Pencils of Promise

PoP Leadership Workshop: Fueling the Movement

involvement in Pencils of Promise!

Eva, one of the incredible Pencils of Promise interns for the summer, writes about the inspiring PoP Leadership Workshop last week.

Last week at PoP we had our first ever PoP Leadership Workshop (PLW)!  For two days, the interns were led by PoP team members in exploring different issues in all things PoP. We started out with an introduction from backpacker/founder Adam Braun about the history of PoP, including personal anecdotes on how PoP developed from an inspired idea to a realized dream. The experience of hearing the actual story from Adam is just another example of how hands-on everything is at PoP.

All of the workshops were given by the amazing team who were clearly thrilled and knowledgeable about the ways they contribute to PoP. Jill and Hoolie gave us a valuable intro into how to manage a non-profit and how we to conduct research in the best possible way for PoP but also for our future careers. We also learned a lot more about the work of PoP on the ground when we video chatted with Noy and Leslie, who oversee our schools and programs in Laos. Their contagious excitement about being involved with PoP, both with the organization and on the ground shows how interconnected the organization is in all of its parts. Leslie and Noy talked animatedly about Laos to the rest of the team, as if we were all old friends. We were overcome with the warmth and friendliness which we have now come to expect from all those associated with PoP.

The workshop was also an opportunity for all of the interns to bond with the rest of the team. We had fun breaks planned, such as photo scavenger hunts and icebreakers with the incredible Mimi. We were lucky to receive a visit from Jen who provided inside information about start-ups and her involvement in the massive Chase Community Giving Campaign. After we were completely sold on PoP, we all brainstormed ideas with Jocelyn on how to spread the PoP fever to our own schools and communities.

It is truly so great to be working in a place so concerned with inspiring and motivating our generation. This workshop clearly represents that PoP is just as dedicated and passionate about the 49% creating a movement of passionate young people as it is about the 51% working on the ground. It was so great meeting everyone! I speak on behalf of all the interns when I say we all feel even more empowered about our continued involvement in Pencils of Promise!

Tags: interns, PLW, PoP Leadership Workshop