LBDI Advocate: Melissa McAlpine

Donate Here: https://www.jlminneapolis.org/fundraisers/lbdi/

Our members are wearing the same black dress or outfit for five consecutive days from September 20-24, 2021. Wearing an outfit for five straight days draws attention to the opportunity gap by symbolizing one of the many barriers to learning for high mobility students – not having consistent access to their own clothes, toys and books. LBDI gives us an opportunity to celebrate and fund JLM’s projects that inspire a love of learning, which can help kids who face these kinds of pressures.

• How many years have you been in the JLM? What committee are you on?

• With so many great organizations to support, why should others choose to support the JLM?

JLM is passionate about improving the community through volunteerism  –  its members roll up their sleeves and get the work done. JLM is also committed to developing the potential of women.

• What do you enjoy about volunteering with the JLM? What motivates you to volunteer?

It’s the connections for me – the connections with the children and their families at our community partners and the connections with JLM members.

• What prompted you to join in the LBDI initiative this year?

I had such a positive experience last year and want to replicate it while having the opportunity to bring attention to the opportunity gap and JLM’s community projects.

• What do you hope to gain from this experience?

I hope to continue to raise awareness about the opportunity gap and the underlying issues that negatively impact learning for high mobility students and contribute to the opportunity gap.

• What do you do when you aren’t working or volunteering?

Being somewhat new to Minnesota, I enjoy exploring and being a tourist in the Twin Cities and the surrounding area – especially the lakes. I also love running along the Mississippi River, practicing yoga, reading historical fiction, and cooking/baking.