Volunteerism Abroad

Considering my heritage, my focus on the Cultural Dynamics of Africa for my certificate, and my future goals, aiding and serving Africa has always been a deep desire of mine. I volunteer with the Michael and Mauritia Patcha Foundation, a cancer prevention-focused organization that conducts a plethora of educational training, wig drives, and free cancer screenings in the United States throughout the year. Their fundraising efforts are put toward an annual weeklong medical mission in a remote, West African village.

Domestically, I volunteer as a Social Media Consultant/Event Planner. I have been doing so since I began working with the organization. I work alongside a small team evaluating data analytics and strategizing on the best ways to successfully reach our target audience. The social media is pivotal to the organization as it is how partially how they fundraise, and how they disseminate their information about their upcoming events and pertinent cancer-related information. I have applied what I have learned through my Global Studies courses about Cultural Dynamics and tailor our posts to each demographic. Traffic to the social media sites has increased over the years.

In 2015, I was able to fundraise enough and save enough money for myself and volunteered during the medical mission in Cameroon. My experience was no less than life-changing. I bore witness to unfathomable suffering, and have worked hard each year to generate enough funds to keep attending. I was able to see the disparities between western societies and those in developing countries, recognizing certain concepts I have studied. I am so grateful, however, for all of the people I met and the patients I were able to serve. Volunteering in francophone Africa also made it possible for me to use my language of study to develop a deeper connection with those around me. Though I have only been able to attend once more since then, I will continue to volunteer with them and help run their social media accounts, as well as participating in their fundraising and education efforts.

The skills I have gained by working with this organization include:
-Effective time management
-Achieving success whilst under pressure
-Professional and adequate communication
-Maintaining composure during high-stress situations
-Working cohesively with a group of others

These are all skills I continue to apply to every assignment, project, or task I am working on.

Medical Mission Volunteer

Michael & Mauritia Patcha Foundation

June 2015- Present

Cameroon, West Africa

The Michael & Mauritia Patcha Foundation is a non-profit organization focuses on Cancer Awareness, Early detection, Screening, and Care in minority communities in the United States and abroad. They host a yearly medical mission where hundreds of volunteers travel to remote villages in West Africa and provide free cancer screenings, surgeries, dental care, etc. to thousands of people that would not be able to afford it otherwise.

Social Media Consultant/ Event Planner (Volunteer)

Michael & Mauritia Patcha Foundation

June 2011- Present

Maryland

The Michael & Mauritia Patcha Foundation is a non-profit organization focuses on Cancer Awareness, Early detection, Screening, and Care in minority communities in the United States and abroad. As the Social Media Consultant, I manage all posts on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. I analyze the weekly stats of traffic to the sites, and strategize with the team members on how to increase traffic flow in order to garner donations, disseminate information adequately, engage viewers, and ensure event success.

I am also an active participant on the Event Planning Committee, responsible for organizing paperwork needed for all permits, event set-up and take down, coordinating seating charts, and sending out invitations. These events are all fundraisers.

  

 

 

 

For more information about the Michael and Mauritia Patcha Foundation, please visit www.patchafoundation.org. Thank you!