Describe your nonprofit’s mission.
Our mission is to empower the next generation of global leaders through education, collaboration, and digital networking.
We unite two of America’s premier universities, William & Mary and the University of Virginia, William Short’s Morven, and the homes of three Founding Fathers, Thomas Jefferson’s Monticello, James Madison’s Montpelier and James Monroe’s Highland.
The Precinct uses next generation digital tools combined with a deep and abiding appreciation for the lessons of history to help inform and train this next generation of leaders.
What need in our community brought about the creation of your nonprofit?
Our mission is to empower the next generation of global leaders through education, collaboration, and digital networking.
We unite two of America’s premier universities, William & Mary and the University of Virginia, William Short’s Morven, and the homes of three Founding Fathers, Thomas Jefferson’s Monticello, James Madison’s Montpelier and James Monroe’s Highland.
The Precinct uses next generation digital tools combined with a deep and abiding appreciation for the lessons of history to help inform and train this next generation of leaders.
How has your nonprofit made a difference in our community?
In addition to our commitment to impact communities all around the world, we value the necessity of our local community to make this change possible. Presidential Precinct programs contribute to the global influence of the greater Charlottesville and Williamsburg communities. Our network gives small businesses and nonprofits the opportunity to dialogue with entrepreneurs from all over the world to learn new skills, find expert advice, and exchange ideas.
How can community members help you achieve your mission?
Community members have several ways of engaging in Presidential Precinct programs. We host multiple events annually that are open to the public, and many other programs offer the roles of community partners. Small businesses and nonprofits, as community partners, have the opportunity to host a program fellow for a 4-6 week program. These fellows are matched based on similarities in product or business. The Precinct is also always searching for community service and other local opportunities for program fellows to engage in.
Tell us a story that has come out of your work.
Grace Jerry is a music artist and disability rights advocate in Nigeria. She came to the Precinct last summer as a Mandela Washington Fellow.
Thirteen years ago Grace was in a car accident that left her paralyzed from the waist down. A few days after Grace arrived to the Precinct, she approached us in tears and said that for the first time since her accident, she felt freedom…freedom thanks to a society that takes in consideration disabilities and accessibility when designing buildings, walkways, toilets and public transportation.
During the first week of her Mandela Washington Fellowship, Grace performed an impromptu performance of her original YALI Tribute “E Go Happen” [Yes We Can] in Charlottesville. Grace’s inspirational song is about all people, regardless of backgrounds, finding their voice to become a catalyst for change. Grace’s performance became an Internet sensation and received over 100,000 views within 24 hours of posting it online.
We later took Grace to a recording studio in Charlottesville to produce her song and filmed a music video.
After the video was released, the White House invited Grace to represent the 2015 Mandela Washington Fellowship and introduce President Obama at the Presidential Summit in Washington DC to over 500 Fellows participating in the Mandela Washington Fellowship across the U.S.
Grace is now performing all around Sub-Saharan Africa and promoting disabilities rights. She is pushing the conversation forward and is dedicating her life to shape policy that provides better rights and accessibility to people with disabilities.
Learn more about The Presidential Precinct
Meet Your Nonprofit is a special feature brought to you in partnership with Center for Nonprofit Excellence.
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