Friday, April 9, 2010
A Treasure in Our Pirate-themed Literacy Room
Students like 6 year-old, Maryam keep me on my toes at the Yawkey Boys and Girls Club. Maryam approached me about a month ago when I was on my usual walk through the club collecting familiar students. She stood out with her tiny stature, uniform, and lack of verbal communication. Maryam grabbed my hand and walked with me into the room where reading takes place. As I sat down with her to read her a story, she immediately opened up. The next day her mother had returned a signed permission slip and she began bonding with my volunteers instantly. Her expression through art, color, crafts, and now reading are being fostered through our program. For the past month, she has walked into our room every day wanting to learn. Children like Maryam, along with all the children that I see so much potential for academic growth, are the reason why I hope to become a teacher after my year of service is complete. Maryam has also been an inspiration for her two volunteers who light up now when she comes to the club. With her charming sense of humor and knack for creating beautiful and loving cards for everyone who interacts with her, Maryam truly is a treasure in our pirate-themed literacy room.
Wednesday, March 10, 2010
School Reform in Boston Long Overdue
Dr. Carol Johnson is taking very bold, dramatic action to turn around under-performing schools in Boston. She has spent two years listening, observing, meeting with parents, teachers, community groups, business leaders, and students. She has been thoughtful, careful, strategic. And now she is ready to lay down the law. Generations Incorporated fully supports her.
At the end of the day, too many students are not getting the education and the opportunity that they need and deserve. For any community, especially Boston, this is a shame. MCAS scores have improved but are still low. Nearly 70% of 4th graders are not proficient in English Language Arts. We are failing as a community in this regard.
The Superintendent, Mayor Menino, and leaders from across the Commonwealth led the effort for education reform at the State House. Superintendents now have authority and flexibility to turn around the lowest performing schools. Last month, Massachusetts submitted its application for the highly competitive Race to the Top (RTT) funding now available from the US Department of Education. If we are one of the winners, more resources will become available. Be sure that rigid accountability will accompany the dollars.
Thursday, January 28, 2010
Generations Incorporated is the 2010 Social Innovator in Healthy Aging
In January, the Social Innovation Forum selected us as the 2010 Innovator in Healthy Aging. This is an incredible honor for us, as well as a huge opportunity.
This award couldn’t come at a better time. There is tremendous anticipation, excitement, and change in the air in public school circles because of Race to the Top and the Investment in Innovation (i3) funds through the U.S. Department of Education. These funding streams will open the door for major education reform and school improvement in Massachusetts.
Dr. Carol Johnson of the Boston Public Schools has well-positioned the district for Race to the Top. She has taken strong leadership on the Education Reform Act signed into law on January 19 and has worked tirelessly on her plan for school improvement.
At the same time, Lester Strong, CEO of Experience Corps, and other leaders in the network are forging a new strategic plan to scale Experience Corps and create new standards for affiliation. Our hope is that thousands of older adults will become engaged across the country to bring highly effective literacy support to those children most in need of help.
Our partnerships with both groups have tremendous bearing on our own strategic thinking. It is an incredibly exciting time to think about what could be.
Our 2010 Innovator award will help as we move through the planning stages of scaling our program. The award has many benefits, including substantial pro bono support from the Social Innovation Forum (SIF) and its parent organization, Root Cause. This support will allow us to clarify our vision, crystallize our goals, strengthen our message, and solidify key relationships.
We are very grateful to the Social Innovation Forum for the honor of being the 2010 Innovator for Healthy Aging.
To learn more:
Social Innovation Forum: www.socialinnovationforum.org
Race to the Top: www2.ed.gov/programs/racetothetop/index.html
Investing in Innovation Fund: www2.ed.gov/programs/innovation/factsheet.html
Experience Corps: www.experiencecorps.org
Wednesday, November 25, 2009
When Violence Rocks A School
The John Marshall School is located in the Bowdoin-Geneva section of Dorchester. The community suffers from the pangs of poverty: low employment, high drug use, related gang violence, and a severe lack of community resources. Hundreds of families struggle to make it through the day. Many send their children to the John Marshall School.
