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Climbing Life’s Mountains

January 11th, 2012

In honor of “I am a mentor social media day”, I’m sharing the below reflection I wrote following a 2009 Explore Austin Summer Wilderness Trip. Enjoy!

Climbing a mountain is an easy, and often used, metaphor for life. But that’s not why we climb mountains at Explore Austin. We climb mountains, not because it’s an easy metaphor for life, but because it actually changes your life. Case in point… my experience as an Explore Austin mentor in the summer of 2009.

Over a one week period, we mountain biked over 70 miles at an average of 9,000 feet in the Tarryall Mountains. It was near the end of the trip and everyone (mentors and Explorers) was exhausted; mentally, physically, and emotionally. Juan, one of our 10th grade Explorers, was particularly spent (not to mention a bit injured from a spill he took the day prior). As we set out on our bikes that morning, Juan struggled to keep up. The hills were long and the headwind was strong! A few miles into the ride, Juan decided he’d had enough. He wanted to take a break in the support vehicle that had been following us for the week. The problem was, because of the rough terrain, there was no support vehicle on that section of the trail!

As Juan and I rested, I told him that this was one of those times where he had no choice but to push on. I promised him that I would stay with him, help him up the hills, and make sure he made it through the day. Failure, I reminded him, was not an option. We mounted our bikes and, as we rode, I held onto his backpack, pushing him up the hills and encouraging him along the way. As we climbed, I remember thinking to myself about how lucky I was to have had hands on my back, pushing me up life’s hills, for as long as I could remember. I remember how honored I was to be in a place to give back to Juan what my mentors had given me; the courage to dig deep, the will to suffer through the difficult times, and the support of knowing someone is there alongside you for the ride.

Toward the end of the day, the miles had taken a toll on both of us. As we stood at the base of the largest (and last) hill of the day, we both wondered how we would make it to the top. I was exhausted having spent my day literally pushing Juan as I rode next to him. Juan was completely exhausted, as well. I wasn’t sure “pushing” Juan was going to be enough. So, as my mentors on occasion did for me, I decided that this was one of those times where rather than pushing my mentee, I would literally pull him up the mountain. Not having anything to pull a bicycle with, I took my rain pants out of my backpack, tied one leg to my seat and the other to Juan’s handlebars, and started up the hill. Juan pedaled behind me, providing as much energy as he could muster. We reached the summit exhausted, but elated. Despite the physical, emotional, and mental challenges, we had done what we set out to do; finish and finish together.

After gulping down water and catching our breath, Juan approached me. In his characteristic quiet voice, he thanked me as he shook my hand. He wasn’t long-winded or full of hyperbole, but I knew what he wanted to say. I knew that he had probably never had someone there to encourage him to do something difficult, to not allow him to give in, or to suffer through the difficulties in climbing the mountain of life. He never had someone “push” him that hard, much less “pull” him along. I put my arm around him and thanked him for his appreciation and his willingness to keep going.

We’ve spoken about that experience a few times since, of the metaphors it evokes, and of the value of that day. I know Juan gets it. I do, too.

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Connecting the Dots…

December 13th, 2011

A few months ago, I wrote about a transformation at Explore Austin.  I wrote about my experience at 12,000 feet in the mountains of Colorado where, somewhat suddenly, I realized that the 6th grade boys I had mentored and led for the past 6 years were now leading me and my fellow mentors not only up a mountain, but in life, as well.  I explained that, more than anything, I hoped that these young men would continue to be Explorers for life.  This past weekend, I was lucky enough to see the start of that wish coming true.  For the first time ever, our oldest Explorers were serving as Mentors! No longer were they boys looking for guidance, they were young men giving it.  No longer were they followers looking for direction, they were leaders, providing it.  No longer were they Explorers experiencing change, they were Mentors making it.

