My semester has come to an end, so I will be taking a break for a few weeks from my blog. I honestly did not think that I would enjoy writing it, but I re-found my passion for community outreach and awareness. I used to be extremely active with volunteer work, but then I found myself neglecting it because of school obligations. Through this class I have realized the importance of volunteerism and “paying it forward” to the community which has led me to change my career path into nonprofit public relations. Writing about young adults trying to make a difference was so uplifting and inspiring that I do not want to stray away from it.
Many people want to help but feel as though they cannot make a difference, but the fact is every person’s effort counts. Helping others is a great way to step outside what may be troubling you in your personal life, and sometimes gives you the courage or push you need to overcome your own battles. That is what happened to me anyway. I have lived a “lifetime movie” worthy life, but I would not change that for the world. I want to offer the hope and voice to people that I did not receive, and I know that I can offer the proper support because I can relate to them. Adversity truly does build character and what does not kill you will make you stronger.
Positive energy and behavior is contagious so hopefully through joint efforts, maybe we can spread hope to more people and stray away from the negative nature of society. The world is filled with opportunities, and every person can bring a special something to the table. This is my way of leading by example.
I may start another blog that incorporates a “Happy Thought for the Day” portion. Sometimes all we need is an uplifting saying or story to help start our day off right. My ultimate goal in life is to spread happiness if I cannot change the world. I figure what better way then to start off in a blog.
Many people have misconceptions about pageant girls and often think negatively of them but the reality of the matter is these girls are admirable. They are required to keep a high GPA, stay active through community service, and be involved with pageant appearances. The girls proactively use their title to make a difference in the community. Angelica Nardi shares her experience through the Miss America Organization.
Tracy Olson has been the Miss Gloucester County Pageant director for 6 years in the Miss America Organization. The reason she sticks with the organization is because she believes in it. She stresses that the MAO is not a beauty pageant it is a scholarship program that helps girls attain their dream of becoming Miss America while educating themselves and bettering the community. The MAO offers the opportunity for young women to obtain skills they wouldn’t receive elsewhere such as public speaking, perfected interview skills, and learning marketing/public relations skills because they become their own label/brand. Her daughter has had the opportunity of meeting positive mentors and role models through her involvement with the organization. Olson admires how much her daughter has grown through the organization. Title holders also raise funds for the Children’s Miracle Network. A former Miss Gloucestor County, Katlyn Davis, was offered a full-time job with The Children’s Miracle Network through her involvement with as a title holder. Tracey Olson has developed a strong bond with all the former Miss Gloucester County girls. She feels honored to have the opportunity to open her home and heart up to help mentor these girls and help them help the community. The family bond developed through the organization is indescribable.
Karan Desai is pursuing a degree Medicine and Public Health (MD/MPH). He initially started volunteering in high school, because it was a requirement for college applications. As he’s gotten older and become more focused on his career in medicine, he’s realized the importance of being part of and giving back to a community that he hopes to one day care for.
Studying medicine is a demanding field, but Desai is adamant for finding to contribute to his community. He has worked in soup kitchens, been part of Habitat for Humanity, and volunteered in post-natural disaster sites with medical help.
He currently is involved with a program similar to Big Brother where he mentors inner city kids in elementary schools. The was drawn to the program because he’s always loved kids. He felt prompted by the cause the kids are talented and bright but are held back because of their unfortunate background. Being able to be a reliable figure in their lives to help foster their growth is extremely rewarding for him.
Rebecca Cha, Public Relations Major, Senior at Rowan University
Rebecca Cha is a sister of Delta Phi Epsilon International Sorority, of the the Beta Mu chapter at Rowan University. Her sorority takes a proactive approach on community service and are diligent in supporting specific causes. She expressed that the majority of Greek life are very active in community service.
The philanthropies they focus on as a chapter are: Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, Breast Cancer Awareness and Anorexia Nervosa and Associated Disorders (ANAD). The philanthropies they focus on are the main philanthropies of their international sorority. They also have a community service and
philanthropy chair, voted by the sisters of the chapter. These sisters work closely with the Vice President of Programming, who oversees all the community service and philanthropy events our chapter participates in. The sorority will participate in the Relay for Life in the Spring Semester.