Last week, a young man was shot inside the school’s gym at 6:30 PM. He was chased outside where he was shot two more times. The victim survived. The shooter got away.
A week earlier, within a stone’s throw of the school, a man was killed execution-style at noontime. Last spring, teachers found a man shot to death in the school’s parking lot.
The Superintendent, members of the School Committee, police officials, and others visited the school last week, meeting with families and teachers, offering comfort and a commitment of resources. The John Marshall School needs more help because children cannot learn and teachers cannot teach when a school resembles a war zone. There is too much trauma.
The City is working hard to address these problems and some days it must seem like the hill is very, very steep.
While the officials were walking through the school, they came upon a large group of senior citizens, quietly working with individual students who struggle with reading. These are Experience Corps members, 25 in number, and trained as literacy tutors. Last year, they volunteered more than 7,500 hours to the Marshall School. These seniors are real heavy lifters.
They have been coming to the John Marshall School for seven years, day after day. The principal, Theresa Harvey-Jackson, knows each by name and by his or her own personal story. There’s Manny and Hertisene, Ricki, and George, and 20 others who are of the community, ranging in age from 50 to 90. Many walk to the school, some take a bus or use the RIDE. A few need a cane to get around, and they have ailments that would slow down most people half their age.
But they show up, ready to move the proficiency needle forward. They show up when it’s cold, in the rain, when there is ice on the sidewalk. They show up when violence erupts, which for most people would be a legitimate reason to stay home. But it would never, ever occur to them to stay home. They love the school, the teachers, the principal, and mostly, the kids. They live in the community and are examples of the hope that resides in every neighborhood. They want the children to succeed and believe that they can. Nothing keeps them away.
This is very good news at a time when we could all use some.
Thank you, Manny, Ricki, Hertisene and George, and all of your teammates: You make the very steep hill in our city a little easier to climb.
Happy Thanksgiving.
To learn more, please visit www.generationsinc.org.
Thursday, September 3, 2009
A Year of Service in Honor of Ted Kennedy
Last week I watched, with thousands of others, as the funeral procession for Ted Kennedy passed in front of the State House. The sense of loss and sadness overwhelmed me, and I could see in the faces in the crowd that everyone felt the same. In the days that followed his death, the crowds grew larger, the lines longer, everyone wanting to say good-bye and thank you to our great Senator one final time. It seemed appropriate that the Senator’s public wake took place in Dorchester at the JFK Library and that his funeral took place in the glorious Mission Church in Roxbury. That was so Ted-like, returning to the people who elected him, in the very communities where his policies, laws, and actions helped those most in need.
The Kennedy family’s commitment to service over the past 50 years is a legacy unmatched by anyone. Ted was a huge proponent of national service, and one of his final acts was to author a bill that would greatly increase the size of the AmeriCorps Program, a bill that carries his name, and was signed by the President in April 2009. Like his brothers before him, Ted believed in the idealism of America. I will miss him.
Generations Incorporated begins a new year of service in October, and we will dedicate it to Ted Kennedy. Over 300 Experience Corps members and 65 AmeriCorps members will begin working with hundreds of children who need help with reading, writing, and other literacy skills. By the end of the year, we will have amassed more than 140,000 hours of volunteer service. The impact will be huge. And we will do this in honor of Ted Kennedy, and in the hopes that many more Americans will extend themselves to others in service.
Thank you, Ted. May you rest in peace.
Monday, April 13, 2009
Experience Corps Works! Results from Washington University Study
The recently released final report from Washington University in St. Louis states conclusively that Experience Corps works. We have always known this, and now there is a rigorous scientific study that backs up our own evaluation.
The study took place between 2006-2008 in three cities where Experience Corps operates. These were Boston, New York City, and Port Arthur, TX.
Results show that students who participate in our program make over 60% more progress than similar students not served by our program.
