3 More days till INDIA!

  It is absolutely crazy to think I found Omprakash one year ago and started connecting with CULP and creating my grant application for volunteering abroad. What started out as a side project which I never imagined would come to fruition, is ending up to be the biggest event of my young life. After being accepted and all of the investigating, planning, vaccines, packing etc...I am finally ready to go. It seems so surreal that on Thursday I'll be landing in New Delhi, India.
  I will never be able to express my gratitude for the immense support from my friends and family. I spent tonight at my sister Amy's surrounded by loved ones, given goodbye gifts, well-wishes, prayers, blessings and of course, eating, drinking, laughing followed by more laughing. I feel truly blessed to have this opportunity to travel and for the network of people around me who have been so supportive.

  The best is yet to come, once I arrive at my destination and begin photographing, taking video and experiencing all that India has to offer.

Thanks, as always, for the support
Sara

ABCD

Hey Folks,

Just walked in from a snowy drive back to Minneapolis after my presentation to the Hope Interfaith Center's Leadership Group. I was a tad nervous as I hadn't really planned much, but it went well! I showed the Omprakash powerpoint and spoke about CULP and on my experiences in Ghana, Africa and how I am planning for my upcoming trip to India.

 I also spent a period of time speaking specifically about asset based community development. During my term with Public Allies we had a heavy focus on "ABCD" and as Omprakash seeks to end "voluntourism" ABCD seeks to end "drive-by service."  Meaning in order to be leaders abroad, or leaders in any community that is not our own, we must not look from the outside in. It is important to build relationships in the communities we plan to work in. Instead of listing the deficits in an area and making assumptions about what they need or want, we should be listing every possible asset. What's working for said community, and how can I help to buil their capacity.

This is not to say that any amount of help or assistance isn't worth while or helping, it's only to say that the impact will not be nearly as great as we intend if we do not work from within the community, building upon their assets and assisting the community to heal itself.

Wonderful conversation with the women of the HIC Leadership Group and many thanks for having me!

-Sara

Preparations and Upcoming Events!

Well folks, vaccines are well underway only one more preventative rabies shot and i'm all set! Recently I've been focused on finding places to table or present for Omprakash and C.U.L.P and this Saturday I will be at the Mankato Interfaith Coalitions Symposium to table! I'm excited to attend the event, hear the speakers and have a chance to speak with people from all backgrounds on the opportunities to contribute to these grassroots organizations through Omprakash. If you live in the area I would love to see you there- The event will be held at the Hope Interfaith Center on 114 Pohl Rd, Mankato MN.
As a recent graduate from the first class of Twin Cities Public Allies, I also plan on giving a quick talk upon returning to the second class of graduates who will be finishing their terms in August 2012. Hopefully more opportunities to spread the word before I leave in January will come about and when they do, I'll be sure to let you know!

Shortly here it will be time to start looking into my Visa for traveling in India and travel insurance for the stay. In the meantime i'm making lists, things to pack, things to buy, currently looking for a mosquito net, nice pair of sandals-Teva's, and a good duffle bag/backpack. It's been a busy time preparing, working and going to school, but I can see the light at the end of the tunnel, as the semester will be over mid December.

Thanks for the support and Happy Holidays!
Sara

What's this blog all about?

First off, welcome to my blog, A broad, abroad!

Recently I was given a grant from the Omprakash Foundation to cover the costs of a volunteer trip to Jaipur, India. I will be leaving the U.S sometime in January and heading to Rajasthan to work with Dr. Kulhari and his organization, The Center for Unfolding Learning Potential, or CULP. I am beyond excited to make this journey and to promote the fantastic opportunities available to volunteers in the US and abroad with Omprakash. Please feel free to visit the site www.omprakash.org and check out the partner organizations or check out my partner organization directly at www.culpjaipur.org. 

In exchange for the grant money given to me by Omprakash, I am also responsible for connecting others to the Omprakash network and promoting grassroots volunteerism! Before I leave in January, I will be tabling at different events in both the Metro and Mankato area. If anyone knows of some events coming up- let me know! I will be updating frequently on the preparations for the trip and hope to be able to share the experience with a wide audience.

Thanks for the support!

Updates to come soon :)

~ Sara