5 Things I'm looking forward to in 2011

Resolutions and predictions are of course very popular as we approach the new year.  Though there may be some resolutions to come, I wanted to take a different angle and share some of the SCI happenings that have me excited about getting started on 2011.

National "Geek Corps":  We have always aspired to have our work serve as a national model for others looking to increase local social capital.  In 2011, we have a great window of opportunity to make this happen in a significant way.  A national commission looking at how citizens get the information they need in the digital age recommended among other things a national "Geek Corps" that sounds very much like our own Outreach & Technology team.  Therefore, we're pulling together a group of organizations interested in this idea to move it forward in 2011.  For more background on this idea, including links to the original Knight Commission report and how it relates to SCI's programs, click here.  Please get in touch if you're interested in supporting or getting involved in this effort. 

2011 SCI Idealists:  We are very excited to be presenting this year's SCI Idealist Awards to Ophelia Dahl and Judith Kidd on March 30.  Click here to find out more about these great people and the Social Capitalist Luncheon at which they will be honored.  You can also buy tickets now for the lunch now in time to include in your 2010 charitable donations.    

Corps Impact:  Each year our effort to recruit, train & place AmeriCorps members leverages impressive results, as it did in 2010.  We have a great group of 18 members this year serving 5 Eastern Mass. communities this year, so anticipate the results will be even better for 2011. Moreover, it is a pleasure seeing the passion and creativity these members bring to their service every day. 

Immigrants as Leaders: In 2010 we started an exciting new leadership program in partnership with the YMCA International Learning Center in Woburn.  SCI is training a group of about 15 recent immigrants in the Y ESL program in leadership skills, and the participants in turn will use those skills to plan a multi-cultural celebration in Downtown Woburn this June.  The participants are so eager to learn skills to help them succeed in their new community, making it great fun to work with them.  This project is made possible by a mini-grant from CHNA 15.

New Community Partners:  We were pleased to welcome the Boys & Girls Club of Boston as a new community partner in 2010.  In 2011, we'll be actively seeking new community partners to expand our impact.  It's always fun to have the opportunity to find communities and organizations that can benefit from our expertise in developing social capitalists.

2010 has been a good one for SCI, and we look forward to making 2011 even better!   If you happen to be reading this post and are thinking about year-end charitable giving, we'd love to be on your list.  You can donate securely online here via our Google Checkout account; or send a check to SCI in the mail to us at 165M New Boston St., Suite 233, Woburn, MA 01801. Thank you for your interest and support!  Best wishes for a wonderful 2011 to you and your family.