Intended Outcomes for Meredith Project
The Meredith Project is located on the beautiful Pacific Ocean in the State of California. The purpose of the project is to support young people during one of their most dynamic and at times perilous times in life… young adulthood. We will prioritize ones who are dealing with lack of focus and direction, depression and possible suicidal ideation although the programs will be open to any young person sincerely seeking their next step in life.
We will teach and equip young people to survive & thrive in today’s world by strengthening their connection to the earth and particularly to the sea. The projects we have designed and will carry out support the overall mission by teaching and creating independence, initiative and a good work ethic, allowing ones to accomplish what they set out to do in life.
All apprentices/members of this project will participate initially in the refurbishing of tools, repairing a tiny boat and building a slightly larger boat/skiff. They will also design and build practical items that can be used by them or sold for profit.
Here are some examples:
Sellable items:
- tool boxes
- bird houses
- bird feeders
- benches
- bat houses
- bee hives
- sun cookers
- cutting boards
- children’s puzzles
- living walls
- arches for homes
- garden structures
- portable work benches
- custom tool walls
- small boats
Boat Building Skills to be Learned in the bigger projects:
- Carpentry, including rough and fine woodworking skills, which can be applied to any building trade
- Repair of existing boats
- Marine systems, including plumbing, electrical,
- Design, including traditional lofting, mechanical design
- Canvas work including sewing sails, making Dodgers, upholstering of cushions, design and making of “ditty bags”, etc
Business Enterprises from items designed to sell
- Learning vital business skills such as writing & marketing
- Computer
- Media technologies (marketing on social media, direct sales etc)
- Customer service
- Fiscal management of business enterprises
Educational
- Coaching for GED completion (taught by accredited teachers)
- Specific classes to be offered by experts in many different areas (can include yoga, traditional navigation, repair of boats, building of tiny homes, refurbishing hand tools, repairing garden tools, etc)
- Learning food preparation (personal & professional)
- Growing food, learning a healthy diet & lifestyle
- Personal growth
- Setting up and managing sales/informational tables at ocean festivals, advocating for healthy oceans as well as what Meredith Project has to offer.
- Giving Back: volunteers in service to the community (working with senior programs to repair or repaint houses, yard work, hauling etc)
Key Outcomes for those who participate
- learning & practicing responsible work habits
- hands on work experience
- learning to work as a part of a team
- increase of self esteem through direct action
- making and marketing sellable products
- knowledge of elementary business and business practices
- better chance of finding jobs outside of normal channels due to
- development of an entrepreneurial spirit
(increased funding will allow us to offer more classes to more students)
We recognize that the “new paradigm” is changing how we look at the world and our focus is to assist ones to design a personal world with sustainability in mind. To live in this new world we need to equip ourselves with a myriad of skills that allow us to master and navigate a new way of living that is based on passion and solid, practical knowledge.
Developing and applying this mastership can occur in many different areas of life. Mastership in one area will increase employability as well as life enjoyment in other areas.
Implementing this plan will encompass and support elders & youth working together to accomplish these goals. The most grounded model we have to offer is to work with the community providing an empowering and supportive experience for all.
Promoting education and healthy lifestyles for the elders and youth will provide the platform for independent, exuberant living for those who are desiring support and assistance to create a good life.