Friday, January 30, 2009

Whats been happening...

Okay so this has truly been a long time coming but I knew that a change would come...a journey that I have been interested in taking ever since I graduated from FAMU...

What I've been doing...

In July I resigned from my position as a Project Manager for a non-profit organization to prepare for my Peace Corps volunteer experience. Unfortunately, I was unable to leave in July and by the time October rolled around; I learned that November wasn't going to happen either. I was a little disappointed but quickly found meaningful work to occupy my time. I currently serve as a Peace and Love Executive Board Member, a non-profit organization and as a vendor for the PVH Corporation. Oh yes and of course, I party in my spare time!

What I will be doing...

As a Peace Corps Volunteer, I will facilitate the development of a strong and effective organization by working with key decision makers of local Non-Government Organizations (NGOs) on their fight against HIV/AIDS epidemic.I will not have a preconceived set of answers, but I have the skills, ideas and knowledge to enable an organization to meet the needs of the population. I will work as an advisor to local, national, or international nongovernmental organizations that deal with youth and health education.Typical projects include:• Increasing an NGOs organizational capacity and sustainability• Creating strategic and funding plans• Raising public awareness• Conducting community outreach• Recruiting, training, and mentoring NGO workers and volunteers• Developing mission statements, bylaws, and other documentationI will be serving in South Africa and will be placed in one of four provinces surrounding JoBurg. On Feb 2nd I will leave for the Staging period that happens to be taking place in Philly for two days. On the 4th I will fly out of New York and by the 6th I will begin training in South Africa!

I am extremely excited about this opportunity and I am thankful for the family and friends that put up with me as I upset my life to make this happen. For bi-weekly updates, save the blog address. Once I get settled in, I will purchase a cell so that I can be reached. Send your love and support, I will definitely need it and make plans to visit for 2010!
World Cup JoBurg baby!

Peace