MEDIA ADVISORY FOR TUESDAY 1-29-2008
(Pictures above are of Vermonters)
CONTACT:
Joseph Porcelli
857-222-4420
jporcelli@neighborsforneighbors.org
www.thenametagproject.com
NAMETAGS AT THE SHARON ACADEMY
A THOUGHT-PROVOKING WORKSHOP THAT CHALLENGES
STUDENTS' SOCIAL IDENTITIES
WHAT:
Joseph Porcelli, a graduate of Kimball Union Academy and Saint Michael's College, founder of the Boston, MA based Nametag Project,
with the help of The Sharon Academy sophomore student Phoebe Landon ,
will facilitate a thought-provoking workshop that challenges students'
social identities. In this workshop, students and faculty members will
wear nametags with their first names and one word (as their last name)
that describes what they think the world needs most. Sitting in
concentric circles, students will introduce themselves as their new
identity and explain why they chose their new last names before moving
one person to their right and repeating. Students will then be asked
what they think they might experience if they were to wear their new
nametags in public and about the difference it would make. To conclude
the exercise, they will be challenged to consider how they interact
with others in public reflects their values. They will also be invited
to wear their nametags for an entire week.
"Students
at The Sharon Academy are excited to have Joseph Porcelli speak at our
school so that we can gain a better appreciation of ourselves and our
community," said Phoebe Landon. Head of School Michael Livingston
states, "The idea of nametags breaks the myth of small communities
which is that we know each other when in fact we'd like to but often
don't. The project will hopefully take us to a new level of
understanding and appreciation for one another."
Joseph
Porcelli said, "In 2007, I wore a nametag everyday, all the time,
everywhere I went. While it was the most challenging year of my life,
it was the most rewarding. I overcame insecurities, and moved past
self-imposed limitations and recreated my social identity. I am honored
to have the opportunity to bring this program to The Sharon Academy and
hope to share what has been one of the most important lessons my life
has taught me - that my true identity is defined by who I am for the
world."
WHO:
- Joseph Porcelli, Founder of the Nametag Project and Executive Director of Neighbors for Neighbors
- Phoebe Landon, Student at The Sharon Academy
- 140 The Sharon Academy Students and Faculty
WHEN:
- Tuesday, January 29, 2008
- Media Set Up: 11:00 to 11:30 AM (RSVP appreciated as there is limited space).
- Program: 11:45 PM to 12:30 PM
WHERE:
The Sharon Academy
6704 Vermont Route 14
Sharon, VT 05065
p: (802) 763-2500
About the Name Tag Project:
The
mission of the Nametag Project is to get people to talk to each other
and get to know their neighbors! We accomplish our mission by wearing
and distributing nametags which serve as a tool not only to facilitate
introductions and conversations between people who would ordinarily
sit, stand, or walk by silently, but also to gently help them express
their true identities. We invite others to join us for a month or year,
and document and share our experiences at www.thenametagproject.com.
In 2007, 19,000 people wore nametags as a result of our project. Our
most significant accomplishment has been producing Nametag Day at
Fenway Park during a Boston Red Sox game on July 15, 2007 where, with
the help of the Boston Police Department, we got 10,000 people to wear
a nametag. In fall of 2007, we were warmly welcomed when we nametagged
the Tunbridge, Vermont World's Fair. In December of 2007, we nametagged
the Half Lounge in Burlington, Vermont. Please see our website www.thenametagproject.com to see pictures and read the stories.
About Joseph Porcelli:
A graduate of Kimball Union Academy and Saint Michael's College, Joseph is a Program Coordinator in the Neighborhood Crime Watch Unit at Boston Police and the founder and volunteer Executive Director of Neighbors for Neighbors. Joseph also founded co-founded and recently launched The Mug Project. Joseph lives in Jamaica Plain, a diverse, eclectic, and lively neighborhood of Boston. For more information please visit www.JosephPorcelli.com.
About Neighbors for Neighbors:
Operating
in Jamaica Plain, MA, Neighbors for Neighbors brings neighbors together
in person to satisfy the human need to connect and care for one
another. We do this so neighbors may discover common interests and
passions and organize around them, transforming their great ideas into
actions that contribute to our community. We socialize. We organize. We
make a difference. Neighbors for Neighbors envisions communities where
all neighbors know each other by name, say hello to each other on the
street, feel safe, and contribute to each other's quality of life.
Since its inception in November 2004, over 4000 neighbors have
connected and created over 70 Social Clubs, Community Projects, and
Partner Projects. They generated over 6000 hours of service and civic
engagement and provided countless volunteers to local non-profits and
initiatives. In 2005, 2006, and 2007, the readers of the Jamaica Plain Gazette named Neighbors for Neighbors "Best of JP" for Neighborhood Organization.
CONTACT:
Joseph Porcelli
857-222-4420
jporcelli@neighborsforneighbors.org
www.thenametagproject.com
