Givology: How it Works

Stephany Yong's Posts

Interview with Global Peace Exchange Director Alison Giest

Sunday, April 1, 2012 at 05:15:18 PM by Stephany Yong

With the mission to create sustainable, grassroots development projects through student exchanges, the Global Peace Exchange has a two-fold effect: local communities would receive benefit at the grassroots level and students would also be exposed to opportunities in the humanitarian field. The hope is that students achieve a shared understanding of the common human struggle to survive, a moral and ethical education about the issues affecting a particular area or culture, and the hope to aid in the building of a new “civilization” of humanity. I was able to get some insight from the Global Peace Exchange's director Alison Giest regarding her involvement with the organization and what it means to give

What is your role in the organization and how long have you been involved? What are your responsibilities?
For this academic year August 2011 till now I have been co-Director. This is my third year with the organization. Currently, I:
oversee a 15 student-volunteer board to manage our finances and on-campus activity, coordinate with partners in developing countries (this year Uganda, Rwanda, Nepal) so that we can implement our projects, manage and train16 students in research and intern positions so they are ready for their exchange, as well as develop alumni and faculty networks.

Why did you get involved with the Global Peace Exchange? What was your inspiration?
I have always been interested in international issues, and in college, I began to become interested in 'development'. GPE providesa critical approach to understanding humanitarian issues and foreign aid in terms of their sensitivity and concern for sustainability.

How does the organization measure its impact?
This year we are initiating a monitoring and evaluation research project to qualitatively and quantitatively review our projects. This will entail talking to different community members/students and looking at improvements in test scores and or attendance.

What makes the Global Peace Exchange different from other organizations with student exchange service projects?
GPE gives students the opportunity to to engage directly with a community in project design and throughout implementation. Our exchanges are also longer than typical student service projects (2-3 months) and we attempt to return to the same locations year after year, demonstrating commitment and dedication to specific communities. We aim to provide sustainable solutions to communities that empower them to make change in their own lives after we leave.

In your experience with the Global Peace Exchange, what was the best advice that you received or lesson that you learned along the way?
I have learned to admit failure and when something is beyond our capacity. This is difficult when you are attempting to 'sell' your projects to donors, but this recognition is the only way to truly improve and grow your work.

What’s the greatest challenge that the organization faces today?
As a student organization and student continually graduating, it is difficult to ensure consistent leadership. We are working on institutionalizing the student within our university as well as developing specific guidelines for future leaders to follow in terms of position roles, contacts, timelines to follow and advice. Passing on the things we learn along the way tends to be difficult.

Five years from now, where do you envision the Global Peace Exchange? What legacy do you want to leave?
I hope that GPE will grow in scale, implementing more projects with all the contacts we have gained and providing more students the opportunity to have this experience. I believe that solidifying our large alumni network is a means to doing this and securing funds, as our alumni continue in the development field making their own contacts.

Could you share with us a memorable story or experience you've gained from your time with GPE?
Being able to give students the opportunities to have these service experience is extremely rewarding. One student particularly, we had trouble placing at first. After several months we found a perfect location fit given her interest and experience. She is ecstatic and this opportunity has driven her to integrate service into many areas her life: her blogging and artwork. Knowing that these experiences will change the way the students look at the world and interact with it, is one of the most incredible feelings.

How can one person make a difference in the world?
One person can make a difference by telling his or her story and all that he or she has learned to as many people as possible.

What advice do you give to other potential social entrepreneurs?
Learning how to communicate effectively with the people you work with, ensuring that your vision is the same is critical. This allows you to communicate a consistent message as many people as possible.

On a personal level, what does giving mean to you?
Giving means empowering. It is important to give things that make sustainable change. Thus you can give and share a skill, a story, or an experience.

