The Social Impact Accelerator runs from October 2022 to late February 2023. Here are the dates for the live workshops that will happen on the second Wednesday of each month:
October (Introduction)
Kick-off Meeting: Wednesday Oct 5, 2022
Welcome to the Social Impact Accelerator! We will hold a short kickoff meeting to review the timeline and expectations of the accelerator so that we are ready to get started during our first workshop.
October – My Community and Its Opportunities
Workshop I: Wednesday, Oct. 12th, 2022
We will hit the ground running in our first workshop, where you will meet your cohort and begin exploring your project. During our first workshop, we will explore how to research a social issue in your community from an asset-based perspective and start reflecting on what ideas you have in mind to develop a service project.
In addition to the first workshop, you will get a chance to meet with your small group for the first time and sign up for a 1:1 mentor meeting. Throughout the month, you will also work through Design Thinking modules 1 and 2 to help you define your community and its needs.
November – Design & Project Proposal
Workshop II: Wednesday, Nov. 9th, 2022
The fun continues as we start the second workshop with a game night to get the creative juices flowing! This workshop will get you started on the path of brainstorming project ideas and creating a prototype and a project proposal, which will help you prepare to implement the project.
In your small group meeting and 1:1 mentor meeting, you will be able to receive feedback and support for your initial project design and event. During asynchronous time, you will use the Design Thinking modules 3 and 4 to further help you navigate the process of ideation and prototyping.
December – Implementation and Evaluation I
Workshop III: Wednesday, Dec. 14th, 2022
This is an exciting month where your project starts coming to fruition! The third workshop will be a space to get the last-minute details into place so you’re ready to implement your service project. Additionally, you will complete assignments that will help you test run your event before implementation. Get ready to shake out your preparation nerves!
Throughout the month, you will get to meet with your group and mentor to discuss the successes and challenges of your phase I of implementation!
January – Making Adjustments, Implementing II
Workshop IV: Wednesday, Jan. 11th, 2022
Learning by doing is a great way to call this phase. All the preparations led you to the most awaited moment: the implementation phase. In this workshop and throughout the month the group will be reviewing the first part of the implementation phase, proposing changes, and getting feedback from mentors to improve and take each service project to the next level!
February – Evaluation of Progress and Impact
Workshop V: Wednesday, Feb. 8th, 2022
Be proud of what you’ve accomplished so far! In this final workshop, you will prepare for the Social Impact Summit where you get to share the progress and impact of your project and hear from the rest of your cohort about theirs. After the Summit, we will hold a graduation for everyone who completes the program where you will receive service hours and your $500 award towards a future AMIGOS program.
February – Social Impact Summit
Wednesday, Feb. 8th, 2022
The long-awaited moment: the social impact summit has arrived! During this event, each participant will have the opportunity to present to the rest of the group and other FRIENDS what their service project was about and how the development process was. There will be brainstorming and a graduation to celebrate achievements and receive different prizes!
