Free Fitness Movement. All you need to do is show up!
Hello & Happy Friday NP World – Y’all GOOD?
My name is Sarah (they/them), and I’ve been the person pulling the levers behind the November Project Global socials and blog since February of this year. My signature line reads “Social Media Coordinator” but I like to think of myself as a community connector, elevator, and celebrator.
Africa Day is the annual commemoration of the foundation of the Organisation of African Unity on 25 May 1963. It is celebrated in various countries on the African continent, as well as around the world. It is intended to celebrate and acknowledge the successes of the Organisation of African Unity (now the African Union) from its creation on May 25, 1963, in the fight against colonialism and apartheid, as well as the progress that Africa has made while reflecting upon the common challenges that the continent faces in a global environment.
We head south today as we continue to celebrate AANHPI month where we’ll find Vincent (he/him), community member at NP Orlando.
Who are some of the Asian, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander athletes in the world of running/sport that you look up to?
During my college years, there weren’t as many Asian Americans involved in professional sports, but I enjoyed following my contemporaries Michael Chang (tennis) and Kristi Yamaguchi (figure skating).
Today’s continued celebration of AANHPI Month takes us to Washington, D.C. where we check in with Russell (he/him), current Co-leader of NP DC who loves goofing off and connecting with his community.
What words do you use to describe your full identity/all your identities
Filipino born and raised from Hawaii!
First, let us just say that we’re glad you’re here. The engagement of our global community is what makes our organization great. We know we have not always done a good job acknowledging that, being open to feedback, and course correcting. We hope you’ll continue to #JustShowUp as we realign with our Community Agreements and move forward.
We’re continuing our celebration of AANHPI Co-leaders and our next stop is the City of Brotherly Love. In Philly we find Sammy Choy (she/her) who’s bringing her full self to her new-ish role as Co-leader.
What words do you use to describe your full identity/all your identities
Half Chinese
When did you first #JustShowUp to NP? How did you come across NP? What is it that you were looking for in a fitness group? How did NP provide that? What was an “extra” that NP has that you found value in?
We’re continuing our celebration of AANHPI Co-leaders and our next stop is NYC where we find recently retired Co-leader Aki Shimizuishi (he/him) – a leader who knows how to #JustShowUp for everyone in his global community.
Who are some of the Asian and Pacific Islander athletes in the world of running/sport that you look up to?
May marks the beginning of Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander month and we’re excited to celebrate November Project Co-leaders and community members who honor our Community Agreement of Come As You Are and bring their full selves to NP. This year’s AANHPI month theme is “Advancing Leaders Through Opportunity” so we’re kicking things off with one of our newest Co-leaders, Alexa Calingo (she/her), who just stepped up to lead in Chicago.
It’s nearly the third Monday in April which can only mean one thing: the world of run* is gathering in Boston.
Below is where you’ll find November Project HQ and features runs and panels with groups we’d like to Elevate. Motivate. Support. For more specific information on where you can find NP Boston, check out their blog post (spoiler alert, those are all on our list).
Today marks the Christian observance of Easter and we are lucky enough to have three different November Project Co-leaders walk us through what this holiday is, what it means to them, and how they share it with November Project.
Jake Lees (he/him), Scioto Mile
What does Easter mean to you?
Growing up, Easter was coming downstairs and finding my Easter basket overflowing with a chocolate bunny, all sorts of candy, and maybe a toy or two. It meant dressing up in a three-piece suit with a clip-on necktie and going to church to celebrate the resurrection of Jesus. Today, it’s still those things, except now my kids are the ones with the Easter baskets, and it’s witnessing the world return to life as the daffodils and trees are blooming and the birds greet me on early morning runs.