Folks, we want to preface this by saying that it’s good, it’s empowering, it’s uplifting and it’s impactful to give back ALL the time. Especially in Washington, DC, there are myriad causes, organizations, events, and opportunities to make a real tangible difference in people’s lives, on the land we inhabit, on the communities we walk (and run, and bike) through, and so forth — whether once a week, once a month, or once a year. Giving back is easy. Giving back is also FUN.
That said, THIS month is an extra special time to dedicate yourself to both local and national causes.
Why? Because it’s happening across the world. By November Project tribes just like us.
In Malaysia. In Indianapolis. In San Francisco. In Quebec. In Serbia.
I could go on, but I’m already getting wordy (sorry, it’s a vice). Bottom line — EVERY DAY of September, from sea to shining NP sea, the good — no, scratch that, GREAT — people of of November Project are making a difference.
September is #NPGiveBack month….
But wait — it’s already September 13. Aren’t we late to the game? Yes, we are (blame me, as I, of course, abandoned Steve and Dazzo for another gosh darn hiking trip to start the month). So … we are extending our #NPGiveBack initiative
AND … we’re doing this on a national as well as local level. Here’s how:
NATIONAL: DONATE ON 9/27
Thanks to the amazing Noli, who works with school superintendents nationwide, on Wednesday, September 27, we have an easy opportunity to make a huge difference for those in Texas and Florida impacted by hurricanes Harvey and Irma. At the two workouts that day, we will be accepting $$ and specific items that will DIRECTLY help kids in the school districts and communities hit hardest by the storms.
How to give $$: 1) Cash; 2) Checks made out to “AASA”; 3) Venmo Jake at @jake-lloyd
From Noli:
AASA, The School Superintendents Association, represents public school superintendents and is spearheading the coordination of donations to support recovery in impacted schools and the communities they serve. As part of #NPGiveBack, #NP_DC is doing our own collection, and will make our donation to the hurricane-impacted schools. On Wednesday, September 27, at BOTH workouts, let’s show them what the November Project community is all about. Bring what you can give, whether an item donation or a check. We’ll collect the donations and work with AASA to get them on the ground and in the schools. 100% of donations go directly to the schools.
Not sure what to give? Checks should be made payable to AASA (they’ll consolidate the donations into a single check to the district) and we’ll also accept venmo and cash. Not sure what school supplies to give? Can’t think beyond pencil and paper? Here’s a list to get jog your thinking.
Full information on the AASA Harvey efforts can be found HERE. Other questions can be sent to Noli (nellerson@aasa.org).
LOCAL: MARTHA’S TABLE DONATION CHALLENGE
When was the last time you looked in your closet or dresser drawer and asked yourself, Have I worn this shirt or pair of pants or jacket in the last year!? Steve’s rule is good — if you haven’t touched it in 365 days, you should probably donate it, especially with DC’s colder season not too far away (no, seriously). Beginning TODAY and going through October, we want NP_DC members to donate so much old, unused clothing to Martha’s Table that they Tweet this:
Oct. 27: Sorry, everyone, but due to OVERWHELMING level of donations, we will not be accepting anything for the next month. We blame @nov_project_dca #TooGood
Yes, we’re ambitious. You should be, too.
There are two locations in DC where you can drop off clothing items:
Martha’s Outfitters NW
2122 14th Street, NW
Washington, DC 20009
202-328-6609
Operating Hours
Monday-Saturday 12:00pm-6:00pm
Donations accepted 8:00am-5:30pm
*8:00AM-10:00AM – Donations are accepted in our main lobby – 2114 14th St. NW.
Closed Sundays
Martha’s Outfitters MLK
2204 Martin Luther King Ave. SE
Washington, DC 20020
202-885-9613
Operating Hours
Monday-Friday 12:00 PM–6:00 PM
Donations accepted 11:00 AM–5:30 PM
Closed Saturdays and Sundays
TRACKING: How many pairs of pants can we donate? How about full outfits? What about jackets for fall? Coats for winter? We want to be able to measure the impact made, so please add your donation HERE to a spreadsheet that will allow us to do just that. And to, of course, continue to motivate and push for big things during October.
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Speaking of October…
Anyone running any races? Maybe a 10-miler? Perhaps a half marathon in Baltimore? Not enough!? A MARATHON in DC!? Yes, October is RACE MONTH.
But can’t it also be Race to Give Back Month?
Here’s a (strongly encouraged) idea: If you are not currently running your race for charity, consider creating a Go Fund Me page and asking your friends, your family members, your weird uncles, your Bumble dates to pledge $0.50 or $1, etc. per amazing, inspiring mile you run.
Let me share a secret with you: People in your circles (especially within this very, very generous NP circle) want to support you. Even if it’s 12 cents per mile, it will make a difference for whatever cause or nonprofit you choose to support. And it will make that person who made that pledge feel really positive about:
A) Supporting and cheering on their friend, and…
B) Making a difference in the process
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Does this seem like a lot? Are we asking for A LOT? Well, we don’t think so. We see this as giving. For us. For you. For anyone who learns about great causes through what they hear about during the next six weeks. While this version of #NPGiveBack has an end date, don’t let it conclude your community service.
Instead, let it inspire, let it create visibility for the plethora of life-changing, earth-changing things we can do every day (besides running and doing burpees, of course) to make this world FUCKING BEAUTIFUL. As you continue to give back throughout the year (and while wearing #grassrootsgear), use the #NPGiveBack hashtag not as a way to toot your own horn but to share the opportunities you’re taking advantage of with the rest of the tribe. Maybe someone will join you next time!
OK, I’m almost done. But not quite yet. There’s other shit on the horizon, too. Yeah, buckle up your seat belts and seriously, people, WEAR A GOSH DARN BIKE HELMET.
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NPDC EVENTS, Octoberfest style (and into November)
Mark your calendars, because we know you’re busy people:
Saturday, Oct. 7, 5pm: Crate Escape
If you’re on the socials, you might’ve noticed that other cities have been hosting these mobile storytelling events. Well, we’ve been saving ours because, you know, best for last (or close to it).
WHAT: 5-7 people telling incredible stories in different DC locations
WHERE: Beginning in NE HERE, ending in NW U Street area (3~ miles of slow running involved)
AFTER: EPIC after-party. You don’t want to miss it.
WHY: Hear inspiring stories through an innovative format; meet others; get a little run in
SUBMIT: Tell us in 300 words or less what you’ll talk about. The theme: #Strength
….
Sunday, Oct. 22, 6-9pm (approximate): Marine Corps Marathon After-Party
OK, so you ran 26 miles. Or OK, so you lost your voice cheering those deranged runners for five hours. Or OK, you just like to party. All OK. Let’s celebrate together!
WHAT: MCM after-party
WHEN: 6-9pm (approx)
WHERE: TBD
WHY: Duh … stay tuned
….
Saturday, Nov. 11, 7-10pm (approximate): B-day party
And finally, but so, so far from least. We’re turning 4!!!!!!!!!!!!
WHAT: 4 More Years (party)
WHEN: Saturday, Nov. 11, 7-10pm (approx)
WHERE: TBD
WHY: This is a big fucking deal
….
OK, enough. If you read the entire blog, go post “JAKE I WASTED MY ENTIRE DAY ON THE BLOG” on his wall. Kidding, kidding.
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