E-Newsletter: January 2012

Project 351 Honors MLK Jr.

400+ Massachusetts Youth Convene in Boston for Day of Service

Project 351 Collage Youth Ambassadors representing all 351 Massachusetts cities and towns gathered in Boston on Saturday, Jan. 14, 2012 to honor the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. City Year Boston was proud to support Massachusetts Governor Deval Patrick’s Project 351, an initiative that honors exemplary eighth grade students from across the Commonwealth in a day of powerful service, community building and giving back. “The students I have met through Project 351 are truly inspiring…they have achieved significant accomplishments through their dedication to service,” proclaimed Gov. Patrick after spending the day at various project sites. “Every action, when performed with enthusiasm and dedication, can truly have an impact on our community.” Click here to view service photos, watch a corps member's video and read more.

Success in Schools: Inspiration to Take Action

Written by Erin O'Donnell, AmeriCorps member serving on the Comcast Team at Jeremiah E Burke High School.

“Ms. O’Donnell, I am going to do my history homework tonight. You’ll see..." James has turned a corner. Not a sharp, ninety degree turn. Rather, he is gradually rounding the bend to get back on track to success. Some days are on, others off. Nevertheless, something has undeniably shifted for the better. He told me that I had inspired him to do his work. What he doesn’t know, is that he inspires me every day. Continue reading on the revamped City Year Boston blog.

Words from the Community

“…You've dedicated this year to shaping the lives of children, and as you shape them, they shape you… You are playing a fundamental and profound role in these children's lives. You are shaping the future. You are planting seeds of joy and delight and progress and prosperity.”

- Sheila Cavanaugh, Senior Vice President of Fidelity Investments, speaking to the corps on January 6

City Year in the News

An MLK Day Message From Michael Brown, CEO & Co-Founder: “The Civil Rights Issue of Our Time”

Absenteeism Rife at Boston High Schools

City Year Makes a Difference at Tobin School

Mass. High School’s Weight Room Gets Makeover (video)

Corps Member Spotlight

Written by Duncan Johnson, serving at Dearborn Middle School

Duncan Johnson As I looked for opportunities to occupy my gap year, I found City Year. I chose to join City Year for several reasons. First, I was captivated by the discipline that it takes to work the long days of a City Year corps member. Second, I sought the new and different experiences to which City Year would expose me to. I want to make a difference in children’s lives because it saddens me that bright, talented children are dropping out of high school every 26 seconds and not living to their full potential. I myself struggled to find a passion, and now that I have discovered one in music, I understand how crucial it is to have a dream you are willing to put hours of your time toward. Read Duncan's full story here.