Positive Results Impacting Your Team, Organization & Community
Since 2010, Hashtag Positivity's Chief Learning Experience Designer & Facilitator of Fascination, Jonas Cain, has provided youth groups, educational institutions, companies, and non-profits with valuable professional development and personal growth opportunities to help emerging leaders and their influencers gain clarity, confidence, courage, and joy in their work, home, schools, and communities. Explore the sample case studies below to learn more about the success our clients have experienced as a result of these efforts.
Atascocita High School is located in Humble, TX and has over 3,000 students enrolled. Setting the right tone freshman year is key for the success of the students they serve which is why the administration called on Hashtag Positivity to reinforce their core values of Rigor, Relevance and Relationships.
CHALLENGE
To kick off the new school year the school administration hosts a full-day orientation called Fish Camp and invites all of the over 1000 incoming freshman class.
SOLUTION
The Hashtag Positivity team customized three unique programs to implement on the day of the orientation:
Keynote Presentation
To kick off the day on a positive note we began with a half-hour keynote presentation entitled Engage Your Magic which used magic and storytelling as an engagement and communication tool illustrate key points.
Breakout Session
Next the students were broken up into three separate groups to participate in concurrent activities, including a signature Hashtag Positivity activity called Don't Lose Your Marbles! Students had to use creativity and teamwork to transport marbles from one side of the gymnasium to the other using only two PVC pipes!
Workshop
To end the day, student leaders from the various school clubs and organizations, including—student council, National Honors Society, and the like—met to participate in a 3-hour leadership workshop called The Magic of Positive Influence. Once again, magic was used to drive home the key points, and along the way students partook in group activities and discussions to make the material meaningful to their direct immediate needs.
Keynote Presentation
To kick off the day on a positive note we began with a half-hour keynote presentation entitled Engage Your Magic which used magic and storytelling as an engagement and communication tool illustrate key points.
Breakout Session
Next the students were broken up into three separate groups to participate in concurrent activities, including a signature Hashtag Positivity activity called Don't Lose Your Marbles! Students had to use creativity and teamwork to transport marbles from one side of the gymnasium to the other using only two PVC pipes!
Workshop
To end the day, student leaders from the various school clubs and organizations, including—student council, National Honors Society, and the like—met to participate in a 3-hour leadership workshop called The Magic of Positive Influence. Once again, magic was used to drive home the key points, and along the way students partook in group activities and discussions to make the material meaningful to their direct immediate needs.
RESULTS
During the keynote students:
During the breakout session students:
During the workshop students:
- Learned that what got them to this room won't keep them there.
- Understood value of growing beyond your comfort level.
- Explored was to identify opportunities for growth.
- Practiced the "How Can I" strategy and learned how to implement it in everyday life.
During the breakout session students:
- Experienced first-hand the challenge of working with people that they've just met—people from different background, experiences, and skill sets.
- Experienced the value of speaking up to share ideas.
- Experienced the value of knowing when to take a step back to let others lead.
- Understood that everyone supports that which they help to create.
During the workshop students:
- Discussed the Influence Compass and how to use it as an assessment tool to provide direction.
- Explored 4 influencing styles—and when and how and how to use them.
- Learned 3 strategies for increasing influence with those they lead.
I Cannot Overstate How Impressive This Is!
“Through some mix of his demeanor, gentle but targeted prodding and compelling course material, Jonas opens up a class of young people to speak with confidence and without fear of judgment, despite having just met one another. I cannot overstate how impressive this is. I’ve continually found Jonas Cain’s work to be consistently compelling.”
KC Fussell, Mini Course Director | Massachusetts Girls & Boys State
★★★★★
“Through some mix of his demeanor, gentle but targeted prodding and compelling course material, Jonas opens up a class of young people to speak with confidence and without fear of judgment, despite having just met one another. I cannot overstate how impressive this is. I’ve continually found Jonas Cain’s work to be consistently compelling.”