Every spring semester, her sorority holds a Cystic Fibrosis Ball to help support our Cystic Fibrosis Foundation. They rent out a hall, get catered food, book a DJ, raffle off baskets and enjoy the night. The sorority invites local people who are involved with the CFF philanthropy and also invites speakers to talk about their experiences with the disease itself. The Cystic Fibrosis Ball is something that is close to the sorority sisters’ hearts because one of their alumni has CF. So, they not only do it because it is one of their main philanthropies, but also to support their sister.
The sorority is also actively involved in community serve around the school including Clean & Green, a University wide campus clean-up day and Relay for Life. The chapter often picks up smaller community service events such as donating toys during the holidays or donating food to homeless shelters during Thanksgiving.
Cha’s favorite thing about community outreach is that it’s something her organization, love to do. She expressed that what she loves about community outreach is that it’s not just about doing something right-it’s that even the smallest amount of help can make a difference. They may only be a
sorority of 50 some girls, but at the end of the day, the effort they put into something- no matter how big or small-does not go unseen.
Bareeq Albarqawi was always a leader throughout her life but she always underestimated her ability to create any real change. When she went to college she pretty much focused on her studies because her university was not very diverse. She didn’t feel like she could connect with anyone because no one could relate to her regarding her culture and its traditions. After she finished college, she realized that she had excellent grades but no friends from her college experience.
She started to seek out organizations where she could connect with fellow Arabs and Muslims. She became involved with various groups and started attending their meetings and events. She met her closest friends through these organization, but the more she got involved, the more she realized how fragmented the community was. She began proposing ideas and getting heavily involved in further developing these organization without even realizing it. Through all her hard work, she become known as the person “to know” within the Arab community in Philadelphia. She has spoken at several colleges and universities about the Arab culture and Muslim religion in efforts to build a better understanding and relationship with the outside communities. She also started creating more social educational events because there was a strong need within the Arab community for someone to get them together for networking and building relationships. She is especially proud to admit that since her involvement with the Arab community development in the Philadelphia area it has significantly improved. She hopes the organization will remain strong without her involvement.
She currently is actively involved with Playgrounds for Palestine as their Non-Profit Administrator and the Network of Arab Professionals. Albarqawi also supports and promotes the Boycott of Lowe’s Home Improvement. She has found her passion as an activist and is pursuing a career in raising awareness for Muslim rights. She has always loved volunteering and has been involved with other organizations including the American Red Cross and Habitat for Humanity. She is now able to combine her passion for volunteering with her desire to connect with her Arabic roots.
We’ve seen recently on the news the appalling events dealing with the Penn State Scandal, which opened doors for other victims to speak out against their experience. Unfortunately, what we have seen on the news is not an isolated or random situation, on the contrary it is actually the norm. The harsh reality is that until now, ignorance was bliss to the general of society, but as history has showed us-the truth will always prevail. Education Institutions seem to spend more time and effort covering up a scandal to protect their own at the expense on the victim. Victims are not only traumatized by the initial crime, but often re-victimized by their trusted institution.
People are in uproar about the Penn State scandal, but what they don’t realize is that this is not anything new. CBS reported on the college campuses “Culture of Silence.” Even more disheartening is that many people will soon forget about their anger or passion about this issue as soon as another scandal hits the news. We live in a world today that horrific news serves as entertainment, and passion towards particular issues are more of a trend.
It is important for campus crime victims to be applauded for their courage, but campuses have harassed and silenced them by placing the blame on the victim instead of the perpetrator. Fortunately for victims, there are nonprofit organizations available offer them support while filing charges.
Security on Campus is an independent organization co-founded in 1987 by Connie and Howard Clery in reaction to their daughter’s murder at Lehigh University. Today Security on Campus remains the only nonprofit organization dedicated to preventing violence, substance abuse and crimes on college campuses. Security on Campus offers support for campus crime victims that do not receive the proper help through the institution.
Security on Campus has partnered with PAVE (Promoting Awareness Victim Empowerment) for launching their national awareness campaign, “Safe Campus, Strong Voices.” Many other organizations have teamed up in efforts to prevent campus crimes and cover up scandals. They want to reinforce the necessity to protect the victim and reprimand the perpetrator.
Daniel Carter, Director of Public Policy for Security on Campus, spoke about two major federal campaigns they are currently working on: launching the Campus Sexual Violence Prevention Act (The Campus SaVE Act) and revamping the National Center for Campus Public Safety. The organization efforts are limited by funding issues because these programs come with a hefty price tag, but nothing should stand in the way of protecting students well-being. They also need supporters to take a minute to sign The Campus SaVE Act Petition. Change must be made to bring justice for the many victims of campus crimes and prevent other campus crimes.
