State of the Union January 2020

/in /by

Best of 2019

Every year, The Borgen Project selects one member from each team who went above and beyond in their work with the organization. This year, we asked eight team members, “What motivated you to go the extra mile?”

Regional Director, Julian Mok 

A strong force in the fight to end global poverty, Julian began her time with The Borgen Project as a writer, fundraising over $1,000 for the cause. Following the completion of her internship, Julian was offered the role of Regional Director on the Political Team and held 3 successful lobbying meetings with her Members of Congress. Now, Julian is on her third volunteer contract with The Borgen Project! “I go the extra mile because I know whatever work I put in is minute compared to the hardships of those living in poverty. I contribute however I can to help solve the problem of global poverty.”

Political Affairs Team, Emma Smith

Emma surpassed the internship requirements and secured 5 lobbying meetings. Following Emma’s meeting with Rep. Debbie Dingell (D-MI-12th), the Congresswoman cosponsored the Keeping Girls in School Act, proving the power of advocacy. Emma also completed 2 bird dogs, called into CSPAN and fundraised over $2,000. “My main motivation was being able to create sustainable, positive change across the globe simply by using my voice and speaking on behalf of those who cannot […] The Borgen Project helped me to enact real change with tangible results, such as gaining cosponsors for bills, which motivated me even further to fight for the world’s poor.”

HR Team, Jasmine Hooper 

Jasmine was an invaluable resource for the HR Team and maintained the organization’s Indeed postings. Following the internship, Jasmine volunteered at a small village in Tanzania where she donated Borgen Project t-shirts.

She was motivated to go the extra mile because, “I wanted to make an impact on the world. The Borgen Project gave me an opportunity to do that, and I didn’t want to waste that opportunity.”

 

 

PR/Marketing Team, Ashley Strand

Ashley made extraordinary leaps to fight global poverty by partnering with local NGOs for fundraising, using social media as a tool to inform and assisting with media content creation. Through the course of the internship, Ashley created over 50 infographics for The Borgen Project. What motivated Ashley? “Knowing that what I did would have at least some impact on the lives of others, even if it’s something I’m not able to see firsthand or be directly impacted by […] With small steps, changes can be made.”

 

Content Team, Brena Stanski 

This brilliant writer mobilized over 50 people to fight global poverty and fundraised over $1,500 for the cause. Breana said her motivation in the internship was realizing the impact one can make on the world. 

“Writing articles pertaining to poverty reduction efforts, reaching out to my friends and family about supporting U.S. aid legislation, as well as receiving positive responses from my congressional leaders through correspondence, has resulted in me feeling as though I can truly making a positive difference in the world.”

Advocacy Team, Kristina Pecora 

As a part of the Advocacy Team, Kristina made great strides with lobbying meetings and fundraising. During her 12 weeks with The Borgen Project, Kristina secured 3 meetings and fundraised over $900 to end global poverty. “What motivates me? In addition to the cause itself and that warm, fuzzy feeling when one is doing good, is feedback. “What really motivates me is feedback […] [It] lets me know I’m making some kind of impact.” 

In-Office Team, MacKenzie Dougan 

During her time with us, MacKenzie raised $754 and attended a group meeting with Senator Murray’s office. All this whilst ensuring that all team member’s fundraising letters were sent out, donations tracked as well as being the face of the organization, speaking with visitors to the office and answering questions about the organization. “The Borgen Project’s mission to advocate for the United States to address poverty worldwide is a worthy and valuable pursuit. This goal was very motivating because it allowed me to be involved and to advocate for something close to my heart. I have seen poverty first hand in South Africa and appreciated the chance to feel empowered to make real change through this internship. Each day, I reflected on how much time I had been able to put into fighting for the world’s poor, and that motivated me to work even harder the next day.” 

 

Top Fundraiser: Sophia Wanyonyi

As an intern for the Content Team, based in Kenya, Sophia became the top fundraiser in the organization’s history, raising more than $5,000 (508,000 Kenyan shillings) for the cause! Sophia sought out creative means to fundraise, organizing both a dance party and a whiskey party for friends and family to attend: “I thought that the best way to get people to give would be by making it fun for them […] I always strive to go the extra mile in all I do. It is a lesson that was taught to me pretty early on in life, by my parents and at school. Everything I do, I try to give it my all.” 

 

These are just a few of our wonderful team members who helped to fight global poverty in 2019. With your help, we will continue to advocate on behalf of the world’s poor in 2020 and beyond!

Political Updates

 

Global Fragility Act and End Neglected Tropical Diseases Act Pass Congress!

Last month, Congress passed its final State and Foreign Operations budget bill for FY2020. The foreign affairs spending package included the Global Fragility Act and the End Neglected Tropical Diseases Act. Both bills were signed into law on Friday, December 20th!

None of these achievements would be possible without your advocacy and dedication to the cause. Congratulations!

Lobbying and Advocacy Efforts

  • Total # of Lobbying Meetings in December: 23
  • Total # of Lobbying Meetings in 2019: 762
  • Lobbying Meetings Goal for 2019: 775
  • Bills passed in 2019: 2

Advocacy Emails

  • Total # of Advocacy Emails in December: 3,007
  • Total # of Advocacy Emails in 2019: 98,249
  • Advocacy Emails Goal for 2019: 80,000
  • % of Congress Emailed in December: 99%

Congressional Office Meetings

Regional Director Gaytri Riya Vasa met with Rep. Van Taylor (R-TX-3rd) to discuss the Malala Scholarship Act which passed in the House soon after.

Political Affairs Team member Robert Contraction met with Hannah Benson, New Bedford Staff Rep. to Sen. Elizabeth Warren (D-MA). The two discussed the International Affairs Budget and the End Tuberculosis Now Act.

Volunteer Team member Hannah Reznik met with John Hollinrake, Regional Director to Sen. Joni Ernst (R-IA).

 

 

Warren’s Address

Listen to the latest from Warren about the goings-on in D.C.

 

Content Team Updates

Thanks to all the hard work of our Content Team members, we smashed our goal of having 5 million visitors to borgenproject.org in 2019. A grand total of 6.9 million people visited the site. Well done everyone. 

Recognition

Congratulations to the following team members who have achieved Borgen Project Honors & Recognition.

Visit the Our Team Members page and read about success stories with our organization.

 

Getting the Word Out

 

The Borgen Project on Twitter

We received a shoutout tweet from Ziauddin Yousafzai, Malala Yousafzai’s father, in support of The Malala Yousafzai Scholarship Act. The legislation will ensure that the next generation of Pakistani women have the chance to receive an education and provide for their families, communities and country.

The Borgen Project on Buzzfeed

6 Myths About Poverty, Busted
PR Team member Alina Meletta addresses the most common preconceptions and myths about global poverty in a December feature on Buzzfeed Community

 


Letters to the Editor

 

PR/Marketing Team
Nonprofit Leadership Team

 

One-Mile Campaigns

Political Affairs Team member Mehak Rajpal completed her 1-Mile Campaign in Los Angeles, CA

Political Affairs Team member Louisa Whitaker also completed her campaign in Los Angeles, CA

In-Office Team member Grace Whitten completed her campaign at the University of Washington in Seattle

Political Affairs Team member Kyle Coburn posted QR codes on the campus of the University of Delaware’s main street

 

Tabling Events

HR Team member Michael Nguyen of Austin,  TX took a one-mile radius around the UT Tower near the center of his campus and posted flyers on the provided billboards. Michael also created a swarm with his friends.

PR/Marketing Team member Hannah Pennant held an End Global Poverty event.

 

Other  Ideas

Political Affairs Team member Louisa Whitaker wrote in pizza boxes for the delivery drivers she works with to take to customer’s houses.

HR Team member Juan Gonzalez of Rexburg, ID printed out QR codes and placed them around campus. The QR code led to The Borgen Project website.

 

Outreach & Mobilizing Materials

Created by HR Team member Michael Nguyen

Content Team member Michelle White created a business card to garner donations for The Borgen Project.

 

Fundraising

 

Over the holiday season, Political Affairs Team member Mahzarin Mistry held a “Thanksgiving Throwdown” fundraiser with family and friends: “The premise of the fundraiser was to dish out the same amount of food on everyone’s plate. The last person to finish, or not finish at all, had to donate to my online fundraising campaign. Most people tried to finish, but to no avail.”

 

 

 

State of the Union December 2019

/in /by

Political Updates

Great News!

On December 3rd, the End Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTD) Act (H.R. 3460) passed in the House of Representatives! But our work on this bill isn’t over. Now, let’s turn our attention to the Senate to get this legislation across the finish line. Let your Senators know the importance of scaling up USAID’s NTD Program to control and/or eliminate global NTDs.

Lobbying and Advocacy Efforts

  • Total # of Lobbying Meetings in November: 31
  • Total # of Lobbying Meetings in 2019: 729
  • Lobbying Meetings Goal for 2019: 775

Advocacy Emails

  • Total # of Advocacy Emails in November: 4,488
  • Total # of Advocacy Emails in 2019: 95,242
  • Advocacy Emails Goal for 2019: 80,000
  • % of Congress Emailed in November: 99%

Congressional Office Meetings

Political Affairs Team member Lisa Drabkin met with Rep. Brad Sherman’s (D-CA-30th) District Director, Scott Abrams.

