Go Shopping, Save Money, Help Kids

If you’re looking for a good excuse to go shopping, I've got it for you. If you've been thinking about buying something, but waiting for a good time to buy it, I've got that for you, too! Or, if you're just looking for a good deal that helps people, I've got that as well! I'm just a helpful person today, huh?

I got an email yesterday from one of my friends who works for Teach For America (the organization proper). Since I'm the Learning Team leader for lower elementary, I guess I'm "on the list" to receive certain updates. The email was telling about an opportunity to help Teach For America this weekend while getting some great discounts.

If you shop at Gap, Banana Republic, or Old Navy (all subsidiaries of Gap) March 12-15 you get 30% off as part of their Give & Get campaign. Plus, 5% of your total purchase will then be given back to Teach For America. Just print this coupon, present it at the checkout, and specify Teach For America as your chosen organization: http://www.gapgiveandget.com/np/tfa.html For more information, check out TFA's press release.

This is a pretty great deal at any point in time, but I think it’s really great that even after 30% off, they're then giving an additional 5% to Teach For America. As most of you probably know, Teach For America is the organization that I joined after graduating from college. It's a non-profit organization that is working to eliminate educational inequality in the US (and now abroad, through Teach For All). TFA recruits people they see as possessing leadership qualities – not necessarily those who have had experience teaching. As such, the alumni base is quite broad, with many people staying in teaching after completing their 2-year commitment, and many more (like me) staying involved with education and community development even if not directly through teaching. One of the reasons TFA teachers succeed as much as they do is because of the constant support and training TFA provides... and yes, that’s why this event and support is very much needed!

If you want to read more about TFA (beyond the links I've already included), here’s an article from US News about what it's "really like", and there is plenty of information on TFA's website. There’s also a ton out there if you just google it! I am a deep supporter of Teach For America and its mission, and I will readily testify that while it was the hardest thing I've ever done in my life, it has profoundly shaped me and influenced the direction of my life. And beyond all of that, it’s truly affecting students and schools across the nation. So, go get shopping and help change kids' lives! =)