Shoe Club Nation gets its title from the phrase, “Never judge someone before walking a mile in their shoes.” This encourages students to see life from different viewpoints. That’s why at the heart of our club is the core value: “Value yourself and others.” Because when we take the time to understand others and appreciate our own worth, we create a space where everyone feels seen, respected, and supported.

The Shoe Club in East Jordan has changed the lives of over 400 students since its inception in 2008.

Building on the idea of valuing yourself and others, the Shoe Club lives by the mission of, “dream big, set goals, work hard, and give back.” The Shoe Club believes that everyone has the potential to make a difference - not just someday, but right now. That’s why the Shoe Club encourages members to chase bold dreams, turn ideas into action, and push themselves to grow, both personally and as a team.

The Shoe Club began to set bigger goals than ever imagined in 2020, with the Solar Spark Project. The Shoe Club raised over $70,000 to build a 30kWh solar array on East Jordan Middle High School’s roof. The project allowed the Shoe Club students to see how when they dream big, set goals, work hard, and give back, amazing things can happen in their community.

After the success of the Solar Spark Project, the Shoe Club jumped right into the next project, EJ Seed to Salad. For this project, the Shoe Club raised over $75,000 to improve the East Jordan Elementary School garden by constructing a hoop house, indoor garden space, and a composting system. EJ Seed to Salad further reinforced the mission of the Shoe Club.

The most recent Shoe Club project was the EJ Honor and Service Project, and setting the goal even higher, the Shoe Club raised $163,000. With this project, the club honored veterans by rededicating GAR Veterans Park, hosting a Veteran’s Day assembly, writing a book, teaching leadership lessons, and taking a trip to Gettysburg. 

Through each of these projects, the Shoe Club has proven that when young people are empowered to lead with purpose, they can create real and lasting change. What started as a club built on empathy has grown into a movement of passionate students who believe in the power of dreaming big and giving back.