Yay! The coolest thing happened today! I was communicating a hard decision when I got some unexpected support for our fledgling company.
I've been tutoring a great student at the Memphis Literacy Council now for many months. She's committed and at a pretty advanced level. Unfortunately, I don't have adequate time to prepare lessons and it is only getting worse with wanting to work on the business every spare minute. So, I'd decided to take a hiatus from tutoring and was telling the program advisor my decision when she inquired about the non-profit idea I am working on. I hesitated telling her because I was in a hurry...a common dilemma I create for myself. Well, for whatever reason, I decided to forgo the urge to run and instead began telling her about Community Collaboration Services. The woman LIT UP and started talking excitedly about how this is exactly what Memphis needs and that this is exactly what funding organizations are looking for. Turns out that the MLC just joined a coalition led by Mid-South Reads to work together on addressing the literacy issues in Memphis. They are defining the space each organization will work in and working together on some funding opportunities.
She also went on to explain that local funding sources are demanding not only that you work with other organizations in your space, but also that you can show progress and measurable results. She gave me materials from a workshop she attended on 5/1, which was put on by the Non-Profit Alliance...which looks like it might be a good company to work with on our goals. We also discussed several of the other organizations on my "must socialize idea with" list.
We closed our discussion with an assessment of Memphis. She took the words out of my mouth by saying that this city is unnecessarily hard on itself AND it always looking for another city to emulate, versus just taking pride in what's already here. We agreed that highlighting the progress would be a huge step forward. According to her, we have some unbelievably giving people, both financially and of their time. Her enthusiasm and support were infectious and I left her office flying high, anxious to get home and tell Cameron.
Add to that, during the car ride I heard the re-broadcast of Drake and Zeke from the morning. They were talking about how Memphians are flooding the city council with emails and phone calls because they are just sick and tired of the way Memphis is run. I really hope so...and maybe Drake and Zeke could be an ally! Listening to their rhetoric I could already hear myself on their show pitching collaboration......
Thursday, May 14, 2009
We're 99% Incorporated!
In my last post about Earth Day, I lamented about how there are so many organizations working to affect positive change in Memphis, yet they don't appear to be working together. I suggested that someone should help them to do this. Well, Cameron and I have decided that someone should be us! In reality, I may have talked Cameron into a little, but I think he's starting to really own the idea as much as I am.
We've been hashing the idea around, making mind maps and loads of lists. Lists of what's in the idea and what's not. Who the audience is and what benefits they reap. What jobs are needed to make the idea a reality. Who we might approach for funding. The different kinds of organizations we want to help. All kinds of stuff. With each iteration, the idea gets a little bigger and more complex. That's both a good and bad thing.
Today, however, we took a really big step. We filed our Articles of Incorporation with the state of TN. This is also called a Charter. Doesn't seem like such a big deal...you can even file online (though the website isn't very intuitive), but a lot of research went into filing out a one page document! Turns out you can really mess up your application for tax-exempt status (which doesn't come until later) if you don't put in certain provisions. Talk about stressful! It would be great if they had some kind of live help feature, because winging it and consulting books along with the Google God does not feel comfortable on something this important. It only cost us $100, but once the filing is accepted, we're a legit corporation!
Now it really feels like the pressure is on. There is a lot to do before you even start executing on an idea. You have to draft bylaws, decide on/elect a board of directors, hold your first meeting, write your business plan with projected financials and then request 501 (c) (3) status from the IRS. It's only one form but multiple sources say it takes several hours and you should plan to consult an attorney. Why are we going 501 (c) (3) you ask? Because we plan to solicit grants as a primary revenue source and almost all grant applications require that you be a 501 (c) (3) to qualify. While we wait to hear back on our application, which can take a few months, we can try to find another non-profit to be our financial sponsor, which would allow us to apply for and receive grants in the interim.
So what's the idea? Well, I've leave you with a teaser as I need to head to bed. Here's our draft mission statement. Refinement ideas are welcome! I know it lacks details...that'll come in the underlying tactics...but do tell me if it doesn't make sense to you.
Community Collaboration Services improves neighborhoods, communities, and cities by providing a platform of tools and expertise to enable, measure and publish progress against community-defined issues. We foster resident awareness of community challenges, collaboration amongst organizations and individuals addressing those challenges and focused volunteerism to support progress.