The greatest areas of improvement were in two key areas:
Sounding out new words
Reading Comprehension
The study also shows that teachers overwhelmingly welcome the program.
Finally, Experience Corps members also benefit from the program. Working with children improves the health and well-being of older adults.
Please read the great stories printed recently in the Boston Globe and the Christian Science Monitor. Click the links below.
Friday, January 9, 2009
The worst of times, the best in people
I have attended a couple “survival” meetings recently, focusing on how the non-profit sector can weather the economic storm. Some advice is helpful, such as sharing “back room” administrative expenses with another non-profit. And some advice…well, not so good. “Get rid of the fat.” What fat?
My organization is not immune from the recession. Our budget is relatively small, just under $2 million. But giving is way down this year and we expect that 15% of projected revenues will not materialize. So we have had to make painful adjustments affecting people.
The plan is to “bite the bullet” in February, slashing salaries for staff and stipends for 120 volunteers for one month. We will keep programs going and will ask great sacrifices of everyone. By taking this preventative action, everyone feels relief knowing the “downsize” will only last a month.
The response to this decision is creating some amazing stories of human kindness. A 75-year old Experience Corps member serving 8 hours/week will not receive her meager stipend in February. When we told her that we didn’t expect her to serve for the month, she was insistant. “Who will read with my students? What will I do with my time? I will serve.” Another Experience Corps member when informed of the situation declared it time to make a cash donation and also insisted she would continue to serve. Staff offered to reduce their pay. Our AmeriCorps members and VISTA volunteers are waiting to hear how they can help fill some of the gaps.
On March 1, everything will return to some semblance of normal and the recession will most likely continue. We will need to be realistic, practical and creative as we go forward.
But for now, while going through a down-size of the checkbook, we are realizing a rebirth of spirit, energy, and commitment to service and to our mission. Times are very tough, yet its amazing what a team of caring and committed people spanning 3 generations can do when everyone at every level agrees to sacrifice.
Tuesday, October 21, 2008
Congratulations Ruth!
Congratulations to Ruth Villard, who tonight was honored by Bank of America as a Local Hero. Ruth was one of five adults in the metro Boston area to receive this award this year.
Described as the “Volunteer Queen” by her daughter, Ruth has been an active member within the Dorchester community since her three children were young. Inspired by her goal of a safe community where seniors are actively involved in the lives of Boston youth, Ruth has continued to participate in various community organizations in order to promote positive changes in Boston.
In 2007, Ruth began volunteering through Generations Incorporated as a literacy mentor at the Yawkey Boys and Girls Club. Ruth’s patience and constant encouragement for her 5 mentees yielded quick results. “You really see a positive difference in the children. I felt like I was making a big impact on the children and helping them develop.”
Additionally, Ruth connects to her community members through her church as a youth group leader and squad leader for the Archdiocese of Boston Black Catholic Choir. Ruth promotes awareness of health issues that affect her neighbors and friends through her passionate participation in Boston Reach 2010. As a senior, Ruth serves as an advocate for her peers on the Senior and Disabled Council for her senior housing development and the Mayor’s Advisory Council, which assists in developing and coordinating community-based systems of service for
In recognition of the Local Heroes Award, Bank of America donated $5,000 to the non-profit of the winner’s choice. Thank you Ruth, for choosing Generations Incorporated.
And more importantly, thank you, Ruth, for being an inspiration for us all!
Tuesday, June 10, 2008
Fun-draisers
When most people think of ‘development’ and ‘fundraising’, fun is the last word they think of. But this spring we’ve taken the ‘fun’ in fundraising to heart.
In March we hosted our first bar night fundraiser, raising a Toast to Generations Incorporated at Kingston Station. In April, we led a Readathon at the Hale School in Roxbury where the top fundraiser won a bike (left). In May, we hosted an event at the Acton Discovery Museum where we got to play around while we spread the word about Generations Incorporated. And most recently, last week, we hosted our second bar fundraiser, Apres, at Solas Irish Pub (below).