Content Team member Susan Niz met with Katy Von Rosenberg, Regional Director and Service Academy Coordinator for Sen. John Cornyn (R-TX).

Warren’s Address

Listen to the latest from Warren about the goings-on in D.C.

 

Content Team Updates

Whilst the majority of our website visitors and article readers are from the U.S., you might be surprised by some of the other nations in the top 10:

 

Recognition

Congratulations to the following team members who have achieved Borgen Project Honors & Recognition.

      • Big Kahuna Award (raised $5,000 or more): Sophia Wanyonyi, Content Team member
      • Chief Closer Award (raised $1,000 or more): Lauren Householder, HR Team member; Louisa Whitaker, Political Affairs Team member
      • President’s Circle (held 3 congressional meetings): Susan Niz, Content Team member; Angus Gracey, Political Affairs Team member
      • Public Outreach Award (50 or more people mobilized): Jacob Lang, Political Affairs Team member; Anisha Jintoorkar, Political Affairs Team member
      • Article of the Month: One Day’s Wages Can Fight Global Poverty by Jordan Miller

Visit the Our Team Members page and read about success stories with our organization.

Getting the Word Out

Content Team member Trey Ross

Take action now! Political Affairs Team member Callaway Louck shared the image to her Instagram: “You elected them, now it’s your job to let your Congressional leaders know what issues are most important to you. Email Congress today!”

 

One-Mile Campaigns

Content Team member Andrea Duleux posted Borgen Project flyers in Madrid, Spain!

Political Affairs Team member Cynthia Jaimes in College Station, TX

PR/Marketing Team member Venus Nguyen

Political Affairs Team member Michelle Dickson and her dog Dixie during her 1-mile campaign in Washington D.C.

Political Affairs Team member Defne Ersoy during her 1-mile campaign in Los Angeles, CA

Political Affairs Team member Isabelle Pinzon in Knoxville, TN

Political Affairs Team member Grace Dean in Los Angeles, CA

 

Swarm

Political Affairs Team member Irma Crawford held a swarm in Central Park!

Political Affairs Team member Louisa Whitaker created a swarm at work and mobilized people to call Congress.

 

Letters to the Editor

 

Political Affairs Team

PR/Marketing Team

 

Outreach & Mobilizing Materials

Political Affairs Team member Taylor Swift

PR/Marketing Team member Jeanne Alix created a series of flyers for her branding campaign

 

 

Fundraising

Content Team member Janet Abou Elias held a henna and bake sale fundraiser for The Borgen Project with The Arab Student Association at the University of Texas

Content Team member Sophia Wanyonyi held a whiskey party that successfully raised $711 from selling drinks, snacks, and collecting donations

 

Media Outreach

Videos

Political Affairs Team member Mazi Mistry called into C-SPAN: “I was able to talk about The Borgen Project and the atrocities occurring at the Southern border with regards to DACA and the Keep Families Together Act.”

 

 

 

 

State of the Union November 2019

/in /by

 

Political Updates

 

Lobbying and Advocacy Efforts

  • Total # of Lobbying Meetings in October: 65
  • Total # of Lobbying Meetings in 2019: 696
  • Lobbying Meetings Goal for 2019: 775

Advocacy Emails

  • Total # of Advocacy Emails in October: 5,917
  • Total # of Advocacy Emails in 2019: 90,754
  • Advocacy Emails Goal for 2019: 80,000
  • % of Congress Emailed in October: 99%

Congressional Office Meetings

Content Team member Trey Ross completed her first lobbying meeting! Trey met with Jaci Winship, the Senior Community Liaison for Rep. Ann Wagner (R-MO). The two discussed The Borgen Project, increasing funding for the International Affairs Budget and the Keeping Girls in School Act.

Warren’s Address

Listen to the latest from Warren about the goings-on in D.C.

 

Content Team Updates

Year to date our website has had 6 million visitors!  With a 2019 goal of 5 million visitors, we have smashed it! Well done everyone.

The Borgen Project received a shoutout in an article on Bustle featuring Harry Styles. Take a look: Harry Styles Tweeted A Link To This Mysterious Website & Twitter’s Experiencing A Collective Moment

Recognition

Congratulations to the following team members who have achieved Borgen Project Honors & Recognition.

      • Capital Achievement Award (raised $2,000 or more): Olivia Heale and Sophia Wanyonyi from the Content Team; Michelle Dickson from the Political Affairs Team member.
      • Chief Closer Award (raised $1,000 or more): Sophia Wanyonyi, Content Team member; Angus Gracey, Political Affairs Team member; Ryan B. Holman, Content Team Member; Angus Gracey Political Affairs Team member and Madison Botsch, PR/Marketing Team member.
      • President’s Circle (held 3 congressional meetings): Marisa Anopolsky, Jacob Lang and Isabelle Pinzon from the Political Affairs Team.
      • Bird Dog Award: Mahzarin Mistry, Political Affairs Team member.
      • Public Outreach Award (50 or more people mobilized): Alina Shivji, PR/Marketing Team member (55); Maggie Aulman, PR/Marketing Team member (50). Elisabeth Drabkin, Political Affairs Team member (50).
      • Article of the Month: The Importance of the Uyghur Human Rights Policy Act of 2019 by Sarah Frazer

Visit the Our Team Members page and read about success stories with our organization.

Getting the Word Out

 

One-Mile Campaigns

HR Team member Jie (Caroline) Jing completed her 1-Mile Campaign around the Minnesota State Capitol.

HR Team member Taryn Woodburn’s 1-Mile campaign took place around Ted Cruz’s office in Houston, TX.

HR Team member Ariel St. Claire held her 1-Mile Campaign in Spokane, WA.

Political Affairs Team member Kevin Chiang

PR/Marketing Team member Courtney Palmersheim

PR/Marketing Team member Chika Okoye

Political Affairs Team member Anthony Dolmat

With a little help from her sons, HR Team member Sherice Banks completed her 1-Mile Campaign at a city park in Oklahoma.

 

Letters to the Editor

 

Political Affairs Team

PR/Marketing Team

Advocates

Outreach & Mobilizing Materials

Political Affairs Team member Mehak Rajpal created a flier as an aid to hand out during presentations to classes and student organizations.

PR/Marketing Team member Jeanne Alix: “The bill will cut child deaths by 50 percent. Education is one of the most valuable resources when it comes to saving children’s lives. Malnutrition is one of the leading causes of death for children under five largely due to many mothers’ lack of education on proper hygiene, health and nutrition. According to UNESCO, if all women received secondary education, it would cut in half the number of child deaths and save three million lives. When provided with an education, mothers are able to raise their children in a healthier way because they have the knowledge necessary to provide them with a higher quality of life.”

“The good and the bad: The progress we’ve made and where we can do better” by PR/Marketing Team member Timothy Linton

PR/Marketing Team member Ashley Strand highlights stats around the world.

Information Events

PR/Marketing Team member Ashley Strand tabled at HTC to fundraise and inform individuals about the organization.

PR/Marketing Team member Cindy Mendoza held an info event in Seattle on the University of Washington’s campus.

Fundraising

PR/Marketing Team member Madison Botsch raised over $300 from her cookie sale.

Content Team member Trey Ross hosted friends in her backyard for a dinner party and summit to discuss The Borgen Project. Trey raised $840 from combining two of her biggest passions – sharing the message for bipartisan efforts to downsize global poverty and throwing a big party! “It was awesome getting to tell my closest friends how lifting communities out of poverty can actually benefit us here at home, since they had never thought about it that way before. I made a ton of delicious appetizers and served cocktails.”

PR/Marketing Team member Ashley Strand hosted a trivia night to fundraise for her campaign. Ashley has also created an Ebay account to sell inventory. A portion of the funds will go to The Borgen Project.

Content Team member Sophia Wanyonyi, based in Kenya, held a dance party in October. Sophia raised $1,188 by selling drinks and snacks as well as collecting donations. Way to go, Sophia!

Political Affairs Team member Jacob Lang fundraising. His caption was: ‘There’s nothing “sweeter” than working to solve global poverty.’ A donation of $1.50 = one guess in this jelly bean raffle!

Political Affairs Team member Rupkatha Banerjee organized a concert as a part of her fundraising campaign.

Political Affairs Team member Mehak Rajpal held a bake sale on-campus. Mehak shared the photo to her Instagram story to help spread the word.

Media Outreach

 

Videos

PR/Marketing Team member Ashley Strand shows us how easy it is to e-mail Congress

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

State of the Union October 2019

/in /by

Political Updates

 

Lobbying and Advocacy Efforts

  • Total # of Lobbying Meetings in September: 73
  • Total # of Lobbying Meetings in 2019: 615
  • Lobbying Meetings Goal for 2019: 775

Advocacy Emails

  • Total # of Advocacy Emails in September: 7,178
  • Total # of Advocacy Emails in 2019: 84,837
  • Advocacy Emails Goal for 2019: 80,000
  • % of Congress Emailed in September: 99%

Congressional Office Meetings

Political Affairs Team member Ryan Lee met with legislative staffer to Sen. Chuck Schumer (D-NY).