KC Fussell, Mini Course Director | Massachusetts Girls & Boys State
★★★★★
Community involvement is important to the students of The University of Minnesota Duluth, especially for the over 200 student-run organizations on campus. UMD S.E.R.V.E. (Students Engaged in Rewarding Volunteer Experiences) is one such club that focuses on helping students get out into the community to volunteer for a number of programs throughout the year. It was an on-campus event, though, that motivated their leadership team called upon Hashtag Positivity to support the student body.
CHALLENGE
Because the UMD students work so hard, SERVE was looking for a way to give back to them in the form of a fun and positive event to cap-off the academic year.
SOLUTION
Hashtag Positivity customized a 90-minute engaging magic experience called Celebrating Success: Strategies for Overcoming Adversity & Complacency! This program wove interactive comedy magic together with an empowering and encouraging message to provide inspiration and motivation to the student body.
RESULTS
As a result of this program, students learned:
Afterwards, this is what one student had to say about the experience:
“I was not expecting it! My roommate and I have exams coming up this week and we were both really anxious going into it and after watching the show we kind of took a deep breath and we got more positivity out of it. The magic tricks got me, they for sure got me! But I really liked the reality aspect of it and that we got positivity out of it, and just it was great!" — Kailyn Helgeson
- 3 key principles: Vision, Confidence & Resilience
- The distinction between dreamers and visionaries
- Ways to stimulate their passions
- 4 reasons why people give up
- 8 gaps that hold people back
- How to apply the How Can I? strategy
- How to play The Glad Game
Afterwards, this is what one student had to say about the experience:
“I was not expecting it! My roommate and I have exams coming up this week and we were both really anxious going into it and after watching the show we kind of took a deep breath and we got more positivity out of it. The magic tricks got me, they for sure got me! But I really liked the reality aspect of it and that we got positivity out of it, and just it was great!" — Kailyn Helgeson
He Left Everyone A Believer!
“Jonas Cain came to the Summer Summit for Driver Educators in Vermont and gave a customized motivational presentation that was just what I asked for giving time for driver educators to rethink what we do, get a fresh outlook on teaching, and start the school year running. Jonas accomplished this through the use of magic, engaging the driver educators early in his presentation. Having Jonas inspire a fresh outlook and an open perspective was a segue for the rest of our conference. The evaluations told me it was one of the best conferences we have had. The driver educators were charged up and received a lot of information, and activities, to take back to use in their programs in order to kick off the new school year. He left everyone a believer in how we can all improve as educators and people.”
Nancy Andrus, Driver Training Coordinator | Vermont Department of Motor Vehicles
★★★★★
“Jonas Cain came to the Summer Summit for Driver Educators in Vermont and gave a customized motivational presentation that was just what I asked for giving time for driver educators to rethink what we do, get a fresh outlook on teaching, and start the school year running. Jonas accomplished this through the use of magic, engaging the driver educators early in his presentation. Having Jonas inspire a fresh outlook and an open perspective was a segue for the rest of our conference. The evaluations told me it was one of the best conferences we have had. The driver educators were charged up and received a lot of information, and activities, to take back to use in their programs in order to kick off the new school year. He left everyone a believer in how we can all improve as educators and people.”
Nancy Andrus, Driver Training Coordinator | Vermont Department of Motor Vehicles
★★★★★
Desert Rose High School is an adult high school serving the youth of Las Vegas, NV on a mission to help give students one final shot at a high school diploma—which is why they called upon Hashtag Positivity.
CHALLENGE
The administration expressed how important it is to engage the student body, but admitted that they can be a challenging group to please. This is where the magic of Hashtag Positivity comes in handy!
SOLUTION
We designed an engaging 30-minute magic experience called Stack The Deck to empower and encourage students to overcome challenges and achieve their dreams. This program was to be implemented in two sessions for two separate groups during the last hour of the school day.
RESULTS
As a result of this program students learned:
- The importance of perspective
- How to identify life path opportunities for after high school
- The value of taking action
- Encouragement for maintaining a growth mindset
Lessons That Will Last A Lifetime!
“Jonas was the kick start to out Kindness Day at our elementary school. His charisma and welcoming demeanor grabbed the students' attention right away and kept it for the entire performance! Jonas' message of kindness and positivity was sprinkled throughout, effortlessly. The connections he made with magic and having good character are lessons that will last a lifetime. Both adults and students were amazed by Jonas' talent. Most importantly, Jonas loves what he does and that shines through from beginning to end!”