I watched as part of Explore Austin’s new “Expedition Year”, these Junior Mentors explained to our newest 6th grade Explorers what our program is all about.  I listened as they shared stories of their trips to the mountains of Wyoming and Colorado, relaying the challenges and triumphs they had experienced all along the trail.  I marveled at their ability to discuss the day’s Developmental Asset (Self Esteem) while simultaneously modeling it.  And the whole time, I couldn’t help seeing a little bit of us (i.e. their mentors) in each of them.  I saw Rusty’s mix of discipline and fun in the way Luis connected with his Explorers.  I saw Jamie’s sense of humor and quiet (yet highly impactful) demeanor in Jose as he interacted with his Explorers.  And, I must admit, I saw a little bit of my own leadership style in the way Erik led his Explorers from the front of the group.  In all of them, I saw our passion for changing lives.

And that’s when it dawned on me… perhaps the greatest accomplishment to date for Explore Austin isn’t the 52,000 hours of mentoring, the 22 weeks in the wilderness, the over 8,000 miles paddled, hiked, and biked, or even the amazing addition of a Girls’ program.  It isn’t something found in surveys, or even in testimonials (although both of those matter too!).  Perhaps our greatest accomplishment to date is completing the cycle.  Our mission at Explore Austin is simple; “to change the lives of underserved youth through leadership, mentoring, and adventure.”  This weekend, I saw evidence that we’re meeting our mission. More importantly, we’re perpetuating it!  The lives first changed by Explore Austin beginning 6 years ago are now changing the lives of others.  There is a Chinese proverb that says, “If you want happiness for a lifetime, help the next generation.”  Explore Austin is doing just that.  To me, that’s what it’s all about!

I don’t think any of us who started this journey together could have seen last Saturday’s experience coming.  In 2006, on that first Explore Austin trip to the mountains, we had no idea how the dots would eventually connect, how our lives would be changed, or even how the lives of our Explorers would be changed.  What we did know, without a doubt, is that they would be changed.  Steve Jobs has famously said, “You can’t connect the dots looking forward; you can only connect them looking backwards.”  In the same speech, he said,  “you have to trust that the dots will somehow connect in your future. You have to trust in something — your gut, destiny, life, karma, whatever.”  Six years ago, as founding mentors, we trusted in each other.  Today, the dots have been connected.  Six years from now, I have no doubt that the number of dots will be greater and the ways that they connect will be different. Yet, like six years ago, I have trust in our newest Mentors that, when they look back, those connections will be just as powerful!

(Click to enlarge.)
Orange Dots = Mentors; Yellow Dots = Explorers

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RECA’s Christmas in October

October 21st, 2011

Christmas has come early to Explore Austin thanks to The Real Estate Council of Austin (RECA)’s Christmas in October! Every year, RECA gives one lucky charity the gift of renovation. This year, they will be working on the KIPP campus for Explore Austin!

Remember the concrete slab we used to meet at for our Explorer events? Now, thanks to RECA, that slab is being converted to a multi-functioning Explore Austin base that will give us a presence on the KIPP campus. This new space will allow Mentors, Explorers, staff, and families to come together, to hold meetings and store our outdoor equipment. More than that, it will give us a place to call home at the school we have had a close relationship with since our formation.

RECA has already made great progress on the building (see photos), but they aren’t finished yet! The Christmas in October community service work day is this Saturday, October 22, 2011, from 8am to 12pm. Located at KIPP Austin Public Schools, 8509 FM 969, between Building 627 and Building 676. Be a volunteer, or simply stop by to thank our volunteers! We would love to have your support!

We are so thankful for RECA’s sponsors and contributors!

Absolute Demolition

Action Decorating, Inc.

A J Brauer Stone Inc.

A.D.Willis Co.

Alamo Title Company

Austin Permit Service, Inc.

Balfour Beatty

CJG Engineers

Coburn & Company

Corby Jastrow

Custom Stone Supply

Design Build Adventure

Ewing Irrigation and Landscape Products

HR Marc Concrete

Hull Supply Co.

JE Dunn Construction

Jim Alfred

LASCO Acoustics and Drywall, Inc.

Levy Architects

Listo Glass Inc.

Marcello’s Sand and Loam

Marek Brothers Systems, Inc.

Patriot Erectors

Paul Mair Designs, Inc.

Riley Builders

Sherwin Williams

Southside Bank

Southwest Sealants

Stock Building Supply

Stream Realty Partners

Structura, Inc.