We've been hashing the idea around, making mind maps and loads of lists. Lists of what's in the idea and what's not. Who the audience is and what benefits they reap. What jobs are needed to make the idea a reality. Who we might approach for funding. The different kinds of organizations we want to help. All kinds of stuff. With each iteration, the idea gets a little bigger and more complex. That's both a good and bad thing.
Today, however, we took a really big step. We filed our Articles of Incorporation with the state of TN. This is also called a Charter. Doesn't seem like such a big deal...you can even file online (though the website isn't very intuitive), but a lot of research went into filing out a one page document! Turns out you can really mess up your application for tax-exempt status (which doesn't come until later) if you don't put in certain provisions. Talk about stressful! It would be great if they had some kind of live help feature, because winging it and consulting books along with the Google God does not feel comfortable on something this important. It only cost us $100, but once the filing is accepted, we're a legit corporation!
Now it really feels like the pressure is on. There is a lot to do before you even start executing on an idea. You have to draft bylaws, decide on/elect a board of directors, hold your first meeting, write your business plan with projected financials and then request 501 (c) (3) status from the IRS. It's only one form but multiple sources say it takes several hours and you should plan to consult an attorney. Why are we going 501 (c) (3) you ask? Because we plan to solicit grants as a primary revenue source and almost all grant applications require that you be a 501 (c) (3) to qualify. While we wait to hear back on our application, which can take a few months, we can try to find another non-profit to be our financial sponsor, which would allow us to apply for and receive grants in the interim.
So what's the idea? Well, I've leave you with a teaser as I need to head to bed. Here's our draft mission statement. Refinement ideas are welcome! I know it lacks details...that'll come in the underlying tactics...but do tell me if it doesn't make sense to you.
Community Collaboration Services improves neighborhoods, communities, and cities by providing a platform of tools and expertise to enable, measure and publish progress against community-defined issues. We foster resident awareness of community challenges, collaboration amongst organizations and individuals addressing those challenges and focused volunteerism to support progress.
Sunday, April 19, 2009
Earth Day @ Shelby Farms
Today was a good day.
In spite of the ferocious rain this morning, Cameron and I checked out the Earth Day festivities at Shelby Farms. We intended to zip in and out in an hour and instead left 4 1/2 hours later with a fresh dose of assurance that Memphis has lots of good stuff going on if you take the time to look. There are some passionate people here, who through their niche efforts are all trying to make our city more sustainable, more livable, fitter, safer, smarter....in short, better than it is today.
Amongst the booths were big companies, like International Paper, Cummins, TVA and MLGW, FedEx and Whole Foods. I'm not sure why Harrah's was there, handing out coupons for gambling in Tunica, but maybe they threw in some money as a sponsor. Arguably more interesting were all the small businesses and non-profits out sharing their products, programs and messages. Amongst the small businesses, we met industrious folks who are pushing forward, despite the turbulent economy, such as 3-person Crete Unique, a company crafting concrete and recycled glass countertops. They recently did the counters of Terra House, a residence shooting for platinum LEED certification built in partnership with University of Memphis. We also chatted with Guidon at Re-Hy, whose company turns used glass bottles into beautifully etched reusable bottles for water, vinegars, etc. At Eco Systems, we signed up for a lawn estimate after hearing their system for lawn maintenance using turkey litter and no petroluem or chemicals. Finally, with Above and Beyond electricians we found a whole new spin on hiring an electrician, by offering unique value add services for those wanting to increase their energy efficiency.
In the non-profit arena, we met committed folks focused on all kinds of challenges the city faces. Clean Memphis is attacking the litter problem in Memphis one neighborhood at a time and raising the priority of recycling services at large-scale festivals and events. Shelby Farms Conservancy and Wolf River Conservancy both have ambitious master plans for designing premier green spaces that protect the ecological balance and allow for a wide range of outdoor adventures. Greater Memphis Greenline is enabling residents to traverse the city and reach Shelby Farms by bike or foot through creation of paved multi-use paths that leverage old CSX rail lines, while MidSouth Trails Association builds and maintains off-road bike trails through the region.
Complimenting the creation of great places to be active are groups trying to encourage Memphians to get off the couch, such as Get Moving Memphis. This city-wide effort sponsored by the The Memphis Flyer matches people interested in an activity with both a coach and the opportunity to try it out and the ongoing encouragement to stay motivated. Outdoors Inc, Peddler Bike Shop, Better Bodies Yoga...all have a role to play in this movement, as do the Tornado Alley Sailing Club and Disc Golf Club. It would seem that if there is an activity you want to do in Memphis, there is a club for it!
