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At age 16, Michael “Piecez” Prosserman, a professional b-boy (breakdancer), completed a high school project that would grow to become a hip-hop-inspired mental health charity with global reach.
Through a process of continuous discovery and reflection, Prosserman and his team grew UNITY to the point where it benefited over a quarter of a million young people.
In Building Unity, Prosserman breaks down the six steps to discovering responsible impact and building an organization that is growth-minded, values-based, and reflective of the needs of its community.
Using stories of his own evolution, learning, and growth as a leader over 15 years, Prosserman parallels the creativity found in breakin with the innovation needed to build a sustainable non-profit.
PRAISE FOR BUILDING UNITY
“Michael Prosserman has written in his authentic voice, a timely book about the importance of determination, creativity, and vulnerability in leadership . . . and in life. A grassroots triumph!” — Sharon Avery, President & CEO of Toronto Foundation
“I don’t know Mike P. I don’t know Unity. But when I started reading this book I couldn’t stop. Ready to make your dent in the world but don’t know where to start? Right here. This book. I think it will leave you chomping at the bit to get going like it did for me.” — Neil Pasricha, author of The Book of Awesome and host of 3 Books podcast
“Mike Prosserman lived by the motto: Think Big, Start Small, and Scale Up to establish Unity Charity. It is extraordinary that he began this life trajectory at fifteen. I’m sending you a Unity hug. Remember I was the Grandma.” — Sharon Johnston, wife of former Governor General David Johnston AKA Unity Grandma
"A practical guide and real life case study for building nimble, bold and innovative social purpose organizations. Building Unity weaves a personal narrative into practical lessons for leaders in the social sector." — Dan Pallotta, Author of Uncharitable
“An inspiring testimony from a super kind and generous leader — who knew what he wanted from the ripe young age of 15 — as he smiles through the tears of Building Unity. He hasn’t changed one bit while always looking forward!! My heart and eyes smiled and danced while reading, thanks Mike!” — Michie Mee, award-winning Canadian Hip Hop icon and actor
“The world we live in is transforming before our eyes in extraordinary ways. To help our divided communities begin to heal, we need people like Mike Prosserman. Mike’s vulnerability and passion for his work comes through in every word. As you read his unique story, you’ll witness the kind of perseverance we all wish for when tackling our own challenges — and you’ll be surprised at how much you learn about hip hop culture along the way. Read this book and get inspired to make a difference in your world.” — Ken Blanchard, coauthor of The New One Minute Manager® and Servant Leadership in Action
“Mikey ‘Piecez’ Prosserman’s journey and dedication to making this world a better place through Hip Hop is truly inspiring. And if there is anything I took personally from reading Building Unity, it’s that applying the b-boy mentality to life can help your career from being an innovator, creating something from nothing, and constantly evolving. A true testimony that hard work never goes unnoticed.” — B-Boy Ronnie, Red Bull Dancer, Super Cr3w
“‘Piecez’ pieces poetry and practical and people perfectly. Turns tragedy into tales and tales into tell-all tips of Building Unity — the charity and the movement. This is an on-its-head ‘how to’ with enough tools and tricks for anyone wanting to spark and build and grow a non-profit from idea to go. And enough rhythm, room, and groove for you to lead as only you can. Authentic, vulnerable, uplifting, spinning, effortless, epic. Just like Prosserman — one of the hardest working servant leaders I know.” — Daniele Zanotti, President & CEO of United Way Greater Toronto
BESTSELLER ON AMAZON!
'Building Unity' hit #1 Bestseller on Amazon in:
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Captains of Industry
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Nonprofit Management & Leadership
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Philanthropy & Charity
CHAPTER OVERVIEW
LAUNCHING, LEADING AND LEAVING A SUSTAINABLE NON-PROFIT
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Spark is the inspiration, the big “why,” the motivation to wake up and do something.
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Build is the testing ground to clarify ideas, understand community needs, and challenge assumptions.
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Trust involves building the culture of your organization, leading by example, and hiring people with dreams. Trust sets the stage for growth by empowering awesome people.
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Grow is about finding the right size for your organization to create a responsible impact.
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Evolve is knowing when to step back so others can step forward by building a succession plan that leaves your organization in good hands.
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Re-Ignite is building from past experience and lighting the next spark within yourself.