Click here to donate to the Global Peace Exchange!
Featured Partner: Dave Welch of the D.O.V.E. Fund

Sunday, March 18, 2012 at 04:43:29 AM by Stephany Yong

Determined to bring the greatest impact per dollar to Vietnamese communities, the D.O.V.E. Fund has taken an enlightened philosophy with its allocation of donations: 100% of all donations go directly to the construction of schools, scholarships, medical care and disaster relief. The D.O.V.E Fund's mission is, "To provide humanitarian and development assistance to areas in Vietnam; to provide communication, education and cultural exchanges that reflects the best qualities of both cultures. To create an environment brightened by hope and sustained by peace."

For veterans of the Vietnam War who have been scarred by memories for decades, a return to Vietnam can provide the ultimate healing. It is in this environment where many veterans finally put Vietnam in perspective. The generous nature of the Vietnamese people helps many veterans deal with the images of their wartime experience and see a new Vietnam. To help those who were once enemies is a remarkable personal journey that proves life changing to both veterans and members of Vietnamese communities.

I spoke with Dave Welch, a member of the D.O.V.E. Fund's Board of Trustees about the organization's work in Vietnam and his relationship with giving.

Why did you start working for the D.O.V.E. Fund?

It stems from two parts. First, it was respect for my dad, who was a Vietnam veteran, and time and service the other veterans put into the D.O.V.E. Fund. Equally important, there is a lot of need and a lot of people who could use our help in Vietnam. I saw a school built by the organization and compared it to what it was before, a community without any school. It was very inspiring to see.

How do you measure your impact?

We measure impact by the number of people we help, primarily children. We also do microfinancing geared toward children and a Leprosy community, a community in Vietnam unofficially outcast from society. The children of these people who have the disease, although they don’t have the disease, are impacted. They don’t have a lot of access to basic necessities like education. A bandage brigade started in 2005, in which we ship thousands of bandages to these communities in Vietnam so people can bandage their wounds and deal with the symptoms of this disease.

What makes the D.O.V.E. Fund different from other organizations in the region?

I think it’s unique in how the organization has two aspects, in that one avenue gets veterans to return to Vietnam, which is difficult for a lot of them. To go back 30 years later to a place they had visited when they were young men and seeing the country as a thriving country instead of a war-torn place, they can replace difficult memories with hopeful memories. The other avenue is helping people in need. I know there are other organizations that are doing really great things, and I don’t want to take from what they’re doing.
Also, the D.O.V.E. Fund members, board of trustees and their friends and families all donate our time and money to all the administrative costs. If you were to hand me a dollar to a project, that entire dollar will make it over to that project. All administrative costs are paid for. My dad is a CPA he will do the accounting so we don't have to pay someone to do that.

In getting involved with the D.O.V.E. Fund, what was the best lesson that you learned along the way?

It’s extremely rewarding and that’s what’s everyone’s looking for—financially or putting in time to help. It’s not always easy. It can be difficult and very time consuming with a lot of effort. It’s another job. Anyone who wants to play a large role in a nonprofit, they shouldn’t expect that it wouldn’t require time. To get the rewards, you really have to dedicate yourself to the cause. If you don’t have a million dollars sitting around to donate, think about the skills you can lend to an organization, with a website or raising awareness. I think you really have to look towards yourself and be prepared to put a little effort into it.

What’s the greatest challenge that [organization/initiative] faces today?

Keeping up with the need in the region. When we [the D.O.V.E. Fund] first started we were localized in very specific parts of Vietnam. As we’ve expanded over time, we realized how much need there was for these services. We used to only build schools but now we also have other projects [the bandage brigade, constructing solar lights, sanitation projects and nursery schools]. After we’ve expanded in that way, we identified more and more need. That’s the challenge to keep up with the need and allocate our resources in the most efficient way possible.

Five years from now, where do you envision your organization?

What I would personally like to see with the D.O.V.E. is that our membership will grow. We will probably grow within Vietnam and continue to serve more people. However, the group started in Ohio and Michigan, and that’s where the majority of members are. With me in New York City, I would like to see more members in the states and get some younger people involved in that. In terms of the legacy, I defer that to the veterans and founders. I can’t speak for them. But for me, even though they were there [in Vietnam] 30 years ago for a war, we are all sort of one people. No one would have guessed 30 years ago that these men and women there would be back years later in the same country building schools. That’s a testament to the people of Vietnam and to Americans coming back to work on a project and leave wonderful things behind.

