April is National Volunteer Month and we are encouraging you to think about telling stories that not only inspire donors but recruit volunteers.

Over the years we’ve learned first hand how nonprofits rely on volunteers to help serve their mission. However, Volunteerism has seen a decline across the United States since the COVID-19 pandemic.

So what are we to do about it?

The last decade has been an absolute honor and I am really excited for all that’s ahead. Thank you to all of you! The team, the clients (who’ve become friends), the family who’ve supported the crazy idea and the communities that have welcomed and trusted us to tell their stories. It’s been quite a ride and we’re only just beginning!

We commonly say that we tell stories that call people to act. Whether that be donate, volunteer, purchase, contact lawmakers, sign-up to participate or make life changes, people do things when they hear stories. This is a story about how that happened to me (Lauren). I was working on a piece with our friends at MIFA for their annual Our City, Our Story event.

This is story about WHY investing in video can help you raise awareness, funding and VOLUNTEERS.

We’ve been working with Room in the Inn-Memphis (RITI) since they first started in back in 2005. I (Lauren) had done a story on the news about their work expanding (honestly, it was a neighborhood complaint story not a good one!). And from there we sort of be-friended Lisa Anderson. She has such a heart for the HOLY HOSPITALITY that they offer to guests each winter night.

Last week we released our award winning short documentary “What We’ll Never Know”. The film tells the story of 17-year-old Oshay Sims who falsely confessed to murder in 2018. The law keeps us from knowing what police did to get his confession. It wasn’t recorded, because there is no law that requires law enforcement to record the interrogation of a child.

And them Emmy goes to…Responding to Crisis at Elvis Presley Trauma Center | Regional One Health, Forever Ready Productions, Lauren Ready

For many years now, our work with Regional One Health has been Emmy nominated, which in and of itself is a huge honor! But this year, we can finally say that our work with the region’s only Level 1 Trauma Center is now Emmy Award Winning!

All too often, we get caught up in telling the stories of our nonprofit partners and we forget to share our wins! We’re currently nominated for three Midsouth Regional Emmys from 2022. Since 2016 we’ve received a total of 14 Emmy nominations and 4 Emmy Awards. It’s an honor to be recognized by our peers regionally and share the recognition with such a talented and committed team over the years.

I spent almost a decade in front of the camera as a news reporter. And many of those days you could find me going live outside a crime scene or hospital where a victim was transported. Covering tragedy after tragedy can really get to you!!

Which is why, when I found myself in awe of the moment as we filmed this year’s Regional One Health One Night Gala video. Because for the first time ever, I was across the street telling the story of life inside the Level 1 Trauma Center.

Everyday is an opportunity to grow. Earth Day is a reminder that we’ve got a long way to go. Our planet needs protecting, our land needed cared for and our responsibility to help is clear.

That’s why this Earth Day we’re reminding you to support two of our clients in those efforts.

Spring has sprung! And we’re feeling it here at Forever Ready Productions. The new season brings all kinds of exciting news.

In an effort not to bury the lede…The Forever Ready Productions team is nominated for three Mid South Regional Emmys.