Colleges and universities should be held accountable for their actions, and they cannot continue to cover up campus crimes. They should hold the students safety in higher regard than the reputation of their institution. Officials addressed the problem with placing blame on the victim as reported in The State News Article “Officials Promote Shift in Rape Dialogue.” There are many other factors that lead to the problem with campus crimes and we must come together to protect students by putting an end to the issue.
I had the honor of meeting Colette Bleistine through the Public Relations department at Rowan University. She truly is an incredible human being and has been a huge inspiration to me even though I just met her only a few months ago. Bleistine is a perfect example of my favorite attitude quote by Charles R Swindoll, “…life is 10% what happens to me and 90% of how I react to it..” She is extremely active in and outside of college despite her struggle with cystic fibrosis. Bleistine started Colettezels, her personal side business making chocolate covered treats and donates some of the profits to charity along with her involvement with different nonprofit organizations. Her positive energy is contagious and I wanted to share her story with others.
Q: Your name and where your from, where you go to school what you are studying and why?
A: My name is Colette Bleistine. I study Public Relations at Rowan University. I love being a PR Major because I love interacting with people! Organizing and planning events is my forte. My vivacious personality certainly qualifies me for this field of work.
Q: What inspired you to start making these pretzels?
A: I have been making chocolate covered pretzels for my family for Christmas since I was in high school. In the spring of 2009 I decided to make pink pretzels for my cousin’s 1st birthday party. The guests at the party were so impressed that they said they would buy them for their child’s party! That’s when the wheels started turning! I went home and experimented with chocolate; dipping anything and everything in that milky goodness until I came up with the right combinations. I now make chocolate covered Oreos, chocolate covered peanut butter sandwich cookies and pretzel rods in addition to the regular pretzels. During the holiday season I like to try new recipes. Peppermint bark pretzels and my own homemade version of the thin mint girl scout cookie are at hit around Christmas.
Q: What are the benefits?
Everyone loves chocolate! I love making people happy by sharing my product with them.
Q: What are your biggest hardships with it and any set backs you encounter?
A: Making Colettezels is very time consuming and can become frustrating at times. There are several steps in addition to the prep work and the clean up. Working with chocolate in the summer is very difficult due to the heat. I have to be very careful that the pretzels do not become stale while I’m making them due to the humidity.
Q: What keeps you motivated?
A: Although sometimes I want to quit because the process is very tedious, I love seeing the joy on people’s faces when I give them a bag or plate of Colettezels. The satisfaction I get from giving back outweighs the frustration I face while making them.
Q: Where do you see yourself in community outreach and with Colettezels in the future?
A: Same answer as below about the Great Strides Walk. I want to spread awareness as well as my amazing story of CF with the world. My Colettezel business is only a side project. I do not plan on expanding or making a future career out of it. I initially started so I could donate partial proceeds to charity. It is just something fun I do. It’s become more of a charity than a business. I have the occasional Bridal shower or baby shower and of course tons of Christmas orders. But, it is not something I do everyday.
Q: Where do the donations go and why that cause?
A: My donations go towards a Christian foundation called Kids Alley based out of Camden. They provide different events as well as after school services for kids in Camden where they can do homework, socialize and learn about God.
I also donate towards the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation as I have CF myself.
Q: Any other type of community outreach that you do?
A: I have a disease called Cystic Fibrosis. This illness has many adverse affects on my body but mainly affects my lungs, making it hard for me to breathe.
For the past twelve years I have acted as a team leader in the annual Cystic Fibrosis Walk for my team, “Colette’s Cuties”. During the past 3 walks, I have taken a more integral role in helping to plan the entire event. Last year, I had 130 people walk on my team. I raise money by sending letters to all of my family and friends asking for donations along with coordinating fundraisers through local businesses. On average, I raise about $12,000 per year for the CF Foundation.
Q:What else do you want to get involved with?
A: I would like to venture into non-profit PR. Philanthropy is one of my passions. Doing PR for the Make-A-Wish Foundation, the ASPCA or for the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia is one of my goals. Therefore, I would love to volunteer for any of those organizations in the near future.
