Welcome to the "Militarily Speaking" podcast with Tom McLean and Jodi Vickery. In this episode of “Militarily Speaking,” Tom and Jodi are joined by Jessica Manfre and Brittany Raines of the Inspire Up Foundation, delve into ambitious mission to promote global generosity and kindness through education, empowerment, and community building. Together they explore their work in supporting military families and their efforts in creating impactful community projects like Giving Tuesday Military. “Militarily Speaking” is a podcast produced by Armed Forces Bank that is dedicated to the military lifestyle and all the things that makes the military community who they are. Ep. 56 – Kelly Clarkson, Kevin Bacon, and Matching Tattoos with Inspire Up Foundation Jessica Manfre and Brittany Raines explain how Inspire Up Foundation stands out for its innovative approach to fostering kindness and generosity across the globe. Jessica alongside Brittany have led the organization to not only understand the unique challenges faced by military families but actively work to alleviate those struggles through acts of kindness. Giving Tuesday Military One of the foundation's standout initiatives, Giving Tuesday Military, underscores their commitment to year-round philanthropy. Unlike the traditional Giving Tuesday, which focuses on a day of charitable giving following Thanksgiving, Giving Tuesday Military extends the spirit of generosity throughout the year. With thematic monthly prompts, the organization empowers volunteers across the states to engage in acts of kindness that resonate most with their local communities. From environmental cleanups to crafting heartfelt letters for those in service, Giving Tuesday Military exemplifies the power of collective action rooted in individual passions. Empowering Through Empathy Another compelling facet of the Inspire Up Foundation is its Spark and Inspire initiative, which reaches out to military spouses during times of need or celebration. Over a thousand boxes filled with thoughtfulness and care have been dispatched to date, serving as a tangible reminder of the network of support that exists within the military community. This act of sending a 'spark' of joy or a breath of solace to someone encountering life's myriad challenges exemplifies the foundation's deep-rooted belief in the power of empathy and understanding. The Heart of the Foundation: Leadership and Legacy At its core, the Inspire Up Foundation is driven by a leadership team that believes in the profound impact of kindness. Jessica and Brittany, through their personal and organizational endeavors, have managed to cultivate a culture of generosity that transcends borders. Their vision for the foundation is one where military bases globally engage effortlessly in Giving Tuesday Military, making kindness and volunteerism a natural part of their ethos. How You Can Play a Part The Inspire Up Foundation offers various avenues for involvement, catering to people from all walks of life. Whether through donations that are promised to stretch far and wide or by volunteering for Giving Tuesday Military to spread kindness in your community, the opportunity to make a difference is vast. Encouraging acts of kindness, both big and small, has a ripple effect that can transform communities and foster a more compassionate world. The Journey Ahead As Inspire Up Foundation continues to grow, they are looking forward to expanding their reach and impact. With a strategy deeply rooted in compassion, community building, and proactive kindness, the Inspire Up Foundation is not just changing lives; it's sculpting a future where generosity is the norm, and military families across the globe feel supported, uplifted, and valued. Military MinuteJodi introduces the Military Minute segment of the show, beginning by closing out last episode’s Military Minute.● Last episode’s Military Minute: When did the term ‘got your six’ originate?● Answer: WWI● This week’s Military Minute question: What pizza establishment did Kelly Clarkson work before eventually winning the first season of American Idol in 2002?● Watch for Facebook and Instagram posts about this episode.● Answer with the correct answer and you plus a charity of your choice can each win $50.● After a winning selection, Military Minute participants are eligible for another selection after 12 months. Tom closes the episode by asking listeners to go to www.afbank.com and subscribe to the show, as well as leave a rating and comment on your favorite podcast platform such as Apple Podcasts or Spotify. Join us to hear how to better navigate your finances, military life, and the crossroads of the two. Visit www.afbank.com
