Nametag Project friends,

In total we gave out 19,000 nametags in 2007, and yes, I wore my nametag everyday in 2007! I'm still dumbstruck that we accomplished what we did. Thank you again for all of your help! As to not spam you, this will be the last email I send out through this email address to update you about The Nametag Project. If you like to stay in touch, please create a profile on our new social network found at www.nametagproject.com.

In 2008, we're taking the project to a deeper level.

 With the help of my friend Phoebe Landon, a sophomore at The Sharon Academy, in Sharon Vermont, we facilitated a thought-provoking workshop that challenged students by asking them to examine whether or not who they're being when interacting with others is reflective of their values.

In this workshop, students and faculty members wore nametags with their first names and one word (as their last name) that described what they thought the world needs most. Students then introduced themselves as their new identities to each other and explained why they chose their new last names. During the group reflection they reported that the exercise was "awesome." One student said "I learned stuff about friends that I had no idea about, it nice to know that we have important things in common." In the next couple of months we're going to repeat the workshop in an inner city school here in Boston. Our plans are to publish the results and create a workshop kit that can be downloaded and facilitated as a interpersonal appreciation and relating tool.

I am still wearing a nametag . . . almost all the time. I've chosen to allow myself, the pleasure of being 100% present with whom I'm with, and not distracted with, "what's up the nametag." Props to Scott Ginsberg from www.hellomynameisscott.com for wearing his nametag 2,648 days straight. Today my nametag reads "Joseph Love."

If you'd like to be involved by sharing your thoughts and helping us develop the workshop and explore this topic, please create a profile on our new social network found at www.nametagproject.com, and contribute in the forums.

Also this year, with the help of my neighbor Dan, we launched The Mug Project. www.mugproject.com. We're advocating the use of mugs to reduce waste. If you'll be in the Boston area on Super Bowl Sunday, Join us at the Milky Way for the Mug Project Super Bowl Party beginning at 6:00 PM! Watch the super bowl on the big screen, drink beer out of your mug, and get your "mug shot" taken. See www.mugproject.com for details.

Go Pats!