Past WCF Fellow Projects
Our Summer 2009 Fellows have started our Fellowship Program off with a bang. Below is a look at what some of them have been working on:
Politics & Education Fellows
Julia Burke – Candidate Research
One of Julia’s primary projects during her WCF Fellowship was researching potential and current WCF endorsed candidates. Julia prepared candidate biographies and learned about why they are seeking public office. She gained significant knowledge regarding the political environments within each race and a greater understanding of how WCF helps endorsed candidates overcome both financial and political hurdles to win their races. Julia worked to update candidate files and assisted in website updates and blogging.
Elizabeth Holland – She Should Run
As a WCF Fellow, Elizabeth gained several new skills, including blogging and website content management using Expression Engine, Blue State Digital and html coding. For the She Should Run™ program, Elizabeth researched other political organizations and updated the website with candidate training information. On a weekly basis, Elizabeth assisted managing She Should Run™ nomination process to enroll new women in the program. Elizabeth also wrote blog postings for the She Should Run™ website on various topics regarding women and politics.
Communications Fellow
Jamie Bence – Social Media
Social networking is a free and effective way for nonprofits like WCF to increase their presence online and keep members excited and up to date about all that WCF is doing. During her fellowship with WCF, Jamie utilized familiar online outlets and maintained up to date and interesting content about WCF. On Facebook and MySpace, Jamie posted articles, blogs, pictures and other interactive media. She used Twitter as a tool to increase member and other nonprofit organization’s interaction with WCF. Jamie has focused on WCF’s presence on Change.org by daily updating content and building and increasing the WCF user base to increase fundraising efforts. As part of her social networking role, Jamie gained skills in website management and blogging. She also utilized Tweetburner and Google Analytics to monitor the effectiveness of her outreach and track which social media sites are driving people to the WCF website. See how to connect with WCF on social networks here.
Development Fellow
Sabrina Lakhani – Event Planning
On June 2, 2009, WCF hosted a rooftop reception at the IBEW building in downtown DC. The purpose of the event was to introduce Sam Bennett as the new WCF President/CEO and present the new Vote with Your Purse findings. Prior to the event, Sabrina managed RSVPs for the reception and reached out to potential attendees to increase participation at the reception. On the day of the event, Sabrina assisted with the sound system set-up and event set-up at IBEW. Working with a budget, Sabrina designed and purchased center pieces for the event. The development fellows assembled goodie bags for notable guests. During the reception, Sabrina managed the check-in area for guests. Sabrina was also able to mingle with the guests and use the opportunity to network with political and nonprofit leaders. The project gave Sabrina insight and experience with the logistical aspects of event planning.