Could you share a memory you’re particularly fond of from your service with the D.O.V.E. Fund?

I think one memorable moment was when the D.O.V.E Fund built a water tower as a part of a clean water project. I remember the community, going there, and seeing them. Sometimes we see projects before and after it’s done. Going to see the community after the project was done made me realize the importance of clean water. This community didn’t have access to clean water, as they had water but were not aware of its cleaniliness. Something so simple to me was so important to this community. It was eye opening. It relatively didn’t cost that much money, but the project had such great impact.

Another memorable moment was going to a school for the blind. We built a school with audio computers and brail computers. It was another thing we take for granted, and it was heart breaking to see kids who grew up blind, but it was also very inspiring to see how optimistic they were about their own lives. Now the children at this school have all the access to the Internet and things we have. Something as simple as a computer with an audio component and them printing something on the brail printer was very inspiring.

Could you share a memory or experience you’re particularly fond of from your time with CFK?

We have a football program. The students have been participating in the football program and are in a big league club in Kenya. There are success stories of five of them in this big football club, which makes us proud. It helps them in different ways by giving them an opportunity to share, play and express their talent. It’s more than football. There is a program for mentorship and personal development. They are able to gain life skills through football, through a league club or some of them end up becoming coaches or referees. Of course, education program has not been there long but we have seen how we changed the life of someone.

How can one person make a difference in the world?

Anyone who wants to make a difference, there’s plenty of need out there whether it be through Vietnam or the D.O.V.E. Fund. Find an organization you personally connect with in the USA or someone where. Find what you can offer, money or a skill, or just contacting an organization and asking where they need help. They can all use help. My involvement with the D.O.V.E. Fund was the reaching out to my dad and other veterans. As it evolved over of time, it means helping out where I’m able and providing whatever I can provide to people who need it.

The above picture is of a day care center in the
Vietnamese city of Dalat, the provincial capital of Lam Dong province.
Dalat is an enclave of Vietnam's ethnic minorities and in 1968 was
served as a base camp for former US soldier and D.O.V.E. Fund founding
member, Bob Mehring. Through a series of fund raisers and
contributions from their friends after Bob's passing, Bob's wife Paula
was able to fund this daycare center just outside Dalat - a long-time
desire of Bob's.

This is a picture of a daycare center located in in
Hai Truong Commune, in the Hai Lang district. The Hai Truong daycare
center was built by the D.O.V.E Fund and provides space for 120
students.

Above are two pictures Dave just received this week (March
16, 2012) letting the D.O.V.E. Fund members know that the shipment of
3,000 bandages arrived safely in Hanoi and are on their way to Pleiku
where they will be distributed to those in need. These bandages were
sent as part of the D.O.V.E. Fund's Bandage Brigade. The Bandage
Brigade began in 2005 as a volunteer group working with crochet thread
to create bandages for those suffering with leprosy in Vietnam. Since
2008 the D.O.V.E. Fund Bandage Brigade has delivered over 12,000
bandages to the lepers in Vietnam.

To support the D.O.V.E. Fund cause, visit its Givology profile to support a student today!
Featured Student: Christopher Onyango

Monday, February 27, 2012 at 07:19:15 AM by Stephany Yong

Growing up in the Nairobi region of Kenya, 19-year-old Christopher Onyango has not only struggled with the death of his father but also leaving school in order to support his family financially.

A class prefect at Olympic High School in charge of the school's keys, Christopher also supports his family of five sisters and three brothers. Christopher aspires to become a doctor some day in order to give back to his community. He sees the suffering within his community and the waste of human life that ends as a result of curable diseases. By helping young people, Christopher hopes to treat students in order for them to continue their educations.

Christopher writes more about his journey in education with an update to the Givology community.

