Matching Fund Offer Triples July Gifts to Woolman!

One week ago today we received an offer from a John Woolman School alumna to match up to $7,500 in donations that come in before the end of our fiscal/school year, July 31^st.   In addition, she let us know that her employer would match her gift, which triples the value of any gift Woolman receives before July 31^st.

Within 3 days of the word going out about this fabulous offer, we have already received $4,200 in donations! We are more than halfway to the goal of $7,500 with a full week left to the finish date.  My deep gratitude goes out to everyone who has contributed to Woolman this past school year. In particular, I am thrilled to see the response to this matching gift challenge!  I feel such appreciation when I think about the students who have, and will, come to Woolman only because they receive scholarship funds.  People like you make it possible for diverse groups of Woolman Semester students to expand their self-understanding, compassion for others, and connection to nature by living and learning in community.  Woolman students "pay it forward" by taking their experience back with them to effect change in their home communities.

A recent Woolman Semester graduate said, “The reason many kids don’t choose to be involved in issues is because they don't feel they can make a difference.  But through Woolman, you see how you can make a difference.  Woolman gives you the skills to go out in the world and make it happen.”  

Have a look at some of the ways that Woolman Spring 2010 graduates are already making it happen.  Rachel Brazie created Sustainable. Affordable. A Young People's Guide to Sustainable Food Shopping for her Environmental Science Project. I hope you find it useful in making cost-effective, sustainable food choices. Students have also worked hard on their Peace Studies documentary projects, which are both entertaining and thought-provoking. Take a few minutes to watch Ruthie Hawley's and Katherine Stone's documentary film, Open Ears, to learn more about the future of music education. I am so inspired by our students' work and hope that you will be too!

Please help us spread the word about the Woolman Semester by sending this article to friends and family. Encourage them to learn about the Woolman community through our website and by signing up for our monthly email newsletter.

Iif you would like to help “make it happen” you can click here to contribute. Or send a check to 13075 Woolman Lane, Nevada City, CA 95959. Finally, here are some more ways to support Woolman.