, so we have to throw creativity at it, ask for help.

We’ve really never seen a shortage of people willing to help when we’ve had problems, honestly I think that’s partly due to the fact that we don’t take money…people get that idea, and want to give what they can, what they know, their resources (server space, technical assistance, whatever).

It’s fun for me too to just realize that when people say you can’t… you probably can.

A bit of rebellion to authority doesn’t tend to hurt in this type of pursuit…but then I didn’t know it would work, I just figured we’d work out the problems when they actually showed up- and then they didn’t.

Dafna
How have your personal priorities/goals changed?

Jessica
Ah, you know, the biggest thing that’s changed for me is my schedule… I used to think I was so incredibly busy, now I have a ton of free time and I work 2-4 jobs depending on how you look at it, and do this work with Seattle Free School.

Time isn’t as limited as we think but it is a matter of putting what is important first. Scheduling time and getting rid of the stuff that just isn’t that important…that gigantic to do list that we’ve been carrying around for a year… it’s not done yet, seems like no ones gonna die if it never gets done…and eventually you wind up doing what’s important.

Having that list over your head… just isn’t good for the mind I think. If I can’t plan it on my calender then usually it doesn’t belong in my life right now.

It’s also made me realize that maybe I’m not the introvert I thought I was, that I like teaching, I like getting people inspired!

lol

Dafna
Where do you go from here?

Jessica
Well, this year I’ve been very committed to getting the word out to other places, like I said, not just about free schools, but that we can organize communities without money. So to that end I’m hoping for this vote to be selected for the Nonprofit Technology Network “Social Media for Social Good Panel”. You can vote for us here and click five stars please! http://nten.org/node/9118

I am also looking to speak at several different conventions… Seattle Greenfest, Craigslist Foundation Boot Camp…

Dafna
Do you see yourself doing this for the foreseeable future?

Jessica
Yup, I do see myself continuing this for a while at least!

It’s never boring or dull at all. Sometimes I get bored with a specific part but there’s usually volunteers that really love taking that part over which is awesome! How lucky am I that I get to work with great people and do what I want to do with only a bit of have to do’s?

Dafna
What do you hope someone who reads this will take away from it?

Jessica
The biggest thing I’d love to see is small groups in all sorts of communities organizing whatever they want to see for their community. And when they do, knowing that they can make it happen without getting sucked into the funding cycle, at least not right away. Don’t let money get in the way of making the world you want to see.

Dafna
That’s great Jessica! Thank you for spending time chatting with me. Any last thoughts?

Jessica
Don’t think so… you can read a lot more about us on our website and the press area… interestingly enough, the “impossible to get press” idea was just as false as the rest of them… we’ve been written up by most of the print publications in Seattle… lots more info in those posts as well. Thanks so much for giving me the chance to share!

Dafna
How can people find you?

Jessica

www.seattlefreeschool.org

Twitter: http://twitter.com/seafreeschool

and here in facebook http://www.facebook.com/SeattleFreeSchool

###

What have you seen around the country or around the world that you think could work in your community? Don’t wait for someone else to start it, the opportunity is all yours. Change your community, change your life! Need help figuring out how? Seek out Jessica or check out http://journeyinstitute.org and let me help you out!

Onward and upward, TOGETHER!

I am often asked by people who meet me why I spend time on Twitter and Facebook. Sometimes they can understand Facebook, after all half the world is on Facebook depending on what news channel you watch! Yet Twitter, sometimes people just don’t get it. No matter how many times I explain that the connections you make on Twitter are as valuable as connections made “in real life”, for some people the value of my time spent “tweeting” just can not be understood.

My 50 in 52 Journey would not have been nearly as successful without Twitter and the relationships I built through Twitter have carried forward into many “in real life” meetings and some help has been received that one might only expect from more traditional forms of networking.

To show the power of Twitter many have pointed to the sharing of information when tragedies occurred in Mumbai, Tehran or Haiti. Real time information before even the media could get in. Certainly for me this is one of the reasons I use the platform. To bring it to life in real time tangible results I’d like to share the story of a basketball team with no uniforms.

My fiancé’s son attends a brand new charter school in Denver. The school, as all schools in the Denver Public School system, struggles for funding. They started up a basketball team at the request of the students. The parents were thrilled and excitedly packed the gym of a rival school on a recent Friday night to see the debut match.

The rival team was warming up on the court, their brilliant gold uniforms gleaming against the shiny court. We waited for our team to appear. About ten minutes later our team trots out on to the court in mismatched shorts and grey t-shirts with the sleeves cut off. The coaches were frantically taping numbers on the boys’ backs.

The parents sat there quietly listening to the hushed snickers from the other team’s fans and wondered why our team had no uniforms. Being a rather demure woman by nature (sarcasm); I walked over to the coach and asked why the boys had no uniforms. Among other reasons, the primary issue was budget.

We watched the game. I shot some pictures with my phone. I asked the coach if my fiancé and I could explore some options. I knew without a doubt that I could at least get a good price on some uniforms.

