Life & Work with J-Min Jackson

Today we’d like to introduce you to J-Min Jackson.

J-Min, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
Getaway Growth originated from the personal growth each of the board members experienced during international travel. Collectively, our board has visited and/or lived in over 30 countries and participated in a variety of volunteer projects in communities abroad. Each member appreciates the personal development experienced through immersion in diverse communities and their cultural values. We believe that, due to the educational value of being immersed in cultures different from your own, access to the opportunity of having international experiences needs to be provided to underserved communities.

Getaway Growth was founded in 2021 as a 501(c)3 non-profit providing resources to underserved youth. Since then, our mission has been to remove barriers and facilitate access to international travel for youth by providing fully funded, well-balanced, and unique combinations of global experiences to foster a mindset of possibility.

Since forming, we joined and graduated with the Mockingbird Incubator’s 6th Cohort; we’ve collaborated with local businesses to engage and build stronger communities through our fundraising efforts, we developed an ebook that provides personal travel recommendations and tips from our board members, we also partnered with non-profit organizations and community leaders abroad to organize diverse, equitable, and transformative travel experiences for our students.

This summer, we completed our first student trip. Our first student cohort consisted of five students from the United States and five from the host country- Kenya. Students participated in a two-week educational program exploring intercultural competence, ethical service learning, and environmental stewardship.

Work at Getaway Growth extends beyond student trips. We collaborate with and support international non-profits with aligning missions and work with businesses local to the host country to teach our students to practice responsible tourism.

I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle free, but so far would you say the journey have been a fairly smooth road?
It definitely hasn’t been the smoothest road being a young 501(c)3 non-profit organization. Our biggest challenge, similar to other newly founded organizations, has been establishing our donor base. Being relatively new, we’re still developing and maximizing our efforts to create a reputation as an organization. Additionally, each staff and board member works on Getaway Growth as a passion project, holding full-time jobs aside from the organization.

With our founders and board members consisting of relatively young individuals in addition to our non-profit being newly founded, we face the challenge of not being taken seriously. However, we are aware of our strengths as an organization with a diverse group of members and skills. We confidently are brim-full of fresh ideas, creativity and add exciting programs and perspectives to the non-profit world.

As a team, we continue to learn and grow on a day-to-day basis. We continue to forge strong relationships with organizations and local businesses, and truly appreciate all those that have partnered with us like: EDU Africa, Hamburger Mary’s WeHo, Castaway Restaurants, and First Draft Taproom & Kitchen. Along with our generous sponsors that have contributed in-kind donations to enhance the experience for our attendees at our events. These include: Kendra Scott, The BroBasket, Equinox Downtown LA, The Broad, The Ribolo Family of San Antonio Winery, Let’s Roam, Parissology, Gerber Kawasaki, Heidi Garcia Photography, LiveItt, Samosa House, Yodha Matcha, Imbue Florals, J. Elizabeth Portraiture, Bronca, Textured Queens, & Music Tree Academy.

Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
Every summer, we send cohorts of underserved youth on an international trip of a lifetime. We open doors to international travel for youth who may not believe international volunteerism and travel are attainable to them or may not even know it’s available. As our world becomes increasingly interconnected and we experience an era of unprecedented world challenges, underserved communities need help overcoming steep barriers to enriching opportunities such as international travel. Getaway Growth provides that help by fully covering costs for each cohort member’s expenses. On this two to four-week global adventure, they build skills, participate in cultural exchange, give back to local communities of the host country, and make long-lasting friendships. Our ultimate goal is to build tomorrow’s leaders by promoting confidence, creativity and curiosity and encouraging our students to continue reaching for their greatest and wildest dreams.

We’re most proud of the supportive space we create throughout our organization, among our team and with our student cohorts. We value the many voices and lived experiences within the organization and leverage this to create well-rounded and inclusive experiences for our students. At Getaway Growth, we reimagine what it means to travel, promoting equity and sustainability in our programs abroad. We are unique in that not only do we sponsor the growth of youth in America, we aim to serve our host country as well. This is done sponsoring the room and board for students in the host country to join our programs and including local community and student voices.

Is there any advice you’d like to share with our readers who might just be starting out?
The first piece of advice to anyone just starting is to look for support and information to help build your organizational structure. In our first year, all founders participated in a 3-month incubator course that helped us clearly define our goals and establish the core value of Getaway Growth. Additionally, having a team with a diverse set of skills, and hopefully a few members with non-profit experience more specifically, can be very beneficial in gaining momentum and support from outside organizations and individuals. Building an organization is no easy job and will require a strong sense of teamwork and dedication. Relying on donations, it’s important to tap into your network and get comfortable with asking for individuals to support your cause. Lastly, and most importantly, always remember your “why”. Write it down, read it and remind yourself frequently. This is the reason you started this journey and the reason you will continue to push through the tough times, the purpose that makes all the long nights and weekends worthwhile.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://getawaygrowth.org/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/getawaygrowth/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GetawayGrowth/