Starting Bloc Presentation -- Essay #2

Post on 22-Oct-2014

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This is my response to prompt #2: "The StartingBloc Fellowship is a diverse community, with Fellows coming from a variety of sectors and backgrounds. How will you contribute to this community?"

Transcript of Starting Bloc Presentation -- Essay #2

I grew up on Long Island, an hour east of New York City.  I remain close with my family, who mostly live in the area.

I've always enjoyed storytelling. I wrote stories as a child, was a journalist and editor in high school and college, and now perform with SpeakeasyDC, which stages monthly open mike shows.

In 2008, I worked on the Obama campaign in North Carolina—both the most rewarding and exhausting job I've had yet. Here I am with Ashton, a great volunteer and friend.

(From http://www.wearepowershift.org/about/history)

My first job in D.C. was as an organizer for the Energy Action Coalition. I helped manage student leaders attending Power Shift ’09, a youth climate change conference.

After Power Shift, I interned in the White House Visitors Office. Here’s my family at the White House Easter Egg Roll, which our office helped plan.

My next job was in Senator Mark Begich’s (D-AK) office, where I wrote constituent correspondence and even got to travel to Alaska.

In 2010, I went on a trip that took me from London to Beijing. Here are some pictures from my time in India—on the left are some of my students from the school where I taught English.

Food and health issues are very important to me. Last year, I led some friends in building a small shared garden in my backyard.

I currently serve on the Board of the young adult group at All Souls Unitarian. A year ago, we had 25 members and met every 6 weeks. We now have 100 members and weekly events. Here are a few of us on the Appalachian Trail at a winter retreat.

I’m also a Jeremiah Fellow; the fellowship, run by Jews United for Justice, is a leadership training program for young professionals interested in community organizing.