Molly Cole, School Psychologist | Hatfield Elementary School / Hatfield, MA
★★★★★
“Jonas was the kick start to out Kindness Day at our elementary school. His charisma and welcoming demeanor grabbed the students' attention right away and kept it for the entire performance! Jonas' message of kindness and positivity was sprinkled throughout, effortlessly. The connections he made with magic and having good character are lessons that will last a lifetime. Both adults and students were amazed by Jonas' talent. Most importantly, Jonas loves what he does and that shines through from beginning to end!”
Molly Cole, School Psychologist | Hatfield Elementary School / Hatfield, MA
★★★★★
Phi Mu Alpha is a service oriented fraternity on a mission to bring the joy of music to the community. The fraternity is comprised of members from all walks of life using music as a means of establishing common ground, which is why the leadership team of the UMASS Amherst chapter called on Hashtag Positivity.
CHALLENGE
The leadership team was concerned about getting members actively engaged and decided they wanted to being everyone together for a bonding experience to get to know each other better so as to better identify the direction of the group from a wider inclusive perspective.
SOLUTION
Hashtag Positivity customized a 60-minute presentation called Engage Your Magic to address the immediate goals, challenges, and obstacles of the fraternity during a regularly scheduled monthly meeting.
RESULTS
As a result of this program participants learned:
After the program, this is what they had to say about this presented by our Chief Facilitator of Fascination:
“Jonas gave an hour-long keynote to our fraternity. To say that the chapter was pleased is a tremendous understatement. His presentation had the whole group laughing and learning about ourselves and one another. When we adjourned that evening, the group was better connected and more cooperative than it was when we opened. I recommend Jonas Cain without hesitation or reservation for any workshops, keynotes, and coaching sessions you may require. He is a tremendous asset to any team building exercise and you will be better having worked with him."
— Robert McDermott, Fraternity Educational Officer
- How to foster the skill of widening your perspective.
- A strategy for identifying your purpose.
- How to express gratitude even when adversity threatens your resolve.
After the program, this is what they had to say about this presented by our Chief Facilitator of Fascination:
“Jonas gave an hour-long keynote to our fraternity. To say that the chapter was pleased is a tremendous understatement. His presentation had the whole group laughing and learning about ourselves and one another. When we adjourned that evening, the group was better connected and more cooperative than it was when we opened. I recommend Jonas Cain without hesitation or reservation for any workshops, keynotes, and coaching sessions you may require. He is a tremendous asset to any team building exercise and you will be better having worked with him."
— Robert McDermott, Fraternity Educational Officer
Lively & Engaging!
“The presentations were lively and engaging! So many of our students do not have access to communication at home and as a result, it is on us as a school to provide character education. This was an absolutely perfect way to do it! The students now understand that there are more people out there who care about molding them into good citizens. It is often difficult to find people who understand how to work with deaf people and use interpreters, are willing to work directly with the students and understand their challenges. I truly appreciate Jonas' willingness to work with a variety of people as well as taking the time beforehand (and afterwards!) to really understand his audience.”
Erika Kaftan, Director of Education | Willie Ross School for the Deaf
★★★★★
“The presentations were lively and engaging! So many of our students do not have access to communication at home and as a result, it is on us as a school to provide character education. This was an absolutely perfect way to do it! The students now understand that there are more people out there who care about molding them into good citizens. It is often difficult to find people who understand how to work with deaf people and use interpreters, are willing to work directly with the students and understand their challenges. I truly appreciate Jonas' willingness to work with a variety of people as well as taking the time beforehand (and afterwards!) to really understand his audience.”
Erika Kaftan, Director of Education | Willie Ross School for the Deaf
★★★★★
Wichita West High School, known locally as West, is located close to downtown Wichita near U.S. Route 54. It’s a fully accredited high school located in Wichita, Kansas, operated by Wichita USD 259 public school district, and serves over 1,200 students in grades 9-12.