With the coach’s approval I sent out 1 tweet, one. I directed it to a man I knew was connected. Terry Bean of Detroit’s Motor City Connect. (You can see the interview I did of Terry after I met him through Twitter here: http://www.50in52journey.com/states/michigan6.asp) I attached the picture and typed “Help! Do you know anyone who can get me a good price on uniforms?” By the end of the evening I was connected with a source. By the following week uniforms were ordered and DONATED to the team by a complete “stranger”. The power of Twitter.

Here is my first Facebook chat with the woman who is the Angel of the Envision Leadership Prep basketball team. It is my honor to introduce you to Stephanie Puertas:

Dafna
Stephanie, Thank you so much for agreeing to chat with me today. I wanted to chat with you about how you and I came to meet. Can you tell the story from your perspective?

Stephanie
My pleasure. I received a “tweet” from a mutual friend in regards to basketball uniforms.
He wanted to know if I could help.

Dafna
What were you thinking when you saw the request?

Stephanie
I wasn’t surprised. We donated shirts for Blood Sweat and Gears this past summer. With the amount of shirts we have printed for our business he knows I have a good relationship with our printer.
We print league shirts and prizes quarterly.

Dafna
Tell me about your organization.

Stephanie
We organize adult sport leagues. 8-10 sports a season, 4 seasons a year, about 2500 that play weekly. We also have happy hours, special events and charitable opportunities.
Stay & Play Social Club www.SPSCdetroit.com

Dafna
Have you ever randomly selected a group to give uniforms to before? And, what about the fact that this group is not in Detroit or Michigan?

Stephanie
We have not. Didn’t cross my mind
We are all here for the same purpose.
To be kind and generous with one another makes the world a better place.
We have donated to local schools since 2001.

Dafna
What led you into this career path and why do you stay?

Stephanie
Funny, it was by chance. My path was an odd one…I worked in sales for 7 years. Enjoyed it, 2 different companies. Then for my family business. It was supposed to be a short time, but ended up being 4 years.
When I left, I took a year off and, by chance I fell into the marketing side of the business. Event planning in October 1995.
I really enjoyed the people.
And, I love sports.

By Feb 1996 I was working full time running soccer and volleyball leagues and working in the office. The people made all the difference for me… yes, the sports were fun but the friendships are what keep me.

I was working for a national company from 1995-2001, headquartered in Chicago. In Jan 2001 they went bankrupt. 2 days later we started Stay & Play, because we wanted the teams to do just that, Stay and Play.

And, they did.

We had our best year in 2009.

Dafna
That’s awesome!

Stephanie
People need to stay connected and we provide an affordable way for them to do so. More about the relationships built than the win/loss records. Since 2001 I have attended 38 Social Club weddings! It is amazing to watch lives change, marriages, children and they still play!

Dafna
What do you think accounts for 2009 being your best year when the rest of Detroit has a different story to tell?

Stephanie
The connections. People want to stay involved, see their friends and take some aggression off on the courts/fields. This winter we are up 27% since last winter. Every season is getting better… and we are thankful.

Dafna
How does it make you feel to give?

Stephanie
Every year, we were involved with Cornerstone Schools and Race for the Cure team since 2002 I believe, we have raised $163,000 as a team.
We are involved with several charities throughout the year. But the Race for the Cure is the one we spend most of our time with.

It feels great. Nothing better. Looking forward to seeing a picture of the boys in their jerseys. I wish I could give more. Especially when it is appreciated. It makes it really easy to donate/give.

Dafna
When I asked you to be interviewed you said you did not think you had done enough to be interviewed. Why do you think that?

Stephanie
I consider myself pretty simple. I just think that what I do is no more than what others would/should do. I try to put others first. Especially since my business is all about customer service.

I like people. Always have

Dafna
Where do you think your dedication to giving and joy of people comes from?

Stephanie
My family. Italian and Spanish. Raised to serve/give. My mother was very generous.
My grandmother was the same way. My family was always self employed, I think my work ethic is tied to the giving attitude.

Dafna
Have you always lived in Detroit?

Stephanie
Yes, except college, at that time I was in Kalamazoo MI.

Dafna
Do you think coming from Detroit has anything to do with who you are as a person?

Stephanie
Good question.
I think the mid west is different, in a good way.
Hard work and good attitude should be everywhere though…

Dafna
What do you hope the boys will learn about this experience when they hear that a woman in Detroit who not only never met them, but never met me, donated their uniforms?

Stephanie
I hope they know regardless of who needs help, that there should be no boundaries. We give when we can, even when we have little to give.

Dafna
You are a wonderful woman Stephanie and I truly can not thank you enough for what you have given these boys
It is far more than just uniforms.

Stephanie
I am so thankful for the opportunity.
We all need reminders about giving …and I may be out there someday, you never know!

