Apparently, this Hub is being written to sort of track my progress is working to start the PASSIONS program in the San Jose / Silicon Valley area. I feel that writing about each step might help me analyze what's going on and how I can improve before proceeding.

In case if you don't know what the PASSIONS program is about, you can check this Hub here.

I wanted a program in the area to help match passionate, caring high school and college students to local schools with students who need role models as well as extracurricular classes and programs. A lot of teachers find themselves running the programs, but why should they when there is so much talent and compassion in the community? Additionally, high school and college students can earn service hours or credits by volunteering through PASSIONS.

It's been interesting getting it in the air. I thrive on praise and positive feedback, but I didn't get much of that initially from my bosses, which sort of put me down a bit. However, I found immense support from my co-workers, who have actually helped me more than I could have hoped for. As we go out to recruit volunteers for our work, they would also let me leave flyers for PASSIONS as well. They are really trying to learn more about it, which is awesome!

So far it's been hard because I've had to pay for the materials (paper, ink, etc.) myself. It's difficult when you're not sure if it's even going to succeed. However, I'm trying not to look at money or any of those factors, which is weird because I usually think about those all the time... I'm just going along like I know it will succeed.

I've gotten pretty good feedback so far, considering I work 60 hours a week and it's hard to get around to schools and colleges to ask for volunteers. I've got six schools on board, and inquiries keep coming in from high schools and colleges I've left materials at. Additionally, I made a great contact with a professor at the San Jose State University Child Development department; she teaches a class of 200 or so students, and they are required to earn so many service-learning hours by working with kids... she is very interested in matching those students with the schools!

I worked on a website for PASSIONS all night last night to try to give the program more credibility. I really want to keep all of the students who inquire about the program, and don't want to lose them because of my ugly Google Groups website.

I was also lucky to have a friend from my alma mater, who is currently a graphic communications major, make up a logo for PASSIONS. It's so perfect for the program!

Additionally, I just finished a great book, "Good to Great" by Jim Collins, to help organize the program and make it so it's as efficient as possible. I just need to channel my interests and, well, passions in the right direction. If you have a corporation, organization, or other group that you want to make great, I'd suggest reading this book! 

Right now there's not too much to do because volunteers and schools alike need to get the year started so they can get down availabilities, etc. after they make up schedules and get their lives in order. Until then, let's hope for the best!