CY 101: Putting Idealism to Work

The Putting Idealism to Work list, or PITW’s, is a set of inspirational and practical advice for making the most of your City Year, written by City Year CEO and co-founder Michael Brown, but contributed to by many, many people. The list includes tips and techniques for getting things done effectively and efficiently. PITW’s also encourage you to be a better leader. PITWs give suggestions on how to reflect and dig deeper into the meaning of service and how to better understand ourselves, our teammates and our organization. They push you to challenge yourself and leave your comfort zone. They promote teamwork.

This list is generated from corps and staff suggestions, and is incorporated into the Daily Briefing at Unity Rally. Meetings as teams or departments are often kicked off with a subject-appropriate PITW.

Examples:

PITW #66: Do three “squishy” things a day. You know you are truly leading when you do at least three things a day that make you a little bit uncomfortable.

PITW #100: City Year is an act of will. City Year does not have a solitary institutional base. City Year is essentially a collective act of will of many people and institutions. As a full-time member of the City Year community, your actions of will make a huge difference.

PITW #140: Take personal responsibility for your own well-being. Often the first thing we lose at City Year is sleep, followed closely by our perspective. It’s very important for all of us to get healthy doses of both, and ensure there is balance in our life and work. Prepare yourself mentally, physically, and emotionally for the times of the year that are harder than others.

PITW #159: This is hard. Be strong.