Wednesday, April 15, 2015

Growth Comes in Many Forms!

Our growth over the past year has been fueled by hard work,
deep faith and our willingness to ask for support from our community. At each stage of this journey we have seen that it is our steadfastness and resilience that has shown we are an investable entity. 


Much like the people we support, we too, are proving our worth each step of the way. We have managed to create jobs, build a community of like minded people and foster other social enterprises along the way.

Each week, in our shop, at the Jacksonville Farmers Market, we get to meet people from all over our community. We are ever astounded at the diversity of our city. We get to learn about their lives and support their goals be them health, business or personal. The goal of Character Counts is to foster discussions and experiences that help us live to the Six Pillars of Character. The shop at the JFM allows us to welcome these exchanges and build relationships based on character.

It is quite an honor to host this space. We feel so privileged to  bear witness to the many stories that are told week to week. It has been so inspiring to hear how others over come hardship and find courage day to day. 


We hope you will find the time to spend a few minutes with us out at the Market. Your insights and wisdom will add to the magic of the space!


Tuesday, March 11, 2014

The One Spark Lessons: Involved to Evolve


http://www.beonespark.com/creator_project/preview
Join us April 9-13
Workscapes Jacksonville
121 West Forsyth Street
Project #20538
Project No. 20538
Project No. 20538
Project No. 20538


As we prepare for One Spark, I am struck at the energy that is being created around us.

While sharing what we are working on, resources and people are being attracted to our mission: To bring resources to other social enterprises to fuel growth and sustainability.

Articulating and sharing our mission has helped us see anew. It has helped us to see how all that we have learned while creating Conscious Eats has fueled how we want to help others on their path to creating livelihoods and change.

Building Conscious Eats has taught us that fostering meaningful alliances within our community is critical. Working to build a social enterprise is complex. While creating a business we are also creating an educational platform that will empower those who are involved to evolve. 


Some days the vision is sparkling and clear, other days the vastness of it all confuses us. Yet as we step forward day to day, each and every lessons brings us closer to realizing the dream of employing those who have struggled to find their place in the world. Our commitment to this vision is strengthened and fueled each step along this path...

Read our One Spark vision!

Tuesday, February 18, 2014

Why is CCINJAX interested in design dialogues?

This free monthly lunch has been created to foster interdisciplinary dialogue within the design and social change communities. We believe in the power of design to engage and transform. The goal of this monthly event is to explore the discipline of design as well as the many facets of it. All change agents are welcome to join the dialogue. As we work to refine the design of our city, we hope these gatherings will inspire a spirit of collaboration and shared values. 

Why is CCINJAX interested in design? 
Florence Haridan the Executive Director of the organization has been a designer her whole career. Before leading our non-profit, her roles as a leader have always been grounded in design thinking. 
 

As she brings the work of CC to life, she has leveraged her knowledge of design to to create and implement programs, projects and products. She believes the discipline of design is critical in the social change process and is often referred to as a design advocate. 

Today the Conscious brands are guided by design thinking and it is this discipline we believe will bring the social enterprises long term sustainable success. 

Hosted by Workscapes Jacksonville,  a proud sponsor of Character Counts! in Jacksonville.

A light healthy lunch will be provided by Conscious Eats, the social enterprise of CCinJAX.

Space is limited to 30.
RESERVE your space for March 7

RESERVE your space for April 4

Would you like to support the work of Character Counts! in Jacksonville? Please bring along a bag of plain nuts or dried fruits. They are used to create fund raising products. 





Sunday, February 16, 2014

Adversity As A Change Agent

Who do you show up as during times of adversity?

What aspect of your character is revealed?
Strengthened? 

Questioned?

Each of us has the opportunity to live and breathe into our character during times of turmoil. As we participate/witness systems that are flawed, broken and misunderstood, we are often called to voice our opinions.

HOW we voice those thoughts is critical to igniting meaningful dialogue and in turn taking right action. We ask that YOU consider how your character will be revealed and what the legacy of your words and actions will create. 


Creating a community based on trustworthiness, respect, responsibility, fairness, caring and citizenship, we MUST look within and allow ourselves to be held to the next level of accountability. It is in that commitment, we inspire others to do the same. 

How are you showing up today?


Monday, February 3, 2014

The Road to One Spark!

As we evolve and expand what we are doing in our One Spark Space
we will be sharing the team, the inspirations and the lessons!

Tuesday, January 7, 2014

What can a bagel turn into?

Could be anything!

The team at Conscious Eats is curious!! Our partner Einstein Bagels generously donates their end of day stash to us. We are busy developing products that our employees can create and market. What's your idea?

We have a few but are interested in what you are thinking.

If you are curious about our creations come visit us at the King Street Market most Wednesdays, starting January 15th. 5-8 at Intuition Ale Works.

If you place a comment here, we will give you a free treat to taste!!


Thursday, December 5, 2013

The ROI of Giving

EVENT POSTPONED: Will POST when rescheduled.

Each day we are asked to give our attention, our resources and often our hearts to individuals, causes or ideas. How and why we decide where we invest is critical to achieving the right results, that will make a life or a community better.


The question we have been considering, as resources become more precious is, are we giving or are we investing?

We believe it is about investing. When we give, are we to expect an outcome, most often not. Yet over the years of researching this topic, I have found this to be a falsehood. We have a natural expectation that when we give, there will be a result. Our innate desire to make a difference in the world is connected to our ability to manage the resurces we have to achieve the greatest result. 

Quite simply, the goal of igniting this conversation is to get each of us to think more strategically on how and where we give for the greatest impact in our community.

Join us January 9th at Everbank stadium for an afternoon of discussion, passion and purpose.

We ask you to consider...

Business Owners:  
• What charitable organization touches your heart?
• Who do you decide to give to?
• How does your community investment affect your brand?
• What social impact is your business most proud of?


Non-Profits, Social Entrepreneurs:
• What makes you investable?
• What makes your organization worthy of investment?
• How are you articulating return on investment to your donors? Funders?


 Individuals:
• Where are you volunteering? 
• Are you learning while volunteering? 
• What skills are being honed?

These are hard questions to consider. Join us to explore these questions as a community. Come away with new perspectives and insights that will inspire action!










Join author Robert Clancy for an afternoon of inspirational stories and spiritual highlights from his acclaimed new book, The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Soul. Through thought-provoking excerpts and open dialogue, experience how volunteerism, community service and a compassion for humanity can help shape your career, bring deeper meaning to your business and enlighten your soul!

After Robert shares his insights we will have time to speak with each other and listen to a panel of local and national business leaders and philanthropists. Our special guests are finalizing their calenders. As we know more we will post!

Three "take-aways":
• Learn how community service can tangibly enhance your business and your bottom line.
• Discover how volunteerism truly makes a difference in our community and why you    should be involved on deeper levels.
• Gain insights on how to engage with volunteers and donors in new ways.

This thought provoking afternoon is sure to fire you up and inspire your next move in the giving community!


Register NOW!
Cost: $45 Individual • $180 - Buy 4 - Get 5  • $360 - Buy 8 - Get 10

This event is proudly sponsored by Everbank, Hunter & Associates, Bold Bean Coffee Roasters. and Einstein Bagels 

Are you interested in sponsorship? Spots still available!

This event is proudly supported by AIGA Jacksonville and Jacksonville American Marketing Association