BEST, inspired by the outstanding success of the Prison Entrepreneurship Program in Texas, transitioned from merely a dream to a full blown master's project when one of the co-founders, Karen Vander Molen, became a student in the Nelson and Sue Andrews Institute for Civic Leadership at Lipscomb University. This digital case study is dedicated to the men of BEST Cohort 1, the volunteer instructors, mentors, students, entrepreneurs and speakers, the founding BEST Team, all the TDOC employees who facilitated the successful program and especially Linda Peek Schacht, my advisor extraordinnaire. Last, but not least, this work is dedicated to my loving, patient and generous husband, Brad, without whose support BEST could not have come into existence.
HOW DOES BEST DO IT?
NEEDS
BEST needs volunteer instructors, mentors and real live entrepreneurs to help deliver instruction, guide and inspire the participants as they each create their own Launch Plans. You can come once or multiple times - it is up to you.
HOW YOU CAN GET INVOLVED
Volunteer Instructors
Do you have a background or skill set to share that connects with the BEST Values, or an entrepreneurial background? Having many different instructors with different styles keeps things interesting!
Mentors
Each participant will create their own Launch Plan, culminating in a Launch Plan Competition at the end of Phase Two. They will need help creating a compelling plan and experience pitching it to many people. If you cannot come in person, we can make other arrangements. Here's a unique opportunity to move from being a success to being significant. You will impact lives in ways you may never imagine.
Entrepreneur of the Week
Share your inspiring story of how you developed your business. No need to sugar coat it. We want to hear all about how things really work...or don't work. Let your experience become our BEST teacher!
Speaker of the Week
You may not be an entrepreneur yourself, but have knowledge to share about how businesses run, business etiquette, marketing, finance, leadership, public relations, overcoming obstacles, conflict management, or an inspiring life story to share. We'd love to learn from you too!
SHARE YOUR TREASURE
As a new program, BEST needs funding (no surprise there). The funds will pay for books, supplies, learning materials, personnel, and reentry support. This is an opportunity to change lives.
BEST Pledge
We, the members of BEST, are an elite team of highly motivated, open-minded, and enterprising individuals committed to overcoming our troubled past and diligently pursuing our hopes and dreams to achieve a successful future. We vow to take full advantage of this opportunity by becoming servant leaders and ensuring that no one is left behind. Our dedication will be made evident by our success, and we shall accept that and nothing less.
We will be the BEST!
Success and nothing less!
Curriculum
TIP TOP Gavel Club (Tennessee Inmates Progressing Toward Oratorical Preeminence) - Toastmasters International training in public speaking and leadership skills to empower and affirm individuals
House of Healing - releasing the past to build a brighter future
Hidden Curriculum - what's really going on behind the decisions we make
8 Simple Steps to Catch Your Dreams - dream it...how to plan it...finally do it!
Family Reunification - learning to deal with the past and build a future that works for everyone
Conflict Management - better ways of finding solutions to problems
Entrepreneur of the Week - visiting entrepreneurs share their stories and trials to inspire and educate
Speaker of the Week - a variety of leaders share their area of expertise and wisdom
Movies That Matter - taking a closer look at movies with a message which support our values
Pre-Flight - the EC program to develop a new business plan
Entrepreneurship: A Real World Approach - learning all the details of being an entrepreneur
ABOUT
VALUES
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