Sunscape Landscaping

Terracon Consultants

Texas Ecogrow, LLC

Texas Gas Service

ValleyCrest Landscape Development

VOLUNTEERS – FRIENDS AND FAMILY

Author: Moriah Butler
Moriah is the Communication Intern at Explore Austin and is currently a Senior, Corporate Communication Major at the University of Texas at Austin.

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Not Your Everyday Lemonade Stand

October 20th, 2011

Everything from micro-greens to magic tricks was represented at the 2010 Children’s Business Fair, along with plenty of sweets to eat. We are excited to see what these young entrepreneurs bring to the Pease Mansion Lawn at this year’s event on Saturday, October 22, 2011.

There will be 100 booths showing businesses by children ranging from ages 6 to 13 years old. Booths will be judged on creativity, business potential, and thoroughness, and there will be cash prizes paid to the winners. Admission is $2 and the event is from 10am-1pm. All proceeds go to Explore Austin!

Teaching young Austinites to think like entrepreneurs fosters an interest in not only creating, but also supporting local businesses. As a local non-profit, we certainly know how far one idea can go! Explore Austin was the vision of our founder, Jamie Matthews, who is an Acton School of Business graduate, and now Acton professor, as well.  In the entrepreneurial spirit, we will have some of our Explorers there selling Explore Austin t-shirts and also, two of our Explore Austin mentors who are Acton grads, J.J. Cunningham and Coy Morgan, will also be in attendance.

We hope that you can join us for this event that will showcase the amazing talent and creativity of Austin’s youth and support us as we continue to do our part to change the future.

The Children’s Business Fair is sponsored by the Acton Foundation for Entrepreneurial Excellence, the Acton School of Business, Acton Academy, and My Entrepreneurial Journey.  Thank you to everyone who has made this event possible.  We are sincerely honored to be the beneficiary for the second year in a row!

Author: Moriah Butler
Moriah is the Communication Intern at Explore Austin and is currently a Senior, Corporate Communication Major at the University of Texas at Austin.

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Making strides at The Be Well Walk

October 10th, 2011

The weather was a little cooler (at least, not in the 100’s) for the Be Well Walk last Sunday that attracted more than 3,000 people! It didn’t take us long to give away all 100 bibs to our participants. Our booth really stood out with a 20-foot rock wall from Austin Rock Gym and we were able to tell more people about Explore Austin.

The best part was being so close to the finish line. We were able to see each of our explorers reach the end of the course without a problem. It was great hearing the parents talk about coming back to Longhorn Shores, where the event took place, and walking more often.

The Be Well Walk did a great job at starting conversations about fitness and giving away prizes like bikes, hula-hoops, and jump ropes to promote a continued healthy lifestyle.

Our explorers really enjoyed the event and did an awesome job! We were proud to have them represent us on the trail. Thanks again to all supporters and participants for being a part of this successful event and helping us raise $5,000! Can’t wait for next year!

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Don’t miss the Be Well Walk!

September 28th, 2011

As the new Communication Intern at Explore Austin, I am excited to be a part of such a cool organization. I’m a firm believer in what we teach here about learning through adventure. Recently, Explore Austin was selected to partner with the Michael and Susan Dell Foundation’s Be Well Walk. Be Well Walk is a 3.65-mile group walk, scheduled for 4 p.m. Sunday (Oct.2) at Longhorn Shores on Lady Bird Lake. To me, this is a perfect partnership that recognizes the healthy impact the outdoors has on kids. Being active and interacting with nature not only teaches important life lessons, but it promotes a healthy lifestyle and fights childhood obesity.

The Be Well Walk is all about showing us that being active and healthy can be fun and easy. It doesn’t have to be a 10 mile run (Thank goodness!).  Being active can be as simple as kayaking on the lake, playing a sport, exploring a park, or like the Be Well Walk shows us, going on a walk with family or friends.  It’s all in the little things. When I was a kid, my mom found that creating a healthy lifestyle for us was as easy as not buying sodas at the grocery store and limiting us to three TV shows a day. This would force my sisters and I to go outside and jump on the trampoline, play basketball, ride bikes, or just walk to the neighborhood park. At the time, I thought she was crazy. The Michael and Susan Dell Foundation shares with us the Five Keys to Healthier Living: increasing fruits and vegetables and physical activity, while decreasing screen time, high energy density foods, and sugar sweetened beverages. My mom was right on track!

