So AMEX is giving away up to $5 million to the project/idea that wins. A friend of a friend entered and her idea was selected as a finalist! If you have an AMEX card, then you can vote for it! Even better, if you already pay your AMEX bill online you don't need to setup another account for this contest. Please vote now! Dear friends - We entered our project (description below) in the American Express MembersProject competition (you might have seen TV ads for it!) for $1-5 million to implement our innovative idea for social change. Our idea, "Social Mobility for Youth in Low-Wage Jobs," will help urban youth move out of poverty and achieve their life ambitions and dreams, allowing them to be financially self-sufficient and stable. Our project was picked to be in the TOP 50 out of 7,018 submissions! Please vote by July 13 to ensure you meet the voting deadline -- but it would help us if you vote NOW because the projects can be sorted/ranked by the number of votes
Help us move to the next round, the Top 25. --We have a 50% chance! So please lend your support to us and if you are an American Express cardmember (even corporate AMEX cards count!): - VOTE for our project for FREE ASAP at: "Social Mobility for Youth in Low-Wage Jobs"
- if you register for MembersProject, AMEX will donate $1 to the grand prize Even if you do not have an AMEX card, you can help us by: 1. asking at least ONE other person with an AMEX card to vote 2. emailing all your friends, family, community, listservs, coworkers 3. posting this on your blog (Xanga, FaceBook, MySpace, etc.) 4. becoming an "ambassador" for our cause - help us strategize on how to spread the word Thank you for helping us get this far! Nancy PS - This project also won the $500 from the Razoo speed granint event! ~~~~~~~~~ Social Mobility for Youth in Low-Wage Jobs Project Description:
Many urban youth in low-wage, entry-level jobs do not have access to the resources they need to move out of poverty. They often have difficulty keeping their jobs due to low workplace skills, poor health, or limited childcare or transportation options. Those who achieve some upward mobility usually have supportive, stable families and social networks. This program takes a comprehensive approach to ease persistent barriers to social mobility for hardworking low-income youth. Youth "pay" for workforce development services by regularly contributing part of their paychecks to a savings account. Their investments give them access to supports for employment training, healthcare, or logistical needs; workshops on asset building and financial management; opportunities for civic engagement; and guidance in setting and planning to reach their education, career, and life goals. After a year, youth withdraw their account balances with accrued interest and use their earnings to improve their lives. | 