On the food front, Grow Memphis plants and oversees community gardens in about a dozen neigborhoods, while the Master Gardern's Urban Project uses public gardens at Shelby Farms to grow fesh vegetables that go straight from the field to the Memphis Food Bank. Last year they harvested 7K tons of veggies!
This is only a sampling of the booths we engaged with at Earth Day, but goes to show the variety of work underway. Yet this work is all connected too. Each group touches another in some way. There is a clear need for non-profits / service organizations and even small businesses to have visibility to the work of their peers and for the public to find ways to engage without having to happen across the website of each group. A forum is needed to tie everything together. But I digress...
I now have a ton of seeds to plant (wildflowers were the chic giveaway this year), a rainwater barrel to build, an oak tree to find a home for (International Paper needs to re-think their sapling giveaways), a clean-up to sign up for, coupons to spend at Whole Foods and a new concrete w/ recycled glass counter top to talk Cameron into. Phew. If only there were more hours in the day...or if this could all somehow be my day job :-)
In spite of the ferocious rain this morning, Cameron and I checked out the Earth Day festivities at Shelby Farms. We intended to zip in and out in an hour and instead left 4 1/2 hours later with a fresh dose of assurance that Memphis has lots of good stuff going on if you take the time to look. There are some passionate people here, who through their niche efforts are all trying to make our city more sustainable, more livable, fitter, safer, smarter....in short, better than it is today.
Amongst the booths were big companies, like International Paper, Cummins, TVA and MLGW, FedEx and Whole Foods. I'm not sure why Harrah's was there, handing out coupons for gambling in Tunica, but maybe they threw in some money as a sponsor. Arguably more interesting were all the small businesses and non-profits out sharing their products, programs and messages. Amongst the small businesses, we met industrious folks who are pushing forward, despite the turbulent economy, such as 3-person Crete Unique, a company crafting concrete and recycled glass countertops. They recently did the counters of Terra House, a residence shooting for platinum LEED certification built in partnership with University of Memphis. We also chatted with Guidon at Re-Hy, whose company turns used glass bottles into beautifully etched reusable bottles for water, vinegars, etc. At Eco Systems, we signed up for a lawn estimate after hearing their system for lawn maintenance using turkey litter and no petroluem or chemicals. Finally, with Above and Beyond electricians we found a whole new spin on hiring an electrician, by offering unique value add services for those wanting to increase their energy efficiency.
In the non-profit arena, we met committed folks focused on all kinds of challenges the city faces. Clean Memphis is attacking the litter problem in Memphis one neighborhood at a time and raising the priority of recycling services at large-scale festivals and events. Shelby Farms Conservancy and Wolf River Conservancy both have ambitious master plans for designing premier green spaces that protect the ecological balance and allow for a wide range of outdoor adventures. Greater Memphis Greenline is enabling residents to traverse the city and reach Shelby Farms by bike or foot through creation of paved multi-use paths that leverage old CSX rail lines, while MidSouth Trails Association builds and maintains off-road bike trails through the region.
Complimenting the creation of great places to be active are groups trying to encourage Memphians to get off the couch, such as Get Moving Memphis. This city-wide effort sponsored by the The Memphis Flyer matches people interested in an activity with both a coach and the opportunity to try it out and the ongoing encouragement to stay motivated. Outdoors Inc, Peddler Bike Shop, Better Bodies Yoga...all have a role to play in this movement, as do the Tornado Alley Sailing Club and Disc Golf Club. It would seem that if there is an activity you want to do in Memphis, there is a club for it!
On the food front, Grow Memphis plants and oversees community gardens in about a dozen neigborhoods, while the Master Gardern's Urban Project uses public gardens at Shelby Farms to grow fesh vegetables that go straight from the field to the Memphis Food Bank. Last year they harvested 7K tons of veggies!
This is only a sampling of the booths we engaged with at Earth Day, but goes to show the variety of work underway. Yet this work is all connected too. Each group touches another in some way. There is a clear need for non-profits / service organizations and even small businesses to have visibility to the work of their peers and for the public to find ways to engage without having to happen across the website of each group. A forum is needed to tie everything together. But I digress...
