Learning as I go…

Fall of 2005 I was introduced to The 1010 Project.  I was going to intern with them that year, but the Marine Corps sent me to Iraq instead.  When I returned a year later I immediately got involved with their work.  It was an interesting time for the organization.  They were transitioning executive directors for the 1st time.  We struggled through, created more structure, better systems, more intentional branding, & found a lot of incredible volunteers/interns to help take us to the next level.

Nearly two years later 1010 has found two words to summarize their work & passion. Mobilize-Catalyze. Mobilize speaks mainly to the efforts made in the United States to bring attention & action to the injustice of poverty around the world.  Catalyze refers more to the work in East Africa.  Finding and befriending indigenous Social Entrepreneurs who we partner with to help grow or sustain their efforts.

These two words best describe The 1010 Project’s work.  They also accurately describe 1010′s effect on me. Four years ago I would have laughed if you told me my life was going to be devoted to fighting extreme poverty.  This week I told my employer (@RedCrossDenver) that I would be resigning & moving to Kenya.  The details are still being worked out, but I will be spending most of November in Nairobi working out the logistics of the move & my work there.

1010 started re-educating me.  I learned a new vocabulary.  I began to redefine words and concepts like social justice, poverty, neighbor & friend.  I was mobilized, finding it unavoidable to advocate on behalf of the global poor.  Now, my friends have redefined their perception of me into someone unabashedly passionate about the population & issues most ignore.

Finally-Catalyze… …I have arrived at a place where I can no longer find satisfaction in life without pursuing this purpose full-time. I am leaving my career here, selling all my stuff, & moving to be with my neighbors in Kenya. I can live for more by living with less & serving those who have the least. The 1010 Project has brought about this change in my life.  I’ve had experiences over the last few years prime me for this, but 1010 has been the catalyst for the process…

Thank you Adam, Mark, Andrew, Tim & the many others who have led by example and taught me so much. Things that have changed my life...