Political Affairs Team member Brooke Leandra-Hope Johnson after meeting with Sen. Ben Cardin’s (D-MD) staffer Corrine Paul.

Political Affairs Team member Frances Herndon met with Staffer Caroline Diaz-Barigga, Lead Constituent Service, and Evann Freeman, Field Representative for Sen. Lamar Alexander (R-TN) at their Nashville office.

Warren’s Address

Listen to the latest from Warren about the goings-on in D.C.

Content Team Updates

New record alert! 795,483 people visited borgenproject.org in September. That’s 140,000 people more than the previous record. Over 5.2 million people have visited the website thus far this year. Great job everyone!

Recognition

Congratulations to the following team members who have achieved Borgen Project Honors & Recognition.

      • Chief Closer Award (raised $1,000 or more): Amanda Buster, Political Affairs Team member; Hannah Stewart, Content Team member; Rupkatha Banerjee, Political Affairs Team member; Trey Ross, Content Team member;  Douglas Burnham, HR Team member, Michelle Dickson, Political Affairs Team member.
      • President’s Circle (held 3 congressional meetings): Political Affairs Team members Olivia Anderson, Avery Ngo, Matthew Hendricks, Malasia Williams, Charles Zinn, Emilee Kerr, Joshua Angelo and Marisa Anopolsky.
      • Public Outreach Award (50 or more people mobilized): Manan Shah, Political Affairs Team member (64); Madison Botsch, PR/Marketing Team member (56).
      • Article of the Month: Electricity Alleviates Poverty Through the Electrify Africa Act by Peter Trousdale

Visit the Our Team Members page and read about success stories with our organization.

Getting the Word Out

 

Mobilizing

Regional Director Madison Gaffney tabled at her school’s student center and held an information session on how to get involved with The Borgen Project.

Advocate Kristina Pecora created a swarm during Peer Supervision, a professional biweekly meeting held as a check-in on group practice happenings, consultation on clients, and personal goals/achievements.

 

One-Mile Campaigns

HR Team member Victor Vera’s  1-Mile Campaign was a success! The campaign was done within the proximity of Sen. Amy Klobuchar’s (D-MN) office building.
Victor even managed to walk passed Sen. Klobuchar, who took notice of his campaign.

Political Affairs Team member Bela Urbina completing her 1-Mile Campaign

Political Affairs Team member Christina Agostino

Political Affairs Team member Karen Manu

Content Team member Trey Ross

With help from a friend, Political Affairs Team member Maris Thomson (left) posted 200 flyers within the mile around the Capitol building in Raleigh, NC.

Political Affairs Team member Olivia Anderson

Content Team member Yael Litenatsky

 

Letters to the Editor

 

Political Affairs Team

Content Team

HR Team

PR/Marketing Team

Advocates

Outreach & Mobilizing Materials

Created by Political Affairs Team member Hannah White

Created by PR/Marketing Team member Ashley Strand

Created by PR/Marketing Team member Sarah Gruesser

 

Information Events

Political Affairs Team member Charles Zinn spoke and networked at the PICS Event that he attended last week:

Charles speaking at PICS

 

Fundraising

PR/Marketing Team member Yangcheng Zhou cooked dinner for friends as part of his fundraising campaign.

 

Political Affairs Team member Jacob Lang used the Wag! app to fundraise for his campaign. A fantastic way to combine a love for dogs with ending global poverty!

HR Team member Michelle Mwinzin made a variety of bracelets to sell as a part of her fundraising campaign.

 

Media Outreach

Instagram

PR/Marketing Team member Sarah Gruesser persuaded an account to post about TBP on Instagram

PR/Marketing Team member, Maggie Aulman, had a piece written about her time with The Borgen Project.

Videos

Political Affairs Team member Sophia Serafin complete her One-Mile Campaign:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

State of the Union September 2019

/in /by

Political Updates

Lobbying and Advocacy Efforts

  • Total # of Lobbying Meetings in August: 86
  • Total # of Lobbying Meetings in 2019: 443
  • Lobbying Meetings Goal for 2019: 775

Advocacy Emails

  • Number of Advocacy Emails in August: 12,951
  • Advocacy Emails Goal for 2019: 80,000
  • % of Congress Emailed in August: 98%

Congressional Office Meetings

Charles also met with Rep. Jim McGovern (MA-D-2nd) at his Northampton office. The two discussed the Keeping Girls in School Act and the International Affairs budget, as well as his recent travels to the Northern Triangle countries.

Political Affairs Team members Keely Dion (left) and Jack Bracher (right) met with Rep. Joe Kennedy (MA-D-4th).

Political Affairs Team members Josie Peplinski (left) and Keily Ramirez (right) met with Sen. Thom Tillis’ staffer James Estes (R-NC) in Charlottesville, NC.

Political Affairs Team member Sean Li met with Rep. Frank Pallone’s (D-NJ-6th) staffer, Kevin Ospina, at his office in New Brunswick. Rep. Pallone voted in support of The Global Fragility Act and supports an increase in the International Affairs Budget.

Political Affairs Team members Silvia Burian (left) and Breanna Green (right) met with Sen. Dick Durbin’s (D-IL) LA Abigail Watkins.

Political Affairs Team member Zach Brown had a great meeting with Sen. Cory Booker’s (D-NJ) staff to discuss the Global Fragility Act.

Political Affairs Team member Charles Zinn (right) met with Sen. Elizabeth Warren’s (D-MA) Regional Director Nyanna Slaughter and a staffer to discuss the Global Fragility Act and the United States Northern Triangle Enhanced Engagement Act.

 

Town Halls and Events

Political Affairs Team member Kother Maru (left) attended Rep. Hank Johnson’s (GA-D-4th) Rise for Refuge Town Hall. Kother: “Congressman Johnson spoke on the GRACE Act, and I was able to speak with him again as well as Councilman Eyasu. On the subject of the GRACE Act and refugee crisis, I urged Congressman Johnson to consider supporting the International Affairs Budget in order to alleviate the high influx of people who seek refuge in America because of extreme poverty and/or violence. I pointed out to him that if Trump’s Administration does not allow any refugees next year (as they have announced), as a Congressman, he should be prepared to help them out still by increasing foreign aid to these impoverished countries.”

Advocate Tomas Del Campo attended a town hall for Julian Castro

HR Team member Geethapriya Kumaraguru attended an event for Rep. Pramila Jayapal (WA-D-7th) and told her about The Borgen Project (to which the Representative was very familiar). Geethapriya asked Rep. Jayapal to support the International Affairs Budget.

Political Affairs Team member, Sophia Serafin, attended Rep. Eshoo’s town hall meeting in Redwood City. Watch this video of her bird-dogging.

Warren’s Address

Listen to the latest from Warren about the goings-on in D.C.

Content Team Updates

Website traffic this year has been incredible, thanks to the content created by our Content Team members.

Recognition

Congratulations to the following team members who have achieved Borgen Project Honors & Recognition.

      • Chief Closer Award (raised $1,000 or more):  Political Affairs Team members Jacob Bridges, Taylor Hawkins, Xavier Celestino, William Liscomb and  Juan Artega. PR Team member Jillian Turkmany and Breana Stanski from the Content Team.
      • Capital Achievement Award (raised $2,000 or more): Political Affairs Team members Emma Smith and Martina Rethman.
      • President’s Circle (held 3 congressional meetings): Political Affairs Team members Dante Smith, Abigail Mescher, Candice Schofield, Liana Wang, Charles Zinn, Gillian Jijon, Madison Gonzalez, Suzan Nassar, Lujain Alotaibi, Matthew Powell, Roshan Natarajan, Harry Keller, Gifty Agana, Taylor Hawkins, Breanna Green, Meredith Walker,
        Molly Logan, Will Wise, Jessica Martinez, Ryan Kerestesy, Ryan Hodge, Jonathan Molina, Erika Chun, Henry Chandonnet, Sarah Clark, Nate Braun, Kother Maru, Emily Young, Patrick Benka, Jenna Tracy, Tyler Meyer, Michaela Murray, Juan Artega, McKenna Holtz, Ben Brown, Samantha Levy, Rachel Warren,         Patrick Morrison, Farrah Hassan and Maris Thomson.
      • Public Outreach Award (30 or more people mobilized): Gabriella Gonzalez, Content Team Member and from the Political Affairs Team, YoungJu Moon, Sophia Serafin, Patrick Benka, Avery Ngo, Ben Brown, Nate Braun, Ann Fulton and Josie Peplinski.
      • Bird-Dog Award: Geethapriya Kumaraguru, HR Team member and from the Political Affairs Team Keily Ramirez, Josie Peplinski, Ava Pecora, Avery Ngo, Sophia Serafin, YoungJu Moon, Hannah White and Danielle Moore. 
      • Article of the Month: Julian Mok, Staple Crop Biofortification Might Be the Key to Solving Hidden Hunger

Visit the Our Team Members page and read about success stories with our organization.

Getting the Word Out

Mobilizing

PR/Marketing Team member Mathilde Henriksen hosted a Borgen Project information event in Norway.

HR Team member Geethapriya Kumaraguru went to Red Square at the University of Washington to inform fellow students about The Borgen Project.

Political Affairs Team member Suzan Nassar spoke to a Rotary Club about The Borgen Project.

