Project From Another Class: Global Leadership in Peru Action Project
“#ThankYou Movement” Proposal
Jace Newell and Gigi Rowland
Background
When in Peru, we noticed that many people dismissed or failed to acknowledge the individuals working on the streets. Generally, these people did not receive the same amount of respect as individuals who worked in more traditional and professional settings. The lack of appreciation and empathy people had for these workers was evident.
We made similar observations in the dining courts of Purdue University. We have continuously noticed that more frequently than not, the consumers of these courts seem to mindlessly swipe their card, take their food, and walk away with little-to-no acknowledgment of the people standing right behind the serving tables. It’s time to change these thoughtless actions into thoughtful intentions.
Thus, we are proposing a first-of-its-kind plan called the #ThankYou Movement right here in Wiley Dining Court of Purdue University—a mission with the purpose to foster community and encourage interaction.
Need and Relevance to You & Your Communities
We hold an immense passion for inspiring and initiating conversations between people of all backgrounds and differences. Growing and enhancing our intercultural competence through the lens of positive interaction is essential to us, and, we believe, every person of the Purdue community. We are advocates for connecting people to people, always.
When speaking with Manager of Student Success Mary Jo Zeiser and Manager of Earhart Dining Court Kathy Vill about implementing our project in Wiley Dining Court,
They formally confirmed our observations, noting the lack of interaction that exists between the consumers and staff of the Purdue Dining Courts.
They mentioned that at Wiley, specifically, due to a busy buzz of constant activity compared to other, less popular Purdue Dining Courts, there is noticeably less interaction and connections between consumers and staff.
They reaffirmed the amount of improvement that our project could create. Kathy, with a warm smile, mentioned, “You can never have enough love!”
Objectives
We will humanize the differences between servers and consumers. Take the time to notice, thank, and get to know your server.
We will educate the consumers of the Purdue Dining Courts on the efforts involved in turning singular ingredients to the food on their plates.
Completed through pamphlets and flyers with a QR code that will link consumers to statements and experiences from service workers.
We will personalize the issue to motivate people to change their behavior and make a lasting, meaningful impact.
The positive change will be noticeable in the impact statements and increased amount of “thank yous” collected throughout the process.
SMART Plan
Specific
We are targeting one Purdue Dining Court rather than all of them.
Wiley Dining Court is our choice due to its high amount of activity and resultant lack of engagement.
We will interview the same six to ten Purdue Dining Court staff throughout our entire project duration.
Measurable
We will record multiple impact statements and video testimonials from consumers and staff throughout October.
At the beginning (October 1st), middle (October 14th), and end (October 28th).
The number of interactions with the QR codes will also provide an idea of consumer engagement.
Attainable
Being narrowed to one Purdue Dining Court allows for more substantial impact.
Through educating consumers via multiple resources, we are allowing accessible exposure.
Materials needed are all relatively low priced and typically easy to update when needed.
Relevant
In achieving our objective goals, we will foster a positive community and create a more welcoming environment.
We will create a bridge between the consumer and the server so that stronger and more personalized relationships can be formed.
Time-Constrained
We plan to have the final two weeks of September to gather resources and prepare the educational materials.
QR code and URL
Initial impact statements
Flyers and posters
The entire month of October will consist of putting our plan into action, which includes updating the materials, specifically the QR codes, and gathering impact statements.
Timeline & Critical Thinking
Approval → Have Mary Jo Zeiser, the Manager of Student Success for the Purdue Dining Services, analyze, critique, and, most importantly, approve our Action Plan (September 14th). She will then reach out to Kari Glebe, Director of Residential Dining, to confirm that we can put our plan into action at Wiley Dining Court (September 19th)
We are seeking out any suggestions and recommendations.
Materials → Should have the following designed and created (September 28th).
Laminated Pamphlets
Pre-programmed QR code and URL link connected to our digital flyer.
Chalk & Window Art
Drawn near the doors and on the windows to Wiley Dining Court.
Physical Flyers & Posters
Placed and posted in and around Wiley Dining Court.
Social Media (September 19th)
Will communicate with various established social media about promoting our Action Plan.
Maintaining booths → In-person advertisement at Wiley Dining Court
Will be done for one meal each weekend (October 6th, 13th, 20th, and 27th)
Check-In #1 → Pre-movement check with Wiley Dining Court staff, administration, and consumers (October 1st).
Impact statements and video testimonials.
Check-In #2 → Halfway check with Wiley Dining Court staff, administration, and consumers (October 14th).
Impact statements and video testimonials.
Check-In #3 → Final check with Wiley Dining Court staff, administration, and consumers (October 28th).
Impact statements and video testimonials.
Publish Final Words → Inform the Wiley Dining Court staff, administration, and consumers on the impact their change in behavior has caused (November 4th).
Impact statements and video testimonials.
Limitations
Decisions from Mary Jo Zeiser and Wiley Court Dining higher-ups regarding our aspirations as instigators of the #ThankYou Movement.
Encouraging consumers of the Purdue Dining Courts to engage with the educational materials we have allowed them access.
Includes—but is not limited to—motivating them to interact with the QR codes and turn their knowledge into action.
We will counteract this limitation by doing the following:
Maintaining booths for one meal per weekend.
Bi-daily table checks to restock and update materials.
Word of mouth and the power of communication.
Intended Learning Outcomes & Skill Development
Understand the importance of forming not only personal but intentional connections with that one may often find themselves shying away.
Understand how to motivate and inspire others to act.
Understand how to better communication skills, which are essential to daily life.
To grow as an empathetic leader who does the following:
Acknowledge everyone without bias.
Acknowledge despite differences or preconceived notions.
Acknowledge as a challenge to one’s comfort and convenience.
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