The new and improved Blog space!

Hi Everyone!

I wanted to let my past readers and new readers that this will now be my permanent blog space! I love the simple instructions and the great fonts..much better in my opinion.

Well I will first repost my older blogs, just to catch people up. But I have some new updates so be sure to read on!

Thanks for reading!

Danniella

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written Mat 21,st 2008 at 12:45 pm:

Hey Everyone and thanks for tuning into what should be one of many blogs coming your way!

I am new to the "Blogging" world and I'm stil trying to work out a few kinks in the layout and design area so bear with me as you may see many changes over the next few days!

I want this blog to be as interactive and ressourceful as possible so for those of you tuning in, please be sure to comment and give your suggestions, ideas or well..your comments!

Well now, many of you would have followed a link to this site and know exactly why Im here, let me introduce myself and cause to the rest of you!

My name is Danniella and I have been selected as a Participant in the Canada World Youth Program. Starting July 21st, I will stationed in Camrose, Alberta for 3 months introuducing my counterpart to the country and working with an NGO there and then from there moving on the Santa Cruz, Bolivia to work with a youth development NGO. As a participant, I need to raise a minimiun of $2,100 and so to do that, I have called on multiple ressources and started multiple letter and facebook campaigns, having had short notice, and in return would like the donors and all interested to hear about this amazing opportunity, a chance to get a closer look!

My blogs will obviously start with the fundraising process, its results and strategies! I would love to hear from anyone whose had a similar experience or any fundraising tips!

Here's what I have tried so far:
- Posting on Family website/ emailing each individual member
- Posting a Cause on Facebook and inviting freinds and family to support
- Letter Campaigns to 1. Past employers 2. Bolivian Embassy 3.Universities 4.Local organizations in my community 5. Local Mp's office

What else can I do in such a small amount of time on limited funding??

This blog was actually a great idea to me from a friend. He thought that it would be a great way for donors and potential participants to see exactly what the process is like, the pros and cons and obviously pictures dont hurt!

As I am still working out the kinks, this first blog will be cut short, however, I urge you to follow the link below, check out the cause and if it's in you to give.Do it!

http://www.causes.com/myspace/causes/86730?recruiter_id=14938238

Thanks for tuning in....I think My second blog will have to be about the pros and cons so far in this game!

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written may 24, 2008 @ 8:12 pm:

Well I am knee deep so far in this whole process. Hopefully not meaning to sink!

I have little over 30 days to complete my fundraising obligations for CWY and to be very honest have not been so successful. I have listed posts on my Family website which has generated some response but my facebook efforts have so far been futile. I believe mainly that is about friends of mine either 1.not having money to support themselves much less my cause and 2. just a lack of interest. My letter campaign can not be evaluated for success rates.

It is important to me to also try to raise some awareness about this program and perhaps interest potential applicants. However, I guess the nature of this particular blog wont be too appealing considering im in a bit of a rut and this particular situation emphasizes the spontenuity and struggle incurred on adventures such as this!

I know I didnt mention this before..in fact my first blog read like an advertisement in most cases but im a little scared. Primarily scared because im not sure if ill be able to raise the due funds in the time specified and secondly because my realization of Bolivia as a country only happened 2 years ago. My political education is specialized in National(Canadian) and African politics.So when i got the call telling me i was chosen for the Bolivian program I was a litle shocked. It meant brushing up on my spanish..which im still doing, and learning about a whole new culture and socio-political environment. Luckily I have Latin American friends who helped bring me up to speed about the culture in Bolivia and God Bless Wikipedia for its fast and ressourceful information!

The fundraising, or lack of, the spontenuity of the place im going to and the short notice, are all realities of the Canada World Youth program. At very least, you cant have a weak heart going into this program. You must realize that not everything can be planned out and that sometimes you have to make the best of the inconveniences that get throw your way in hindsight to once in a lifetime opportunities. The up side is that the preparation side of it and all of its painstakingly long winded processes..criminal checks, pasport papers and donations are rewarded with a new experience, educationally and socially. For me, its a window to get out and see something besides the maple trees of canada. A chance ot finally see where my education can be most useful.

I think in a country like Canada, our youth has a responsiblity to serve onto others what they themselves have been given and thats a chance. A chance to strive, try and even succeed.
Im hoping that what I accomplish, success. In not only my fundraising..god knows i have to work through that, but also to complete the program and take aways from it, awareness, compassion and most of all understanding.

More news on the fundraising to follow!

Ciao for now! d