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.
Volunteer Team member Hannah Reznik met with John Hollinrake, Regional Director to Sen. Joni Ernst (R-IA).
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 April 2020
Political Updates
Lobbying and Advocacy Efforts
Advocacy Emails
Congressional Office Meetings
Political Affairs Team member Dhruv Bhardwaj (right) met with the staffers of Sen. Kamala Harris’ (D-CA).
Political Affairs Team member Dana Kit met with two of Sen. Cory Booker’s (D-NJ) congressional staffers to discuss the International Affairs Budget and Global Child Thrive Act.
Political Affairs Team member Brett “Russell” McCraw met with Rep. Bill Flores (R-TX-17th).
Katianna Laveaux, Advocate (on the right) with Congresswoman Yvette D. Clarke, attended the congresswoman’s panel discussion on the census 2020.
Warren’s Address
Listen to the latest from Warren about the goings-on in D.C.
Content Team Updates
Articles of the Month: Minnesota Refugee Resettlement by Amanda Ostuni, South African Income Inequality Persists by Perry Stone Budd and The Rise and Empowerment of Female Farmers in Nepal by Taylor Pittman.
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
One-Mile Campaigns
PR/Marketing Team member Onastacia Roe spread the word about global poverty in her hometown of Fort Dodge, IA. Onastacia also highlighted her campaign on Instagram (see below).
HR Team member Lauren Tetleton posted flyers surrounding Knoxville’s courthouse where many congressional leaders have an office.
HR Team member Breanne Slossar in North Carolina.
PR/Marketing Team member Jordyn Garrett-Green (center) teamed up with her family to post flyers throughout their neighborhood.
Thumbs up! PR/Marketing Team member Sylvia Fuentes posted flyers in San Francisco, CA. Sylvia even delivered a flyer to fast-casual restaurant food chain, Chipotle!
Advocate Katianna Laveaux seen posting flyers in Brooklyn, NY.
Political Affairs Team member Matt Nieves.
Presentations
Amy Ramspoth, Regional Director and HR Associate, attended a Rotary presentation (while 32 weeks pregnant) recently. It went well, despite there not being a big audience due to COVID-19.
Tabling Events
Regional Director Hannah Reznik held a tabling event at Flagler College in Florida. The main goal of the event was to mobilize students to email their congressional leaders in support of the International Affairs Budget. Hannah mobilized 21 students!
Letters to the Editor
Political Affairs Team
PR Team
HR Team
Content Team
Outreach & Mobilizing Materials
PR/Marketing Team member Daysha Robinson advertised her virtual fundraising event.
HR Team member Valerie Yang created a graphic for social media to announce her fundraising campaign.
“Contact Congress” by Regional Director Ashley Strand.
“How Children Suffer from Poverty” by PR/Marketing Team member Adrian Jones.
“What can the U.S. do? by Regional Director Sarah Gruesser.
PR/Marketing Team member Onastacia Roe created several graphics to promote The Borgen Project and her fundraising campaign.
We Fight for the Underdog and Volunteers Needed by PR/Marketing Team member Lorryn Murray.
“How The Borgen Project Operates” by PR/Marketing Team member Jordyn Garrett-Green.
Fundraising
PR/Marketing Team member Onastacia Roe created a “Pie to End Poverty” fundraiser. For every $2.00 donation to The Borgen Project, donors could “pie” Onastacia. Onastacia created and posted a graphic to promote the fundraiser on her social media channels. “I had my sister pie me in the face for each donation, and my grandma recorded each time. I then posted the video on my Instagram and Facebook stories and tagged each donor. […] I had 6 donors and raised $12.00 in total!”
PR/Marketing Team member Vivian Priestley held a garland and silkscreen print sale to raise money for her fundraising campaign. Vivian shared the art on her Instagram Story.
Content Team member Abby Haynes’ mom runs a baking business. The two have been collaborating to raise proceeds for The Borgen Project.
Political Affairs Team member Liz Vernon held a bake sale with plenty of delicious treats.
Media Outreach
Blogs
PR Team member Kristina Johnson created a blog to advocate for The Borgen Project.
Instagram
Don’t forget to tag @theborgenproject in your content on Instagram
Celebrities and influencers have the perfect platform for getting the word out. Political Affairs Team member Natalie Coyne reached out to Afghan rapper and activist, Sonita Alizadeha, about The Borgen Project. Sonita shared a Borgen Project post highlighting the Keeping Girls in School Act to her Instagram Story.
Content Team member Janice Athill persuaded, Miss Jackson, actress and entrepreneur, to give The Borgen Project a shoutout on her Story.
Content Team member Lauren DesJardins created a series of graphics to share on her Instagram Story.
Videos
Global Poverty and The Borgen Project by PR/Marketing Team member Adrian Jones.