I now have a ton of seeds to plant (wildflowers were the chic giveaway this year), a rainwater barrel to build, an oak tree to find a home for (International Paper needs to re-think their sapling giveaways), a clean-up to sign up for, coupons to spend at Whole Foods and a new concrete w/ recycled glass counter top to talk Cameron into. Phew. If only there were more hours in the day...or if this could all somehow be my day job :-)
Monday, January 26, 2009
Blogging & a Healthy Lifestyle...consistency is not my thing
So, it's been more than a month since I wrote anything here. I've had plenty to say...but never seemingly the moment to write it up. Maybe it is just like a healthy diet and exercise...once you build the habit, it comes more easily...but creating the habit is the hard part!
I am back on the wagon of less alcohol, better food choices and lots more exercise. Unlike previous efforts though, I'm not making it an all consuming, blot-out-everything-else program. I've walked, jogged, and biked that road before; infact, I know it like the back of my hand. Instead, this time I'm trying to be more reasonable. Incorporating smaller changes and doing it to feel better. Of course the number on the scale still matters - I haven't self-actualized that far along yet, but I don't want it to be the only thing that counts. Feeling strong and fit again is just as important. Having evergy versus always being tired. Waking up alert and ready for the day, versus in a fog until the 3rd cup of coffee. And yes, clothes actually fitting would be good (and money saving) as well.
I'm using the Weight Watchers online system. We're not strangers. It worked for me before and it will be effective again if I make good choices. I love that it makes exercise a way to earn points, which can then be redeemed for more food. It definitely is an incentive to be active. Today I did a "butts & guts class" followed by a step class. It is my second step class (first one was on Saturday.) It was hard, but mostly because I don't know what all the stupid moves are called. So I spent the whole class trying to get my footwork right and to not trip over the %&$ step. I did pretty damn well, if I do say so myself - and I felt awesome driving home. I hope I can harness that feeling. Over the years, exercise has become a chore and almost like punishment. I need to get re-inspired and find a goal that I actually want to do. Right now, nothing sounds all that appealing, so for now, just doing something every day is a good start.
I'm going to sign off saying that I feel much better tonight than I did this morning. When I stepped on the scale this morning, I was stunned...and not just by the coldness of the tile floor. The scale has gone up five more lbs in the past week and while I'm sure it is mostly water weight (sometimes I hate being a girl), it was a crushing way to start my Monday. That said, I'm proud of recovering well...using my points allocation wisely and getting in my exercise. Limiting myself to two cups of coffee and drinking lots of water all day. Taking my handful of vitamins, eating my veggies and snacking on low-fat dairy and fruit. A good day. I am super ready for bed, so I may blow off the work I need to do and just get a good night's sleep. After all, plenty of sleep is essential for good health as well :-)
I am back on the wagon of less alcohol, better food choices and lots more exercise. Unlike previous efforts though, I'm not making it an all consuming, blot-out-everything-else program. I've walked, jogged, and biked that road before; infact, I know it like the back of my hand. Instead, this time I'm trying to be more reasonable. Incorporating smaller changes and doing it to feel better. Of course the number on the scale still matters - I haven't self-actualized that far along yet, but I don't want it to be the only thing that counts. Feeling strong and fit again is just as important. Having evergy versus always being tired. Waking up alert and ready for the day, versus in a fog until the 3rd cup of coffee. And yes, clothes actually fitting would be good (and money saving) as well.
I'm using the Weight Watchers online system. We're not strangers. It worked for me before and it will be effective again if I make good choices. I love that it makes exercise a way to earn points, which can then be redeemed for more food. It definitely is an incentive to be active. Today I did a "butts & guts class" followed by a step class. It is my second step class (first one was on Saturday.) It was hard, but mostly because I don't know what all the stupid moves are called. So I spent the whole class trying to get my footwork right and to not trip over the %&$ step. I did pretty damn well, if I do say so myself - and I felt awesome driving home. I hope I can harness that feeling. Over the years, exercise has become a chore and almost like punishment. I need to get re-inspired and find a goal that I actually want to do. Right now, nothing sounds all that appealing, so for now, just doing something every day is a good start.
I'm going to sign off saying that I feel much better tonight than I did this morning. When I stepped on the scale this morning, I was stunned...and not just by the coldness of the tile floor. The scale has gone up five more lbs in the past week and while I'm sure it is mostly water weight (sometimes I hate being a girl), it was a crushing way to start my Monday. That said, I'm proud of recovering well...using my points allocation wisely and getting in my exercise. Limiting myself to two cups of coffee and drinking lots of water all day. Taking my handful of vitamins, eating my veggies and snacking on low-fat dairy and fruit. A good day. I am super ready for bed, so I may blow off the work I need to do and just get a good night's sleep. After all, plenty of sleep is essential for good health as well :-)
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