Dafna
I hope you are out here so we can thank you appropriately!
One last quick question

Stephanie
Sure

Dafna
My tweet for help asked for a good price, not a donation, why did you go that extra step?

Stephanie
I went back and forth trying to decide if I should. I didn’t want to offend you when I said it was my pleasure… that was my concern. But, when I got a good price, I felt funny asking… not sure why. I just knew I wanted to give the gift.
And, it feels great to give.
I do look forward to seeing a picture of the team.
I’m glad I had the opportunity to give the gift. Thank you.

Dafna
It made a very big difference to us and to the school.

Stephanie
I understand.
Uniforms are very important!
###

Uniforms are very important. The team just received them today. My inside source (fiancé’s son) has reported that the team is excited, they feel that now they can increase the school’s spirit around the games and show the rest of the DPS system that they are not just some “new kid on the block” they are a real team with real athletes. While he does not think it will make them play better he does believe it will strengthen their connection as a team. Isn’t that what life is all about?

This uplifting experience for the team and for the school was brought about by a completely unknown woman to them. If that is not what life is all about I don’t know what is?

Any more questions as to why I use Twitter? Here’s my question, why don’t you?

You can find Stephanie at: http://www.SPSCdetroit.com

How many times have you woken up from a dream and had a vivid recollection of what you were doing, how you felt and how you touched the people in your dream. I have had that feeling and I will lay there with my head still on the pillow and try to savor the moment and the feeling. Nancy Cantor had one of those dreams and instead of leaving it on the pillow she started the Dream Factory Community. I invited Nancy to chat with me (her first Facebook chat ever) and tell me about the Dream Factory Community and how it came to be. Here’s our chat:

Dafna
Hi Nancy! Thank you so much for chatting with me this afternoon. You posted on my fan page wall a while back about some people you have worked with through the Dream Factory. Well I have been dying to learn more about YOU ever since I read your wall post. Please tell me what the Dream Factory Community is.

Nancy
The Dream Factory Community is an educational organization here in Metro West Boston that supports women in taking on their lives, their work, and their world. It provides a community-based structure for living your dreams.

Dafna
How did you become involved with The Dream Factory Community?

Nancy
I invented it in 2004. I had a coaching/consulting practice and hosted Women in Business Luncheons every month–but then I literally I had a dream–and I was answering the phone saying,”Dream Factory”. That began the quest to figure out what it was.

Dafna
That’s great Nancy! How did you take it from Dream to Reality?

Nancy
During my quest, I created a co-venture with a friend, Carol Madsen, which was a trip to Ecuador. We called it Dream Beyond the Dream and it was about entrepreneurs here, helping entrepreneurs in Ecuador. We met with lots of people and stayed for 3 days in the rainforest.  When I returned–I contemplated my experience and was really impressed with the communal aspect of the villages. It was then I decided that the Dream Factory was a community.
Soon I started having my clients join and the Dream Factory Community was born!!

Dafna
Who was your first community member when you became The Dream Factory Community officially?

Nancy
My three oldest members who are still participating are Carol Madsen, who I went to Ecuador with, Pat Rainville and Dot Mitchell.

Their Dreams:
Carol wanted to help people in the rainforest—with education, support with fair-trade chocolate manufacturing, and promoting eco-tourism.
Pat is an Angel Therapist who wanted to expand her business–she has since developed many programs and does a monthly Circle of Angels.
Dot is an RN, who wanted to expand her Laser Skin Care business. She does workshops on self-esteem and travels to support people in need.

Dafna
How did you know what direction to lead them in to fulfill their dreams? How did you get them to articulate them fully?

Nancy
I do a one-day workshop with everyone who joins the Dream Factory called CDO Training (Chief Dream Officer). It is during this workshop that participants develop the Visionary, the Organizer, the Self-Transformer and the Community Leader. Each person does the work to clarify the Dream (purpose/vision), create goals and a plan, do an exercise that disarms their saboteur, and think in terms of community to fulfill their plan.

The training and the community give people the structure and the space to get clear and in action.

Dafna
Wow! It sounds like a completely uplifting experience. How do the women respond? And, why did you choose to make it specifically for women?

Nancy
I did a group that got rave reviews and when asked what made it so great–they responded that it was because it was only women. Also, women do have a relational way about them and tend to want to be in community. I am leading some men’s groups too, there is a need for them as well.

What has the Dream Factory Community be uplifting is that the members connect around their dreams. They support one another and encourage each other to move forward.

Dafna
When you think about your career, did you ever imagine that this is what you would be doing?

Nancy
I started in education–special education and was on a team that created an alternative high school. I feel that I have been on a path for a long time–I am always helping people to succeed–to fulfill their dreams.
My high school students wanted to graduate high school. My members want to live their personal and professional dreams.
I love to design programs that support people’s aspirations. The Dream Factory concept was given to me–so that I could impact many people–beyond what I personally can do. The goal is to have them all over the country and the world–they work, and they help people succeed and I want more people to have this opportunity.

Dafna
How have you changed since the night of your dream?

