Teacher Enrichment Program to provide Micro-level Grants

This fall Blessings for Brazil will be launching our new program - THE TEACHER ENRICHMENT PROGRAM (TEP)/Programma de Auxilio ao Professor (PAP).

As of this fall, Brazilian teachers will be able to better reach the needs of their students with the support our

micro-level grant. This is a new approach towards micro-level support to meet educational needs within disenfranchised communities.

Our goal is to support three teachers in 2010 and reach at least 150 students through the TEP Grant.

To learn more, visit http://www.blessings4brazil.com/TEP.html

Fundraising 101: Have Ideas to help our newest fundraising project?

So now we are embarking on our first major fundraising project. There is a lot of faith needed to make this happen. GLIDING HIGH FOR THOSE BELOW is very different, but importantly it is a different time right now in the global economy. This is where my prayers and belief in God is going to be necessary. I welcome any ideas, suggest and of course, donations to make it happen. Visit www.blessings4brazil.com to learn more.

Week's Ratings:
Meeting Project Goals: 6 out 6 (Expanding our base. Now just need to get fundraising going)

Personal Life: 3 out of 6 (An improvement)

Need a Vacation: 4 out of 6 (Have made plans, so the need is not a high as the exciting feelings in the pit of my stomach).

Learning about Boards

Okay, so I am going to do something very different. We are now in 2009 and there are many things I want to accomplish for the Blessings project. But, more importantly, I am realizing I should be as open and honest about the challenges of working on this project. I can say all is well, but I think we all know that there are challenges. So as I continue this journey of SOCIAL ENTREPRENEURSHIP (I just learned this term after hours of listening to Craigslist Podcasts) I am going to share my insights, challenges and accomplishments.

So today is a snow day in New York, so I spent some time listing to the podcasts provided by Craigslist Foundation on Itunes. I found one on Boards titled "Your Board and Fundraising: A Small Introductory Guide for Non-Profits". Now, no one tells you how it depth the board process goes. I knew that I had to start a board to form the non-profit and apply for the 501(c)3. So you ask around, after thinking for a while, for those who would be qualified and also willing to help you with your dreams. I have 3 friends who agreed to ride this journey. Now, I have to figure out how to operate the board in a way that helps me reach the goals for the year, without imposing on their lives. Actually, I need to reword that. I want them to be just as impassioned as I am.



So the questions are: HOW DO I INSPIRE AND LEAD THE BOARD TO SUCCESS? HOW DO I MAKE THE PROCESS A FULFILLING & REWARDING EXPERIENCE? How can the board help support the Volunteers so the volunteers are able to move forward? How do I help develop and build a culture to develop that?



Well, since I am not able to fly them to Brazil to experience why I am so committeed to the idea of Blessings and Social Entrepreneurship, I need to start with inviting their ideas and feedback for the goals for the year. They have knowledge and insight. Then I will share this with the volunteers and collaborate with them to make sure are supported.

All I can say is, there is a lot in store. I am praying for the strength to see it through.

Today's Ratings:Meeting Project Goals: 3 out 6 (Today spent more time on the website. Hope to move towards marketing in a few minutes)
Personal Life: 2 out of 6 (Does that still exist?)
Need a Vacation: 888 out of 6 (I wish I could go to Brazil for Carnival)

P.S. Did I tell you that I do this while working a Full-time job and going to Grad School?
Living from the energy of Blessings and HIS grace.