#iwill #DayFive

Our last day in Boston, and another set of brilliantly mind-expanding discussions and exchanges of ideas.

We started at City Year which places young people into "high need" schools for a year of service. Great to meet the CEO and co-founder Michael Brown and hear about the original vision, and then from two AmeriCorps members - Erin and Erin! - who told their story about what they do and (crucially) why they do it.

Then on to Boston Cares - to speak with the dynamic duo Patrice Keegan and Sarah Hamilton. Their work around corporate engagement in service and volunteering in Boston is extensive and impressive - and we also loved their honest and refreshing insight into the wider context around service.

We ended the day at Boston University, where Prof Steve Ellenwood of the School of Education focused on experimental learning and service learning, joined by his colleague Orpheo Speer of the University Community Service Centre. We also heard from students Clare, Eric and Amber - and with them we really got to dig a bit deeper into motivations and equity of access. A key theme emerging is "transactional service" is not enough - you have to go deeper into delivering social change.

Boston has had so many highlights - and is a sensational city too. I think I will be back!

Tomorrow - Miami!