Ready for your Advice and Ideas

So, Blessings for Brazil is trying to make sure we try new and various ways to:
(1) help spread our word of our work;
(2) reach out to teachers and schools in Brazil; &
(3) think of new ways to fundraise and market ourself.

While you are invited to attend our Brain Picking Sessions, we understand some people want to help, but can not attend.

Therefore, if you have any advice, ideas or suggestions for us to consider, please give it to us. YOUR IDEAS CAN HELP US MAKE A GREATER IMPACT.

Blessings!


Week's Ratings:
Meeting Project Goals: 5 out 6 (Moving a smarter pace )
Personal Life: 3 out of 6 (An improvement)
Need a Vacation: 9 out of 6 (Well you have to admit, Carnival is around the corner)

How much for a 501(c)3?

I called a few law firms recently, trying to find quotes on the cost of forming a non-profit. I was quoted as high as $5,000 + IRS fees of $300-750. I could not believe it. I want to enhance our ability to do good and share blessings, but $5K? I immediately began looking for options.

I have found an option that seems viable. I found NorthStar http://www.501c3solutions.us/ on Google. They operate as a non-profit with two parts (1) child advocacy and (2) helping projects become non-profits. The proceeds they receive to help non-profits, go towards the Child Advocacy part of their group. I have begun to research them by reviewing their rating "A" on the BBB http://www.orlando.bbb.org/codbrep.html?ID=201229843&cons=y and the next step is to contact individuals on their refferal list. Their price quote was about a 1/4 of the law firm, which seems like an option. Especially, after hearing the $5 price quote. Right now, I am still looking into other options. I just know that I am not paying $5K that I don't have. Oh yeah, I don't have any right now. Yet, this is where prayers and positive thinking comes into play.


Today's Ratings:
Meeting Project Goals: 3.5 out 6 (Figuring out how to create more volunteer groups in other areas; placed an ad on Facebook to run today & working on contact people on Northstar's referral list. )
Personal Life: 2 out of 6 (Still at a 2)
Need a Vacation: 889 out of 6 (Dreaming of Brazil as I improve my Portuguese listening to a podcast on my ipod.)

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.

New Year Collection Project

So 2009 is on its way. For Blessings for Brazil, this is an opportunity to help those in Brazil. The school, Solar Meninos de Luz has opened a local thrift shop to help the local community, while offsetting some of its expenses. This is a great opportunity to help. If you have clothing that you would like to donate, please send to Blessings for Brazil. http://blessings4brazil.com/

Visit the website for more information for this New Year Collection drive that will take place until January 11th, 2009. Also, if you teacher materials in Portuguese or books that could be used to teach English, please send to Blessings for Brazil (media rate is a cheaper way to send them).

So, what's Next?

The future of the http://www.blessings4brazil.com/ and the Blessings brand is my goal right now. Being in Brazil and seeing how we are helping children learn English, explore their creative sides, and access more books is rewarding. Now the challenge is to build a sustainable future that can reach more schools and facilities. This includes developing a regular income generating source; finalizing the NGO status; and increasing promotion and outreach. It will happen. I am optimistic and a believer that great things will continue to take place.

This week, we have begun working on generating funds via the Blessings Boudoir. Donated items are listed and posted for sale on Ebay, which will help us build a regular income source. One of the goals for this year, is to sponsor a young lady in Rio. She lives in the favela and attends Solar Meninos de Luz, but despite her challenges, she is learning English and is about to enter college. Yet, she needs the resources to help her further her education. I would like the Blessings Project to reach out to her. This is where the funds from the Blessings Boudoir can help.

This is also where you can help. Visit http://www.blessings4brazil.com/ and click on the Boudoir link. Learn how you can help by donating items or bidding on items you are interested in. This is another way you can help make a difference. For remember, God blesses us so we can be a blessing for others.

Blessings.

P.S. The picture you see is of one of my favorite Brazilian actors Lazaro Ramos. People I know in Brazil will be in his next movie and they were able hang out with him. HE IS AN EXCELLENT ACTOR!

Now that is good.

Yesterday I returned to the school with the books I purchased in Salvador. I met up with Sheila, the librarian I worked with last summer and Regina, the Head of the Volunteer Department. It was good to return to the school and be able to see what has changed and how they are progressing forward. Regina shared how she has been working with students, teaching them English. Some of the supplies you helped to collect are being used in the volunteered-led English classes. She also shared that the music teacher has been using the flutes and harmonicas that were sent earlier this year. We also walked through the new art gallery where students art was being prepared as part of an exhibition. Great things are happening at Solar!

We also spoke the possible future of Blessing for Brazil and Solar. It is my goal of making Blessings for Brazil a tool make substantial change in a child’s life. Just one child could grow up and lead a community. Just one. For a while, I have been reflecting on what the future of Blessings for Brazil will be and the sustainability of that future. That is the challenge and I accept it. The deeper challenge is awaiting the team that will help see it through. I pray that God will put that team together to ensure that he is work will continue to flourish. Until then, I continue to live in faith and move with God.

Robbery on the Avenida

Yesterday I saw my second crime. Well, I can't say I saw the actual offense, but I saw the after effects. First I heard a guy shouting from a few yards behind me. When I turned, I saw a woman (black) running across the street. A couple of foreigners ran and caught on to her when she went to the other side of the street, but their hold did not last and she ran down the street, taking off the sweater she was wearing. Then a woman called out in rage. I could not tell what was stolen, for I did not see much. But you can believe, I said some serious thank you prayers.

With the beauty of Brazil, there are some serious issues with crime. The first robbery I saw was last year in Centro. Pick-pocketters easily took the wallet of a Brazilian man. When I asked the friend I was with how did he know, he said he watched them. It was like he knew that they were fixed on the man. I was amazed by his sharp eyes, and held on tighter to what I had. During the New Year's holiday time, a guy from the mid-west was robbed twice. I have to admit, being the loud Americano, with his clearly American attire did not help. It helps when you modify your appearance and try to down play the strong foreigner look. I say, flip-flops are a start. Lower your voice and laugh. If you can't speak their language, just whisper. Yesterday, a woman on the bus was trying to get directions from the conductor. Her strong American voice was obvious, and she did not seem to know any Portuguese. I whispered, "I will help you because the conductor does not know English, but you need to lower your voice. You don't want to make it obvious that you are a foreigner." The Californian paralegal was greatful, and got off where she needed. But it is necessary to try to offset and minimize what could happen.

At the end of the day, I ask God for safety and read the Psalms. While crime could happen anywhere, I find that here I try to be more aware of my surroundings and pray that the Lord's heavenly angels keep me safe.