Some of my fondest memories are also from the camping trips I took with my family every summer growing up. I was definitely not the most coordinated kid on the track, and certainly not the most adventurous, but there was something about being able to hold my dad’s hand as we hiked up trails and seeing new sights with my family. It was not just fitness to us; it was an adventure that grew us together.  I am very excited for what Be Well Walk is promoting within our community.  I hope that our Explorers, as well as the families and supporters at Be Well Walk, will grow and bond through this experience on Sunday. We appreciate everyone who has already registered and supported Explore Austin through this event!  It’s not too late to sign up, so register and walk with us for this special community event taking place this Sunday!

Register Here!

Author: Moriah Butler
Moriah is the Communication Intern at Explore Austin and is currently a Senior, Corporate Communication Major at the University of Texas at Austin.

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Explorers For Life

August 5th, 2011

Four weeks ago, as I climbed a 12,000 foot peak in Rocky Mountain National Park (as part of our oldest class of Explorers’ 6th and final Summer Wilderness Trip), I witnessed first hand a transformation.  After six years of leading our Explorers up mountains, over streams, through waves, down bike trails, and up rock climbing routes, my fellow mentors and I were being lead by our Explorers!  I’m not sure exactly when it happened, or how it happened.  All I know is that, after six years, almost instantly my view had changed.  Rather than looking over my shoulder to check on our Explorers, I now saw them up ahead, looking over their own shoulders to check on me.  Rather than struggling to keep up, they were struggling to slow down.  Rather than asking where we were headed, they were reading the map.  Rather than asking for permission, they were taking charge.  Rather than following, they were leading.  Instantly, the previous six years flashed before my eyes…

Tiny, curious 6th grade boys, backpacks larger than themselves, hiking through the mountains of Wyoming… laughing the whole time.  Arrogant, testing 7th grade boys, sure that they knew it all, horsing around in the hills of the Missouri Ozarks… questioning all the time. Growing, but physically and emotionally awkward 8th grade boys, paddling for hours through the waves of the San Juan Islands… joking all the time.  Physically tough 9th grade boys, pedaling up the mountains of Colorado… working the whole time.  Confident, yet humble, 10th grade boys, climbing a 13,700 foot peak in Colorado… thinking all the time.  And now, mature men, leading me up a mountain in Colorado… listening all the time.  My, how far we’d come!  From followers to leaders, the journey was complete.  Or, so I thought.

Towards the end of our trip (the last day actually), our videographer, Aaron Weiss, was doing an interview with a fellow mentor.  He asked a simple question… “Now that you’re at the end of this six year journey, what do you hope for these kids?”.  While the question is simple, the answer wasn’t so easy.  In fact, as the mentor thought about the answer, his eyes filled with tears, his throat got dry, and his chin began to quiver.  After six years together, (more than 1/3 of the Explorers’ lives), over 50 Saturdays together, over 1,200 hours together, and six weeks in the wilderness together, saying the word “everything” was just too difficult.  The mentor asked that the camera be turned off so that he could gather his thoughts.  Perhaps, the journey wasn’t actually over.

Having heard the story, and fighting the idea that the journey was actually complete, our group (Mentors and Explorers) gathered together later that night.  It would possibly be the last fireside chat, of the last day, of the last week, of the last year, of a six year program!  As mentors, we pondered out loud, that same question…”what do I hope for these kids”.   This time, there were no cameras to stare into.  Instead, we looked into the eyes of our Explorers (lenses to their souls) and contemplated our answers.  Again, the tears came.  To tell someone who you love like a son what you hope for him is more difficult than you might imagine.  To know that you can’t possibly deliver all that you hope for him is heartbreaking.  And to know that whatever you hope for him is out of your control is deflating.  And yet, in that moment… despite the difficulty… having seen the transformation I mentioned earlier (from follower to leader)… having been there for the journey… being surrounded by men rather than boys…  and, literally feeling the power of the emotions in the room, my answer became crystal clear.  “I hope every one of you remains an Explorer for life.”  The words rolled off my tongue with ease (although the tears remained).