Nancy
Since my Dream—I am learning what it takes to fulfill one.  It takes commitment, action, and willingness to go through the next developmental stage.

Now-I am learning to give it away. It seemed very personal at the beginning-my dream–my idea–and my business. Now we have Prosperity Circles that people can attend after the CDO Training that are led by members. We have a Conference/Retreat every year that is delivered by members. The speakers at the luncheons are all members. It is becoming less and less about me and more focused on the members’ expression. I have to keep taking my ego out of it to make that possible.

Dafna
As the person who helps so many and escorts them onto the road of living their dreams, who escorts you?

Nancy
Great question–I find that if there is the right balance that we all escort one another–I am a member of the Dream Factory Community. There is a lot of wisdom in a collective.

Dafna
Why do you think the dream came to you and at the time it did? Have you analyzed what else was going on in your life at that time? Is this even something you think about?

Nancy
It came at a time when I wanted to grow my business–and was putting together practical workshops on business information that entrepreneurs need. The trip to Ecuador got created in the middle of all of that so I got side-tracked into a much more spiritual direction.
It was also a time when my mother was getting ready to pass.
The Dream Factory has become my vehicle for leaving a legacy–beyond just my good work–but something that could live beyond me. My mother’s desires to do that–inspired my interest that as well.

Dafna
I’m so sorry about the loss of your mother. Would you be comfortable sharing how she communicated her desire to leave a legacy that lived beyond her?

Nancy
At the end of her life, my mom, Martha, told me she wanted to be famous.  I asked,” for what?” She said—for making a difference. I showed her a picture of herself on the front of the local newspaper. She was called the Weekly Reader–she read to kids in the school library until she was 86 years old. After she died, my sister, Ellen and I created the Martha Marko Memorial Fund at the local school to fund book purchases. Then the librarian, Karen, created a read-a-thon with the proceeds going into the fund. Many books have been bought with this fund and they all have a book plate with my mom’s picture on it. Her love of books and sharing reading with kids can now live on.  That is what she wanted to be famous for!!

Dafna
How wonderful to have such a famous mom!
What is your message to people who have a dream?

Nancy
Discover your dreams.  We don’t have a culture that necessarily encourages that.  When you find yours; trust it, honor it, and share it.  Allow your dream, and the fulfillment of it, to support you in living a life of your dreams.
###

Nancy has figured out how to trust, share and live her dream and I hope she has inspired you to do the same. If you would like to learn more about Nancy and the Dream Factory Community, visit http://dreamfactorycommunity.com you can also become a fan on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Dream-Factory-Community/156719719350  or on Twitter: http://twitter.com/NancyCan

Have you ever had the feeling that something so wonderful had entered your world and you knew it would only be a matter of time before that experience would be over?

For those of you who have read some of my articles on parenting/co-parenting/step-parenting you will know that the first school year of the 50 in 52 Journey was a particularly tough one for Ryan, the teenage son of my fiancé, Michael. Picking a high school was a very serious decision for us as we knew that this choice would help determine the future of this young man.

During the 50 in 52 Journey I met a number of teachers who really impressed me. Two of those teachers were Teach for America teachers who had started both the YES Prep school and the KIPP Academy models of charter schools. When we started to look for a school and learned about the Envision Leadership Prep (ELP) charter school opening its doors in Denver we knew we found our answer. When we began to meet the teachers hired to open this school we knew for certain that Ryan had a chance for a great year.

Several weeks ago Ryan tried out and made the basketball team. At his first game Michael and I went over to introduce ourselves to the coach, Mr. Teich. In a few short minutes Michael and I knew we were talking to a very special man and the more we got to know him the more special we realized he was.

Mr. Teich, or “Coach” as Ryan calls him, is one of those special experiences that we know will be fleeting. He is in the stage of life where he understands the reality of the world and still believes with full optimism that he will find a way to make it better. It is this stage of development that great ideas are born and leaders begin to forge their way forward. We will cherish “Coach” for the time we have him at ELP and in the meantime I’d like to share his story with you.

Dafna: Thank you so much for agreeing to chat with me tonight, Greg. I have been trying to figure out how to “introduce” you if you will. You are a person that so intrigues me. So, I’ll start with a very general question. What led you down the path of becoming a teacher?

Greg: That is a great question with a convoluted answer…
I can’t say that the path was or still is clear. I was graduating college and job hunting. I thought about government consulting work, Peace Corps, business world, and I also happened to look into Teach for America

I have long thought that education (or building understanding) was a great equalizer, and had believed in education as the root to solve most conflicts and problems. Teach for America seemed like a perfect fit. So I applied, and started my teaching tenure.

Since then I’ve become more grounded in the philosophy that with more (and better) education, we will have less (and less severe) social problems.

Dafna: Do you remember the first time that you had the thought that education was the root to solve most conflicts?

