Let's do it!

Hello-

Do you remember the satisfaction of completing a big project? Or the exhilaration you felt after an exciting event?

We experienced that energy on Monday as 15 Atlas Corps Fellows participated in their Closing Retreat and Celebration of Service. The day is always bittersweet. We celebrate these inspired individuals and all they have done during their year of service. We also say farewell as we send them off to do more at home. As Hulu (China, Class 16, Host: Youth for Understanding USA) so appropriately stated, “Looking back at my journal I don't regret what I have done, what I regret is what I didn't do.”

Let us all follow their example and do more. Let us not regret what we did not do. Let us join efforts to truly inspire one another to achieve. Let’s do it!

Today, we celebrate the individuals and organizations that are embracing their ability “to do” to make our world better. Today, we recognize our Fellows and Alumni, Host Organizations like Meridian International Center, and partners like AirBnB.

We also look forward to welcoming our newest group of Fellows. Atlas Corps Class 19 arrives in September! Look for the official announcement in early September. We also invite you to welcome them to Washington, DC: Atlas Corps Class 19 Welcome Celebration & Taste of Shaw (Wednesday, September 23). Reserve your tickets now!

Together, let’s do it!

Scott

P.S. A special note about Atlas Corps Class 19….it will be our largest Class of Fellows EVER! Join us to welcome them on September 23!

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Scott Beale
Founder and CEO, Atlas Corps

Atlas Corps Expands Board to Guide Global Growth

Washington, DC - Four leading professionals in their field recently joined the Atlas Corps Board, bringing the membership to a full compliment of seventeen (10 of whom are pictured to the left during the Annual Retreat). The new members are Jordan Tigani (Google), Kate Thompson (Deloitte Consulting LLP), Peter Simpson (Senior International Education, Exchange and Development Professional), and Tomicah Tilleman (Bretton Woods II). Atlas Corps is excited to welcome them to the diverse and rich talent pool which makes up the Board.

They join at a time when Atlas Corps is positioning for further expansion is energizing. “I look forward to working with an exceptional group of fellow Board members and staff to expand the scope of the Organization's impact and strengthen its financial position,” Peter expressed. “Having a chance to meet and interact with the Fellows is a huge bonus.” These service oriented professionals value the opportunity to contribute their core skills and experience in service to Atlas Corps and our mission.

To learn more about the Atlas Corps Board Members, visit www.atlascorps.org/board.php.

Airbnb and Atlas Corps Open Homes in Colombia

Colombia - Atlas Corps continues to lead our international expansion efforts. The most recent addition is a partnership with Airbnb in Colombia. Through their Open Homes philanthropic program, Airbnb is partnering with innovative nonprofits to provide individuals with free, temporary housing during a time of need, celebration, or adventure. Atlas Corps utilized these credits to support our English Teaching Fellows, a partnership with Heart for Change. The Fellows received two weeks of free Airbnb housing while settling into their new communities where they will be teaching English. "Moving to a new city can be exciting and yet daunting. Thanks to our incredible host community, we are able to provide the Fellows with not just a place to stay but a place to feel at home and an immediate sense of belonging,” explains Rae Richman, Airbnb’s head of Global Citizenship. “We’re excited to help make this transition a little smoother for the Fellows, so they can focus on their important work ahead."

For the Fellows, it was an opportunity to immediately connect with their local communities. "Angelina and Jorge welcomed me into their home with open arms. They never hesitated to help me out if I needed anything," shared Fellow Jennifer (pictured here). "I am forever grateful for their kindness and gratitude. If you are ever in Villavicencio and need a place to stay, I highly recommend giving Angelina and Jorge a call."

Atlas Corps looks forward to continuing the partnership with Airbnb as an opportunity to strengthen the connections between our our communities.

Meridian International Named Atlas Corps Distinguished Partner in Service

Washington, DC - As the world becomes more connected by common issues and modern technology, the need for global collaboration has rapidly increased. During the most recent Celebration of Service, Atlas Corps recognized Host Organization, Meridian International Center, with the Distinguished Partner in Global Service Award for their pivotal role in facilitating global connections over the last 50 years. Their engagement strategy includes a four-pronged approach: Exchange, Culture, Convening, and Training.

Meridian has conducted exchange programs for more than 65,000 foreign professionals and organized cultural exhibitions to 357 host venues in 44 U.S. states and 55 countries. Bonnie Glick, Senior Vice President, Global Connect Division (pictured left with Fellow, Safa Hajjaj (Class 16, Morocco, Host: Meridian International Center) and Kelly Reid, Chief Operating Officer at Atlas Corps) notes that Atlas Corps plays a key role in the achievement of Meridian’s impact. "Atlas Corps Fellows," shared Bonnie, "exemplify those very people who are willing to take time out of busy lives to learn new skills, to meet new people, and to form new networks that will have a transformative impact on their lives when they return home." She believes that this willingness among participants is a key element for achieving success in the sector.

Learn more about how your organization can become an Atlas Corps Host Organization here.

Fellow Helps Save the Children Mexico Craft Groundbreaking Strategy

Fairfield, CT - Save the Children Mexico recently enhanced their strategic approach with the launch of Child Sponsorship programs to help local children in need. Atlas Corps Fellow, Ester Pitrelli (Class 17, Italy, Host: Save the Children US), directly supports this new initiative. With Mexico being the first branch to take this approach, Ester is part of the team to develop an effective communication and fundraising plan to launch Sponsorship.

She found the Mexican team to be passionate professionals who were confident in the power of an effective marketing strategy to raise funds and guarantee children a better future in the country. “It was an incredible experience to have the opportunity to help this amazing team of people,” shared Ester. They work so hard to change the lives of thousands of children suffering from poverty and marginalization.” At Save the Children, Ester (pictured here) supports Global Sponsorship growth. By being a part of this team, she received the opportunity to extend her impact and touch the lives of children beyond the United States.

Click here to meet Ester and other current Atlas Corps Fellows from around the world!

Alumni Join Current Fellows at Nexus Global Youth Summit 2015

New York - The 2015 Nexus Global Youth Summit provided a unique opportunity for Atlas Corps Alumni, Vithika Yadav (Class 1, India, Host: Free the Slaves) and Virginia Campo (Class 13, Panama, Host: 2Degrees Food), to engage with other Atlas Corps Fellows. The Summit brings together young social change leaders from around the world for dialogue, education, and collaborative problem-solving. Atlas Corps started as a founding Nexus partner in 2013 and continues to engage a delegation of Fellows each year as participants and volunteers. (Pictured here is the Atlas Corps Nexus 2015 delegation).

For Vithika, who is a broadcast professional and co-founder of the health-related website Love Matters, the Nexus Summit provided valuable networking opportunities and increased her knowledge about social impact investing. Meanwhile, Virginia, who manages a new crowdfunding platform for micro-entrepreneurs at Fundación Capital in Colombia, was happy for the chance to meet current Atlas Corps Fellows in person. “It gave me a network of amazing individuals who are all working to change the realities of their countries,” reflected Virginia. “It is great to go online and see five different languages on my news feeds. When I do understand what they say, I become reenergized and very proud of my fellow Fellows.”

Read more about the Fellow experience at Nexus on the Atlas Corps Blog.

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