UPDATE – August 10, 2022.
A few months ago, we launched a campaign to offer financial assistance to November Project members from around the world to attend NPSUMMIT. We received a dozen applications and fundraised a few hundred dollars towards our $4500 goal to bring up to 3 members to Philadelphia. After the tragic passing of NP Malaysia Co-leader, Robert Ling, we pivoted fundraising efforts in order to support his family and to cover the cost of his repatriation. With 6 weeks to go before the event, the Committee in charge of the financial assistance program composed of Co-leaders and members has decided to halt the outreach until the end of the year and focus their efforts on the 2023 Summit.
What does #NP_Continues mean to you? (VB)
#NP_Continues – It started as a call to action back when we first thought the pandemic would only be those two weeks that the governors optimistically proclaimed. Close the schools, stay home, flatten the curve. We should be good to go in no time. Well we all know how that story played out. NP cities across the world dusted off the laptops, created Zoom rooms & hosted the most creative workouts possible in our basements, apartments & garages. It was real F-ing IMPORTANT that we continue. People’s lives were being turned upside down. Jobs being lost, family members sick, children stuck learning from home, the list goes on. Our people, the November Project family, needed us more than ever. A sense of normalcy in an unfamiliar world, a brief digital connection to our biggest cheerleaders, and 45 minutes to think about nothing other than the deck of cards in front of you, or the weighted backpack full of books & apples. The continuation of workouts was critical for many of our members mental health.
To Staying Safely Together (VB)
November Project has used free fitness to bring people of the 757 together since 2015 and all though it looked very different this year, we stayed committed to each other. Whether we were sweating it out in our living rooms or stationed at a plastic fork twelve feet apart atop Mt. Trashmore, we showed up for each other. No matter how we came together (virtually or in-person), your health & safety has always been my number one priority. As the new year approaches, I want to recommit to my role as leader of NPVB & my promise to always keep us moving forward, safely together!
Farewell Cory Tri-Not to Cry – (VB)
Dear Cory,
We are going to freaking miss you! Actually, we are going to miss your leadership, because hopefully you aren’t going anywhere & we will continue to get to see you at NPVB workouts in the future. Your retirement day may be today, and work may be taking more of your time these days, but know that you always have a spot at the top of Mount Trashmore waiting for you.
My Sober Truth (VB)
Hi, my name is Jill and I am an Alcoholic.
It’s a really hard sentence to type, speak or even admit in your own head. But it is a statement that I have identified with for over ten years. Over time it gets a little easier to say, yet there is always a lump in my throat when the words leave my lips. I prefer to say “I’m Jill & I’m in Recovery”, I really like the way that sounds. But honestly, they both mean the same. I will always be an alcoholic until the day that I die and by the grace of God I hope that I will still be in recovery when I take my last breath.
When We’re All Together Again
Hi November Project, it’s been a while since we’ve all been together. As the world is figuring out how to come back from the pandemic and more places are going back to in-person workouts we’d like to share some things that every NP member will have to follow in order to maintain health and safety of our communities. There will be things that are very specific to your location and your co-leaders will be sharing those when the time comes, but these are directions that will apply to all November Project cities:
Personal Contact
I’m sure that many of you are longing for the days where you’ll be able to embrace your friends with a tight hug, high-five, or a fist bump. Unfortunately, there are still many uncertainties that are surrounding COVID-19 so until further notice, please make sure to refrain from engaging in physical contact with your fellow members before, during, and after the workout. Consequently, all workouts will be designed to follow this directive (no partner exercises, close encounters, etc.)
The Bounce
This is another NP staple that will have to take a back seat for a foreseeable future as having people in a tight space chanting and engaging in call-and-response is something that we don’t deem safe under the circumstances. We know that for some of you, the bounce is a great way to get into the mindset of the workout and we’re encouraging Co-leaders to come up with different creative ways to engage in introductions that will get you fired up to get going.
Wearing Masks
For those choosing to wear masks or a face covering while working out, we encourage you to participate at the level that is comfortable for you but please be aware that the mask can increase the workload and cause unnecessary strain on your body. If you are feeling light-headed, dizzy, or short of breath, please find a safe place to take a seated rest, slow your breathing, and hydrate. As always, locate a Co-leader and call your local emergency number if you are in need of medical attention.
Waivers
Before starting the workout, all members (new and old) will have to sign an online waiver that can be found by visiting this link or in the website top navigation as well as the footer, in the link named “Waiver”. Participation in November Project workout will not be allowed without a signed waiver.
Have Fun!
We understand that some of these things may not feel like the days of “old” November Project, but the beauty of this community is its willingness to adapt to the circumstances and make the best out of the situation in service of the greater good. We appreciate your help in making the re-opening of NP as seamless as possible.
Quaran-King & Quaran-Queen (VB)
Our workouts may be virtual, and our physical presence socially distant, but you can always count on our November Project VB family to lift you up. In light of our regular Positivity and Hard Hat awards, we have created the virtual crowing of a King / Queen of the Quarantine. This morning was the official crowing of our favorite royal couple, Carla & Jim, two incredible humans that have no doubt won the heart of our NPVB community.
What does PR Day mean to you? (VB)
It seems like a lame question, but I am asking you to dig down a little deeper. Humor me for a few minutes. Yes, PR stands for Personal Record, and on this last Wednesday of every month, we collectively try to do our very best at a certain workout. Many people loathe the day, while others can’t wait to throw down. Sure, there are probably many of you that fall in the middle and could take it our leave it. But you have to agree that you all love that fresh new tag!
Heart on my Sleeve – (VB)
I’ve wanted to write this blog for a long time, but it’s taken me awhile to get here. I’ve always tried to look for the best in people, sometimes ignoring blaringly obvious bad traits. Much to my father’s dismay, this also applied to the boys that I would bring home. I truly believed that deep down everyone was good, despite their flaws. To this day I still believe that, but I was no longer going to find it myself.
Unlock Your Potential – Guest Blog (VB)
Hello, I am Chris, you know the quiet guy in the back, who is a little or maybe really socially awkward.
Don’t you just love it when someone says, “You have potential”? Back in high school I ran track and played football. I will always remember my high school coach said that phrase to me. After football practice one hot summer day, he was talking to the team. He was giving players kudos here and there, then he calls my name and said, “Chris has ‘Potential”. What does that really mean? I did not think about it much that day or the rest of my high school days.