CHALLENGE
The students at Wichita High School West spent months planning an event called PSST: “Pioneer Senior Success Training.” This transformational event would include workshops on social emotional and life skills important for student success after graduation. However, due to the pandemic, the event had to be cancelled and the students were heart broken. To overcome this, the student leaders decided to move the event online and invited professionals from around the United States to share insight.
SOLUTION
Hashtag Positivity created an engaging video lesson customized for the graduating class of Wichita High School West.
RESULTS
As a result of this program participants learned:
Afterwards, this is what the school had to say about the experience:
“Jonas went above and beyond to help with our 2020 West High senior online event by creating a video personalized for our students. He was in constant contact and so helpful, inspirational, and accommodating. We will definitely be communicating with him in the future!”
— Jill Terhune, Counselor
- The importance of being kind to others.
- The importance of being kind to yourself.
- A strategy for being a positive influence in the lives of others.
Afterwards, this is what the school had to say about the experience:
“Jonas went above and beyond to help with our 2020 West High senior online event by creating a video personalized for our students. He was in constant contact and so helpful, inspirational, and accommodating. We will definitely be communicating with him in the future!”
— Jill Terhune, Counselor
Funny & Entertaining!
“The students truly enjoyed Jonas Cain's presentation. He was funny and entertaining. Most importantly, he communicated an amazing and positive message using his Magic tricks in which all the students could relate to and make their own!”
Sister Kathleen Marie, Principal | St. Denis-St. Columba School
★★★★★
“The students truly enjoyed Jonas Cain's presentation. He was funny and entertaining. Most importantly, he communicated an amazing and positive message using his Magic tricks in which all the students could relate to and make their own!”
Sister Kathleen Marie, Principal | St. Denis-St. Columba School
★★★★★
The America Legion Auxiliary Girls State Program is a week-long youth leadership camp designed to help emerging adults become informed and active citizens. The program is intended for the most outstanding girls who exhibit potential for leadership, character, and scholarship, which is why the Massachusetts Department reached out to Hashtag Positivity.
CHALLENGE
While the mission of this camp is focused on government and patriotism, the counselors understood that developing the whole person as a leader also requires attention to their social emotional needs. Because of this they invited our Chief Facilitator of Fascination to deliver a talk that focused on strategies for overcoming adversity in their relationships and in their goals at school, at home, and beyond.
SOLUTION
Hashtag Positivity customized an interactive magical experience called Engage Your Magic to be delivered mid-week during an evening assembly at their camp held at Stonehill College in Easton, MA.
RESULTS
As a result of this program students learned:
- How to foster the skill of widening their perspective.
- A strategy for identifying their purpose and life path.
- How to respond to life's disappointments by design rather than to react by default.
Nearly Moved Me To Tears!
“Nearly moved me to tears! It was an emotional rollercoaster that left me with a different perspective on life and how to live it. Before the show, I had nearly given up on many of the life goals. After that night however I was shown that you can achieve just about anything if you stick to it. Jonas is a man I will not soon forget. He and his story is one I shared with just about everyone I know.”
Corbin Armstrong, Student | UMASS Amherst
★★★★★
“Nearly moved me to tears! It was an emotional rollercoaster that left me with a different perspective on life and how to live it. Before the show, I had nearly given up on many of the life goals. After that night however I was shown that you can achieve just about anything if you stick to it. Jonas is a man I will not soon forget. He and his story is one I shared with just about everyone I know.”
Corbin Armstrong, Student | UMASS Amherst
★★★★★
Located in Readfield, ME, Maranacook Community High School is a caring school dedicated to the excellence of their students, which is why they reached out to Hashtag Positivity.
CHALLENGE
The Teen Issues club at the high school was organizing an all-day event for the entire school to participate in workshops that speak directly to issues that affect teens, such as anxiety, depression, substance abuse, suicide, and the like. They reached out to Hashtag Positivity in the hopes that they could provide an engaging presentation to start the day on a positive note.
SOLUTION
Hashtag Positivity customized a 30-minute keynote presentation using magic as an engagement and teaching tool to address a sensitive yet incredibly valuable topic.