Students like Christopher are supported by Carolina for Kibera (CFK).
Carolina for Kibera exists to develop local leaders, catalyze positive change and alleviate poverty in the Kibera slum of Nairobi. Driven by local needs, Carolian for Kibera's collaborative network of programs advance health, education, ethnic cooperation, gender equality and economic empowerment, and equip leaders with tools to strengthen the community. At its core, CFK believes that community problems require local solutions run by local leaders. To that end, their staff in Kenya is made up of sixty full and part time staff – all are Kenyan and many are from Kibera.

To support students like Christopher, donate to other CFK students today!
Featured Student: Le Thi Mery

Monday, February 20, 2012 at 07:52:04 AM by Stephany Yong

Growing up in the Quang Tri region of Vietnam, 14-year-old Le Thi Mery has been met with hardship with the loss of her mother and father.
Left with her two older brothers, Mery is a diligent student in school although she is visually impaired. Mery is excellent in English and music, maintaining a bright smile and positive outlook as she enters the 8th grade. She has participated in music competitions and won a number of awards. Mery's persistence in finding passion and hope in her life in spite of the many obstacles put before her, physically and emotionally. Her future aspirations include attending college and studying English.

Students like Mery are supported by the Dove Fund.
Since 2000, The D.O.V.E. Fund has funded the construction of over 40 schools throughout Vietnam. The Development of Vietnam Endeavors (D.O.V.E.) is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization comprised of Vietnam veterans, Rotarians and concerned citizens that are dedicated to rebuilding Vietnam and improving the lives of those in the most impoverished areas. The scholarship program, started in 2000 has benefited hundreds of Vietnamese students from grade school to college.

To support students like Mery, donate to the D.O.V.E. Fund today!
Featured Student: Eunice Makwana

Monday, February 6, 2012 at 07:04:09 AM by Stephany Yong

Having overcome extreme obstacles with the death of both of her parents, 16-year-old Eunice Makwana is determined to finish her education as a student with Carolina for Kibera. Living in the Nairobi of Kenya, Eunice is a 9th grader at the Starays Hope Community Center.

However, attending school school became increasingly difficult for Eunice. While a neighbor helped feed Eunice and her seven siblings, school fees were left unpaid. And so, Eunice and her siblings would wash and farm for their neighbors in order to pay for school tuition. Having to take multiple months off of school, Eunice's education has been undoubtedly hampered by her unstable financial situation. Read more about Eunice's story from a handwritten note from her.

After the several leaves of absence, Eunice hopes to be back for a consistent period of time. Her dream of finishing school “has been answered by Carolina for Kibera” so her future can be the bright again. Eunice's hobbies include football, and she aspires to become a teacher one day. And with the support of Givology donors, Eunice's development into a strong young woman can continue as she advances her place in her community as a thinker and professional with Carolina for Kibera!

Read more and help support other Carolina for Kibera students like Eunice here!
Featured Student: Brenda Lacan

Monday, January 30, 2012 at 01:59:44 AM by Stephany Yong

From being forced to hide under her parent's bed during door-to-door school recruitment campaigns to facing the daunting belief of her grandfather that an education is wasted on girls, 15-year-old Brenda Lacan has defied the odds in achieving her education. With the support of her mother Maria who was never able to pursue her education, Brenda is determined to prove the expectations of her grandfather wrong.

With her two older sisters in high school and her parents working in the embroidery business, the family could not afford to have Brenda continue with secondary school in Guatemala. But after being awarded a Starfish scholarship, Brenda has been making steady progress. She was initially failing three classes when she started 7th grade and was disheartened about her schooling, but her mentor has worked closely with her, as Brenda has passed one more class each semester. As of the most recent exams last August, Brenda not only passed all of her classes, but she also earned high marks. She now feels empowered and excited about school while her self-esteem has improved.

Brenda is excelling in the Starfish Empowerment Program for girls, even being one of the leaders in her 15-member Starfish group. With her own savings and email account, Brenda is also one of the the top students in her class. Aside from focusing on her studies, Brenda enjoys basketball and embroidery.

