The Mission Continues Launches Innovative Veterans Leadership Program

PRESS RELEASE

The veterans’ nonprofit is kicking off the new six-month, intensive training program by bringing together more than 50 veterans for a weekend-long event in Newark

NEW YORK (PRWEB) OCTOBER 02, 2018

Veterans’ nonprofit, The Mission Continues, is empowering veterans as community-based leaders with the launch of its latest program, the Service Leadership Corps. The program is an opportunity for civic-minded veterans to serve on the community level, while further developing their leadership abilities. Through the implementation of the renowned Human-Centered Design framework by the LUMA Institute and custom designed educational objectives, veterans will learn new ways to identify and address our nation’s most critical issues as advocates for change.

The Service Leadership Corps (SLC) will provide veterans with an immersive curriculum that includes engaging workshops, online learning, collaborative assignments, and experiential learning. In partnership with non-profit organizations, Corps members will apply their training to address the most significant challenges within a given community.

September 8, 2018October 3, 2018

#WhatsNext in the West from New Executive Director Doug Pfeffer

These past few months have been very productive and transformative for The Mission Continues West Region. Shortly after Mass Deployment in Los Angeles, we said farewell to Regan Turner as the Executive Director and welcomed back Doug Pfeffer (former Seattle City Impact Manager) to the role as West Region Executive Director.

Here’s an update on what’s happening in the West Region from Doug himself!

Friends,

I wanted to take a moment to introduce myself. My name is Doug Pfeffer, and I am honored to assume the role of West Region Executive Director. Regan Turner was a huge influence on this region, as well as across the country.

Although I am trying to fill some pretty big shoes, I plan on doing my best to not only maintain the current form that has generated so much success in the West, but to see it taken to an even higher level, as we continue to impact communities across the West, and activate veterans across the entire region.

August 21, 2018October 3, 2018

#FixOurParks: Summer Service in Our National Parks

August 21, 2018

In partnership with the National Park Service and the National Parks Conservation Association, Operation #FixOurParks took place on the weekend of July 27-29.

The last weekend in July was the final weekend of our Summer Service Slam series. The West Region ended it with a bang, getting busy at three national parks: Grand Canyon National Park, Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks, World War II Valor in the Pacific National Monument, and Mount Rainier National Park!

In partnership with the National Park Service and National Parks Conservation Association, over 100 veterans and active duty military personnel from around the west coast joined forces for a weekend of community service and impact in these four national parks.

We are The Mission Continues, a nonprofit organization that empowers veterans who are adjusting to life at home to find purpose through community impact, offering a variety of ways for military-connected folks to get involved in volunteering. Volunteer opportunities range from the casual one-timer to the serious — and we mean serious — community-leading volunteer.

Our 2018 Summer Service Slam was a nationwide series of service projects during the month of July, enlisting 250+ veterans across the country who were interested in rolling up their sleeves to volunteer in service of their country — this time in a different way.

August 8, 2018October 3, 2018

Cheers to 5 Amazing Summer Service Slam Weekends

August 8, 2018

What an incredible set of Summer Service Slam weekends we’ve had! We worked hard, made an impact, and had fun in the process. That’s what it’s all about.

Thanks to our incredible volunteers who made these weekends go from a plan on paper to a real experience, and hopefully, to fond memories for all.

Much love to the long-time volunteer champions who stepped up to share their remarkable expertise and aspirations with all of us. And a high five to our incredible partners who will launch from this weekend’s foundation even more impact in their communities.

Take a look at snapshots of each Summer Service Slam weekend that took place throughout the month of July! Continue reading “Cheers to 5 Amazing Summer Service Slam Weekends”

July 17, 2018October 3, 2018

Veteran Volunteers with The Mission Continues Create Summertime Community Impact Nationwide

PRESS RELEASE

The veteran’s nonprofit builds stronger communities with its newest service event Summer Service Slam

NEW YORK (PRWEB) JULY 13, 2018 — This July, more than 250 veteran volunteers in eight cities across the country will rally to drive community impact through their service. Together with community partners, the veterans plan to revitalize community spaces through a series of weekend-long projects, addressing local needs such as safe access to green space, the building of urban gardens and development of resources for underserved schools.

The veterans are volunteers with The Mission Continues, a national nonprofit organization that empowers veterans to find growth, purpose and connection through community impact. These projects are part of a broader event dubbed Summer Service Slam. The inaugural national event spans three consecutive weekends from July 13th – 29th in cities including Baltimore, MD; Cleveland, OH; El Paso, TX; Kansas City, MO and four national parks including the Grand Canyon in AZ, Mt. Rainier in WA, Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks in CA, and the World War II Valor in the Pacific National Monument in HI.