Political Affairs Team member Rachel Rose Komanapalli pictured presenting at a Rotary Club.

HR Team member Chelsea Prechel dressed as an alien to create attention for The Borgen Project.

 

One-Mile Campaigns

A success! HR Team member Geethapriya Kumaragurus’ One-Mile Campaign took place at the Seattle Japanese Garden where she spoke to over 40 people about The Borgen Project.

Political Affairs Team member Gillian Jijon beginning her One-Mile Campaign.

Political Affairs Team member Suzan Nassar also had a successful One-Mile Campaign.

Political Affairs Team member Gifty Agana completed her One-Mile Campaign in Arizona.

Political Affairs Team member Morgane Laine hung posters at a nearby Target to bolster attention for global poverty.

PR/Marketing Team member Sydney Downes hung posters at intersections with high foot traffic.

Political Affairs Team member Taylor Hawkins is ready to go!

PR Team member Mathilde Henriksen completed her One-Mile Campaign in Norway.

Content Team member Kristen Bastin hanging posters for her campaign.

Political Affairs Team member Megan Takeda out spreading the word!

Political Affairs Team member Will Wise completed his One-Mile Campaign in New York.

Political Affairs Team member Ryan Lee completing his One-Mile Campaign.

Political Affairs Team member Jessica Martinez out hanging posters.

Political Affairs Team members Erika Chun (left) and Ryan Hodge (right) teamed up to complete their One-Mile Campaign in California.

Political Affairs Team member Keely Dion is ready to go!

Political Affairs Team members Jourdan Jones (left) and Indie Lau (right) both completed their One-Mile Campaign in Seattle, WA!

Political Affairs Team members Amy Ramspoth (left) and Ana Sofia Batista (right) completed the One-Mile Campaign together in Texas.

Political Affairs Team member Minh Vo completed his Campaign in Indiana.

Political Affairs Team member Nicole Kerrigan has her posters ready.

Political Affairs Team member Will Liscomb completed his Campaign in Connecticut.

Political Affairs Team member Samantha Levy got creative for her campaign!

Check out The Borgen Project chalk art created by Political Affairs Team member Amanda Scribner.

HR Team member Grace Graves received a little help for her One-Mile Campaign.

Political Affairs Team member Josh Loritz hanging posters on street signs.

Letters to the Editor

Political Affairs Team

PR/Marketing Team

Outreach & Mobilizing Materials

“What is the Reach Every Mother and Child Act?” by PR/Marketing Team member Chika Okoye

“Global Poverty is Down” by PR/Marketing Team member Ashley Strand

“Lobbying 101” by PR/Marketing Team member Kelvin Slaughter

“Reduce Global Poverty” by PR/Marketing Team member Ashley Strand

Fundraising

Political Affairs Team member Madison Daley hosted a 5K Run/Walk for The Borgen Project.

Content Team member Daria Locher held a Dog Ice Cream fundraiser. Daria successfully raised $75 from the event.

Political Affairs Team member Rupkatha Banerjee organized a fundraising concert as a portion of her campaign.

HR Team member Taryn Woodburn held a raffle fundraiser to fight for the underdog!

Keily Ramirez and Josie Peplinski, Political Affairs Team members, organized a joint fundraiser at Jason’s Deli.

Media Outreach

Radio Interviews

Political Affairs Team member Jessica Martinez had a radio interview with Marc Radio Group! MRG manages several local radio stations in Gainesville, FL. Listen below:

 

Where Are They Now?

Following her internship with The Borgen Project, former HR Team member Jasmine Hooper volunteered at a village in Africa. Jasmine donated Borgen Project t-shirts to the villagers. Check out the photos below:

State of the Union August 2019

/in /by

Political Updates

Lobbying and Advocacy Efforts

  • Total # of Lobbying Meetings in July: 109
  • Total # of Lobbying Meetings in 2019: 334
  • Lobbying Meetings Goal for 2019: 775

Advocacy Emails

  • Number of Advocacy Emails in July: 19,304
  • Advocacy Emails Goal for 2019: 80,000
  • % of Congress Emailed in July: 97%

Congressional Office Meetings

Political Affairs Team member Benjamin Brown met with Sen. Dianne Feinstein’s (D-CA) staff member, Krystian Lahage.

PR Team member Travis Stroup met with staff member to Rep. Dan Meuser (R-PA-9th), Katie Hetherington, to discuss foreign aid and policy.

Political Affairs Team member Harry Keller met with Trenton Weaver and Shahed Al-asadi from Rep. Joyce Beatty’s office (D-OH-3rd).

Political Affairs Team member Zack Barnett met with Dr. Scott Nelson, a Constituent Advocate. who specializes in economic development for Rep. Chrissy Houlahan (D-PA-6th).

Political Affairs Team member James Williams had a fantastic meeting with Victoria Pryor, policy advisor to Sen. David Perdue (R-GA). James had the opportunity to meet the senator on July 17th.

Political Affairs Team member Rachel Warren after a meeting at Sen. Marco Rubio’s office (R-FL).

Content Team member Furaha Njoroge had a lobbying meeting with Sen. David Perdue’s (R-GA) office.

Regional Director Anthony Swingruber met with Brendan Larkin, a Foreign Policy LA for Rep. Paul Tonko (D-NY-20th).

Political Affairs Team member Madison Gonzalez met with Regional Director, Drew Lumpkin, from Sen. Mark Warner’s (D-VA) district office in Norfolk along with two of Sen. Warner’s interns.

Political Affairs Team members Jonathan Molina and Dante Smith teamed up to attend a meeting with Sen. Dianne Feinstein’s (D-CA) Field Representative, Mary Dover.

Team members, Jourdan Jones, Indiana Lau, Olivia Vera, and Mackenzie Dougan met with King County Outreach Director, Stasha Espinosa, of Sen. Patty Murray’s (D-WA) office. They lobbied for the International Affairs Budget and the Keeping Girls in School Act, noting how the younger generation can effectively work to solve global poverty.

Political Affairs Team members Ryan Kerestesy and Sam Wilson pictured outside of Sen. Van Hollen’s (D-MD) office after their meeting.

Political Affairs Team member Chandra Thorson met with Rep. Bill Foster (D-IL-11th) to discuss global poverty. Rep. Foster is a cosponsor of the Keeping Girls in School Act!

Political Affairs Team member John Bracher had two meetings last month! John met with Ariel Vega, Staffer to Sen. Elizabeth Warren (D-MA) (left) and Taylor St. Germaine, Staff Assistant to Sen. Ed Markey (D-MA) (right).

Political Affairs Team member Manan Shah secured three successful lobbying meetings!

Manan met with Rep. Ben Cline’s (R-VA-6th) District Representative, Aaron Van Allen, at his Lynchburg office.

Manan also met with Sen. Tim Kaine’s (D-VA) staff assistant, Mitchell Alexander in Lynchburg, VA. They discussed the Keeping Girls in School Act and the International Affairs Budget.

For his third meeting, Manan met with Kelly Johnson, outreach representative of Sen. Mark Warner (D-VA) in Roanoke, VA. The two discussed the Keeping Girls in School Act and the Global Fragility Act. Way to go, Manan!

Town Halls

Political Affairs Team member Nathaniel Bruan and another attendee, Kayla Holsinger, meeting Sen. Sherrod Brown (D-OH) at his Constituent Coffee.

Political Affairs Team member Emma Smith bird-dogged Rep. Debbie Dingle (R-MI-12th) at her Town Hall. Smith: “I spoke to her after the event about the Keeping Girls in School Act. She was very supportive and had one of her aids take down The Borgen Project’s name and said that she had thought she already was co-sponsoring the act, so she would make it a priority to look into the act and co-sponsor it.” Great work, Emma!

Political Affairs Team member Hannah White bird-dogged Rep. Eric Swalwell (D-CA-15th) in Castro Valley. Rep. Swalwell said he supported increased funding for the International Affairs Budget.

Political Affairs Team member Sean Gannon spoke with Sen. Kamala Harris (D-CA) at a fundraising event and urged her to support The Borgen Project and global development.

 

Warren’s Address

Listen to the latest from Warren about the goings-on in D.C.

Content Team Updates

Website traffic continues to grow, thanks to the great content created by our Content Team. We’ve already had more than 4 million visitors to borgenproject.org this year! We are projected to surpass last year’s record of 4.5 million visitors in the next 30 days.

Recognition

Congratulations to the following team members who have achieved Borgen Project Honors & Recognition.

      • Chief Closer Award (raised $1,000 or more): Lucy Rosenberg, HR Team. Political Affairs Team members: Caty Fortin, Matthew Powell, Ryan Hodge, Jake Mengarelli, Martina Rethman, Leah Lindstrom, Indiana Lau, Nicole Kerrigan and Grace Vaule. Content Team Members: Breana Stanski, Emma Uk, Haley Myers, Nupur Vachharajani, Julian Mok and Alex Schulman. PR Team Members: Ashley Delgado and Aparna Marathe.
      • Capital Achievement Award (raised $2,000 or more): Rachel Warren, Political Affairs Team member.
      • President’s Circle (held 3 congressional meetings): Political Affairs Team members YoungJu Moon and Manan Shah.
      • Public Outreach Award (30 or more people mobilized): Political Affairs Team members Sophia Serafin, Sarah Clark and McKenna Holtz. Content Team members, Gillian Buckley and Breana Stanski.
      • Article of the Month: What U.S. Assistance Does in Central America by Sydney Blakeney

Visit the Our Team Members page and read about success stories with our organization.