What does my answer mean?  It means that I hope for these kids that their journey never ends…. and certainly not right now!  I hope that they keep exploring forever!  I hope that they stay action-oriented, courageous, excellent teammates and strong communicators wherever they go.  I hope that they remain surrounded by people who care about them.  I hope that they mentor others.  I hope that they have mentors of their own for the rest of their lives.  Yes, I hope everything for them!  Most of all, I hope that they remain leaders.  And leaders they are.  As John Quincy Adams once said, “If your actions inspire others to dream more, learn more, do more and become more, you are a leader”.  Thanks to everyone on our trip, I dream, I learn, I do and (hopefully) I become more.  Our Explorers are leaders to me.  I’m honored to follow them.  Their transformation might be complete, but I believe that their journey is just beginning. I plan on sticking with them throughout that journey.  And, I know that they will be Explorers for life!

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Slow and Steady Wins the Race

June 11th, 2011

2010 Summer Wilderness Trip Flashback
By: Outpost Wilderness Adventure Guide, Sean McNally

I got to hang in the back on the first day of the three day adventure up to Bison Peak, while the flying Frenchman, Thomas (Tõ-mah), took off down the trail with some of the faster hikers. Those of us in the back killed time by playing games like “20 questions.” From time to time we would work on our French accents by immitating what we thought Thomas might say when we caught up to him at the campsite, “I sink… Eh… maybe zeh speed es too fas for ju?”

Things campers aren’t allowed to do at the campsite:

  1. Rough house around stoves or tents
  2. Throw things at each other
  3. Play with the fire
  4. Stay up late in their tents giggling at flatulence

Things campers LOVE to do at the campsite:

  1. Rough house regardless of surroundings
  2. Throw pinecones at each other
  3. Light sticks in the fire and then wave them around
  4. Stay up late in their tents giggling at flatulence

The second day we got a late start and took our time getting up Bison even though a nasty storm was brewing. I tied my shirt in a knot to tan my stomach on the way up. We convinced the campers that they needed to tie their shirts off to expose their midriff so that they could keep cool. For a short while, we were a band of hikers in belly shirts.

We set out to reach the peak of Bison but it turned out that we didn’t quite make it in time. Knowing how quickly the storms roll in and out in Colorado, our expert guide, Parker Woodworth, made the call to turn back just before the peak in order to ensure the group’s safety. We set out to race the storm to our campsite but remembered instantly that speed was not our group’s strongest suit. At one point a camper knelt down to rest and started leafing through a deck of their Yu-Gi-Oh cards. With the menacing storm blooming over our heads, I heard our French companion to my right yell, “Zis es no time for Yu-Gi-Oh card!” (This became the mantra for the rest of our trip).

We finally made it down to the tree line and the storm just barely grazed our path. Once the sun was out, we stopped for a snack and a guide-induced pinecone battle. The campers started to collect firewood for our fire down at the campsite. I thought I had loaded myself down until I heard, “Hey Sean, how you like me now?” I turned around to see little Frankie, who could not be taller than 4’ 7”, dragging two trees over his shoulders.

To make up for not reaching the peak of Bison, we took some of the kids up a steep hike to the top of a boulder that had an incredible view. While on top of the rock, Omar and Ovi came up with a motto for their class, “With a little hard work you can see great things.”

Around the campfire, another expert guide, Dylan Weldin, asked the kids what they thought was the Rose, Thorn, and Bud of the trip (The best thing, the worst thing, the thing they are most looking forward to).

Common Roses:

Salle’s Cooking (our base camp Chef extraordinaire), the view on top of the boulder, getting to know their classmates better, mountain biking, and getting to know their own limits.

Common Thorns:

Mosquitoes, the weather, not reaching the peak of Bison

Common Buds:

Next year’s trip (unanimous)

I found myself in the back again on the last day’s trek down to base camp. Although this day was mostly down hill, it was the farthest day of hiking yet, so campers were pacing themselves.

