SEEDS CONNECT DEVELOPMENT CONFERENCE: Planting the Seeds
Ask yourself... Who will be taking your seat when your time is done? What purpose do you serve in your community, your organization or even your family? Have you actively trained a young warrior to take your place, fill your shoes? If not, take the time and initiative to plant some seeds today!
Share this application with a young person between the ages of 18 and 30. Read more about this innovative and preemptive program. Learn how it can secure a brighter future for the community, undergird and prepare the young kings and queens that will one day rule. Let's start reinforcing our legacy together!
Send this page to a Seed
Sponsor one of the 12 Final Participants (Email admin@nostones.org to receive sponsorship info. Options from $100+)
Overview and Purpose
Seeds Connect is designed to be a volunteer program for young adults - ages 18-25, interested in community service and social enterprise. This program is designed to support its potential members in their quest to uplift the communities which have raised them by providing mentorship, therapeutic groups, workshops, skills based job training and a community of like-minded partnership.
The Development Conference is an extended weekend conference for youth leaders who are ideally a representation of our target demographic and understand the need for this type of programming. The weekend will encompass workshops and experiential learning sessions to help youth leaders shape a participant driven curriculum that will address the needs and concerns of the target demographic.
Conference Objectives
Develop organizational action plans to continue and expand community engagement beyond the retreat.
Organize recruitment strategies for Seeds core membership group
Program operational plan
Review and update program objectives
Identify, any unaddressed concerns of target group (18-25 community driven youth)
Workshop proposal/requests for 3rd/4th quarter to address needs of this group
Survey of interest in service projects presented during the conference
Individual commitments to serve the community through acts of organizing and volunteerism.
Activity Schedule
All activities are subject to changes - this schedule is tentative. A more accurate schedule will be provided for selected applicants at the start of the conference.**
Thursday: July 20, 2023 | Check In - 6pm
Friday: July 21, 2023 | Digging Deeper - Focusing on uncovering things we’ve been through and thought we knew. Taking a look back at the things that have created the version of us that we see today. Talking about goals, roadblocks, dreams, and fears.
Saturday: July 22, 2023 | Becoming Rooted - We are allowing ourselves to plant seeds of growth and let positivity take root inside of our hearts and minds. This will come from conversations about professional development, community engagement, and faith.
Sunday: July 23, 2023 | Sprouting- Discussing different ways to apply everything we’ve discovered and work as a team to apply this to strategic growth planning for future Seeds. Finalizing ideas and execution planning for 3rd & 4th quarter goals. Close out fireside chat.
Monday: July 28, 2023 | Official Departure - 9 a.m. *All participants must evacuate property no later than 9:30 am*
If selected Participants will agree to provide transportation to and from the Metropolitan Atlanta area. No Stones Movement, Inc. is unable to provide transportation to and from Atlanta, Ga. Transportation to and from the retreat location from airport, bus station or other local addresses can be arranged. There will be no costs associated for food, lodging, or any travel during the length of the retreat.
Materials
These items are not mandatory, only suggested
Clothes: Please dress appropriately for a co-ed living space
Personal Toiletries: toothbrush, toothpaste, towels, washcloths, etc.; household toiletries will be provided
Food and snacks will be provided, but feel free to bring any snacks that you would like to have
Any electronics like tablets or laptops that you feel will enhance your experience and participation
Cards and board games for down time
Application Process
Submit competed electronic application by May 15, 2023
Be prepared to send 2 letters of recommendation (1 professional/ 1 community)
Be prepared to respond to essay question
Individual Zoom Interviews will be scheduled in May 2023
Group Zoom Meet and Greet - Date TBD
What To Expect
After your initial application has been completed and submitted, please allow 7-10 business days for our team to send a response to inform you of our decision.
If selected, applicants will move forward with the interview phase as detailed above.
Finalists will be invited to join us for the Summer Seeds Connect Development Conference by June 6, 2023.
APPLICATION DEADLINE IS MAY 15TH!!! The earlier an application is submitted, the earlier it will be reviewed!
Thank you for your time and we look forward to hearing from you!
Event Hosting and Coordination | No Stones Movement
No Stones Movement, Inc. We are a non-profit dedicated to nurturing the mental, physical, spiritual and creative journey of Atlanta's inner city youth. We empower teens and young adults by helping them expand their mind, enhance their spirits, strengthen their bodies and embrace their culture so that they can demonstrate the best versions of themselves and be an asset to their communities. Our vision is the holistic development of inner-city youth, ready to lead Georgia and beyond!
Conference Location | Twin Pond Escape
At Twin Ponds Escape, a community partner of NSM, Inc., Twin Ponds Escape is a beautiful and expansive outdoor space that has many recreational possibilities. This 40± acre property located just off Hwy I-20 has everything you need for a relaxing weekend retreat, last-minute staycation, family reunions, camping, glamping or just enjoying the outdoors. The property includes a 5 bedroom, 4 bath residential area, surrounded by two lush ponds with amazing views! (Assistance with transportation from Hartsfield Atlanta Airport is available)