Getting the Word Out

Mobilizing

Swarm time! Political Affairs Team member Ryan Lee gathered his friends to call Congress in support of the International Affairs Budget.

Political Affairs Team members Jenna Tracy and Will Wise held a tabling event at NYU and taught students and pre-college participants just how easy it is to contact Congress.

PR Team member Mathilde Aas Henriksen held a focus group in Norway!

PR Team member Kendall Altenburg partnered with her local stadium. The stadium played a Borgen Project PSA during the baseball game.

One-Mile Campaigns

Political Affairs Team member Zack Barnett had a successful One-Mile Campaign in downtown West Chester.

Content Team member Monique Santoso completed her One-Mile Campaign in Indonesia.

Political Affairs Team member Sydney Gang beginning her campaign!

Political Affairs Team member Mason Inumerable completed his One-Mile Campaign on the UCR campus.

PR Team member Omara Castillo during her One-Mile Campaign in San Pedro Sula, Honduras.

PR Team member Taylor Swift is ready to begin her One-Mile Campaign.

Political Affairs Team member Kristin Allgaier had a fantastic One-Mile Campaign! Kristin and her friends got together for dinner on a rooftop in D.C. before dispersing papers and information on The Borgen Project in the streets.

Content Team member Kelli Susemihl is ready to begin her One-Mile Campaign!

Political Affairs Team member Abigail Mescher beginning her One-Mile Campaign.

Political Affairs Team member Samuel Wilson centered his campaign around the historic district of Ellicott City, MD. Samuel posted fliers along Main Street surrounding Rep. Elijah Cummings’ (D-MD-7th) office at the edge of the historic district.

Political Affairs Team member Gabrielle Regimbal completed her One-Mile Campaign near Rep. Tom Malinowski’s (D-NJ-7th) office. Gabrielle spoke with community members about global poverty and TBP.

HR Team member Raga Bolisetty completing her One-Mile Campaign with a little help.

Letters to the Editor

Political Affairs Team

PR/Marketing Team

Content Team

In-Office Team

Advocates

Outreach & Mobilizing Materials

PR Team member Taylor Swift wants YOU to contact Congress!

PR Team member Aparna Marathe – How to effectively contact Congress: Make your voice matter

PR Team member Hayes Dunlap created fliers to use for his One-Mile Campaign

PR Team member Sydney Blandford created a branding campaign for Instagram

Fundraising

Content Team member Breana Stanski held a fundraising and mobilizing party.

Content Team member Louise Macaraniag held a garage sale and fundraised over $200 to end global poverty.

Content Team member Katharine Hanifen also held a garage sale as a part of her fundraising campaign.

Content Team member Annie O’Connell created artwork for her fundraising campaign.

PR Team member Omara Castillo held a bake sale as a part of her fundraising campaign.

Another bake sale! Content Team member James Delegal sold cookies, brownies and other tasty treats as a part of his fundraising campaign.

Content Team member Diana Dopheide partnered with Barnes and Noble for a fundraising event.

PR Team member Rittika Pandey created a flier to promote her fundraising campaign.

A creative fundraising idea from Content Team member Maura Byrne

Media Outreach

Videos

PR Team member Omara Castillo shows us a glimpse of global poverty in her hometown of Honduras. Find out why she wants you to contact Congress.

State of the Union July 2019

/in /by

Political Updates

 

Lobbying and Advocacy Efforts

  • Total # of Lobbying Meetings in June: 36
  • Total # of Lobbying Meetings in 2019: 225
  • Lobbying Meetings Goal for 2019: 775

Advocacy Emails

  • Number of Advocacy Emails in June: 14,324
  • Advocacy Emails Goal for 2019: 80,000
  • % of Congress Emailed in June: 95%

Congressional Office Meetings

Political Affairs Team member Breanna Green met with Jessica Merritt and Mitzi Bach of Rep. Mike Quigley’s (D-IL-5th) office to discuss the International Affairs Budget and the Keeping Girls in School Act.

Political Affairs Team member Keely Dion after meeting with Sen. Elizabeth Warren’s (D-MA) LA Farrah Ridore in Boston.

Political Affairs Team member Kristin Allgaier met with Legislative Correspendent to Sen. Tim Kaine (D-VA), Guy Mentel to discuss the International Affairs Budget and Keeping Girls in School Act.

Political Affairs Team member, Connor Bulgrin, met with a staff member of Sen. Rob Portman (R-OH).

Content Team member Furaha Njorog, Political Affairs Team member Morgane Laine, and Content Team member Nadine Argott-Northam met with Rep. Rob Woodall (R-GA-7) to discuss the Keeping Girls in School Act.

Political Affairs Team member Jake Eastridge met with PJ Waldrop, Deputy Chief of Staff for Sen. David Perdue’s (R-GA) ATL office

Political Affairs Team member Emma Smith met with Sen. Debbie Stabenow’s office (D-MI).

Political Affairs Team member Jason Andreacchio secured a meeting with Dwayne Mallory, Rep. Kathy Castor’s (D-FL-14th) Outreach Director.

Political Affairs Team member Taylor Hawkins met with Kelly Johnson, Outreach Representative to Sen. Elizabeth Warren (D-MA).

PR Team member Alexandria Rodriguez had a fantastic meeting with Rep. Xochitl Torres Small (D-NM-2nd). They discussed the importance of supporting the Keeping Girls in School Act!

Town Halls

Political Affairs Team member Emma Smith attended a Town Hall for Sen. Gary Peters (D-MI). Emma thanked Sen. Peters for supporting TBP and for cosponsoring the Global Fragility Act.

Warren’s Address

Listen to the latest from Warren about the goings-on in D.C.

 

Content Team Updates

Website traffic continues to grow, thanks to the content created by our team of Writers and Journalists.  Website traffic is up almost 50% on the same period last year.

Recognition

Congratulations to the following team members that have achieved Borgen Project Honors & Recognition.

      • Chief Closer Award (raised $1,000 or more): Melina Benjamin, Sarah Musick, Katherine Desrosiers from the Content Team and Jamie McCarthy, Emma Smith, Kristin Allgaier, Gabrielle Regimbal from our Political Affairs Team
      • President’s Circle (held 3 congressional meetings): From our Political Affairs Team: Jason Andreacchio, Sandy Kamel, Jake Eastridge, Megan Tigue, Esmé Graziani, Logan Channer, Victoria Maxine Haburka, Bryan Portinari, Connor Bulgrin, Myranda Scott, Emma Smith, Madison Gaffney, Christopher Nolan, Morgane Laine, Elizabeth Snyder, Sehee Min and Martina Rethman. Marche Beadles, PR/Marketing Team member and Alexandria Rodriguez, PR/Marketing Team member who has had 4 meetings!
      • Public Outreach Award (30 or more people mobilized): Meredith Walker and Ryan Hodge, Political Affairs Team members
      • Article of the Month: Foreign Aid to Central America: A Solution to Immigration by Peter Trousdale

Visit the Our Team Members page and read about success stories with our organization.

Getting the Word Out

Mobilizing

PR/Marketing Team member Marche Beadles mobilized people in the park

Political Affairs Team member Kother Maru: “I mobilized with a friend of mine in Atlanta along a popular walking trail, the Beltline. Many people walk, bike and skate on this trail so it’s the perfect spot to find people not too busy. We handed out fliers and instead of struggling with wifi connection on the trail, we made a spreadsheet with info (name, number, email, etc.) to input on the e-mail Congress page.”

HR Team member Keya Patel mobilized in the center of New York City.

One-Mile Campaigns

Political Affairs Team member Liana Wang completing her One-Mile Campaign

PR/Marketing Team member Madison Mullis

Political Affairs Team member Tanisha Mali completed her 1-mile campaign around Sen. Ted Cruz’s (R-TX) office and the University of Texas Tower

Political Affairs Team member Gage Parks traveled to the area of Rep. Max Rose (D-NY-11th) and posted signs on parking meters and fences and talked to restaurants and fast food chains.

Political Affairs Team member Jake Eastridge completed his 1-mile campaign in Woodstock, GA.

