• Issue 31 Winter 2009
  Fueling [Our Community] With Positive Human Energy

What better way to spread positive energy than through volunteer work benefiting your community? Team ignition took to the street just before the 2008 Christmas Holiday to do just that. As volunteers for the Moving in the Spirit Holiday Store we helped reward the positive behaviors and achievements of underserved urban youth.

“In my 22 years of doing this, I have never witnessed such an inspiring, funny and brilliant group of Corporate folks,” says Dana Lupton, Co-Founder Moving in the Spirit. “I can tell that you believe in your mission and are motivated by the Spirit. In a time when the economy and world is shouting,’ the sky is falling... the sky is falling,’ your team pushed back the fear with outrageous and selfless love.”

Moving in the Spirit is a nonprofit youth development program that uses dance as a vehicle to positively transform the lives of young people living in Atlanta’s underserved urban neighborhoods. Nationally recognized for its innovative offerings and community impact, they cultivate young leaders through programs that inspire, educate and enliven. Their classes serve 3-18 year olds at a home theater, The Beam, and within community outreach sites across Atlanta.

The Holiday Store is Moving in the Spirit’s much-loved annual bazaar for the youth participating in their programs, “Points” are awarded during every dance class to students who work hard, meet their commitments and demonstrate core values. At the Holiday Store, students redeem their hard-earned points to “buy” holiday gifts for friends, family members and loved ones.

“Our volunteer day was a fantastic way for us to end the year, as a family, getting everyone in the spirit of giving,” said Amanda Daniels, Vice President.  “Bundling our positive human energy with the Moving in Spirit staff made for a contagious stream of smiles and laughter!”

Several ignitors plan to stay involved with the organization and help support their efforts whenever possible throughout the year.

Visit movinginthespirit.org to learn more and get involved.