Greg: I can’t say that I do, but it has been something that I’ve believed for a very long time. Even since I was a child and adults were explaining things to me when I was upset; it seemed that if I just had the understanding before hand, I never would have been so upset. I think the ability to gain that understanding comes in a large part from a strong educational background.

Dafna: What is it that drives you?

Greg: In general?

Dafna: Yes. You mentioned that you were thinking of government or Peace Corps etc… Where does that come from? What is your driving force internally?

Greg: I think after much soul searching at many points in my life (puberty, transition to college, transition from college) I decided that the main focus of my life had to be people centered. When I thought about human beings, my role in the world society, and what “the point of life was” I always came back to the fact that people should be my driving focus.

I suppose that somewhat naturally turned into helping or serving people as best I could.
I decided that my greatest contribution (at least at this point in my life) was dedicating myself to educating in areas of under served youth, though that same thought process led me to think about the Peace Corps.

Government service is still something I consider, but mainly based on the facts that I have strengths in those areas; and may be able to make a good living doing it. I like being involved and think that government has potential (although often unrealized) to be a force for great positive change.

Dafna: Do you have a personal roadmap for how you hope to impact people over the course of your life?

Greg: Actually, I have been trying to develop exactly that recently. So I suppose the answer is no, or work in progress. For a long time I was young enough to just try different avenues and experiment with jobs, locations, etc. However, it is dawning on me that I need a plan in order to create significant social change.

Currently, I just seize moments when I see them, which is not strategic enough

Dafna: Speaking of seizing moments, tell me about your recent 30 cities Journey.

Greg: 30cities30days was an adventure I couldn’t pass up. JetBlue airline was having a sale that from September 8th to October 8th (2009) that you could travel as much as you wanted on their airline, with almost 0 restrictions, for $600.

I was living in Hawaii at the time, teaching middle school special education social studies. I had been there for a couple years, and was starting to feel intensely dissatisfied with my job. I saw this opportunity, and after much internal debate decided to go for it. I bought my ticket and would be off in two weeks; packing up my life and moving- to where… I was not sure.

In those two weeks I decided that I had such an amazing opportunity in front of me that I should try to do something that benefited the people I met and the places I went.
Thus was born my idea for 30cities30days.

Every city I went to, I would find someone associated with a non-profit or charity, and feature them on my blog (www.30cities30days.com) and try to get readers to donate through a paypal account, that I would disperse to the charity they donated it to (this seems roundabout, but with short time, and not all charities having direct donation avenues set up- it was most efficient).

I thought about organizing all the charities ahead of time, in the two weeks I had; but then it dawned on me… was this necessary? I mean, didn’t I have faith that within 24 hours I would run into people who were working to solve the problems of their community; who would also be willing to talk with me about what they were doing for a chance to get donations toward their cause; Of course I did. So that was the plan.

I set out on a journey to find people who were getting something done, or trying to, in their communities for the betterment of the world, state, city, neighborhood they lived in.
My first city was Seattle, and I hadn’t left the airport before I had found my first non-profit. Less than 30 minutes in, I had found “Don’t give up” a charity focused around helping the homeless of Seattle.

Dafna: What was the response you got from family and friends before you headed off on this Journey?

Greg: Well, in two weeks, not everyone knew, but I got everything from “You’re crazy” to “You’re crazy awesome”. They for the most part were all supportive, many donated; or better yet read the blog

Dafna: What was your greatest take-away from the experience?

Greg: That is a great question; I learned so much, overall and in each city.
I can’t narrow it down to one greatest takeaway; but my faith that I could find great people doing great things, in less than 24 hours, no matter where in the country (world) I went was confirmed without a doubt.

My faith in the kindness of strangers was reinforced on several occasions on the trip (some magnificent people that work for JetBlue, travel JetBlue, or friends and friends of friends willing to put up a wandering do-gooder).

Further, my overarching theory that if you set out to do something you truly believe in, things will fall into place for you.

Dafna: As you develop your roadmap, do you find any of your priorities have shifted after your 30cities30days experience?

Greg: I have been wrestling with a couple juggernauts of issues that seem to be diametrically opposed by one another; the first is dedicating my life to grassroots service, and working to be the change I strive to see in the world; the second is noticing the huge impacts foundations like Gates, Waltons, and others have founded, and seeing their impact being so great from a source of wealth.

I am still uncertain of the way to make the greatest change, that is why government service is still appealing; though at the same time, somewhat appalling given the state of inefficiency it operates in today.

I think the most noticeable change is that I am motivated to make a plan, as opposed to patching together philanthropic opportunities when they arise.

Dafna: As you reflect back on your life, do you think there was a qualifying event that sent you down this path?

Greg: I wish I could say there was. I’ve had many “defining” moments, but to be honest I think I was blessed to have parents, family, community, and friends that instilled and nurtured the values of service, and progress in me. Helping people just seemed like the only thing to do.

Dafna: Do you think about legacy? Have you thought about what you hope yours will be?