One-Mile Campaign checked off for Political Affairs Team member Sandy Kamel

Letters to the Editor

Grace Vaule, Political Affairs Team, in the Boston Globe: Trade war and immigration don’t mix
Aparna Marathe, PR/Marketing Team, in the Radford News Journal: Consequences of Trump Slashing Foreign Aid
Ashley Delgado, PR/Marketing Team, in the Marin Independent Journal: It’s up to you to Advocate for the America you want
Omara Castillo, PR/Marketing Team, in the Tampa Bay Times: Aid would stem undocumented immigration
Natasha Otton, PR/Marketing Team, in Patch: Protect the International Affairs Budget
Michaela Janssen, PR/Marketing Team, in The Santa Fe New Mexican: Making a difference — globally, together
Jared Schooley, Political Affairs Team, in The Elkhart Truth: The power of small grants
Hunter Mihalinec, PR/Marketing Team, in The Gainesville Sun: Fighting world poverty
Kendall Altenburg, PR/Marketing Team, in the Midland Daily News: International Affairs Budget is good for U.S. business
Annabel Gregg, Advocate, in The Post Star: World’s poor will be target for terrorists
Amy Ramspoth, Political Affairs Team, in El Paso Times: Julián Castro understands border issues
Grace Vaule, Political Affairs Team, in the Beacon Hill Times: Time to Adopt a New Strategy
William Ellis, PR/Marketing Team, in the Tucson: International Affairs Budget
Monique Tania Santoso, Content Team, in Addison County Independent: U.S. spending priorities are wrong
Ananta Arora, PR/Marketing Team, in The Florida-Times Union: The U.S. must do more to help Central America

Nicole Soulas, Political Affairs Team, in The Bernardsville News: Empty promises, dangerous patriotism

Outreach & Mobilizing Materials

“The Borgen Project: What is it?” created by PR/Marketing Team member Shelby Prizer

“Keeping Girls in School Act” by PR/Marketing Team member Shelby Prizer

“Global Fragility Act” created by PR /Marketing Team member Shelby Prizer

PR/Marketing Team member Hayes Dunlap created an infographic with facts about global poverty

“Contact your Senators” created by Political Affairs Team member Maheera Siddique

PR/Marketing Team member Gianna Gonzalez created a poster for an information event

PR Team member Hayes Dunlap shared branding materials across Austin and Berlin

Fundraising

Political Affairs Team member Felix De Simone tabled at his local farmer’s market and raised $114!

HR Team member Katarina Moehring hosted a pizza fundraiser to raise money for her campaign.

Political Affairs Team member Meredith Walker created donation boxes to station at local spots in her community.

PR/Marketing Team member, Ananta Arora, has created Borgen Project T-shirts to sell for her fundraising campaign: https://fundit.realthread.com/shop/the-borgen-project

 

Media Outreach

PR/Marketing Team member Benjamin Olson was interviewed by KAGG 96.1 Radio where he was able to discuss The Borgen Project and promote his information event.

 

Videos

PR/Marketing Team member Ananta Arora created a parody of Old Town Road:

Writing

HR Team member Raga Bolisetty’s 11-year-old daughter entered a persuasive essay project in support of a non-profit organization. She took up The Borgen Project as her subject of research and came up with a wonderful write up:

3.6 seconds, that’s how long it takes for a child dies from poverty, lack of clean water, diseases that are preventable, or hunger. Help reduce poverty and make sure your money is being used for a good cause by donating to the The Borgen Project , a non-profit organization dedicated to help eradicate poverty. I got to know about this organization from my mother, who volunteers to help The Borgen Project eradicate extreme poverty on Earth.

In 2015, extreme poverty fell below 10% due to funds from organizations. Since 1990, 2.6 billion more people now have access to improved drinking water sources from money donated by organizations who work to help poverty. HIV/AIDS is no longer the leading cause of death in Africa, according to the WHO, because of resources donating and funded by organizations, such as The Borgen Project.

But, there’s a bright side. All this helping is going to benefit us in return. It will be an advantage for us to help out because small investments to the poor make a big return on investment for the U.S. The website National Security and Global Poverty/The Borgen Project quotes, “The events of September 11, 2001, taught us that weak states, like Afghanistan, can pose as great a danger to our national interests as strong states. Poverty does not make poor people into terrorists and murderers. Yet poverty, weak institutions, and corruption can make weak states vulnerable to terrorists networks within their borders” -National Security Strategy of the Bush Administration. This shows us that if we donate, we get more security and it makes a return to us in the U.S.

In conclusion, I think we should donate our money to The Borgen Project, which will not only help get rid of severe poverty, but it will also make a difference and return the favor to us by keeping America more protected. So, will you make a big impact in world poverty by supporting The Borgen Project?

-Amulya Kollipara

State of the Union June 2019

/in /by

Political Updates

Three Poverty-Reducing Bills Pass in the House

On Monday, May 20th, three poverty-reducing bills passed in the House of Representatives with the help of a bipartisan push from Committee of Foreign Affairs Chairman Rep. Eliot Engel (D-NY-16) and Ranking Member Rep. McCaul (R-TX-10).

  • Global Fragility Act – The Global Fragility Act would stabilize conflict-affected areas and address the root causes of violence and instability in at-risk countries and regions. To learn more about this bill and its future, read Content Team Writer Anna Lagattuta’s article in BORGEN Magazine.
  • The Refugee Sanitation Facility Safety Act of 2019 – This bill would provide women and girls with safe access to sanitation facilities in refugee camps. Keeley Griego, Content Team Writer, explored this bill and the next steps in its path to becoming law in this article.
  • Digital Global Access Policy Act of 2019 – The Digital GAP Act seeks to promote internet access in developing countries. Take a look at this piece by Content Team Writer Gwen Schemm outlining the implications and provisions of this bill.

These bills must first pass in the Senate before they can be signed into law by the President. Remember to contact your Senators and voice your support.

Washington, D.C. Trip

In May, part of The Borgen Project team traveled to D.C. to lobby Congress on behalf of the world’s poor. Tristana Leist, a Borgen Project Political Affairs Intern, was the lucky winner selected for the trip. Tristana attended a handful of Congressional meetings and got to watch the magic happen first hand. Continue reading for a glimpse into Tristana’s D.C. experience:

“When I am here in D.C., I know more than ever that this is where I am meant to be. To meet some of the faces behind The Borgen Project was an absolute joy, and I couldn’t have been happier with how we hit it off; the crew even managed to support me in vegan restaurant endeavors! Now, a few weeks out, I relish at our meeting with a third of the Senate in one day. […] Despite long days and over 50 meetings, joy and laughter was experienced with every misdirected office venture and drop of a soda bottle.

The following day the teams switched around, and I utilized this as a chance to keep using my one liners… thankfully the team was patient with me. As a whole, to meet with our government officials was/is both humbling and empowering; they are mortal humans like you and me (that is oft forgotten). Friends, our government works if you work it, but we have to demand that it works! Lobbying trips like this one, calls and letters to legislators, it all makes a difference in the grand game of politics. Keep playing and keep pushing.”

-Tristana Leist, Political Affairs Intern, Spring 2019.

For another look into TBP D.C. Trip, head to Tristana’s Instagram Takeover.

Lobbying Efforts

  • Total # of Lobbying Meetings in May: 81
  • Total # of Lobbying Meetings in 2019: 189
  • Lobbying Meetings Goal for 2019: 775

Advocacy Emails

  • Number of Advocacy Emails in May: 7,619
  • Advocacy Emails Goal for 2019: 80,000
  • % of Congress Emailed in April: 93%

Congressional Office Meetings

Political Affairs Team member Sandy Kamel met with Kari Osmond, Rep. Bonnie Watson Coleman’s (D-NJ-12th) Deputy Chief of Staff.

Political Affairs Team member Kristin Allgaier secured a meeting with Rep. Gerry Connolly’s (D-VA-11th) Foreign Policy LA, Molly Cole, at the Rayburn House Office Building in DC.

Political Affairs Team member Jay Andreacchio secured two meetings in May!

Meeting 1: Jay (left) pictured with Legislative Assistant to Sen. Marco Rubio (R-FL), Taylor Sanchez.

Meeting 2: Jay met with Grace Albergo, the State Director to Sen. Rick Scott (R-FL).

Town Halls

Political Affairs Team member Chase Heckaman met Sen. Elizabeth Warren (D-MA) at a town hall event. Chase asked the Presidential Candidate how her administration would prioritize global poverty.

Warren’s Address

Listen to the latest from Warren about the goings-on in D.C.

 

Content Team Updates

Thanks to the great articles produced by our Writers, Journalist and Editors, website traffic continues to grow:

 

Recognition

Congratulations to the following team members that have achieved Borgen Project Honors & Recognition.

      • Chief Closer Award (raised $1,000 or more): Amy Dickens and Heather Hughes of the Content Team and Jacob Eastridge and Chandra Thorson from the Political Affairs Team
      • President’s Circle (held 3 congressional meetings): Jainaba Gaye, Tanisha Mali and Benjamin Hourani from the Political Affairs Team
      • Public Outreach Award (30 or more people mobilized): Brianna Bennett, Political Affairs Team has mobilized 43 people throughout her internship
      • Article of the Month: Jose Andres’ World Central Kitchen by Andrea Rodriguez

Visit the Our Team Members page and read about success stories with our organization.

Getting the Word Out

One-Mile Campaigns

HR Team member Gulnahar Begum completed 1-Mile Campaign in Pittsburgh, PA

Political Affairs Team member Taylor Tody’s sister and dog accompanied her for her 1-Mile Campaign

HR Team member Justin Li completed his 1-Mile campaign in Boston, MA

During her 1-Mile Campaign, Political Affairs Team member Kiarra Coley posted fliers in Norristown, PA.

Political Affairs Team member Sathvik Kaliyur completed his 1-Mile Campaign around the Palo Alto office of Rep. Anna Eshoo (D-CA-18th).

Political Affairs Team member Jainaba Gaye is ready to begin her 1-Mile Campaign

Political Affairs Team member Eliza Davern made t-shirts for her and her sister (pictured right) to wear while completing her 1-Mile Campaign.

