"Communities Serving Communities" is the foundation of MPI´s cooperative efforts between more than one group. The three-word slogan itself is a picture of what we stand for, two “communities” joined by “serving.” Day to day, it means a host of situations: college groups traveling and volunteering together, our MPI site teams working with locals, or our organization partnering with existing programs and missions. Service connecting those communities might be meeting health and educational needs, developing durable friendships, raising awareness and challenging the status quo, or developing leadership within those communities.

The beautiful result of communities serving communities is the positive growth that everyone participates in and receives.

Mission: To foster communities of young adults and encourage them to use their passions and education in service to communities in need.

To seek out young adults with a desire to serve – individuals whose passion, idealism and energy are abundant, world perspectives are being refined, and career decisions have yet to be made.  

"After coming back from studying in the Dominican Republic, I was on fire to expose the Vanderbilt community to the realities of life outside the ¨Vandy Bubble.¨ The members of Manna saw my passion, engaged me in the mission, and consistently encouraged me to prevent my drive from waning. Through Manna, I´ve seen the impact one person can have on the world. I look forward to working toward establishing a study program for pre-medical and medical students in the soon-to-be-built Managua clinic; hopefully, such a program will spread the feeling of empowerment that Manna has given me."
*** Erin Duncan, MPI Vanderbilt, President 2006-2007

To develop "communities serving communities" – generating fresh ideas, providing support systems for new environments, and encouraging initiative on all levels.

"As a business major with an emphasis in Leadership Development, my education was focused on working in groups.  Living in a fraternity house for two years meant sharing living space and bathrooms with 55 other guys.  Here at Manna, the education of living and working with others helps me make a difference as one part of a whole. Our purpose is two-fold: to form a community that builds into itself and into the neighboring community.  This team, fortified by each of its members utilizing their strengths and different perspectives, becomes a capable body to aid local development.  We are more effective than I, and I am more effective thanks to we."
***Daniel Bain, MPI Nicaragua Member 2005-2007

To work hand-in-hand with locals towards holistic community development - meaningful  relationship building is essential, multi-faceted development is a must, and a grassroots approach allows for an effective assessment of the needs and a widespread involvement in addressing them.

"You can´t affect lives without getting to know people.  Never have I seen the importance of trust and real relationships more than during my year spent in Nicaragua.  Our first instinct in helping those with no possessions is to give them money to go pick up a few hamburgers or buy a TV.  But those things run out and don´t last.  During my time in Managua I helped build a basketball court, soccer field, classroom, and multi-use facility - which are all amazing things.  But, what will last for the Nicaraguans, and for me, are the games played on those fields, the time spent teaching and learning, and the friendships that were made."
*** Matt McPheely, MPI Nicaragua Member 2004-2005

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