kjalexander

Regaining Momentum 06-10-2008 10:11

Despite the Incubator workshop in Sydney being an amazing and inspiring experience, work on my Action Plan has admittedly (and unfortunately) slowed down a bit over the past few weeks.

I've recently encountered a few dead ends in terms of campaign work and local involvement and have had to review and amend my plan. I'm sure these sorts of set backs are to be expected every now and then and I'm viewing them as a chance to take up alternative opportunities rather than as some sort of sign of defeat.

I am attending a UNAA members night tomorrow and am trying to get the momentum for my Action Plan going again. I received an email from my local AI branch, and although it is small and only meets a few times a year, I still hope to get involved. I also recently became the Secretary of Foreign and Strategic Policy at the Left Right Think-Tank, which is really exciting.

I think it's inevitable that work, study and other commitments will sometimes force action to take a back seat. What's important then is doing what I can - thinking about the bigger picture and taking small, feasible steps to get there.

Action Plan Update 11-09-2008 10:26

Alright, over the past week or so I have:

1. Become a member of all of the organisations listed below.

2. Been in contact with DAN about volunteering and now need to decide in what capacity I would like to become involved in the group.

3. Emailed both AI and the UNAA about some of their campaigns which interest me. I am still waiting to hear back from both associations.

4. Started talking to my friends and family more frequently and in depth about what I'm doing.

The main obstacle I've encountered so far has been work. I've finished uni and am currently looking for a full-time job, so despite really wanting to become more active, I'm not sure how much time, and which times, I will actually be able to commit to these causes and/ or organisations in the future.

This is so disappointing and frustrating - especially because I used to dwindle away so much time at uni! Hopefully I will get this situation under control soon though, and be able to figure out when and where I can contribute regularly in my local community.

Action Plan 04-09-2008 07:11

Ok, so I've clearly been a bit slack in keeping my blog up to date - here is my refined plan for action though:

1. Join the Darfur Action Network, Amnesty International and the United Nations Association of Australia.

2. Volunteer in some capacity with DAN and get more involved in the other organisations’ campaigns.

3. Talk to my friends and family about what I’m doing and the groups’ objectives.

4. Write an article about my experiences on ActNow and maybe submit an opinion piece to my local newspaper.

I hope to finalise the first two dot points (and my Eat So They Can party) in the next couple of weeks, and work on the final two dot points over the course of the Incubator program.

My plan for action doesn't really require any resources or materials so hopefully I can get it up and running soon!