What I'm doing

To friends, family, neighbors & people wondering why I spend so much time in coffee shops but still have calluses on my hands,

I recently accepted the role of Partnership Developer with Go Connect.  I am more excited about this opportunity than any other for many years.  It seems like much of my life has led me to and prepared me for this assignment. 

I am working with another local missionary, David Bilby, on a project called Neighbor LinkUp.  It is an interactive, Internet database that connects volunteers with the people and projects that need them.  Our mission is to fight against all forms of isolation, illness and poverty by connecting generations relationally to meet practical needs. 

We are launching “beta 2.0” and my role is to foster partnerships with local organizations and churches.  Our shared effort will be the development of this process as it is applied in real time and real lives.  Neighbor LinkUp is already proven as a tool that generates helpful connections between neighbors.  Now we want to spread it like a life giving virus.

Anyone can access Neighbor LinkUp to register as a volunteer or post a need.  It makes the first step to connecting with your neighbors and your community much easier.  Over the last few months, in our “beta 1.0” phase, we have completed 33 projects, mobilized 96 volunteers and created partnerships with local agencies to supply projects.  Our database is growing rapidly and our partnerships are generating excitement! 

Would you partner with me?  There are multiple opportunities to get involved:

1.    Volunteers – hands for practical needs, ears for relationship and mentors shoulder to shoulder teaching and building character

2.    Project Coordinators – People who will administrate one or more projects

3.    Money & Materials – Go Connect is an entirely donor supported mission.  Materials for projects, administration and all the typical operational expenses are covered by people and organizations that partner with us financially or donate directly to projects. 

4.    Feedback – Beta 2.0 is about perfecting our systems so they are as useful and easy to interact with as possible.  We need people to use them, pay attention and tell us where improvement is needed.  Please be a guinea pig for us!

I’m hosting an open house (at my house - 7005 NE 179th St.) on Thursday, Nov 17^th from 8 to 8.  Stop by and buy some beans, drink some great coffee and I’ll show you the Neighbor LinkUp software.  I would love your input.  100% of proceeds from coffee sales all week (Nov 14-18) go to Go Connect. 

Look forward to sharing with you!

Curtis Miller