State of the Union March 2020
Political Updates
Reminder: The Senate and House are in recess next week March 16th until 20th.
Lobbying and Advocacy Efforts
Advocacy Emails
Congressional Office Meetings
Political Affairs Team member Natalie Coyne secured meetings with Rep. Mike Doyle (D-PA-14th; left) and Sen. Pat Toomey’s staffer (R-PA; right).
Natalie then managed to secure her fourth lobbying meeting with Harry Johnson II (Sen. Bob Casey’s Regional Director), where they discussed the Keeping Girls in School act.
Political Affairs Team member Lindsey LeBaron met with Rep. John Curtis (R-UT-3rd) to discuss the Reach Every Mother and Child Act.
Political Affairs Team member Emily Daly met with Rosie Driscoll, the Outreach Specialist for Sen. Bob Menendez (D-NJ), to discuss the Keeping Girls in School Act.
Political Affairs Team member Kristine Gonzalez met with Larissa L. Bailey, Central Regional Manager for Sen. Patrick Toomey (R-PA).
Political Affairs Team member Edward Taylor met Molly Cole, Foreign Affairs Legislative Assistant for Rep. Gerry Connolly’s (D-VA-11th).
Political Affairs Team member Alexis Page met with a staff member at Sen. Sherrod Brown’s (D-OH) office in Columbus, Ohio.
Regional Director Morgan Harden completed her first lobbying meeting with Rep. Dan Bishop (R-NC-9th)!
Town Halls
In-Office Team member Iris Thatcher had the opportunity to meet Sen. Elizabeth Warren (D-MA) at a Town Hall in Seattle, WA
Political Affairs Team member Diego Tambazidis bird dogged at a Town Hall meeting in California.
Political Affairs Team member Dana Kit seen in attendance at Rep. Tom Malinowski’s (D-NJ-7th) Town Hall meeting.
Lindsey LeBaron, Political Affairs Team member, attended a legislative networking meeting
Warren’s Address
Listen to the latest from Warren about the goings-on in D.C.
Content Team Updates
Website traffic continues to be strong, thanks to the content created by our Writers, Journalists and Editors.
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
One-Mile Campaigns
Political Affairs Team member Javier Salgado disbursed flyers in local barbershops in Kissimmee, FL.
Pragya Nagpal, Political Affairs Team member, posted posters outside houses in Irving, Texas.
HR Team member Arthi Lokaiyan took a quick selfie while posting flyers around campus.
Swarm
Nonprofit Leadership Team member Chase Smith from Seattle created a swarm in support of the Global Health Security Act.
Nonprofit Leadership Team member Rebecca Collins created a swarm in support of the Keeping Girls in School Act.
Ashley Strand, Regional Director, ordered The Borgen Project stickers and pins for her mobilization activities.
Letters to the Editor
Regional Director
Political Affairs Team
PR/Marketing Team
Outreach & Mobilizing Materials
Nonprofit Leadership team member, Avery Barela’s posters for her branding campaign.
PR/Marketing Team member Jordyn Garrett-Green.
PR/Marketing Team member Onastacia Roe created a flier to use for an upcoming information event.
Created by PR/Marketing Team member Jordyn Garrett-Green.
Created by Political Affairs Team member Lorryn Murray.
Malala Yousafzai Scholarship Act by PR/Marketing Team member Rhea Ferrer.
Fundraising
PR/Marketing Team member Onastacia Roe used Instagram to create an online thrift store as a part of her fundraising campaign.
Political Affairs Team member Frankie Gaynor created Borgen Project t-shirts for her fundraiser.
HR Team member KaLee Roberge sold military patches for her campaign, each priced at $1.00. KaLee ended up selling 510 patches!
HR team member Krity Deb created paintings for her fundraising campaign.
Media Outreach
Videos
Political Affairs Team member Francesca Gaynor spoke on behalf of TBP to a community access TV program.
Political Affairs Team member Natalie Coyne presented at a city council meeting in Butler, Pennsylvania.
Instagram
Nonprofit Leadership Team member Mayaka Wimberley created a graphic to share on social media.
PR/Marketing Team member Onastacia Roe created infographics to share information about The Borgen Project for her branding and fundraising campaigns on Instagram.
Memes
Meme created by Content Team member Treya Parikh.
State of the Union February 2020
Political Updates
Lobbying and Advocacy Efforts
Advocacy Emails
Congressional Office Meetings
Political Affairs Team member Dhruv Bhardwaj, met with a staffer for Rep. Gil Cisneros (D-CA-39).
Dhruv also attended Rep. Cisneros’ Town Hall meeting.
Political Affairs Team member Brendan Noffsinger met with Sen. Dianne Feinstein’s (D-CA) Director of Constituent Service. Brendan spoke in support of the IAB and the Keeping Girls in School Act.
