RockyGrass

I've spent a few hours down at Planet Bluegrass this week doing some video work and hanging out with the luthiers. I wish I was building an instrument right now. The instructors are so totally lovely, and it's such a pleasure to be in the Planet Bluegrass environment during this week. I would have done the academy as well, but I need to focus on Girls Education International and my curbside recycling and compost business--Lyons Curbside Recycling & Compost. In fact, I really need to get out and start handing flyers out today... I'm procrastinating. It's hot and I'm tired, but I'm off.

Interesting article on female philanthropy accelerating positive change

In recent years, interest in philanthropy for and by women has intensified, accompanied by a growing acceptance of the idea that philanthropic investments in women and girls can accelerate positive change in communities. To understand this evolution in thinking and practice within philanthropy, the Foundation Center partnered with the Women’s Funding Network, a global movement of women’s funds, to chart the current landscape of philanthropy focused on women and girls and document the specific role played by women’s funds. Read more here.

Hallett Peak, rafting on the Poudre, and Mexican food

OK, I just had to post today because I had such a fantastic weekend. I hitched a ride with my friend Ryan to Fort Collins on Friday night to meet up with another friend Justin. The three of us, plus their roommate Kyle, took the speed boat (well, sort of speed boat) out onto Horsetooth Reservoir, rode into a cove, and then swam by a bunch of neat sandstone boulders, on which I was able to boulder a bit. Fun stuff. We followed that with an excellent dinner at my absolute favorite Mexican restaurant--La Taqueria Las Comales (real Mexican food, as opposed to crappy Americanized bland Mexican fare). The next morning we met up with Ryan's girlfriend and a bunch of Ryan's friends and went rafting all day on the Poudre, followed by a b-day BBQ for Ryan.

Yesterday, Madaleine and I climbed Hallett Peak. We arrived at the parking lot around 8:30 or 9 and probably started climbing around 10-10:30. Because there were four parties on or around our desired line (In Between), we chose the Love Route, which was out of the way of the rock that was falling from In Between & the Culp-Bossier (Mad nearly got pegged with one rock that fell--very scary. I will always wear my helmet at the base of that wall). We did the route in four long pitches, which was great fun, topped out pretty early and then sat by Emerald Lake for a while. 

The only downer to the whole weekend was the Mexican restaurant--La Casa Grande--that we ate at after Hallett. It's in Estes. After eating amazing authentic Mexican food at "the Taq", I was really disappointed to eat crappy, bland, greasy sludge at La Casa Grande. I would normally feel bad slandering a restaurant, but the fact that they charged us $50 for pretty gross food was incredibly disappointing. 

Curbside recycling and compost

I started a curbside recycling and compost business. I want to write less and do something more hands on within my community. I'm really excited about this idea. I have no idea if it will work, but it is minimal investment, so I might as well try! My business is called Lyons Recycling & Compost. Check out my website: www.LyonsRecycling.com.

Applying for grants for my nonprofit

Today I'm applying for grants. I am, in fact, sending one off in a few moments. I looked for months for grants that would be appropriate to both fund the programs and also operational costs of Girls Education International. Within a few days of joining PulseWire.com and networking with a dozen women around the world, I had a pretty comprehensive list of grants compiled. I'm impressed with the networking I can do with that organization. Thanks to those ladies from Sudan and elsewhere who helped me. Now, wish me luck in getting some of those grants! I'm sending one off today, and hopefully one per week off for the next few months. I want to make this happen!

News of Girls Education International, looking for office space, and more!

There is a lot of cool stuff happening with Girls Education International right now. We have just had two computers and a printer donated, and we found some very reasonable office space that we can have if we can come up with between $810-$900 for the next six months. We sent out our first comprehensive enewsletter last month, we finished up a full year of our Liberia Scholarship Program and await our girls' grades, and we completely renovated our website. Check it out: www.GirlsEd.org.

Heidi and I have both committed to working hard on Girls Ed. We were inspired by our recently deceased friend, Jonny Copp, who pursued his passions and lived his dreams. Though always motivated, we both feel an a renewed sense of dedication to our cause. My feeling is, why waste my time doing other things when what I really want to do is spend the rest of my life educating as many girls as possible around the globe.

Our renewed excitement is manifesting in various ways. Heidi is focusing on fundraising efforts, such as developing our signature events and speaking engagements, while I continue to build the infrastructure of the organization and develop an effective and efficient board of directors. We have two new members and are talking with two other potential members over the next few weeks!. Additionally, we have a number of valuable professionals advising us on everything from our business plan to mission statements. This is the most exciting time I've ever experienced in regards to Girls Education International. 

We are also focusing on building a relationship with a nonprofit in Pakistan so that we can start a program over there this summer. We are close. I can feel it. Heidi is spearheading the effort. Wish us luck! And, if you know someone who is as passionate about our cause as we are, please connect them to us! Thanks so much.

-Lizzy Scully

Executive Director

Help Girls Ed Education Girls Around The World!!!

We've found some great shared office space in downtown Boulder. The total cost will be between $135 and $150, which is a screaming deal. However, we still need some support to pay for this initially. We're looking for six months of cash support, which is just $810 to $900. Is there someone out there who wants to help me and Heidi educate underserved girls around the world? If so, please drop us a note! We're waiting for you! Thanks. :)