“Step-dancing”

I was telling a group of people yesterday about Operation Happy Step-Family and someone lit up and said, “It’s like learning how to ‘step-dance’!”  I thought that was very cool and kinda clever.  Love the dancing metaphor, of course.  Anyway, thought I’d pass it on in case it resonates as usable in some way. 

The Case for National Service

<from Vickie>

Here’s the article Jeff referenced this evening (I think). http://www.time.com/time/specials/2007/article/0,28804,1657256_1657317,00.html

A Documentary?!

<From Chris to Andrea via email>

On another note:  I have friend of a friend who writes books for adolescent children.  She is contracted to write on topics like sexually transmitted diseases, diversity etc…  I was thinking as we frame the charter and other ideas that maybe this would be a neat documentary.  If it is ok with you I was going to forward her what you have put together so far and see if she’s at all; interested in some way.

Piloting Strategies

<From Chris to Andrea via email>

I have been thinking a lot about “pilots” and how often a pilot is the best way to figure something out. Maybe we can have a few families just try out the idea. We would “interview” them at the start of the project to frame “what would work for them”.

- can they start with the volunteer activity or do they need other stepping stones

- do they need to make it about “doing right by the children” – or can/should we introduce the idea that this is as much for them as the kids?

- What happens when families work together – how did people feel during the effort?

- What types of volunteer activities help UNITE not divide?

- How do you make all people feel safe?

Maybe by trying it a few times with “disclaimers” we’d learn what worked for families. I think this is particularly important given that the people that get involved will be a various stages of the healing process.

I am willing to try to reach out to Christi-lynn and Greg to see if they would try it. I think Ken is also willing to reach out to Jamie and Scott. Two VERY different situations – and yet similar. We’ve already talked to the kids about it and they think it is a great idea.