Greg: Actually, probably more than someone my age should. It might come from a little narcissistic streak. I have very strange view on this; of course I’d loved to be remembered as someone who made a great overarching change in the world or even thousands of small positive changes; however- when I really examine it, I almost hope to leave no legacy. I would like my actions to continue producing good, but having lost many people that were close to me, and seeing the sadness that often produces, I’d almost appreciate that my actions changed the world for the better, and that people didn’t need to attach my name to them; I still have moments where I look at something that people had done for me, that are no longer with us- and it makes me sad. I would hope people could just focus on the positive of my actions

This might be unrealistic though.

Dafna: Wow. I am very awed by you.
Where are you right now on your roadmap, and what’s the next step?

Greg: Well, I was accepted to Peace Corps, and they wanted me to leave last month. I couldn’t leave my students in the middle of the year, so I deactivated my application (I can reactivate it within the year). International teaching is a very appealing offer, as is staying domestically and teaching here.

I would like to make money to implement my own systems of change, but I do not know that I would enjoy the process of making money (I think few people do).
I’m at a crossroads, peace corps, independent service projects, education, education administration, law school, and business school are top contenders right now.

Dafna: What advice would you give to someone trying to figure out their place in the world?

Greg: To travel it. I think people are so inhibited and afraid to make change, that they stay in a comfort zone; my advice is to break out of the comfort zone- meet new people, experience new cultures, and learn new things about yourself

My favorite two pieces of advice are “do something”- Greg Teich and “Make sh*t happen”- Naomi Jozovich; they drive me in my everyday life.

Dafna: Thank you so much Greg. We feel so fortunate that Ryan has you as a teacher and we can only hope that even a portion of your zeal for people rubs off on him and his peers.

Greg: Thank you, that is a touching comment. I feel lucky to be around the students we have.
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We certainly are the lucky ones for being in the presence of a teacher like Greg Teich! If you would like to reach Greg you can find him at: greg.teich@gmail.com, on facebook Greg Teich or you can check out the blog he kept during his own Journey: http://www.30cities30days.com

Thanks, as always, for reading. I hope you too have an experience to treasure.

This morning I had the distinct honor of Facebook chatting with Tracey Gordon of Philadelphia, PA. I learned about Tracey when she sent me an email describing her work. As a former Philly girl myself, I knew firsthand the blight Tracey told me about which affected her community and I was so inspired to hear how one single mom raised her hand and said “I’m the one to solve this problem!”

Here is my chat with Tracey. I hope you are as amazed as I am by the power of this one woman on a mission.

Dafna

Thank you so much for agreeing to chat with me today Tracey! Can you tell me what first inspired you to contact me?

Tracey

Yes. My Sunday routine is to turn on CBS Sunday Morning program, it featured you and the topic was how one ordinary citizen can make a difference in their neighborhoods and they ran the examples. I never even looked up at the program before but I was so inspired by your presentation of the 50 in 52 Journey I had to find out who you were and how I could become a part of this journey.

Dafna

Tell me about your citizen initiative, and your screen name ReachingBack.

Tracey

Well first I took on the screen name reachingback@aol.com because I always believe that whenever you are blessed, and I have been blessed, that it is your duty to look back and help someone else. I believe most of us really want to do better for ourselves but just don’t have the mentor or the information to take the first steps so hence I believe no matter how far you go you should reach back and help someone.

My major citizen initiative is to Clean up Philadelphia, Pa which is known to be the most littered city in the country. It saddens me that people wake up and walk right past litter, garbage, drug dealers, blight and abandonment like it was meant to be. So I am on a mission to encourage, so far, my immediate neighborhood that you, your children, your family, your community deserve, and should demand, to live in a litter free society, that is one inalienable right I believe all Americans should have!

Dafna

Tell me how people responded to you when you first started talking about this.

Tracey

They were very encouraged. What I did was I recruited the children, who were doing much of the littering, I registered with the City to become a Block Captain and passed out flyers inviting the neighbors to come out on scheduled Saturdays and join in cleaning. Then, after we cleaned, I would give out water ice, have cookouts and engage my neighbors

I also created a news letter and established rules for the block.

Then other blocks sought me out and I showed them how to become block captains and it become contagious in my immediate area. We won one local beautiful block award and one national award.

Dafna

How has your life changed since you started this Tracey?

Tracey

My life has changed in many ways.

First, not only is my block beautiful, but over 40% have beautiful gardens. Second, our property values have tripled, we have no abandoned houses, and the last house sold for 100K in one week.

Third, I get to live in the city like I live in the suburbs. And finally, I am making strides around my district and am know by every elected official and commissioner

Dafna

Wow! Are people in government taking notice of what you have accomplished?

Tracey

Yes, definitely, not enough to hire me but thats okay. I can email and call personally all the head Commissioners in the City. They have set up a program in the City where you can call 311 for neighborhood nuisances and they set me up in my home where I can report myself from my home.