Political Affairs Team member Rebecca Young’s 1-Mile Campaign

Political Affairs member Lavender Ross completed her 1-Mile Campaign in DC!

PR Team member Alexia Kochin posting fliers for her 1-Mile Campaign

Letters to the Editor

William Ellis, PR Team, in the Tucson: Letter: Global poverty legislation and Letter: Keeping Girls in School
Tanisha Mali, Political Affairs Team, in the Statesman: Aid to fight poverty can lessen the refugee issue
D’Angelo Gatewood, PR Team, in Tulsa World: Crucial foreign aid
Sean Ericson, Content Team, in Star Tribune: Cutting economic assistance won’t solve the migration crisis
Becca Cetta, Content Team, in The Florida Times-Union: State leaders must oppose Trump’s plan to cut aid

Political Affairs Team member Jared Schooley was also quoted in this article.

Outreach & Mobilizing Materials

Infographic series created by PR Team member William Ellis

Infographics created by PR Team member Natasha Otton

Additional infographics created by PR Team member Natasha Otton highlighting global poverty statistics.

PR Team member Alison Chan, “End Global Poverty”

Infographic created by PR Team member Hannah Williams

“Global Poverty 101,” by PR Team member Kendall Altenburg & “Be a voice for the voiceless,” by PR Team member Aparna Marathe

PR Team member Gianna Gonzalez created infographics for the Keeping Girls in School Act (S. 1071, H.R. 2153)

Swarms

Political Affairs Team member Rebecca Young mobilized and created a swarm with several of her coworkers.

Swarms can take place anywhere! Political Affairs Team member Ben Hourani created a swarm at a beer garden. Ben had his friends call and email Congress in support of the International Affairs Budget.

Meet-Ups

When team members collide: Political Affairs Team members Bryan Portinari and Logan Channer both live in the Portland area and met to discuss how they can work together on certain aspects of the program. They plan to meet with Sen. Ron Wyden (D-OR) early next month.

Fundraising

Political Affairs Team member Chandra Thorson, who is also a teacher at a school of less than 700 students, hosted a coin war. The seniors were out during this time because of graduation, so only Freshmen through Juniors participated. Altogether, the coin war earned $506.72!

Political Affairs Team member Eliza Davern walked dogs as a part of her fundraising campaign.

Political Affairs Team member Emma Smith created a unique photo series to share on social media platforms with her fundraising campaign.

“We all hold the world in our hands. With every choice we make, whether that be big or small, we directly or indirectly change the world for better or for worse. This summer I have decided to try to make change for the better by interning with @theborgenproject , a non-profit, nation-wide organization working to make poverty a focus of U.S. foreign policy. While ending global poverty may seem like an impossible task, it is actually super easy to do your part in helping out the cause. All you have to do is click this on this link: https://borgenproject.org/action-center/(also in my bio), choose a bill you would like to support, and fill out your information to send an email to your Congressional Leaders showing your support for this poverty reducing legislation. You won’t get an email back unless you choose and the email is all written for you! It’s so easy and it only takes 7-10 people contacting their leader in support of a bill for the leader to vote yes on it! Please take a minute out of your day to be a voice for the world’s poor! If you do choose to send an email, please let me know using the poll on my story so that I can keep track for my internship. Feel free to reach out of you have any questions!”

Media Outreach

Videos

One-Mile Campaign reflection from PR/Marketing Team member Alexis Blacknik

PR and HR Team member Nevada McOwen hosted a Borgen Project information event

Instagram

PR Team member Natasha Otton gave The Borgen Project a shoutout on Instagram

Memes

Meme created by Political Affairs Team member Taylor Tody

Audio

PR Team member Mathilde Henriksen created a Borgen Project PSA and “Did You Know?”
Did you know…?

PSA

State of the Union May 2019

/in /by

Political Updates

 

Lobbying Efforts

  • Total # of Lobbying Meetings in April: 32
  • Total # of Lobbying Meetings in 2019: 108
  • Lobbying Meetings Goal for 2019: 775

Advocacy Emails

  • Number of Advocacy Emails in April: 6,430
  • Advocacy Emails Goal for 2019: 80,000
  • % of Congress Emailed in April: 82%

Congressional Office Meetings


Political Affairs Team member Brianna Bennett had a successful meeting with Christina Whitehouse, District Representative to Rep. Rob Whittman (R-VA-1st), to discuss the International Affairs Budget.

Leroy Adams (left), a Borgen Project Content Team member, met with Brandon Kennedy, field representative to Rep. Lloyd Doggett (D-TX-35th), at the San Antonio office to discuss the Reach Every Mother and Child Act.

Regional Director Moise Dzogolo (left) secured a meeting with Rep. Marshall Wright (D-AR-2nd). Great work, Moise!

In April, Regional Director Jim Muench met with Ben Fry, State Director for Sen. David Perdue (R-GA).

Regional Director Neha Maharjan met with Todd Martin and Rhett Gumm from Rep. Kenny Marchant’s (R-TX-24th) office.

Political Affairs Team member Mason Inumerable secured a meeting with a staffer to Rep. Mark Takano (D-CA-41st).

Warren’s Address

Listen to the latest from Warren about the goings-on in D.C.

 

Content Team Updates

Ever wonder where your readers are? Here are the readers of BORGEN Magazine, by country, for April:

Recognition

Congratulations to the following team members that have achieved Borgen Project Honors & Recognition.

      • Chief Closer Award (raised $1,000 or more): Mika Brouillette and Taylor Clarida, Political Affairs Team
      • President’s Circle (held 3 congressional meetings): Karan Patel, Tristana Leist, Rachel Schmidt and Yona Andrews from the PA Team
      • Public Outreach Award (30 or more people mobilized): Gage Parks, Political Affairs Team
      • Article of the Month: Holly Barsham, Content Team, covered the importance of foreign aid to Central America

Visit the Our Team Members page and read about success stories with our organization.

Getting the Word Out

A great way to spread the word about global poverty while engaging with members of your community is to hold a tabling event. Political Affairs Team member Brianna Bennett scheduled a tabling session with a university’s career service office and spoke to student’s about internship and volunteer opportunities with TBP.

Brianna also made an appearance at a rotary event in Richmond, Virginia.

Content Team member Farihah Tasneem passed out flyers around her neighborhood to promote TBP.

Political Affairs Team member Tristana Leist held a presentation at the Spokane Aurora Rotary Club in Washington State.
Political Affairs Team member David Sar giving a presentation to his class.
We are global! PR Team member Cindia Escalante posted Borgen Project stickers in Spain.

One-Mile Campaigns

Political Affairs Team member Jila Matos completed her One-Mile Campaign in New Jersey!

PR Team member Chelsea Hartnett is ready to complete her One-Mile Campaign!

Political Affairs Team member Pamela Khawam completed her One-Mile Campaign in downtown St. Petersburg, FL.

PR Team member Malaurie Lasserre completed her One-Mile Campaign in Saint Petersburg, Russia!

Political Affairs Team member Yona Andrews pictured ready to begin her One-Mile Campaign.

Political Affairs Team member Clement Upton posted fliers around his neighborhood.

Political Affairs Team member Matthew Svancara is ready to pass out fliers!

Political Affairs Team member Ana María Sierra used a variety of fliers for her One-Mile Campaign.

Political Affairs Team member Emmaleigh Utter and her cat made a visit to a popular nearby lake. Emmaleigh chalked a part of the trail and provided handouts to anyone who stopped to talk and say hi to her and her cat.

A little rain didn’t stop Political Affairs Team members Jason Andreacchio and Nivedan Dharmavaram from completing their One-Mile Campaigns!

PR Team member Kate McKinney says, “It’s time to take action for the impoverished.”

Swarm
What is a swarm? Swarms are when multiple people email or call a Congressional leader on the same issue, which is exactly what Political Affairs Team member Jason Andreacchio did! Jason created a swarm by having 29 students call their congressional leaders throughout the school day. His family even joined in on the fun.

Memes


Political Affairs Team member Yona Andrews created a meme for TBP.

Letters to the Editor

Kylee Dostie, Political Affairs Team, in The Daily Campus: Foreign aid is good aid

Brianna Bennett, Political Affairs Team, in the Daily Press: Connections ease poverty

Olivia Causse, PR Team, in The Salt Lake Tribune: Letter: America should spend more money on foreign aid & in the Deseret News: Letter: Americans need to let their voices be heard by congressional leaders

Outreach & Mobilizing Materials

PR Team member Cindia Escalante created posters for her branding campaign.

PR Team member Ellen Cruise created infographics to disperse around her school. Ellen even put a few in student mailboxes to help spread the word.

Fundraising

As a part of his fundraising campaign, HR team member Justin Li held a dodgeball tournament!

PR Team member Chelsea Hartnett held soccer training sessions as a part of her fundraising campaign.

PR Team member Kate McKinney held a raffle to raise funds for her internship.

PR Team member Malaurie Lasserre hosting a fundraising dinner with friends.

Political Affairs Team member Eliza Davern did a friend’s makeup for a spring gala

Eliza also organized a family friend’s pantry. She diverted what she earned to TBP.