To learn more about Brenda and leave her a comment, check out her group blog!
Featured Student: Victor Ouma

Monday, January 23, 2012 at 08:15:04 AM by Stephany Yong

Sometimes my friends at my public high school in Southern California joke about missing school to avoid an exam or other unpleasant task. Yet jokes aside, very rarely do we consider being forced to stay at home due to financial issues or extreme tragedy in our personal lives.

After I read the story of Victor Ouma from Kibera in Kenya, I realized how foolish our jokes were about missing school. As much as some students dread waking up to study US History, I recognized how fortunate I was to be accountable to almost nothing besides exploring my intellectual interests.

After the deaths of both his parents and eldest brother, Victor had to take an leave of absence from school in order to support his other siblings as they struggled to feed themselves. Finding the equilibrium between helping his family and advancing his education has been difficult, but Vincent has been able to get by with the help of some scholarships and his own desire to do well. Victor even worked over the holidays to raise enough money for his tuition the following semester. However, Victor's motivation to keep learning and pursuing his ambitions is undying regardless of the status of his tuition funds. Victor is just a normal 16-year-old who loves football, but he is extraordinary and an inspiration to me with his resilience to continue his education in the face of adversity.

With this drive to succeed, Victor writes how he wants to become a lawyer someday, as he articulates in a letter update to his Givology supporters.

To read more about Victor, visit his Givology profile!
Bringing Formal Education to Colombia's Poor: An Interview with the Emmaus Road Foundation

Saturday, January 7, 2012 at 09:46:51 PM by Stephany Yong

A country stricken by poverty and war, Colombia not only struggles with one of the poorest economies in the world but also a faltering education system. However, Natanael Lizarazo wants to change that. Having started the Emmaus Road Foundation almost 20 years ago, Natanael is the founder and vice president of the board of directors who strives to bring education and leadership to the poorest communities in Colombia. Since Natanael lives in the United States today, the on-going job in the organization is to be an interpreter for the people in Colombia and a fundraising presence for American donors. I was able to chat with Natanael about the Emmaus Road Foundation and their goals as they partner with Givology.

What are some of the goals and achievements of your organization?
The primary mission is to provide formal education to not only children but also youth and at times adults. We invest in formal education and believe in that. It is a passport to a better and dignified life. It is a very cool part of our work in Colombia. Also our mission is also to develop people with leadership abilities and skills so they will be able to impact their own environments, their family, within the church, and beyond in society. Also, those in Colombia have been living in a civil war for 50 years. For us to form people with peace making skills, respect of diversity and conflict aversion—that’s also a part of the leadership development. And especially in the last 10 years, we are also a bridge so that people in the United States can come to Colombia and educate themselves about the possibilities of the country, especially the poorer people.

What are the greatest challenges facing Colombian society?
The challenges for the folks in Colombia are of a country that still has much internal conflict which also impacts families and students The most significant challenge they face is the financial component. They are very poor people, so for them to even attend school is a struggle. It is a simple yet complicated issue of even having transportation.

How do you see the impact of your work?
Having started the Emmaus Road Foundation in 1991, we have worked with people until they have graduated from universities and helped support them and now these students are making contributions to family, church, and society. We have had the first medical doctors, engineers, and people in communications. We have had people continue and finish with us. Another great impact that provides a more human face to a relationship.

The second significant impact in the last 10 years is that we have been instrumental in bringing people directly to Colombia and see for themselves our mission and to reenergize to be ambassadors. Colombia has a very bad media image in the States. People think of drugs, violence—but Colombia is much more than that. I am very pleased with the people who have been helped in Colombia in formal education and leadership development. That is very critical. Someone can graduate from a university, but if you do not awaken the larger leadership potential, the impact is going to be much more narrow. Formal education and leadership development are very important.

What are some of the challenges that the Emmaus Road Foundation faces?
For a small organization for non profits, this challenge of communication is an on-going challenge. We are in the process of even having a friendly and interactive web page and not only in one language but bilingual as you need to communicate to people in Colombia and people in the States who do not speak Spanish. The Emmaus Road Foundation is trying the very best we can with keeping communication ongoing and flowing. We are blessed to have a bilingual person there who works to make it happen on the board of directors. Stella is in Colombia and helps significantly. I am blessed to have her as I am away from Colombia.