In addition to being successful in the fundraising sense of the word, these events h
ave been a lot of fun. A chance to have a couple of drinks, play a few games, or chat with coworkers, the folks who are coming are having a great time (including me!). So if you haven’t been able to join us yet, keep your eyes peeled for our next FUNdraiser. It is sure to be a lot of fun. Oh, and don’t forget to get your tickets for our Red Sox Raffle!
Thursday, May 15, 2008
The Dumbest Generation?
According to Mark Bauerlein’s new book, today’s generation of under 30 is the dumbest generation yet. They do not read, visit museums, or vote. They don’t know about politics and they don’t care. Instead they spend their time playing video games and posting on Myspace.
I am 59 years old and a proud member of the Baby Boomer generation. I rocked and rolled; marched in small towns and Washington DC for civil rights, womens’ rights and human rights; opposed the Vietnam War; and served for two years in the Peace Corps. I am sure that my parents thought my generation was pretty dumb. They and their generation surely stood against everything my generation represented. It seems to me that the only persons who should judge a generation are the members of that generation itself. Maybe even the ones who birthed them. If we are the 30UGeners’ (30 and under generation) parents and teachers, what does that say about us?
I am surrounded by members of this generation daily and thank goodness because if it wasn’t for them, I would be really dumb. I am challenged and invigorated by this generation, they make me think and expect me to be a role model. I see compassionate, sharply intelliegent, and service-minded individuals every day here in Boston– people of all ages and plenty of 30UGeners. Mark Bauerlein should take the time to visit any AmeriCorps program and observe what thousands of young adults are doing in this one sector alone. The Dumbest Generation? No. Are there dummies in the 30UGen? Of course. More than any other generation? I hope not, but who’s counting?
Native Americans for centuries would make all major tribal decisions with consideration of how such a decision could affect the following seven generations. They knew each successive generation would lead the future. Imagine our world if today’s leaders held that same practice. It is time that we look to the younger generations as individuals whom we can teach and mentor – and in the process, we’ll learn a thing or two ourselves.
Latest Tweets
@sarahellenmac @idejmcd Thanks for the RTs! - tweeted on 30/07/2010 12:50:08
The great group of riders here at Generations Incorporated are getting geared up for the Rodman Ride for Kids.... http://fb.me/CFuWgYUT - tweeted on 30/07/2010 12:30:23
Team @Generations_Inc has raised close to $3K for the Rodman Ride for Kids. Lets keep things in gear. Donate now! http://bit.ly/bwE2Cv - tweeted on 30/07/2010 12:16:23
Loving your tweets! RT @MassMentoring: What about Lord of the Rings? Oh yeah, Gandalf was totally a mentor to the Fellowship. #mentor - tweeted on 30/07/2010 12:13:23
Follow some great #nonprofits in #Boston: @CityYearBoston @Mass_NonprofitNet @RoomtoGrow_org @everybodywins @socialcap @MassMentoring - tweeted on 30/07/2010 10:41:38
Feeling great. New #AmeriCorps members are here! RT @CityYearBoston: Good morning everyone, happy Friday! How's everyone feeling? @CityYear - tweeted on 30/07/2010 09:31:58
@socialcap and @eric_andersen: Thanks for the kind words. #tedxboston was a great event. - tweeted on 30/07/2010 08:42:13
RT @socialcap: #FF gr8 tweeps & speakers from #tedxboston @eric_andersen @rajmelville @generations_inc @lessig @Joselinmane @connectorsRus - tweeted on 30/07/2010 08:38:39
Photo of the Week: July 29, 2010 Welcome to our 2010-2011 *VISTAs who started their training this week! Our... http://fb.me/DZ9omN84 - tweeted on 29/07/2010 15:07:44
Watching tech entrepreneur @sethpriebatsch speak. - #TEDx live on http://bit.ly/cGLzAI - tweeted on 29/07/2010 10:45:13