The word is when reachingback@aol.com writes you better listen! We cleaned this year over 20 tons of trash and everyone in SW Philly in a ten block radius sees the difference. And this is with no budget, just me utilizing the city government and making them support our efforts

Dafna

You mentioned that your daughter is a police officer, what do she and your other children think about your efforts?

Tracey

My children think I’m nuts but they support me because when I started they were little and I made them come out to clean.

Dafna

I’m sure they are proud of what you have done.

Did something happen that led you to start this? Was there an event one day that occurred in your life that pushed you to do this?

Tracey

Yes I am a single parent of four. All are grown, one in 12th grade. My children think I am obsessed and when I had challenges, because I have had several verbal attacks against me, my children were there standing by my side protecting me because they know I am determined not to live in the Ghetto but fortunately for them my kids are tough. We were the first to integrate the neighborhood so we are the “old heads.” We were here as African Americans first. We had earned the respect of our former Irish Catholic neighbors so now we welcome the newcomers.

And yes, I am glad you asked if there was a determining moment that made me say “wait a minute.”  Just because my old neighbors made up of of 2nd and 3rd generation Irish Catholics are moving out doesn’t mean the neighborhood has to go to demise. I’ll never forget my neighbor Mrs. Mary “a Saint” Gormley, whom we recently lost, had the most beautifully manicured lawn. The new neighbors were younger, first time homeowners with children, and began to allow their children to play football on our lawns. Mrs. Gormley’s beautiful lawn turned bald and this poor woman on a fixed income purchased a fence so her grass could return. When that happened I said “Hell No!” I registered as block captain and typed a new letter and listed all the rules for the block, backed by the laws and ordinances that govern Philadelphia that were on the books. They complied.

The number one rule on our block is to respect other peoples property and stay off our lawns! And, don’t litter. I have a list that I pass out to every new resident on this block.

We had a neighbor that recently tried to overthrow me as block captain and he just needed to get 50 signatures and I was just like “What? Where were you when I was cleaning and organizing this block?” Well guess how many signatures he and his wife got? 4 out of 83 row homes. You know what? It made me feel good that the block, even through our ups and downs, have spoken. Guess what most of them said, “if you are not the block captain who is going to keep this neighborhood clean?” Imagine that.

Dafna

What do you hope someone who reads this will learn from your efforts?

Tracey

I hope that Philadelphians, and urban dwellers all over the country and world for that matter, take the time out to organize and clean up your surrounding. It takes 30 second to bend over to clean in front of your home. It takes more when the litter has piled for generations, but how much do a broom and dust pan really cost? I want people that visit Philadelphia to believe that there are some neighborhoods where poor people live that are clean and the people are proud of themselves.

My ultimate wish is to be hired as a consultant on litter and blight because I have a plan and an example that can work. We just need the support of GOVERNMENT because without ENFORCEMENT my work will be in vain. This is what my message is to our government leadership. Finally, we need to make the litter problem a real part of our educational systems curriculum because somewhere our children are not being taught the ill effects of a littered, abandoned and blighted neighborhood. Quality of life is key to a healthy and safe environment.

Dafna

What do you think it is that is inside you to give you the strength for this fight?

Tracey

I am still asking myself this question daily! A good friend described what she saw as my personality and she said the way I think is “I won’t take no for an answer.” Like she says I never see that its not a possibility. I don’t believe I have to live in a littered, blighted and abandoned neighborhood. Maybe it’s my Catholic background, I mean the nuns didn’t play at being messy. I have a “Queen” complex. I feel why should I have to wake up in the home I bought and accept people’s bad habits.

You should see the joy I get when a little kid has to be dragged from the front of my house because they are distracted and want to touch my flowers or they see the little frog statues and they light up. Or when the little boys come up to me and reports that little Jamal threw his potato chip bag on the ground. Or when I had over 100 Villanova University students come out to volunteer to clean over 50 blocks without passing judgement. Or when my monthly meetings are standing room only (my kids say thats because I feed them dinner LOL) but I know they are there because they are concerned.

Dafna

I can not thank you enough for sharing your morning with me and signing up for Facebook so we could have this chat, and most of all, for making it your business to make your community more beautiful and safer not only for you but for all of your community. You are a true role model for all of us Tracey!

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And with that another opportunity to meet an ordinary person doing extraordinary things in her community comes to a close. I was so sad when my physical Journey ended that I would miss out on these exhilarating moments of the day. Meeting people like Tracey is what fuels me in each one of my own daily challenges. I look forward to sharing more with you as I fuel my own energy.

All the best as always, Dafna.

Today, I chatted with the amazing Kellie Stone whose personal crusade can help women everywhere in their own Journey’s. Here’s your “peek” into our Facebook chat from earlier today:

Dafna

In traveling the country to meet community builders I learned about all sorts of different communities which have been formed. You have formed a very special community, can you tell me why you did this?

Kellie

I’ve always felt the drive to help others (even as a child) and knew that it was my purpose. Women’s Life Link developed after a friend of mine and I saw a need to help women be healthy and well emotionally, physically, and spiritually.