I sang almost the entire way down (which was about a 4 hour hike) with occasional back up vocals coming from other guides and campers if they liked the song. At one point I stopped singing because my voice was tired and I temporarily ran out of songs to sing. Michael, a kid we challenged to move further up in the line, stopped right when I stopped singing. I said, “Hey Mikey, what’s wrong man it’s like you ran out of juice right when I stopped singing.” He said, “It makes it easier when you sing.” Parker and I launched into “Ruby Tuesday.”

We got back to base camp exactly on schedule (late) and the campers were all relieved to be in the air conditioning, despite the eerie presence of one David Appleton (the mentors had made up a ghost story about the owner of the property and he just happened to come visit while the campers were here).

The scenery was beautiful and the hike was fun, but it was the little moments along the way that made the trip. I’m glad we took our time to enjoy them, even if it meant we were late for a Salle cooked lunch.

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Bus Driver… The Best Job Ever!

April 4th, 2011

If you could have any job in the world, regardless of money, what would it be?  Someone recently asked me that question.  My response… “I’d keep doing exactly what I’m doing now.”  Their response… “You mean you would be the CEO of a nonprofit?”.  My response… “No, I’d keep my job as a bus driver.”  Seeing the look of confusion on the person’s face, I eagerly explained why, in my opinion, the best job in the world (for me) is bus driver.  Specifically, the driver of the Explore Austin bus!

You see, as a bus driver, I have the honor and privilege of sitting at the front of our Explore Austin bus, steering wheel in hand, foot on the gas pedal (often floored!), eyes on the road, headed up the mountain road to greatness! Which means, I have the best view in the organization!  As the bus driver, I can (and do) look through the windshield every day.  And, for the first time ever, I can see the top of the mountain road we have been traveling for the past 6 years.  I can see the crest of the hill… the point at which, when we reach it, I can take my foot off the gas pedal (at least a little bit) and focus on steering and braking, using momentum to power the bus, rather than having to keep my foot mashed down on the gas.

Better yet, in my seat I have the luxury of being able to look up into that big bus driver’s rearview mirror and see the faces of the great people already on the bus… staring back at me!  I see the faces of 100 Explorers (boys and, now, girls too!) eager to change their lives and become better leaders.  I see the faces of our mentors… sitting in literally the same seats as their Explorers, eager to make a difference in the lives of their Explorers and in our community.  I see the faces of our staff members who work tirelessly to provide the opportunities that our mentors and Explorers experience. I see the faces of our Board of Directors and Advisory Board who, when I need them, walk down the aisle of the bus, put their hand on my shoulder, and help me keep the bus in the right lane… pointing out where what seems like a shortcut is too risky, where it’s safe to deviate from the map a bit, or where it’s a good idea to pull over and let more people on the bus. Which is exactly what we were doing at last week’s “Quest for the Summit” fundraiser (and what I’m doing now).  We decided to pull the bus over to the side of the road. Our leadership realized the need to take a pause, open the doors, and invite others to join us on our journey.   After all, what makes being a bus driver fun is the other people on the bus.  I certainly have no desire to drive myself around in an empty bus!

In the book Good to Great, Jim Collins says that the biggest factor that contributes to an organization’s rise from good to great is getting great people on the bus… and in the right seat.  Well, I can tell you that the Explore Austin bus is filled with great people!  I can also tell you that for the past 6 years, Explore Austin has been GOOD at what we do.  However, I truly believe that we are on the cusp of becoming GREAT at what we do!  As I told the audience last week, I believe the key to completing that journey (from good to great) is getting more great people involved.  Collins also says that great people get involved with an organization because it already has great people involved.  If that’s true (and I believe it is), then it shouldn’t be hard to convince you to join us.  All you have to do is look at the great people already on our bus!

Before I end, let me say one other thing about being a bus driver.  In between looking out the windshield and looking at the faces in the rearview mirror, my job is to look at the gauges on our bus’s dashboard.  At Explore Austin, we have lots of them…. and they are all important.  We have a gauge for effectiveness, a gauge for attendance, a gauge for efficiency, a gauge for social media, a gauge for just about everything.  However, right smack dab in the middle of the dashboard is a gauge for fuel.  Quite honestly, getting our bus up the mountain to greatness takes a lot of fuel.  As we continue to add great people (Explorers, mentors, and staff) to the bus, it gets heavier, fuel prices go up, parts are expensive, service is expensive, etc. Which brings me to my point… We need help fueling our bus!

