As we ruminate on FIVE YEARS of November Project this week, I’m left near-speechless, the operative phrase is “near,” when I think about all this Tribe (and the 31 other Tribes around the world) have accomplished. NP gives us so much to be proud of. Being a newbie, I’m remiss that I can’t possibly rehash the greatest hits that occurred before NP came into my life but here are a few of the incredible things I know the Tribe has done since I’ve been in town.
- First things first. YA’LL NAILED MCM + THE CHEER STATION. Non-NPers told me the picture of #YogaJulje (get it trending) was the single most compelling argument for why they should come to NP (see below for proof). Yes, this community exists. Yes, we are a little weird. FUCK YES we show up for each other when it’s needed.
- Which brings me to my next point, we heard from Luke Warford last week about everyone SHOWING UP for him in his time of need. His story is not a one off, it is ROUTINE. We show up, not just at workouts, and we’ll always be there for each other when times are good, and even more so when times are tough. The compassion, care, and concern from this group is heartwarming; and we need more of it in the world.
- I am constantly reminded about the amazing people we are surrounded by and who choose to spend their time with us. Did ya’ll know we have two GD art curators among us?! How about all of the current and retired service men and women who #JustShowUp? The researchers, analysts, artists, Hill staff and so many more who make up the Tribe astound me every Monday, Wednesday and Friday by excelling not only in their professional lives but by being damn fine human beings.
Maria, you n00b, we know November Project is dope and has amazing people. Okay, I got it guys I just wanted to reaffirm this belief.
- Lastly, I KNOW November Project DC has persistence, grit and is an absolutely unflappable crew. Everything that gets thrown at you guys, you respond with more smiles, more hugs and more openness. Never closed off, never exclusive, rarely angry (EXCEPT when Steve makes us do Apex to 7 push-ups, come on guy!) NP isn’t about looking at the world with rose-colored glasses, it’s about looking at a flawed, sometimes fucked-up place and responding with positivity, light and warmth. And THAT is why NP has been growing for FIVE, count ’em FIVE, years. The Tribe is so, so strong and THAT is what I know.
Alright Maria, enough of your sappy bullshit move along to the fun stuff. You right, fam–no worries, I got ya’ll.
ANNOUNCEMENTS:
3RD BIRTHDAY BASH: 
Sauf Haus, drink specials 8-10pm. Steve may stay up past 9:30 for this guys which is worth showing up for, trust me. Facebook event here
WE’RE MAKING A MOVIE: “Showing Up” a film by the good ole boys at Dooster, brought to life by The North Face is coming THIS MONTH. In order to properly GET HYPED for the release, we’ll be hosting a #dooster_pledge (again, get it trending) contest. Instagram a photo related to the theme of “showing up,” it doesn’t necessarily have to be from a workout, and throw in the hashtag #dooster_pledge. It’s that easy. Check out the hashtag #dooster_pledge on Instagram for some in(sta)piration. While you’re on the ‘Gram make sure you follow @doosterfilm for all of your NP movie-based needs. ALL ENTRIES ARE DUE BY NOVEMBER 16TH (make sure your account is public so we can see it!) Then, the top 5 entries will be voted on by YOU ALL, the winner will be announced NOVEMBER 20th at our screening of “Showing Up.” SUPER AWESOME PRIZE UP FOR GRABS HERE YA’LL, GET ON IT!!!
#FLOTUSBEFOREPAPI: Remember all that stuff I said before about you guys being gritty, and determined, and overall incredible human beings? Now I need your help. The Mothership has thrown down the gauntlet and STAKES ARE HIGH. They believe they can get David Ortiz (AKA Big Papi) to a workout before WE can get First Lady Michelle Obama to a workout. LET’S FUCKING DO THIS.
I know, you’re sick of me talking about the First Lady; it’s weird, borderline obsessive, but just admit, WOULDN’T IT BE SO FUCKING DOPE IF MICHELLE CAME TO NP?!?! Here’s the deal, take a photo from a workout; Tweet it/Instagram it (maybe for your #dooster_pledge entry??)/Facebook it and TAG the First Lady in it. Tell her how incredible #NP_DC is and why you think she should come out. Maybe social media isn’t your jam, totally cool, talk about NP, recruit EVERYONE. Have a friend in the Secret Service? Tell him/her to stop by for a workout. WHATEVER IT TAKES. #FLOTUSBEOFREPAPI
Alright, that’s all I got for now.
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