In Search of a Fiscal Sponsor

A major question that I grappled with for quite some time - Should I pursue 501(c)3 status right away or not? My advisors strongly recommended that I go the fiscal sponsorship route instead. I spent some time researching fiscal sponsors that focus on music and the arts. I found Fractured Atlas' website and they seemed like an ideal fit. Two days after graduation, I decided to visit their website to read more about the organization. It turned out that they were having an info session that same night...in Bushwick (my current neighborhood). The next info session would take place weeks later in Philadelphia. Very strange how things work out! I went to the info session and the rest is history. I first became a member, and then officially applied for fiscal sponsorship. I received confirmation of my acceptance into Fractured Atlas' fiscal sponsorship program during the first week of May. Now I just need to start finding some money!

Check them out: http://www.fracturedatlas.org/

Courting the Groove

My first musical morsel to share with mi gente. My apologies to the folks who already have this - my one and only mixtape. Here is the story behind "Courting the Groove." My 7th year of teaching was about to come to a close. I was burned out and in need of a drastic change of job or location. I decided to take a leave of absence from the Dept. of Ed to spend a year abroad. The options: small island off the coast of Venezuela or Spain. Of course, I chose the latter. Working on my first mixtape prevented me from going insane during the final two months of my high school teaching career. Yes, it took me nearly two months to complete this mix of my favorite very well known "classics." I have been working on part 2 (in my head) since I released this mix in 2005. The follow up is certainly overdue. I managed to make $100 of Sangria money hustling this mixtape to friends and soon to be ex-coworkers. Props to Black Bugglegum for the mix name and cover art.
Enjoy!
http://www.mediafire.com/?n0nkn3yvqi3

Mission Statement

I spent the past two years developing the nuts and bolts of Between the Lines Mentoring. Goddard College's M.A. Program in Socially Responsible Business and Sustainable Communities (yes, that's a mouthful) allowed me to develop a framework for my organization. With the help of my advisors and countless books and articles, I was able to complete the blueprint of my organization which became my thesis/applied learning project. (That's the 200+ page black binder in my profile photo.)

Here is one of the shortest yet most important pieces of my culminating project.

Mission Statement: Between the Lines Mentoring believes that all young people should have the resources and guidance to cultivate their passion for music. Our mission is to provide opportunities for underserved youth of New York City to connect with dynamic adult mentors through a shared love for music. Inspired by the power and awe of music, Between the Lines Mentoring serves as a vehicle for self-expression, healing, awareness, and successful transitions into adulthood.

My Commencement Speech

Here is the 10 minute long speech. It is Goddard tradition for the graduate to say a few words after they are introduced by their final semester advisor. I quickly wrote a few words on paper 5 minutes before the ceremony was set to begin. I felt totally unprepared. For someone who hates public speaking, I sure didn't struggle to find words. Thank you to Justine for taking the video!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O3hU2PeBJhQ


Upcoming posts: What is Between the Lines Mentoring? What have I done since graduation three weeks ago? (I have been quite busy.)

Goodbye Goddard

Commencement weekend at Goddard. I'll let the photos tell the story. What a range of emotions! This blog starts here. I owe so much (I'm not talking about my student loans) to Goddard College. I am grateful for everyone that helped make the commencement weekend such a memorable and moving 2 1/2 days...
-Ann Driscoll, Socially Responsible Business and Sustainable Communities Program Director
-Sarah Bobrow-Williams, final semester (and rockstar) advisor
-Rita Hardiman, 2nd reader
-Sang Hwang, G1 advisor
-Eileen Conlon, G3 advisor
-Russ Gaskin, SBC faculty and phenomenal keynote speaker
-My loved ones who made the long journey to Plainfield to see me graduate
-All of the other SBC faculty and students for their kind words and support