Testimonials

“My week at the Jam helped me to realize that I can't leverage privilege for social change by getting a great education, or designing communication satellites, or optimizing an investment portfolio, or facilitating establishment of a charitable lead trust. Rather, leverage comes from conversations - open, honest conversations with other passionate, visionary and transparent individuals like those the Jam attracts. Leverage comes from linking arms, building bridges, and inspiring movements toward common goals. My Jam experience was a beautiful balance of humility and empowerment.”

- Erik Falconer, 33, Falconer Group Family Wealth Management, Traverse City, MI

“This week I lived the world I’ve tried to envision: in a beautiful, natural surrounding, with bountiful, healthy food and enveloped in the support, trust creatively and honesty of truly compassionate leaders for change. And so I have learned because I have lived – that community is a two-way street. Just as I listen with an open mind and an open heart to the insights of others, so I too will continue to prioritize creating stillness to listen to my own instinct and humanity in my heart. This is the only authentic starting point for contributing my gifts and talents to the ongoing, daily efforts of creating a more humane and loving world for all.”

-Kate Barron

“ I came to the Jam feeling as if I had lost my sense of direction in helping to heal the world. I now leave with a deep clarity on where I need to be going and how I can get there. I believe that this is an insight I would not attain on my own, during a vacation, or by talking to people I did not feel connected to. This jam has given me the chance to love and share and be more open and truthful to myself. It has helped me to find a way.”

- Kimmie Weeks, 23, International Coalition for Children and the Environment, Norwich, CT

"[The Jam has] given me tools to accomplish my dreams... given me hope for a just world and a loving community. I will always remember the summer of 2008, as a stage for my next level of growth. Thank you for the support!"

Evelyn Arce-Whitem Director, International Funders for Indigenous Peoples, Akwesasne, NY

"These past few days you have created a portal with in the hearts and minds of the blessed individuals who have partaken in this journey. A portal between worlds, the world of light, love and spirit and the world that has done every thing in its power to veil that from our eyes. Unspeakable love was opened up, unveiled and freely shared in a way that I have not experienced before. It was such an enriching experience. Everything seems possible. You can say love conquers all, but those words do not compare to the direct experience of love triumphant which really happened, it was a real experience that filled me with new life force. I had no idea what I was stepping into. So…thank you." --

Chris Rockafeller Lindstrom

"Before attending the LPSC, I didn't know how a week, could transform people. It made me reflect a lot, and I'm motivated to put some ideas now into action. Thanks for leading this process, and setting up an environment and agenda to help me understand my role in philanthropy".

- Daniela Nascimento, 30, Sao Paolo, Brazil

"I loved everything. I wish zillions of people could go through these. I can already see practical ways that I will collaborate with at least nine people I met here and we will work from a foundation and community of trust. Most partnerships, organizations and movements that I've seen implode or become dysfunctional because they lack the community and informal relationship building that YES! is so good at cultivating. I feel rejuvenated and re-connected with the spirit of my work."

- Billy Wimsatt, 29, Founder, League of Young Voters

“ I have felt so privileged to be at the jam. I have learned that my mind, heart, and body need equal refueling of hope and vision. I have come here with a question of how and what. How can I live my life to fulfill my vision and values and what steps do I take in that direction? I have found those answers. I have met the people who can show me the way and I am taking those steps. Thank you to everyone for sharing your souls and for giving me a place where I could share mine. I want to spread the word that no one has to feel alone in this world.”

- Rebecca Jones, 29, Los Angeles, CA

“ I have been inspired by every person at the jam. I have no doubt that this inspiration will make me a more loving and committed person. I am a better conduit for change because of the jam. I have learned that my own fear is the only thing that can hold back my love and that there are people who help me find the courage to overcome that fear.”

- Robin Beck, 25, The Max and Anna Levinson Foundation, Brooklyn, NY

“The Jam is a movement, a growing alliance of diverse young people who are uniting to promote social and political transformation. The Jam has grounded me. It has helped me find a quiet inside myself that I have not heard for a long time. The Jam helps all who participate realize that diversity is our greatest teacher and healer. The circles of the Leveraging Privilege For Social Change Jam will revolutionize the rising movement of young philanthropy.

- Jonah Wittkamper, 30, Global Youth Action Network, Sao Paolo, Brazil

“It has been so good for me to connect on a human level with such a diversity of people and to have a real sense of being a part of a much larger network of hope in this very broken world. After this week, I feel like I have a very tangible sense of how I am a part of a much larger movement and a much deeper flow. Thank you!”

- Rose Feerick, 34, Harvest Time, San Jose, CA

“ This Jam has helped me recognize and appreciate my power and privilege. It has opened my eyes to all that are possible when community and honesty come together. I am deeply grateful to be part of this community and leave here with a renewed commitment to give all that I can to the world.”

- Katrina Behrend, 24, Rudolf Steiner Foundation, San Francisco, CA

“ I am deeply grateful for the shared visions that have lead this incredible group of people together in this magical location for a week. I have gained insight into other communities to which I’ve never been, but also into myself, my community, and my reasons for wanting to change the world I walk through every day, the world I visit when I travel, and the world I read about, watch, and listen to in the media. Thank you for broadening my perspective and opening my heart even wider.”

- Austin Willacy, 35, Singer/Songwriter, San Francisco, CA

“This event is such a living laboratory for the beauty of the human spirit to be displayed. I have been humbled and invigorated by the participants and challenged to step deeply into my life commitments and visions.”

- Michael Steiner, 20, Voice of Youth, Longmont, CO.