Political Affairs Team member Diego Tambazidis attended a Town Hall meeting held by Rep. Mike Thompson (D-CA-5th) and Rep. Mark DeSaulner (D-CA-11th).
Political Affairs Team member Anabel Paco-Cano met with Miguel Otero, Deputy Chief of Staff to Rep. Mario Díaz-Balart (R-FL-25th).
On January 23, Political Affairs Team member Natalie Coyne met with Rep. Mike Kelly (R-PA-16th) to discuss the IAB and the Keeping Girls in School Act. “[Rep. Kelly] was shocked that legislative staff from the offices of those who are already co-sponsoring did not get in contact with his legislative staff. He […] told me (verbally) that upon returning to session next week, they will go through the process to co-sponsor the Keeping Girls in School Act.” On January 24, Rep. Kelly became a cosponsor for H.R.2153 reaffirming the power of meeting with Congress.
Regional Director Ashley Strand met with Ali Isse, Deputy District Director to Rep. Ilhan Ilhan (D-MN-5th) to speak in support of the Keeping Girls in School Act and the Global Health Security Act.
Political Affairs Team member Kristine Gonzalez met with Jay Ostrich, District Director to Rep. Scott Perry (R-PA-10th). The two discussed the IAB and Global Child Thrive Act. Kristine provided the District Director, an army veteran, with the benefits of foreign aid from a military perspective.
Political Affairs Team member Alex Rohana caught a selfie after meeting with John Nobrega in DC, Foreign Policy LA to Sen. Jack Reed’s (D-RI).
Warren’s Address
Listen to the latest from Warren about the goings-on in D.C.
Content Team Updates
Website traffic is off to a great start for the year, thanks to the content created by our writers, journalists and editors. Ever wondered who is reading your work? Here is a breakdown of visitors to the site by country:
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
One-Mile Campaigns
Political Affairs Team member Jessica Alvarado completed her One-Mile Campaign in Bay Shore, NY: “I went to my favorite childhood park, where all my friends and I grew up. It has an indoor pool, so a lot of families go there on the weekends to swim. I went around the entire park giving out printed fliers to any passerby I saw […]. I spoke to some parents and even some kids who looked to be in middle school. “
Content Team member Elizabeth Yusuff put together this flier noting different ways to help the cause.
Swarm
Swarm time! Political Affairs Team member Natalie Coyne and friends ready to email their congressional leaders on The Borgen Project website.
Letters to the Editor
Political Affairs Team
Outreach & Mobilizing Materials
Nonprofit Leadership Team member Chase Smith displayed his posters around the Seattle area to raise awareness for The Borgen Project.
Find this image by PR/Marketing Team member Onastacia Roe on our Instagram!
Fundraising
As a part of her fundraising campaign, Regional Director Ehina Srivastava held a bake sale that generated $200.
Content Team member Emily Oomen hosted an art night for a fundraising event.
Media Outreach
Instagram
PR/Marketing Team member Kristina Johnson posted this photo to her Instagram page to introduce followers to the organization.
Through social engagement, Regional Director Sarah Gruesser got one Instagram, “interracialactivits,” to give The Borgen Project and the Keeping Girls in School Act a feature.
PR/Marketing Team member Onastacia Roe created a graphic for the Keeping Girls in School Act to share on her Instagram story.
State of the Union January 2020
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
Advocacy Emails
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
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
Advocacy Emails
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.
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
Political Updates
Lobbying and Advocacy Efforts
Advocacy Emails
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.
Content Team member Susan Niz met with Sen. Ted Cruz’s (R-TX) office to lobby on behalf of the world’s poor.
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.
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
Political Updates
Lobbying and Advocacy Efforts
Advocacy Emails
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.
Political Affairs Team member Emilee Kerr met with Ellen Short of Sen. Sherrod Brown’s office (D-OH).
HR Team member Geethapriya Kumaraguru met with Sen. Patty Murray’s office (D-WA) to discuss the IAB.
Political Affairs Team member Jasmine Kabira (right) met with Mary Szarkowicz (left), Sen. Richard Blumenthal’s (D-CT) Legislative Director in DC.
Political Affairs Team member Aditya Prathap (left) met with Rep. Sean Casten (D-IL-6th).
Political Affairs Team members Cynthia Jaimes and Janet Abou Elias met with Katy von Rosenberg, Deputy Regional Director 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
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.
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:
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
Political Updates
Lobbying and Advocacy Efforts
Advocacy Emails
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.
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.
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
Political Updates
Lobbying and Advocacy Efforts
Advocacy Emails
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.
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
Political Updates
Lobbying and Advocacy Efforts
Advocacy Emails
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, 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.
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