Dafna

What were you doing prior to starting Women’s Life Link and who do you hope to reach?

Kellie

Well, I’m a mom of six children (only four at home now) but that in itself keeps me pretty busy. When not attending to the needs of my crew, I have worked in the interior design field as well as in sales.

I hope to reach as many women as I can, especially younger ones who need some guidance from older women who have “been there”.  Our journey is a daily walk that occasionally needs some adjustment. I hope that I am offering that kind of assistance to my readers.

Dafna

Was there an experience that led you and your friend to start this?

Kellie

I have so many friends and family members (so did she) who are sick and miserable. We wanted to give them and others information and a place to share their issues and find quality answers. Not everyone knows that there are so many alternatives to mainstream medicine, therapy, and medications.

I strive to write about only quality information that encourages them to think about where they are with their health and emotional well-being.  I have recently started personal life coaching as well and am so excited to see where that takes me.

Dafna

What has been the feedback from the people who visit your site?

Kellie

I love the interaction with my readers. They are always loving and supportive of the site. I get a lot of “thanks for the reminders” and ladies who share personal concerns and stories.

It keeps me going when I receive the confirmation that my posts have helped someone.

The three doctors on our author panel also provide valuable credibility and information to the site.

Dafna

Has there been a specific interaction you or any of the docs have had that reaffirms to you why it is important that you do this?

Kellie

Several come to mind, but one in particular has led to a wonderful friendship. As it turned out, she has been going through the worst time of her life. She has told me numerous times how much support and great advice Women’s Life Link has given her.  Not only that, but we’ve developed a close relationship that supports both of us.

Dafna

How did she find your site?

Kellie

She found me through a post I did on anti-aging. She works in the skin care field and came across the blog from another link.

I have to change a diaper…hold on.  Mommy duty!

Dafna

No problem!!! When you return: How familiar were you with the Internet/Blog world before you started this endeavor?

Kellie

Honestly, I really didn’t blog or search for blogs until I started my own. It was all a little scary at first.  Now, I’m experimenting with HTML in hopes of not imploding my website.

So far so good…

Dafna

That’s great! Did someone help you out at first or did you go in blind?

Kellie

I had a wonderful SEO and web expert develop my site. He was the one who suggested that I take my passion to the web in the first place.

Dafna

Can you tell me about the conversation you had with the afore mentioned SEO that led to his suggesting you bring your passion to the web?

Kellie

Knowing that he worked with computers, I was curious and asked him about what he did. He actually showed me some of his work and told me how the Internet has opened up so many opportunities for those who want a web-based business.  I was interested in learning more. He told me that he would set up a blog for me and that I just had to come up with the topic and niche.  The rest is history.

Dafna

Why is this your passion?

Kellie

We don’t always have a definitive answer as to why we feel emotional about certain things. But I can say that I have been through so much (good and bad) in my life that has taught me more than a few things about life, being a woman, health, and parenting.  All that experience can’t just be for me…

I’m naturally drawn to making things more beautiful and that includes the lives of others.

Dafna

I love that. What do you hope people will take away from a visit to your site?

Kellie

Either something they didn’t know; something they needed confirmed; or someone to agree or disagree with.

I also want them to leave their visit with a better understanding and hope that they can reach their wellness and personal goals.

Dafna

How has your life changed since you began Women’s Life Link?

Kellie

I’m in a sweet place that you can only go to when you are doing what you’re supposed to do.

I also spend a lot more time on the computer!!!

Dafna

Did you ever see yourself doing something quite like this?

Kellie

Yes, I actually dreamed about having this kind of business and personal crusade.

Dafna

And here you have it!

Kellie

There’s no going back now…not that I want to. I love it!

Dafna

What do your kids think? What do you hope they will get from your taking this Journey?

Kellie

My two older girls visit the site regularly; the two teen girls just know it keeps me busy (not much interest in what I’m doing yet); my son makes money from babysitting the toddler when I’m working (he’s happy). My baby girl (toddler) loves to watch me type; she even helps sometimes!  For the most part I get all the love and support I need to keep it going.

Dafna

Perfect! Silly sounding question, where do you live?

Kellie

We live in a southeast suburb of Indianapolis, Indiana. And, yes, I’m bummed about the Colt’s losing.

Dafna

Sorry.

About the Colts, not Indiana!

Kellie

lol

Dafna

Any last thoughts for the Journey readership?

Kellie

I share my life with others because we all need each other. The journey is meant to be taken with the fellowship of others who bring the best out of you and you them. I hope everyone finds a place in which to do this beautiful thing of life.

Dafna

Thank you Kellie! I appreciate what you do and hope many women find help and healing from your works!

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Thanks for sharing my chat with Kellie, a woman who took her time and found the way to live her dream of building community and helping women. I hope you were inspired by her work as I was and that her story helps you find the strength to make your own dreams come true. You can reach out to Kellie here: http://womenslifelink.com or email her at: womenslifelink@gmail.com