Syracuse University
Here at Syracuse University, our official mantra is “Scholarship in Action.” Since She’s the First is about giving girls in the developing world the opportunity to become scholars, SU is the perfect place to pilot a program that teaches college students how to take action for the cause.
She’s the First team members (and SU students) Christen Brandt, Rachael Datello, and I are working together to reach out to the media and on-campus student organizations to establish lasting sponsorships for girls’ education.
This takes a great deal of careful planning. Here’s how we hope to accomplish this goal at Syracuse:
- Take a grassroots approach. By working with residence halls and student clubs, we’re finding groups of friends who can gather together to support a cause that will enhance their organizations’ missions and provide a rewarding connection with girls in the developing world.
- Use our skills. As students at the S.I. Newhouse School of Public Communications, we are learning innovative methods for using various types of media to promote a message. From writing press releases for The Daily Orange (our student newspaper), to using Facebook, Twitter, and e-mail blasts to reach the entire campus, we’re focused on gaining support from anyone and everyone.
- Be accessible. When a student organization expresses interest in sponsoring a girl, we set up a time to meet individually with representatives to go over all of the details of the process. In my role as Campus Outreach Coordinator, it’s my job to ensure that our sponsors are fully informed about our mission and have all of their questions answered.
Most importantly, we’re staying optimistic. SU is a big place, and reaching every student will take some time. However, the challenges we face only make us more devoted to creating the sponsorships that will help girls become “the first” to be anything!
