Foundation Grant Helps All Teachers

The T’ai Chi Chih Foundation recently underwrote the cost of 1000 color flyers and a large banner which describe and promote the new “Free T’ai Chi for Veterans” program. Part of the Foundation’s requirement for a grant is to summarize the project and experience here.

Both products lent credibility and were effective during group presentations to veterans and support organizations. The banner has been a provocative conversation starter. I distributed 700 flyers to the Delaware Association of Realtors (many of whom are veterans) because they touch lives of veterans directly and indirectly. At “Stand Down,” a health fair for veterans, I distributed 250 – while speaking with 200 vets directly and with 50 state and federal politicians, VA caregivers and employees of organizations that exclusively serve veterans. The remaining 50 were went to my SSJ Associates group (dedicated to caring for the earth and uniting those with differences). I presented the program at our annual gathering in September and within days received emails from members describing how they’d begun disseminating information all along the East Coast. One member invited me to brainstorm ways to promote the program with the Interfaith Veterans Support Groups she facilitates.

Do I know that my advertising materials will benefit other TCC teachers? No. But this program is in its natal stages nationwide, and I’m actively engaged in educating the general public and caregivers within the VA medical system as I simultaneously promote my classes. I also believe that using and distributing these advertising materials will smooth the path for other TCC teachers who choose to participate in this program.