It’s only been a month and a half with NOAF, and I’m shocked by how much has already occurred. From events to meetings, I’ve found that I love working with Amy Irvin even more than I thought I would. One of the highlights has been a meeting with a board member, Mary, and Amy to discussion development. Mary has over 20 years of administrative development experience, so she was able to help us brainstorm some terrific ideas. It was easily one of the most educational and motivating discussions I’ve had about fundraising, and it’s been driving force behind my work for NOAF ever since. However, it’s been helping out at the that has taught me most about the actual organization
Over the last couple weeks, I’ve already helped out at two different NOAF events: Sex Ed Bingo and a book reading and discussion for Dr. Willie Parker’s book, Life’s Work: A Moral Argument for Choice. Bingo occurred during the first week of my internship, and the opportunity to table with the other intern, Samah, was a great experience. It allowed me to get a sense of NOAF’s tongue in cheek approach to reproductive rights that is so unique to the organization. Surprisingly, I also learned a lot of colloquial terminology about sex, most of which I had never heard before. At Dr. Parker’s event, I was able to witness a different, more formal approach that still retained the friendly yet intimate atmosphere that NOAF produces so well. After that night, I now understand the complex relationship between religion and reproductive rights that is so central to New Orleans. Both events were truly eye-opening.
I’m so excited for NOAF’s plans in the upcoming weeks. This weekend, Samah and I will be attending the organization’s values alignment discussion. Staff, board members, volunteers, and supporters are meeting to discuss the direction they hope to move in going forward. It’s going to be an amazing experience to be part of. I can’t wait to help them identify new goals and programs for the future. Soon after that, I’ll be attending my first story sharing event, which I’ve heard such terrific things about. Every opportunity that allows me to better understand the advocacy component of NOAF’s work only makes me more committed. Going forward, I’ve been tasked with drafting the organization’s End of the Year Appeal. This is both exciting and mildly terrifying since 30% of the organization’s donation are often raised during the holiday season with this campaign. I’ve already learned so much in my preliminary research, so I’m excited to see how the campaign goes!