RESULTS
As a result of this program, students:
Afterwards, this is what the school had to say about the experience:
“From the moment you arrived to the moment you left your positive energy was felt throughout the building! You arrived composed and ready to meet everyone and anyone—a true testament to your preparation and genuine care for others. Having seen many presentations in the gym I was amazed to see our student body as engaged as they were! They loved your magic and presentation, which allowed them to lean in and really hear your message of hope, light, strength, and the power of positivity! We hope we can have you back again in the future!"
— Kelsea Trefethen, Alternative Education Teacher
- Gained a deeper awareness of the warning signs for anxiety, depression, and self-harm.
- Understood the importance of positive relationships for fostering resiliency.
- Learned a simple phrase to use when helping friends in need.
Afterwards, this is what the school had to say about the experience:
“From the moment you arrived to the moment you left your positive energy was felt throughout the building! You arrived composed and ready to meet everyone and anyone—a true testament to your preparation and genuine care for others. Having seen many presentations in the gym I was amazed to see our student body as engaged as they were! They loved your magic and presentation, which allowed them to lean in and really hear your message of hope, light, strength, and the power of positivity! We hope we can have you back again in the future!"
— Kelsea Trefethen, Alternative Education Teacher
Makes This Conference Amazing!
“I’ve sat through many keynotes. It’s very rare that a performer manages to capture my attention in a way that I can’t help but be a part of the performance and be a part of the audience, and this performance did that for me! I was caught along by some of the magic tricks, I was caught along by some of the jokes, and it really connects you to the message in a way that I don’t really get to see a lot, and getting to see that is really something that makes this conference amazing!”
Jacob Jones, Alumnus | Texas TSA
★★★★★
“I’ve sat through many keynotes. It’s very rare that a performer manages to capture my attention in a way that I can’t help but be a part of the performance and be a part of the audience, and this performance did that for me! I was caught along by some of the magic tricks, I was caught along by some of the jokes, and it really connects you to the message in a way that I don’t really get to see a lot, and getting to see that is really something that makes this conference amazing!”
Jacob Jones, Alumnus | Texas TSA
★★★★★
The Belchertown Day School is a kindergarten and preschool in Belchertown, MA on a mission to provide a safe, motivating and nurturing learning environment for all children, committed to helping children learn teamwork, self-awareness, competence, self-worth, and resiliency—which is why they reached out to Hashtag Positivity.
CHALLENGE
Working with preschool and elementary age students can be a challenge, especially managing behavior to achieve the desired class objectives. What's more, staff is spread out across two campuses, and the leadership team wanted to host an in-service training to bring everyone together to get to know one another while also gaining new skills to use in the classroom.
SOLUTION
Hashtag Positivity customized a 3-hour workshop called The Magic of Positive Influence to address these challenges using magic both as an engagement and teaching tool along with group activities and discussions.
RESULTS
As a result of this program participants:
Afterwards, this is what the Director had to say about the experience:
“I found so much value in this presentation. Not only was it engaging, but all of us got something out of your training. As a director, I found information specifically helpful in working with my staff. However, even my youngest and newest staff got useful information and tips. Your training was so beneficial for every level of employee we have and already am finding your information useful.”
— Heidi Gutekenst, Director, Belchertown Day School / Belchertown, MA
- Discussed the Influence Compass and how to use it as an assessment tool to provide direction.
- Explored 4 influencing styles—and when and how and how to use them.
- Learned 3 strategies for increasing influence with those they lead.
Afterwards, this is what the Director had to say about the experience:
“I found so much value in this presentation. Not only was it engaging, but all of us got something out of your training. As a director, I found information specifically helpful in working with my staff. However, even my youngest and newest staff got useful information and tips. Your training was so beneficial for every level of employee we have and already am finding your information useful.”
— Heidi Gutekenst, Director, Belchertown Day School / Belchertown, MA
Enhanced The Meaning Of This Year's Conference!
“Thank you so much for coming and sharing your talent and experiences with us! We appreciated your speech and how you connected with Texas TSA as a whole. You were captivating, entertaining, and impactful. You added a special twist into our state conference, and enhanced the meaning of this year's National TSA Theme: Celebrating Success!”
