My Service Project Experience

Amplifying Education this summer was such a memorable campaign and experience! Our team was made up of people from across the country who I was honored to work side by side with in each city.  I was able to be a part of 6 shows from Denver to New York to Boston. I met so many fans while tabling and spent time with some of the best people in my life, all while raising awareness of the education crisis we are facing. I was lucky enough to participate in two of our major Education based service projects both in Denver and New Jersey. But I do have to say the entire Red Rocks experience was the highlight of my concert going life! Wow..it was so beautiful!

Not only did we get fans involved in some awesome projects this summer, but because we have the best fans around, we were able to make large donations to partners like City Year and Teach For America. Also, the United Way's Text to Serve campaign we supported, spurred a lot of fans to become mentors in their own communities. I am proud to say I am now one of them;)

The service projects in both Denver and New Jersey, were full of emotion and enthusiasm. We visited 2 under privileged schools, full of warm hearted loving teachers and children who invited us in with open arms. In both locations we did hands on work from painting walls, planting shrubs, and mulching to some real artistic murals. In both cities, the principles were practically moved to tears when they saw all of our volunteers eager to make a difference in their schools. It also was awesome to see Chad get his very own City Year jacket at the Denver project. Sandy, the principle from Abington Avenue Elementary School in NJ, is an outstanding person and Principle. Sandy is a blessing to the education world. She puts her children in her school first, but due to the struggling economy, government funding just isn't there. As a result, they are forced to hold things like bake sales, just to pay for books. When we came in alongside New Jersey Cares, and in a few hours turned a dull plain school yard into a vibrant fun and inspiring space, she couldn't thank us enough! That's what it's all about.

My work with this organization, no matter what city, what tour, or what project continues to inspire and enrich my life. Of all the things I have done, I am most proud of my work with Calling All Crows. I continue to learn about people, issues, organizations and  communities all while making a small part of this world a better place.

I am eager to see what the next tours have for us. I am very excited to work with Dress For Success again on the Chad Stokes tour! My co Community Organizer, Miss Ashley Rable, just hosted the first stop on the tour in Denver, and Jaime has the next one tomorrow in Columbus! We are making it happen, city by city.

Hopefully all of you can join us at a service project near you!

Peace and Love-
RIP Troy Davis

Krista Williams
Community Organizer