ABC

I’ve never been comfortable with fundraising and I’m jealous of people who have a knack for it. Hearing the vibrations of my voice that is trying to instill purpose or

sympathy syncopating against my internal sarcastic dialogue always jumbles my good-intentioned speech, causing me to question what it is I’m really saying. Thankfully I can write. Though, this too seems to have become a challenge for me. Using only uncomplicated colorless vocabulary in my daily speech has made me rely more and more on the overused cliches and phrases that are imprinted onto my unconscious automatic response. Please bear with me.

ABCamp is one of the main reasons I’ll be able to consider my service as a success. In my sea of indifference and disappointment with myself, ABCamp is a place where I get to witness how taking risk benefits those involved many fold. I attended the camp as a counselor last year and this year have a greater role in developing its curriculum. ABCamp is a two-week day camp in Kharkov, one of the largest cities in the country. During the camp, attendees design community projects, choose from a variety of classes, and bond together. It’s rewarding to see such empowerment and hope sparked by this group of youth. Since the camp last summer it’s been awesome to hear back from staff and campers about what’s going on in their lives; what they’ve been able to accomplish through teamwork and not accepting the status-quo.

ABC

This year will be the third year of ABCamp. The first year it was funded almost entirely by donations. Last year, we were able to drastically cut the amount of state-side aid. This year, people involved have been arranging weekend camps and other events in order to make the camp sustainable. I’m truly impressed by their efforts and hopefully in the near future there won’t be a need for outside donations. However, there is still much to be raised this year.

I ask for your help.

Please make a donation through the Peace Corps website.

I understand that it’s a difficult time for giving, especially for something so distant. Any little bit would help towards reaching our goal. If you’re feeling like a superstar, out to inspire the young generation of Ukraine, please consider being a Silent Babushka, as my friend Sam K posted in her blog. In Ukraine, grandmothers often play an essential financial role in providing opportunities for their grandchildren. Making a donation of $66 would fully fund one camper’s ABC experience.

Thank you for your support.

Peace Corps is 50 Today

“In establishing our Peace Corps we intend to make full use of the resources and talents of private institutions and groups. Universities, voluntary agencies, labor unions and industry will be asked to share in this effort--contributing diverse sources of energy and imagination--making it clear that the responsibility for peace is the responsibility of our entire society.”- John F. Kennedy, March 1, 1961.

I'm a little disappointed that the government didn't ship each volunteer some cake and punch, but in any case it's an exciting time to be a part of Peace Corps. I'm honored to be a part of this persistent dream.

Peace Corps' mission is to promote world peace and friendship by:

1. Helping the people of interested countries in meeting their need for trained men and women.
2. Helping promote a better understanding of Americans on the part of the peoples served.
3. Helping promote a better understanding of other peoples on the part of Americans.