Based on the
popular movie and book by Catherine Ryan Hyde, LEADERSHIP Philadelphia's
program, Pay It Forward, Philadelphia, was developed to encourage spontaneous
good deeds. The cumulative effects of our individual efforts will increase
trust and raise civic pride. Let's put a spin on "The City That
Loves You Back" and be the city that loves you forward.
PAY IT FORWARD PROJECTS 2010
Junto 1: College Connection
Members of Junto 1 focused their project on introducing the concept
and benefit of a college education to a class of inner-city Philadelphia
6th graders. The group coordinated with Teach for America and a class at
Roberto Clemente Middle school. After establishing the students'
familiarity with college and their career goals, they organized a
private tour of Drexel University followed by Q&A with administration
members. The day not only introduced students to the University, but for
some, to Center City Philadelphia for the first time.
Junto 2: Red
Cross House Renovation
This group chose to
focus on the Red Cross House because it is the only institution of its
kind in the United States helping disaster victims get back on their
feet by providing shelter, food, clothing, and case workers for
families. The RCH Director identified the Children's Playroom as a
high-traffic area that needed significant updating. Working on-site over
weekends, the team created an inviting environment including new
TV/video equipment, an expansive library and music collection, arts &
crafts supplies and storage, and presented RCH with a $3000 donation.
Junto 3:
Chess and Scrabble Wizards
Working with After School Activities Partnerships (ASAP),
members of Junto 3 helped the school run chess and Scrabble clubs after
school. The Junto committed to meeting with the club every Wednesday
afternoon and worked in teams of two or more. The games provided an
opportunity for conversations about school, college, and careers that
gave Junto members the chance to mentor the students as well. At the end
of the year the Junto will chaperone their clubs to the annual ASAP
tournaments held at various cultural institutions.
Junto 4:
Children's Village - Literacy Enhancement and Support
Children's
Village provides early childhood education for children and families
from all economic levels and diverse backgrounds. Beginning in February,
Junto 4 has provided 90 hours of after-school tutoring to CV kids,
grades pre-K to 4th, and will continue through June 2010. Junto members
learned about the students and Asian/American culture by helping
students one-on-one with homework, sharing stories about their day,
mentoring, and helping teachers administer group assignments. The group
also sponsored CV's annual fundraiser by providing personal and
corporate contributions.
Junto 5:
Adult Literacy - Conquering Barriers
Members of
this group chose to address the ambitious problem of adult literacy in
Philadelphia, where 60% of adults are considered "low literate". To
increase access to resources, the group established a pilot program of 6
mobile adult reading centers at the Free Library of Philadelphia by
collecting the necessary resources - carts, books, etc - and providing a
research report to the Library on latest trends in adult literacy
education. They also collected a list of materials and resources and
provided research to the Community Learning Center. Their pilot program
is self-sustaining as the materials, list of resources, and research can
continue to be used and updated by the Free Library and CLC.
Junto 6: The Center for
Grieving Children, Teens, and Families
Members of
Junto 6 worked with the Center by supporting its annual Golf Outing
(obtaining sponsors and auction items, recruiting golfers, publicity,
and attendance), working with staff on research regarding a name change
and new marketing plan, expanding the organization's marketing outreach,
and providing the organization with web assistance and fundraising/grant
support. The Golf Outing saw a 63% increase in participation and $16,000
increase in funds raised from the previous year. Several Junto members
have joined the Board or one of its Committees.
Junto 7: "Project ACE" -
Achieving Choices with Education
Project ACE helped increase the awareness of how education can breed
successful leaders in a group of middle school children and their
parents. Junto members worked with
Greater Philadelphia Cares
to choose John Welsh School students and hosted a program focused on the
high school selection process, next steps after high school, and the
path to college. The group shared stories and information on their path
through school and their current careers to show the impact of hard work
and a good education.
Junto 8: Developing Future
Olney High School East Leaders
In partnership with Olney High East educators, Junto members developed
a curriculum for a selfsustaining life-skills workshop. The four-part
program focused on providing students with a network of Olney High East
alumni, demonstrating the basics of financial literacy, assisting
students in workforce entry preparation, and sharing potential
internship opportunities. Alumni were identified and connected with the
program to provide long-term sustainability through an Alumni Mentoring
Program, Alumni Day in the fall and spring of each year to discuss
careers, Spirit Day each quarter to encourage school spirit with alumni,
and an Honors Luncheon to celebrate successes of Olney High East
students.
Junto 9:
Rebuilding Together Philadelphia
Junto members raised $6000 through corporate support to sponsor homes
rebuilt by RTP for low income families in April, purchase supplies, and
offset future building expenses. Working over weekends, Junto members'
repair projects ranged from windows to plumbing to gardens at the
sponsored home.
Junto 10:
Mommy Grads Project
Members of Junto 10 designed a pilot program to provide support and
resources - including mentoring and financial stipends to single mothers
pursuing 4-year college degrees - for eight single mothers enrolled at
Temple University. The program is funded by a one-time $15,000 start-up
grant from an area Giving Circle. Junto members created a roadmap to
turn Mommy Grads into an organization with sustainable programs and
funding that provides guidance on legal structure, financial management
and fundraising, board management, mentoring, and program management.
Junto 11: PA College Advising Corps
Members of Junto 11
mentored 30 Philadelphia high school students and their advisors in
partnership with PA CAC to expand knowledge of specific occupations and
career paths and prepare them to take control of their own paths.
Students toured the Federal Reserve, PECO, and the Philadelphia Art
Museum. Seminars discussed where Junto members "started" - jobs and
internships both in and outside of their chosen field; 'green careers';
efficacy and owning one's success; business culture, etiquette, and
successful attitudes; and preparing for and transitioning to college.
Students also shadowed mentors and met college professors.
Download
the Pay It Forward, Philadelphia reminder card!
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