So this is an amazing story. And seriously inspiring.
A few years ago, Brooklyn-based singer/songwriter Jesse Ruben recorded a song called “We Can.” Originally intended to inspire people to run the marathon (he had just completed his first NYC race), the song has since taken on a life of its own. It’s larger message: we can work together to make the world a better place for everyone.
An elementary school teacher heard his song and wrote Jesse a letter inviting him to visit her school in Vancouver. Another person might have sent a nice note back, a few cds. But not Jesse. He flew to Canada and spent a week with the students learning about their community projects and recording a “We Can” video documenting their great work.
After the Vancouver experience, Jesse created the “We Can” Project, which has since inspired more than 125,000 students in elementary, middle, and high schools throughout Canada and the U.S. The Project asks students, teachers, and parents to write a list of goals that are important to them, their peers, and their communities. Each participant then selects one of their goals (planting a garden, volunteering at a shelter, creating a recycling program) and commits to making it happen, either on their own or with a group.
Now that he’s a New Yorker, Jesse is eager to work with more NYC schools. If you are a student, teacher, or parent, contact the “We Can” Project to find out how to get started, and how you can support this amazing program.