As you work on a lot of fundraising goals in the United States, what potential do you see in microphilanthropy for other nonprofit causes like Emmaus?
I live in a country where people have too much. In the US people have too much and very little that we can contribute. That is even the story of Givology—such a powerful message and story of having small gifts. Those gifts can be leveraged to impact a child and a family. I see the potential in the US to do amazing things and of course, that is why it is important to connect face to face and send people to Colombia. People who go onto visit Colombia come back and realize, “I want to sponsor another child.”

What has inspired you to continue your work in Colombia for the past 20 years?
I myself come from a very poor family in Colombia. I am the only one in a family of three brothers and one sister, I was the only one to go beyond one or two years of elementary education. The passport to a dignified life has been education. I myself am a deep believer in the potential of education and for life to be different.

I have a student who will hopefully graduate in a month. He is a father with five children. He does not have a place to live. He was going to the university but could not pay the fees to the university. However, he wanted to complete his degree and knocked on the door of our organization. He has not only been able to connect to his hopes and dream at the university but also purchase a better home for his family. And now he is so looking forward to having an official degree from a recognized degree at a Colombian university. He realized that dream will be enough for his family to push his children to go to school and go to the university. This is something that will inspire anybody—that gift and that drive. It is always an inspiration.

Students in Southern Bogota.

A student from Caracoli in southern Bogota proudly presents his masterpieces. The Emmaus Road Foundation actively supports art projects in education.

Natanael teaching at a Leadership Development Seminar with university students.

Parents from Caracoli proudly display their work at a recent leadership development seminar. The work of the Emmaus Road Foundation is holistic in nature and involves the entire family unit.
Featured Community Member: Kate Hensley with the Tea Leaf Trust

Thursday, November 17, 2011 at 04:46:10 AM by Stephany Yong

More often than not, a person's career path is influenced by what he or she excelled at or found interest in within the context of the classroom. For instance, the physics and calculus brainiac will probably pursue a career in engineering while the student with a passion for historical texts may want to be a historian or even a lawyer. But what if that student never had that opportunity to pursue their interests? What if students never received the training and intellectual inspiration to pursue their passions? Unfortunately, many young people in the tea growing region of Sri Lanka must resort to extremely poorly paid labour-intensive jobs; picking tea or working as farm laborers cultivating vegetables.

However, with the work of the non-profit organization Tea Leaf Trust, individuals will receive education and vocational training to help them get higher paying and more fulfilling jobs. With Tea for Sri Lanka quickly approaching (this Saturday, November 19), I spoke to Kate Hensley, a student at New York University, about her experiences with Givology, Tea Leaf Trust, and her motivation to put on this event.

After joining Givology one year ago, Kate has been active within the Givology core team, especially her work with partners in central Sri Lanka, like Tea Leaf Trust. By working with young people, Kate saw first hand how they were being prepared for higher paying jobs and encouraged to take on leadership within their communities.

"As leaders in their communities, they get out of poverty and are exposed to innovation and responsible business practices. It sets an example for everyone else in the community," Kate said.

One of Kate's most memorable moments of her time in Sri Lanka this summer was visiting a community that had an English-learning program. Tea Leaf Trust had its own students that were receiving vocational training teach younger children and adults English, having these young adults already take on a leadership role in their communities.

As for Saturday's event, Kate is excited for what is in store.

"It is a great networking event. The event is not just to raise money but to also increase awareness of what these grops are working on, and for the Givology community of a group of people passionate for a cause," Kate said.

Check out some photos of Kate's trip to Sri Lanka this summer!
Featured Community Member: Irvine Chapter

Wednesday, November 9, 2011 at 05:16:44 AM by Stephany Yong

After learning about Givology through her involvement in Future Business Leaders of America and later as a Givology marketing intern this summer, Liu Jiang was compelled to bring Givology to her high school campus. Since its launch in July 2011, the Irvine-based University High School chapter has gotten off to a running start, bringing fundraising and awareness to its Southern California campus. I was able to speak with Liu about the group’s plans for the future and how it plans to replicate Givology’s successful East Coast campaigns with a West Coast flair.