Check out this Boomerang from Content Team member Logan Derbes’ raffle sale!

Videos

The Borgen Project received a shoutout. Skip to 3:35 to check it out.

Meet The Borgen Project by PR Team member Malaurie Lasserre

Political Affairs Team member Milo Civita

State of the Union April 2019

/in /by

WIN A ONCE IN A LIFETIME OPPORTUNITY!

Would you like to head to Washington, D.C. this May to lobby Congress with Clint Borgen and The Borgen Project’s Board of Directors? We will select one lucky winner to attend Congressional meetings and watch the magic happen firsthand.

Eligibility Requirements:

Any volunteer or intern who has met the following requirements will be entered into a drawing for an all-expenses-paid trip to D.C. to lobby on behalf of the world’s poor:

  • Completed three (3) Congressional meetings in their state OR
  • Mobilized the most people to email Congress through The Borgen Project’s Action Center. Please send your manager a list of the people you mobilize. As a frame of reference, our 2018 winner mobilized 313 people to email Congress!

Deadline for Eligibility:

April 12th

Political Updates

 

Lobbying Efforts

  • Total # of Lobbying Meetings in March: 34
  • Total # of Lobbying Meetings in 2019: 76
  • Lobbying Meetings Goal for 2019: 775

Advocacy Emails

  • Number of Advocacy Emails in March: 7,313
  • Advocacy Emails Goal for 2019: 80,000
  • % of Congress Emailed in March: 82%

Congressional Office Meetings

Political Affairs Team member Patrick Parker (left) met with staff members Claudia Morales, Constituent Representative, and John Preston of Rep. Lizzie Fletcher (D-TX-7th).

Political Affairs Team member Tristana Leist met with Collin Tracy, staff member of Rep. McMorris Rodgers (R-WA-5th).

Political Affairs Team member Yona Andrews secured a meeting with Rep. Gary Palmer (R-AL-6th).

Political Affairs Team member Matthew Svancara met with David Dobo, District Representative for Rep. Gonzalez (R-OH-16).

Warren’s Address

Listen to the latest from Warren about the goings-on in D.C.

 

Content Team Updates

We had a huge increase in web traffic. A record-breaking 654,000 people visited borgenproject.org last month. The previous record was 547,000.

 

Recognition

Congratulations to the following team members that have achieved Borgen Project Honors & Recognition.

      • Chief Closer Award (raised $1,000 or more): Matthew Bumgarner, HR Team; Carol Alcantar, HR Team; Elizabeth Tramontin, PR/Marketing Team, David Sar Political Affairs Team
      • President’s Circle (held 3 congressional meetings): Sarah Chocron, Regional Director, Isaac Rutiz, David Heinold, Maggie Wells and Mikaella Brouillette, from our Political Affairs Team
      • Public Outreach Award (30 or more people mobilized): Marche Beadles, PR/Marketing Team

Visit the Our Team Members page and read about success stories with our organization.

 

Getting the Word Out

Political Affairs Team member Nivedan Dharmavaram gave a presentation about The Borgen Project to his AP European History class.

Another member from The Borgen Project’s Political Affairs Team, Maria Castrogiovanni, presented to an AP World History class. She discussed facts about global poverty and the importance of contacting Congressional leaders. Maria successfully mobilized five people to email in support of the International Affairs Budget.

Maria also created a swarm and had lifeguards email Congress after their in-service training. Way to go, Maria!
HR Team member Jennifer Irwin created a swarm with her friends.
PR Team member Kayla Aragones held an information meeting and had people email Congress.
HR Team member Ana Clever made posters to create awareness for TBP.

Even our furry friends support the International Affairs Budget. HR Team member Jeffrey Jubinville’s dog, May, gave Congress a call.
HR Team member Natasha Matveyuk provided her professors with a presentation to showcase to students in her group.

One-Mile Campaigns

Political Affairs Team member Kellen Cody completed her One-Mile Campaign with a little spray paint.

Political Affairs Team member Maria Castrogiovanni completed her One-Mile Campaign in downtown Chicago.

PR Team member Ben Jacobson pictured completing his One-Mile Campaign.

Content Team member Janiya Winchester provided Borgen Project fliers to people walking into local businesses. Head to Outreach & Mobilizing Materials for a close-up of the poster Janiya created for her One-Mile Campaign!

Maggie Wells, a Political Affairs Team member, seen posting fliers for her campaign.

A successful one-mile campaign for Adrian Ghainda, a Political Affairs Team member.

PR and HR Team member Nevada McOwen used balloons to complete her One-Mile Campaign.

 

HR Team member Jennifer Irwin pictured posting fliers for her One-Mile Campaign.

HR Team member Lily Carbajal had a succesful One-Mile Campaign.

Facebook

In search of a creative way to mobilize? Political Affairs Team member Michael Jensen posted a step-by-step video on Facebook to teach people how to email Congress using The Borgen Project website.

Letters to the Editor

Mikaella Brouillette, Political Affairs Team, in the Democrat & Chronicle: Protect the future of displaced women and girls

Maggie Wells, Political Affairs Team, in Go Dan River: Wall doesn’t address the problem

Isaac Echeverri, PR Team, in The Columbian: U.S. should address global poverty
and in the Missoulian: Be aware of incentives to address poverty

Olivia Causse, PR Team, in the Deseret News: Save the International Affairs Budget 

Matthew Svancara, Political Affairs Team, in the Cleveland: Vaccines, poverty, and economic development

Colette Sherrington, Content Team, in News-Press: Helping poor

Tristana Leist, Political Affairs Team, in The Gonzaga Bulletin: Letter to the Editor: Active constituent participation works

Ana Clever, HR Team, in Her Campus: 5 Myths About Global Poverty

Poetry

Ms. Aasha Doshi is 39 years old.
She lives with her beloved son and daughter-twins-
who are both 4 years old.
She loves them like anything,
as much as an old man loves the thought of his childhood.
She gets up in the morning,
goes to work,
comes back,
and sleeps.
Ms. Aasha is just like you and me.
We both have the same dreams.
The same wants,
the same needs.
We both wish for the best for our family and for ourselves:
to be happy and decent and well in all aspects of life.
But you see,
there is one thing different between you and me and Ms. Aasha.
A stark difference.
One that separates our lives a mile away from hers.
Ms. Aasha Doshi is dreadfully and utterly poor.
She works at the local market,
hauling fruits and vegetables for hours upon hours
in the dangerous, thick heat,
helplessly swatting away clouds of flies and mosquitoes.
She sleeps on the side of Appuchetti street,
next to an old shut down auto store
that reeks of mold and dust.
The sound of cars
and trucks
and motorcycles
zip by
blaring their horns through the dark night
and smothering her in clouds of pollution.
She clutches her children’s heads tightly against her,
fearing for their safety
at 3 in the morning
when everything around her is dark and unknown.
She cannot afford proper clothes,
so she drapes herself in a ragged grey shawl
to hide her torn and withered saree
and lack of gold upon her skin.
Her children are hungry-
their ribs visible from meters away,
and they beg for money or food from those who pass,
only to be ignored by business suits and diamond earrings.
Ms. Aasha’s dreams crumble at her feet a little more each day.

Poverty is a problem more severe than any other problem India faces. More than 350 million people are currently in poverty in India. That’s nearly 30 percent of India’s entire population. Poverty deprives people like Ms. Aasha of their necessities and opportunities on a daily basis. It pulls the poor into a never-ending cycle of helplessness and despair.

-Krithi Sekaran, PR Team member

Outreach & Mobilizing Materials

PR Team member Alexis Blacknik’s diverting branding campaign

Content Team member Janiya Winchester created a poster to use for her One-Mile Campaign.

PR Team member Ceren Colak: “Your Guide to Donate”

Political Affairs Team member Yona Andrews created a handout for her One-Mile Campaign.

PR Team member Ellen Cruise’s poster shows the value of $1.

PR Team member Krithi Sekaran created fliers to use for her One-Mile Campaign.

PR Team member Krithi Sekaran created mini information cards for her event.

 

Fundraising

HR Team member Natasha Matveyuk made and sold dog treats for her fundraising campaign. Along with the treats, Natasha created fundraising campaign posters to post and hand out to local businesses.

Political Affairs Team member Eleanor Harris held a car wash in her neighborhood.

PA Team member Paige Downey hosted a 50/50 raffle with her sisters of Tri Delta at William & Mary. Altogether, they raised close to $220. With a 50/50 raffle, half of the money goes to the organization and half goes to a lucky raffle winner. When the sorority called the winner to congratulate her, she decided to donate half of her winnings back. In the end, Paige raised about $178 for The Borgen Project.

PR Team member Cindia Escalante held a bake sale in Spain!

Political Affairs Team member Maria Castrogiovanni sold items on Poshmark as a part of her fundraising campaign. Maria included a note in her packages encouraging buyers to check out The Borgen Project’s website.

Political Affairs Team member Eliza Davern created a flier for her fundraising campaign!

Videos

PR Team member Paula Ruiz asks Senator Patty Murray (D – WA) to protect funding for the International Affairs Budget.

Content Team member Janiya Winchester introduced her internship and fundraising campaign with The Borgen Project on YouTube. A giveaway is a great incentive to encourage donations!