“Our Summer Service Slam campaign is the embodiment of collective impact in our most under-resourced communities,” said Mary Beth Bruggeman, U.S. Marine Corps veteran and vice president of program strategy at The Mission Continues. “When veterans and community members come together in action, their potential to create lasting, positive change is both inspiring and unlimited.” Continue reading “Veteran Volunteers with The Mission Continues Create Summertime Community Impact Nationwide”

July 11, 2018October 3, 2018

All About Our 2018 Summer Service Slam

July 11, 2018

This summer 250 veterans from across the country are putting an end to #summerdaze and reporting for duty with The Mission Continues to kick-off our first ever Summer Service Slam!

We’re hosting eight events in all five regions coast to coast. This July, for three consecutive weekends veterans will deploy to cities within their regions for a weekend of impact, personal growth and camaraderie. Our goal for these veterans is to leave the weekend with new skills, motivation and an expanded network of civic leaders to continue their mission of service at home.

Summer Service Slam Calendar of Events

The Mission Continues service project with veterans

Slam up your summer and Report for Duty with The Mission Continues. Do something that counts with people you won’t forget to make a real difference for summers to come! Continue reading “All About Our 2018 Summer Service Slam”

May 17, 2018October 3, 2018

Essential to My Wellness Is My Mission to Protect National Parks

May 17, 2018
By Jason Kucinski, Platoon Leadership Team Member

Why Conservation is Important to Me

I grew up in the outdoors — the mountains, the woods, the lakes. I’ve had the privilege to see places most people look at on a postcard or in National Geographic. And even now, I spend every chance I get to hit the trails and hike (or as John Muir called it, “sauntering”).

I’m also a 14-year Air Force veteran. Like many veterans, I battle with those inner demons and have physical issues. Going hiking and spending time on the trail and in the National Parks is my outlet. If I stopped moving, I think I would hurt more.

It’s my version of Ecotherapy. If you haven’t heard of Ecotherapy, or know very little about it, let me explain. Ecotherapy is the name given to a wide range of treatment programs which aim to improve your mental and physical wellbeing through doing activities in nature. Connecting with nature in this way can have lots of positive health benefits, and is being used to help veterans. Continue reading “Essential to My Wellness Is My Mission to Protect National Parks”

March 8, 2018October 3, 2018

International Women’s Day: The Unexpected Outcomes of Hitting the Trails

March 8, 2018
By Vanessa Davids, Fellow Alumna

This post originally ran on August 30, 2016. We’re sharing Vanessa’s story again today, International Women’s Day, as and example of the many women who have found new purpose serving through The Mission Continues’ programs. We need your support to send women like Vanessa to our 3rd Annual Women’s Veterans Leadership Summit in Washington, DC in April. Donate here today.

When I left the Marine Corps, I had my future all laid out. I had big plans for returning to school, having a second child, and supporting my (then) husband’s transition from the military had me feeling like I knew where I was going. Until I didn’t. When my husband became abusive, and I was forced to finally make a choice, I had no idea where my new path would lead. All I knew was that I couldn’t stay a minute longer. Continue reading “International Women’s Day: The Unexpected Outcomes of Hitting the Trails”

February 28, 2018October 3, 2018

Metallica’s All Within My Hands Foundation Supports Veterans Making an Impact with The Mission Continues, in Partnership with Starbucks and Spotify

PRESS RELEASE

Veterans with The Mission Continues Report for Duty to Create Community Impact Across the Country.

NEW YORK (PRWEB) FEBRUARY 28, 2018 — Metallica’s band members presented a donation from their charitable foundation, All Within My Hands, to The Mission Continues to help empower veterans creating transformational change for communities in need. The band’s contribution marks the foundation’s role as a 2018 Contributing Sponsor for The Mission Continues’ service platoons across the country.

Support from All Within My Hands is part of a greater partnership with Starbucks and Spotify for a charitable gift card sold at participating Starbucks stores nationwide. As part of the promotion, Starbucks and Spotify donated $1 million, divided between Metallica’s All Within My Hands, Chance The Rapper’s Social Works and Lady Gaga’s Born This Way Foundation. Continue reading “Metallica’s All Within My Hands Foundation Supports Veterans Making an Impact with The Mission Continues, in Partnership with Starbucks and Spotify”

February 23, 2018October 3, 2018

The Battle for (Bio)Diversity

February 23, 2018
By David Riera, Fellow Alum

Social equality – or the lack thereof — has played a deciding role in how communities identify, thrive, survive, or die. Every community — from the veteran community to the conservation community — has to actively find those voices that have been left out of the conversation, and empower them to be heard.

As I reflect on the works of African American legends like Dr. King, George Washington Carver, the Buffalo Soldiers, and other personal heroes of mine, I am prompted to be mindful where social, economic, and environmental justice for all can (and needs to) be intertwined.

Volunteering with the National Parks Conservation Association through The Mission Continues Fellowship Program catapulted me into my desired field: environmental conservation.

Now as a veteran, scientist, and conservationist, I’ve begun to think more about the social dynamics of conservation. Continue reading “The Battle for (Bio)Diversity”