The 1010 Project, Inc.

Needs Statement

The multidimensional cycle of poverty devastates billions of people each and every day.

Poverty Matters
As an organization, we believe that the poverty of our global neighbors should be on our hearts and minds as we go about daily life. Because our actions and choices have the power to impact others both negatively and positively on the other side of the planet. We must be proactive in dealing with the fact that billions of people on this planet live in poverty.

Relationship Matters
It is neither adequate nor effective enough to simply deliver aid; entering into a relationship with those we are serving and those who serve us is imperative. These relationships allow us to see that the delivery of aid and assistance is a reciprocal act. There is much we have to learn and understand from our global neighbors. In as such, we strive and are intentional about investing the time, energy and overall effort in building friendships across borders and cultures.

Justice Matters
The very existence of poverty on a globe of plenty is wrong. It is an antithesis to what we know to be right and just. The fact that much of the world’s resources are consumed by a few while the rest of the world struggles for daily survival is an injustice that can and must be corrected. Poverty is a human rights issue because adequate food, clean water, shelter, health care, education and employment are all attainable for every member of humanity.

Community Matters
Never before in the history of the world have communities domestically been able to connect with communities abroad with such ease and efficiency. Globalization and communication technologies have created a world of unprecedented interconnectedness and interdependence. However, the global poor remain marginalized and are not recipients of the benefits that globalization and global economic growth afford.

The 1010 Project endorses the United Nations’ Millennium Development Goals (MDGs). Our local partners are schools, orphanages, women's empowerment groups, microfinance institutions, and HIV/AIDS support groups that are managed by social entrepreneurs working together to achieve the MDGs at the community level.

In order to break the cycle of poverty and achieve the MDGs, The 1010 Project enables people to "Join the Story" and contribute their time, talent, and treasure.

"Join the Story" is both an invitation and a declaration:

An invitation
to unite with a human network
of responsible global citizens
enacting creative and innovative solutions
for the betterment of our interdependent and interconnected world.

A declaration
that the cycle of poverty is breaking
because individuals and groups,
one plus one,
are learning and working together.

Background Statement

Andrew Syed founded The 1010 Project in response to the paramount crises facing sub-Saharan Africa, and more specifically the issues of extreme poverty and the HIV/AIDs pandemic. Incorporated as a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization in May of 2003, The 1010 Project was created to:

*Research specific impoverished regions through engagement with those living in poverty, networking with other organizations committed to alleviating poverty, and exploring micro-development strategies;

*Educate groups and individuals in affluent countries concerning the issues surrounding impoverished peoples through communicating the need, providing additional resources for these groups and individuals to explore the issues further, and motivating groups and individuals to take action;

*Connect the needs of impoverished regions with the resources of affluent potential donor groups and individuals through partnerships with existing projects, initiating new projects, and creating opportunities for donors to engage personally;

*Solicit financial and other forms of support and involvement from individuals as well as other entities, both in the United States and in other countries, to achieve the purposes; and

*Maintain an attitude of service in the research, development, and implementation of any projects.

Executive Director Statement

It is an honor, privilege, and dream come true for me to be a part of The 1010 Project team. I am daily humbled by the commitment and sacrifice displayed by the staff, interns, volunteers, board, supporters, participants, and partners. It is truly inspiring to be involved with a group that exemplifies its' mission - creative and innovative people learning and working together to break the cycle of poverty for life. It is also encouraging to work with people that incorporate the following organizational values into their lifestyles.

"Here is their vision statement:
The cycle of poverty broken for every family in every impoverished community around the world.
Ambitious, I know.
That's what I love about them. "
-long time supporter, Jared