Payton Schaap, Texas TSA State Vice President
★★★★★
“Thank you so much for coming and sharing your talent and experiences with us! We appreciated your speech and how you connected with Texas TSA as a whole. You were captivating, entertaining, and impactful. You added a special twist into our state conference, and enhanced the meaning of this year's National TSA Theme: Celebrating Success!”
Payton Schaap, Texas TSA State Vice President
★★★★★
Empire Beauty Schools is a premier training ground teaching cosmetology, esthetics, and barbering, with locations across New Hampshire. Their student body is largely made up of Millennials, which is why they reached out to Hashtag Positivity.
CHALLENGE
For many of their students, between the ages of 18 and 25, everyday was getting in the way of their education and were simply not completing their program. The General Manager of the school reached out to Hashtag Positivity to provide a presentation that communicates practices for their staff to employ to inspire their students to do well and motivate them to stay the course.
SOLUTION
Hashtag Positivity analyzed the needs of the school and designed and developed a 90-minute program called Millennial Magic: Engaging & Equipping Emerging Leaders to communicate practices for inspiring and motivating student success in the classroom and beyond. This was to be implemented during their annual meeting hosted under a tent on the beach of Lake Winnipesaukee in Laconia, NH.
RESULTS
As a result of this program participants learned:
Afterwards, this is what General Manger had to say about the experience:
“Thank you so much for your preparation, presentation, message and information that you gave us. The motivation and magic are a great pairing. I hope to do business with you again in the future!”
— Matt Lambert, Executive Director, Empire Beauty Schools
- 8 steps for creating a SECURE pathway
- The 5 Rs of Learning to bridge the gap between expectations and outcome
- The value of connecting learning to a student's sense of purpose
- The desire for students to connect on a personal level with teachers viewed more as coaches and mentors
- The importance of focusing on student strength rather than weaknesses
- The value of a spectrum of learning strategies
- Ways to implement peer collaboration into the classroom
- How to facilitate a relaxed environment
- The importance of service learning
- The value of frequent feedback
Afterwards, this is what General Manger had to say about the experience:
“Thank you so much for your preparation, presentation, message and information that you gave us. The motivation and magic are a great pairing. I hope to do business with you again in the future!”
— Matt Lambert, Executive Director, Empire Beauty Schools
Changed My Life Forever!
“This man changed my life forever. He deserves all the attention in the world right now and so does #POSITIVITY. Even only knowing Jonas for a week, he changed the way I looked at life and changed the way I saw things and I am forever grateful and I hope I can work beside him one day in my life!”
Ethan Quinn, Student | American Legion Boys State
★★★★★
“This man changed my life forever. He deserves all the attention in the world right now and so does #POSITIVITY. Even only knowing Jonas for a week, he changed the way I looked at life and changed the way I saw things and I am forever grateful and I hope I can work beside him one day in my life!”
Ethan Quinn, Student | American Legion Boys State
★★★★★
MSPCC (Massachusetts Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children) is a non-profit organization dedicated to protecting and promoting the rights and well-being of children and families. Through their Healthy Families program they provide free home-based family coaching to young first-time parents to develop stable, nurturing environments for their children. Their dedication to this mission is why they reached out to Hashtag Positivity.
CHALLENGE
The leadership team of the Holyoke, MA branch of MSPCC had two objectives for Hashtag Positivity: Provide their staff with influence training to enhance their connection with the parents they serve, as well as enhance their teamwork and communication with their fellow coworkers. They scheduled a special inservice training day which brought members from multiple offices together.
SOLUTION
Hashtag Positivity customized a 3-hour training workshop called Connection DISCoveries to communicate principles and practices for improving relationships with co-workers and clients. Of course, we once again utilized our signature Positivity Magic Method by using magic as an engagement and teaching tool to ensure active participation and content retention.
RESULTS
As a result of this program participants:
- Learned the 4 basic personality styles, including their dominant fears and primary motivations.
- Gained insight into the strengths, blind spots, and areas for improvement for each behavior style.
- Discussed techniques for working with others with different behavior types.
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