We need people with the time, treasure, and talent to make our engine run.  Our Explorers deserve their seat on the bus and we’ve promised to continue to make their journey possible.  Help us keep our promise and help us change their lives.  All you have to do is get on the bus!  Once you do, I can assure you that we’ll find you a seat, drive safely and responsibly, and make it the best journey you have ever been a part of.  It certainly has been for me!

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Counting What Counts

January 13th, 2011

Measurable results.  These days, every nonprofit is asked to show them… to donors, to board members, to staff, to participants, and to everyone in between. And, rightly so! After all, not many people are interested in participating in a program that doesn’t make them better, in working for a program that doesn’t make a difference, or in funding failure. However, measuring success (especially in terms of “changing lives”) is sometimes easier said than done. Until now, this has certainly been true at Explore Austin.

You see, I’m biased.  I have the luxury of having stood at the top of a 14,000-foot mountain in Colorado with our Explorers.  I have mountain biked over 75 miles at an average of 9,000 feet with our Explorers.  I have climbed and rappelled hundreds of feet in the air with our Explorers.  I’ve heard our Explorers’ stories and shared their tears around campfires under moonlit skies.  And, I’ve heard our Explorers’ parents describe the difference they see in their children since entering our program.  So, when someone asks me how I know Explore Austin works, it’s easy to just start telling stories and giving examples.  Or it’s easy to show a video (a very powerful video, I might add) or quote an Explorer directly.  After all, who would argue with Oscar (a 10th grade Explorer) when he says about Explore Austin, “It is one of the best programs that Austin has for young adults…It takes kids who are minorities and builds them into leaders for the future.”  Yet, despite the anecdotal evidence, deep down I know that stories and quotes aren’t enough.  Yes, they are important.  Yes, they are valid.  And yes, they are effective.  But no, they are not enough. Not to sustain a program for the long term.

Albert Einstein once said, “Not everything that counts can be counted, and not everything that can be counted counts”.  Assuming this to be true (and who am I to argue with one of history’s most brilliant minds), we at Explore Austin have been trying to figure our how to count what actually counts.  Not what we think counts.  Not what our gut tells us counts. And, not what is easy to count.  But, what actually counts when it comes to changing lives and building leaders and productive citizens.  I’m proud to say that we’ve finally found our answer… the Search Institute’s Developmental Assets.

Over its 50-year history and through studies of over 2.2 million young people, the Search Institute has identified 40 common sense, positive experiences and qualities that help influence the choices young people make. These assets help youth become caring, responsible adults.  More importantly, the Search Institute can statistically prove that “the more assets young people have, the less likely they are to engage in a wide range of high-risk behaviors and the more likely they are to thrive, regardless of their gender, economic status, family, or race/ethnicity (click here to view the specific numbers).  Which, for Explore Austin, means we now know what counts and can begin not just counting it, but also focus on providing it.  We have committed to getting each of our Explorers those experiences/assets that we have the power to provide (20 to be exact) through our powerful combination of mentoring and outdoor adventure.  Luckily, we don’t’ actually have to change anything we are already doing.  Our ACES framework still exits, our mentors remain the glue within our program, and the outdoors remains our classroom.  The only real change is in the specific words (i.e. assets) we use and the way we measure our results.  I have no doubt that those results will be profound.

So, stick around.  Join us as we continue the journey of changing lives through mentoring and outdoor adventure.  Check out the assets I’ve mentioned and see if you agree with their power to change lives.  See how many you think you had as an adolescent.  Become a mentor and help us deliver those assets.  At a minimum, check back with us and see what we’ve learned by counting what we now know counts.  Until then, consider this… based on a survey of over 150,000 youth, the average young person (6th – 12th grade) experiences only 18.6 of the 40 assets.  At Explore Austin, we aim to change that.  In the end, we know that’s what really counts.

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