How does Givology differ from other organizations that work to bring education to lesser developed parts of the world?
LJ: I think that Givology especially appealed to me, because the people who work for it totally believe in it. They’re different from the heads of other non-profit organizations. They started Givology when they were in college. I like how we can actually talk to Joyce and Gina unlike other organizations. For instance, in American Red Cross you would never get to speak to and get to know the CEO. It was a defining component that led me to start a Givology chapter— the close-knit organization.

What inspired you to get involved in Givology?
LJ: I was always interested in the concept of education, and I look forward to going into the education field. I was actually born in China and came to America when I was four years old. I’ve been to the [Chinese] countryside and have seen the conditions of their schools in comparison to ours. I’ve always believed that education is the most important thing for people our age and younger. With a microfinance organization, you can donate as much money as you want. I know for some organizations, you have to donate like $5 or $10, but for Givology you can donate what ever you have and you still can make a difference. Also, you can still get into contact with the students you are helping. That’s a driving factor for students who donate and work for it. For other organizations, like if you donate to Red Cross, you won’t be able to talk to the person and the person that you helped.

What are some projects you are currently working on?
<b>LJ: Right now our chapter is working on a promotional video to encourage more chapters in high schools and colleges to start a Givology chapter. We’re filming a three to four minute video explaining to the people what Givology does and how it is unique from other education development organizations. We’re trying to get that in by the end of Thanksgiving.

What are some future event plans for the Irvine chapter?<b>
<b>LJ: This winter, we’re doing a raising awareness activity by showing a documentary at our high school. We will be raising money but it will mostly be about raising awareness about education in developing nations—what a couple of dollars can do for these students. We’re selling tickets for $5 each. This May, we’re hosting a huge benefit concert targeting high school and middle school students. It is going to be outdoors and on May 18. Our last big event will be in June or in the summer since Givology usually has a campaign around the end of school. We will probably hold a marathon targeted to families citywide from Irvine to Newport. We’ll have Gatorade and snack bar stands. We’re planning on having tshirts with the student the runner is sponsoring, as if he or she is running for a child. At the end of the marathon, we want to have a way for the runner to come in contact with the student they’re sponsoring through a letter campaign, so they know where the money is going and how it is affecting the student.

What approach does the Irvine chapter take to address Givology goals?
LJ: Our two main goals are raising awareness and fundraising. Some chapters are more research or blogging based I think for people our age, we can make the biggest differences through fundraising and awareness since it’s about getting more chapters on the West Coast. We can inspire other students in the area to create chapters. A lot of people from other chapters will come to these events, especially the benefit concert and the marathon. We think that for any organization really, raising awareness and fundraising are the two most important objectives. And everything else like research are good when you have fundraising and awareness down—it’s best to start with something more fundamental.

How do you actively recruit members on a high school campus with so many competing charity organizations?
LJ: We have over 130 clubs on campus so it got difficult to get a classroom and adviser. So, we decided to meet on the same day with Free the Slaves, an organization my friend heads that focuses on freeing slaves in Asia and Africa trafficking through education. By holding club meetings on the same day as another club, if someone comes to Free the Slaves, they might want to join Givology too.

What was your favorite Givology project you’ve worked on?
LJ: My favorite and most inspiring event over the summer was publicizing the Make Your Mark event in New York with M. Night Shyamalan. It was most inspiring since my friend and I wanted to do something similar with an art gallery, but that was more of an adult thing. It really did inspire a lot of those ideas for our chapter and with that event, I decided to make a chapter to start having make Your Mark Events on the West Coast.

What is the most fulfilling part of the work you do for Givology?
LJ: The most fulfilling part of this is seeing young people share a common passion. We have a common goal of bringing education to these people in developing countries. We’re lucky with the education we have. I think it’s exciting to see students my age giving other students in countries our age the same opportunities for success and education that we have.