Local students partner with the Grafitti Removal Project on 9/11

To mark the 7th anniversary of 9/11, yesterday students Monterey Bay Academy chose to cancel classes and send their entire student body of over 200 students into the community as a symbolic counter-attack against terrorism through acts of kindness in their local community.

Fifty MBA students partnered with the Santa Cruz Volunteer Center Graffiti Removal Project to remove graffiti in areas surrounding the Simpkins Swim Center in Santa Cruz, and areas near The Hook at the end of 41st street. The Graffiti Project organizes community paint-outs throughout the year, provides grafitti prevention kits, and relies on the volunteer efforts of concerned citizens, such as the Monterey Bay Academy students and faculty, to keep the community safe, clean, and graffiti free.

“It’s a privilege for Monterey Bay Academy to be able to partner with our local Santa Cruz and Watsonville communities to show our appreciation for the services and support they give to our school,” stated MBA Principal Tim Kubrock.

The remaining student body participated in other projects such as painting the wharf, assisting at the Homeless Garden Project, Santa Cruz Health Care Center, Sienna House Maternity Home, Harkin Slough Restoration, and tutoring 2nd graders at Calabasas K-6 Public School.

KSBW was on hand to capture the spirit of volunteerism.

Watch the KSBW video

Social Networking and Non-Profits

At this year’s Annual Conference on National and Community Service held in June in Atlanta Georgia, I attended a number of excellent workshops on online marketing and the use of social networking to improve non-profit outreach efforts. While I believe it is in our best interest to tap into the multitude of on-line options to expand our non-profit outreach I also recognize that for our program staff and fellow agencies unfamiliar with these online tools this can be an overwhelming process to wade through. Often the question arises “Why would I care about this?” Here are a few thoughts:
Two Reasons to Care about Social Networking:

• The internet is a way of life for Americans of all ages. According to a recent New York Times Article, “despite more distractions than ever, we’re finding even more time to plant ourselves in front of screens”. In May, the average American spent 26 hours on the Internet and Two-thirds of Internet users, 119 million people, watched on-line video. In any given month nearly 162 million use the Internet. According to a study by Pew Internet & American Life Project, over 70 percent of Americans aged 50 to 64 use the web.
• Outreach to a broader range of people in less time. Social networking sites provide platforms to broadcast a cause or agency need quickly, and reach well beyond your email list. They also allow you to reach out to audiences that haven't traditionally been involved with your organization - like younger people, and people who are new to the area.
  

Get Started with Social Networking:

• Start a blog or comment on blogs- Blogs provide easy ways to post your agency needs, share event photos, and upload video with the push of a button. All of our local news media sources have blogs and with a vast cross section of readership you can reach multiple markets in our community by choosing a few blogs to regularly comment on. In doing so you reach all of the clientele visiting their site. If you are keeping up with on-line local news take the extra five minutes in your day to share a comment and post a link to your website.

• Join us on Facebook and Myspace. – Two sites we use are Facebook and Myspace to outreach to our younger volunteers. Since setting up our Myspace account we have received over 200 additional visitors a month to our 1-800 volunteer database referred through Myspace. Social networking websites are being used regularly by millions of people, 67% of those age 18-29, 21% of those 30-39, and 6% of those 40+ . A social network service focuses on building online communities of people who share interests and activities, or who are interested in exploring the interests and activities of others. Visit our pages to see an example of how to get started.

To learn more about social networking watch this short video" Social Networking in Plain English" by Common Craft:

28 Years and Still Running.....

I have been looking through old race photos in preparation for the 28th Annual Human Race Awards Ceremony happening this Wednesday June 25th and thought others might also enjoy a look back at the race over the years. A number of organizations have been with us since the inception of our pledge walk and fun run in 1980 and therefore may recognize a younger version of a friendly face.

Being a first year participant of the Human Race, on the day of the event I was struck by the people power needed for a smoothly run race and the willingness of volunteers to step in to make this happen. But, in viewing old photos of smiling participants this afternoon I was more taken by the long term community impact this race has had. When I come across a community member on the street wearing an old t-shirt ( I hear the glow in the dark shirts were a big hit) or when regaled with a funny story from our veteran staff that often begins with "Ohhhh, remember that one year ....!!! " I recognize that this race is, for so many, not simply a one day event but truly represents an enduring legacy of community.

Maybe you recall a certain year with particular fondness, have a heartwarming Human Race story from over the years, or a touching moment from your interactions with others at the event. If so, we would love to hear your comments.

We look forward to celebrating another year of your success tomorrow at the Human Race Awards Ceremony. Just a reminder the event is at the Seacliff Inn in Aptos from 5:30-7PM and we are happy to take your RSVP if you haven't done so as of yet. Please call us at (831) 427-5070 to do so.