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As an Operations Manager at CS, I spend most of my time trying to figure out how to make our internal processes smoother, so we can spend more time creating amazing applications. All that to say I don’t get to explore the web too often. However, sometimes our developers will tell me about cool new technology or web ‘initiatives’ that I have to check out. Such was the case with the Pepsi Refresh Project.

When I realized that Pepsi was offering grant money to various non profits and community organizations instead of spending tons on Super Bowl ads I was blown away. What a great idea to both raise your brands public image and help change communities across the U.S. As an active volunteer in East Nashville through such organizations as the KIPP School, YMCA youth sports, United Way, and City Church, I thought it couldn’t hurt to apply for a cause I started about 2 years ago called Clean East.

I dream of an East Nashville with no drug paraphernalia littering the steps of our library. Where trash doesn’t blow like tumble weeds through the lawns of our schools. This is possible only through the powerful combination of community responsibility and labor. Our adults and students need to come together to own the problem and work together for the solution. Clean East will do this by organizing community ‘walks’ where every volunteer is given empty trash bags, and protective gloves. Focusing the walks Neighborhood by Neighborhood will allow us to pull in students, teachers, and parents thereby empowering the change we seek physically (beautify the streets) and mentally (community responsibility). I believe this will refresh East Nashville in a way that could impact a generation.

So that’s the story and the pitch. If you have a few minutes to vote, I would greatly appreciate it. http://www.refresheverything.com/cleaneast