Q: What is the single most important thing that you want to achieve through community outreach, awareness or volunteering and why?
A: I gain the greatest satisfaction when I am giving back to my community. I am so fortunate in my life that donating my time to activities where I can give back to others is now a passion of mine. I think “paying it forward” is the greatest feeling in the world. I would like to spread my love to philanthropy and giving to others, so they can experience the same wonderful gratification and self-fulfillment that I do.
Melissa Jones, Social Media Manager for Alex's Lemonade Stand Foundation
Melissa Jones, Social Media Manager for Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundation (ALSF), chose to volunteer with the foundation during her senior year of college because she was attracted by how truly “grass roots” the organization is. Back in 2000, ALSF was literally started in the front yard of Alex’s house and now, ALSF still encourages supporters to hold their very own lemonade stands to help raise funds. Approximately 33% of ALSF’s funding is still from traditional lemonade stands.
Jones was offered a summer internship to help expand ALSF’s social media network during her time as a volunteer, and then a full-time position because of her incredible accomplishments as an intern. As Social Media Manager, she is responsible for communicating ALSF’s message through online channels that their supporters are most comfortable with, and connecting people online with appropriate resources within the Foundation. She also focuses her efforts on increasing online donations by offering various ways people can donate as well as working with ALSF’s supporters on ways they can use social media to spread the word about their fundraiser. Jones’s goal with ALSF’s social media is to establish a voice that many can relate to and feel comfortable enough connecting with in a way that will increase online awareness for their very worthy cause.
ALSF’s current big project coming up is their Lemon Ball that will be held on January 14, 2012. The gala is held in honor of Alex and all the other heroes, but also to celebrate the previous year’s achievements. The Lemon Ball is one of Jones’ favorite events of the year because they “bid on fabulous auction items, eat great food, drink and dance.”
Jones expressed ALSF’s need for more supporters to fulfill Alex’s vision for having as many lemonade stands as possible across the U.S. She explained that more stands would lead to more donations that will be sent in and ultimately create more awareness for the cause. Jones states that it is easier than most people would think because anyone can help the cause by just holding their very own lemonade stand or event! Volunteers with ALSF make a huge difference for those battling cancer. The projects that ALSF funds have made incredible advancements in the pediatric cancer world.
Jones stated that her favorite part about working with ALSF is simply just being a part of “Team Alex,” is extremely fulfilling. Liz and Jay Scott, Alex’s Parents, work alongside everyone each day at the office, and everyone is constantly reminded what it is to be a part of Team Alex. “The bond you feels because of that is indescribable.”
Jones highly recommends getting involved with the organization because not only are volunteers helping children with cancer it is a lot of fun with numerous events throughout the year including multiple culinary events with top chefs around the country, telethons, galas, large-scale lemonade stands, and many more.
ALSF welcomes and encourages volunteers of all ages. Visit the website to check out all the opportunities available, if you are interested in getting involved.
“I have been exposed to countless once-in-a-lifetime opportunities and experiences because of my job,” professed Jones. “Not to mention the amazing people I’ve been lucky enough to meet along the way!”
Erin Metz (Left) and Melissa Jones (Right) volunteering at an event
“There is nothing more rewarding than the feeling you get when you know you have made a difference in someone else’s life.” -Jeel Bhuta
Jeel Bhuta, my 27-years-old big sister, is adamant about finding time to volunteer because even though her job as a senior accountant for Sony Music Group does have its financial benefits, it does not offer her the personal satisfaction she longs for. Bhuta strongly believes that it would make a notable difference in the world if everyone put in just a little time to help someone in need. She is actively involved with the Big Brother/Big Sister program, New York Cares, New Jersey Cares, and Project Home. She participates mostly with organizations involving children because she believes that the early intervention can make a huge impact in their life through the healthy guidance and support of the volunteers. She recently took the opportunity to combine her passion for travel and volunteering by getting involved with Cross-Cultural Solutions.
Ann Christiano, Frank and Betsy Karel Endowed Chair in Public Interest Communications from University of Florida, hosts “Public Interest Communications: Be the Change You Want to See in the World” lecture.
Kendall Schmidt, PRSSA National E-Board’s VP of Chapter Development, announces this year’s community outreach program is for the Salvation Army at the Welcome, Awards, Keynote Address and Chapter Roll Call session.
Donation box with PRSSA Members for the Salvation Army.
Pay it Forward, Philly! 