shannon e. riley

making a difference

Back in '97-'98, I spent 1,700 hours performing community service over a 10 month stretch as part of the AmeriCorps National Civilian Community Corps. I had just finished college and was looking for a new challenge. And, uh, full disclosure: after spending countless hours studying and writing papers, I also didn't want to work a boring desk job. Or any job, really.

Alongside a team of 10, I worked in the San Diego public school system tutoring 1st and 2nd grade bilingual students, did trail maintenance and restoration at Torrey Pines and the Presidio here in SF, and lived on a remote Alaskan island that was only accessible via a 30 hour ferry ride. It was honestly one of the greatest experiences of my life - and I have a ton of great memories and strong friendships that remain to this day. I've always been a big proponent of giving back, social justice, and contributing in positive ways to the global community.

In line with that, Tolleson just launched the redesigned Goal4.org website. Goal4.org is a non–profit corporation, formed with the mission of reducing infant and child mortality. The corporation supports and has taken its name from the fourth United Nations Millennium Development Goal to reduce by two thirds the mortality rate among children under five by the year 2015. Goal4.org strongly believes that their approach will become a model that can be replicated in other communities.

My agency provided art direction, design and development pro bono for the revamped website. I also donated funds to purchase stock imagery to support the Goal4.org story. One of the founders invited me to come to Kenya. While the timing didn't work out, I really do believe in the work that Goal4.org is doing - and I can't wait to make to Africa in the near future to witness their work firsthand.