Empowering Changemakers: Annmarie Hylton, Founder of Project Good Work

Annmarie Hylton is the founder and head strategist of Project Good Work, a boutique marketing group dedicated to inspiring changemakers and fostering innovative solutions to society's most pressing challenges. She also hosts the Project Good Podcast. With a unique blend of empathy, creativity, and unwavering commitment, Annmarie does not just talk about making the world a better place – she's actively shaping it, one project at a time.

"I think everybody thinks they will wait until they retire or get a little older to do some 'thing' in their life to make a difference in the world. We get to do it now!"

The Foundations of Giving: A Philosophy of Shared Humanity

At the heart of Annmarie's work lies a deep understanding of human needs and the impact of generosity. Her philosophy on giving is grounded in the fundamental necessities that we all share. As she puts it, "We all have certain needs: food, clothes, and shelter. If you've been blessed to have those basic needs, share them with others."

This fundamental principle serves as the foundation for Annmarie's approach to life and her efforts to make a difference in the world. Her definition of generosity goes beyond material possessions. She recognizes that true generosity comes in various forms, often most significantly from those who may appear to have little to offer.

"Some of the poorest people in the world are the greatest givers, and they're not giving away cash because they don't have it. They give away their time, thoughts, and encouragement."

This broader understanding of generosity has shaped Annmarie's approach to community engagement, emphasizing the value of non-material contributions and the power of human connection.

For Annmarie, the act of giving is intrinsically linked to the universal human pursuit of love and meaning. She believes that true fulfillment comes from extending oneself to others.

"I think every person is searching for love or meaning. If you want that thing that everybody wants, you must also be willing to give it."

In her view, love transcends romantic notions, encompassing acts of kindness and support for those in need. "Love is about giving," she affirms, a philosophy that drives both her personal life and professional endeavors.

Community Engagement: Creating a Ripple Effect of Positive Change

Annmarie's approach to community engagement is rooted in empathy and action. She sees it as a powerful tool for creating widespread positive change, explaining,

"Community engagement is about being able to put yourself in another person's shoes and work for the betterment of your community, which then betters society, which then betters the entire world."

This view drives her work at Project Good Work, where the focus is on supporting and empowering changemakers – individuals and organizations dedicated to addressing social issues and creating positive change.

Her passion for innovative solutions also extends to her approach to philanthropy. "I used to tell my parents that I wanted to be a philanthropist but not in the sense of providing things," Annmarie recalls. "Philanthropy has a money aspect, but my goal was more about the innovation side." This focus on innovation stems from her recognition that traditional methods of giving, while valuable, may not always lead to substantial progress. As she points out,

"I think if we keep doing the same things, with the same goals, we're not making the leaps and bounds that we could be."

One of the key indicators of successful community engagement, in her view, is when acts of kindness and consideration become second nature to people. "I think engagement is done well when you don't have to remind people about the little things."

She gives examples of everyday scenarios where people show consideration and empathy, such as helping someone in need or offering a seat to a pregnant woman on the subway. These small but significant actions reflect a shift in mindset from individual needs to what's best for the entire community.

Annmarie believes that true community engagement is seen in the way people speak and think about their place in society.

"When you see the way people's words start to change. They turn 'me' into 'we' or 'us' and then you know that the community is really starting to level up."

This transition from an individualistic mindset to a community-oriented one is, in her view, a clear sign of successful engagement and a step towards creating a more compassionate and connected society.

A Career Rooted in Encouragement and Innovation

Annmarie's journey into public relations and community engagement began during her college years, where she discovered her passion for helping others navigate challenging transitions. As a Resident Assistance Coordinator, she found joy in supporting freshmen as they adjusted to college life.

"Helping students transition from high school to college used to really excite me and it led to the career that I have now."

Her natural ability to inspire and support others did not go unnoticed, and it was the president of her university who suggested she change her major to Public Relations – a field she hadn't previously considered but soon realized was a perfect fit for her skills and passions.

This early experience laid the foundation for her current role at Project Good Work, where she continues to inspire and empower changemakers. Reflecting on the parallels between her college experience and her current work, Annmarie notes,

"I learned how to inspire students to understand that they could get through those four years. It was going to be scary and tough but when they made it on the other side, they would be so proud of themselves because they stepped up to the challenge and became something they didn't think they could do. That's the same thing I do right now."

Embracing the Challenges of Change

In her work with changemakers, Annmarie is acutely aware of the challenges that come with trying to create significant societal shifts.

"Making change is not easy. We all fight about change because we're scared of it."

The individuals and organizations Annmarie works with are often tackling substantial issues, ranging from gender equality to affordable housing and economic reform. These challenges require confronting established norms and institutions, which can be daunting.

Despite the obstacles, Annmarie is committed to innovative approaches and believes in the power of collective action. She understands that fear of change is a natural human response but also believes in the transformative power of courage and persistence.

The American Red Cross Project: A Case Study in Innovation

One of the most impactful projects in Annmarie's career exemplifies her commitment to innovative solutions and her ability to create real-world impact. When the American Red Cross faced the challenge of responding to increasingly frequent global crises, they turned to technology for a solution. Annmarie and her team were selected to work on a groundbreaking project: developing a mobile application to help people help themselves during emergencies.

The result was the Hazards app, a unique tool designed to function without Wi-Fi – a critical feature in crisis situations.

"Sometimes during a crisis, internet towers go down or wash away. This app becomes native to the phone and can provide information on where to find resources, such as water or high ground."

The project involved not only developing the app but also creating a comprehensive strategy for its global deployment. "We also created a toolkit to educate people on the app's functionality and how they could share it with their communities," she adds.

The impact of the Hazards app was profound, especially in areas where traditional communication methods might fail during a crisis. Even in remote areas where clean water is scarce, people often have access to cell phones, making the app an invaluable resource for disseminating critical information. For Annmarie, this project represented the realization of her dreams of making a tangible difference in people's lives.

"We were literally touching people we didn't know, in a way that might save a life."

This project exemplifies Annmarie's approach to social innovation – leveraging technology and creative thinking to address complex challenges, and always keeping the needs of the most vulnerable at the forefront of her work.

Conclusion

Annmarie Hylton's story exemplifies dedication, innovation, and belief in community engagement. Through Project Good Work and the Project Good Podcast, she inspires changemakers worldwide, showing that true impact stems from empathy, creativity, and commitment.

Her journey from college student to social innovation leader inspires those aiming for positive change. Annmarie's philosophy - that everyone can give and should act now—challenges us to contribute to our communities and the world.

In a society focused on individual success, Annmarie's message is clear: true progress comes from giving, turning "me" into "we," and recognizing our power to create positive change that transforms communities and the world.

Additional Information

Check out the resources Annmarie mentioned: