Application Checklist
You must submit all of the following to be considered.
1. Answers to the written application questions and personality profile (listed below).
2. Your resume, including your education history and work/volunteer experience.
3. Names and contact information for three references, at least two professional.
4. Names and contact information for your three most recent previous employers.
5. A three minute video (see instructions below).
1. Answers to the written application questions and personality profile (listed below).
2. Your resume, including your education history and work/volunteer experience.
3. Names and contact information for three references, at least two professional.
4. Names and contact information for your three most recent previous employers.
5. A three minute video (see instructions below).
Written Application Questions:
1. Who are you? Please describe yourself.
I am a lot of things. I am a sister of 11 month old Memphis James-newly smiling, world discovering, sweetheart; 4 year old Mason Douglas-bike riding, outdoor loving, explorer; 7 year old Mira Kathleen-imaginative, brother protecting, firecracker; and 12 year old Vinnie-compassionate, school succeeding, jokester. It’s hard being a big sister from 100 miles away, but they never fail to let me know I am part of the family. My family has played a very big role in who I am. They have taught me to be open and speak my mind. They told me to be confident in myself and live life to the fullest and they continue to stand by me every step of the way.
I live in Bellingham, WA and I’m going to graduate with a Bachelors Degree in Human Services from Western Washington University. The Human Services major changed my life. I spent two years with a community of learners that challenged yet supported me; celebrated our differences while embracing our similarities; and encouraged me to be the most authentic version of myself while assuring, not just tolerance, but acceptance. Out of this program I made friends that I would consider nothing less than family.
I work as a Clerical Assistant at a Sean Humphrey House, a local nonprofit organization. It is a residence meant to support low-income individuals with HIV/AIDS that may also suffer from other disabilities and diseases. I love my job. All of my work is indirect service; overseeing administrative duties, working with the SHH Board of Directors, handling community correspondence and doing data entry. I believe in our mission and the people we support. I have enjoyed my jobs in the past, but working for a nonprofit puts it on a much more fundamental level for me. Knowing that the work that I do and the effort I put in is working towards an outcome I can support makes me feel proud to do what I do.
2. How did you become familiar with Invisible Children and what has your previous involvement with Invisible Children been?
I first became aware of Invisible Children at Warped Tour 2006. I was informed of the Ugandan conflict and the progress that was being made by Invisible Children to stop the war and help the people. The effort put forth to support the people of Uganda did seem important to me, but it was the way IC was going about it that I was struck by most; empowering the people of Uganda to help themselves. By using loans to generate income and educating their people to be their own future leaders is the way to cause deeply rooted change that will stay as authentically to the Ugandan culture as possible. The most recent screening I saw touched on this. While I haven’t had any opportunities yet to become involved in direct work with IC I have been able to show my support by doing a reoccurring donation with the Legacy Scholarship Fund, purchasing merchandise and constantly speaking about Invisible Children.
3. When did social justice become a priority for you?
Social justice has always been a dynamic of my life because from the beginning my family has taught me that the rights and wellbeing of every person should be a priority. I have been nothing but reaffirmed of the power of social justice and the necessity of those who fight for it by being a Human Service major.
Social justice on a global scale became a priority to me because of Invisible Children. I certainly had had exposure to the social injustices of the world and felt a responsibility as global citizen previous to Invisible Children, but hadn’t felt it on such a personal level until IC. Learning about child soldiers for me puts social injustice in perspective because when I see the videos of these invisible children I see my siblings. There are so many disparities in the world, but reading about it in books and hearing about it on the news makes it feel so far from me to a point where it doesn’t seem real, but feeling a connection with this cause makes it tangible for me to understand.
4. Explain why you are applying for this position and what makes you a good fit for this particular position.
I know that I am meant to be a Human Service professional, but I feel that within that sector I haven’t quite found my niche. I have been privileged to go to school and try several different internships-different populations, different settings, different types of work-but none of the opportunities I have had so far have sparked an interest in me in the way it does when I attend an event for a social issue. There is a rally and a passion that is fueled in me when I go to a video screening, or a march, or a reading of memoirs that is meant to break down silence and bring out information on what’s really going on in the world. I always assumed that I would find my professional self in direct service work and that that would be the way I would help people, but I have come to understand there is so much more out there to be done to work towards social justice. This past year I learned about community change and what it takes to create this. I have learned that the power of change comes from being able to mobilize. If one individual can spark a fire to make others crave change as much as they do, that’s when authentic change has the chance to occur. “The powerless will remain powerless, and therefore exploited, discriminated against, marginalized, and otherwise taken advantage of, as long as they remain isolated and divided” (Miller, 2010, p. 45).
I have been to two Invisible Children screenings on my campus and both times I have left with T-shirts, videos, updated information from the screening, and a significant energy to support Invisible Children. I feel strongly for what you do and how you do it. Public speaking is something I have been working on, recently by being a face for SHH at various events in front of hundreds of people. However, that passion and energy for the movement you are creating is something I already have. I think it is incredible what all of the staff and volunteers at IC do and I know I’d be a great addition.
5. If you are accepted, what will your personal goals be during your time here?
There will be several personal goals I would look to engage with during my experience as an Invisible Children Roadie. The first is to have a greater global awareness. I know I have a responsibility as a global citizen, but as a working student I know I have neglected these responsibilities with only a fair understanding of all of the different things going on in the world. It can seem overwhelming at times to try to be fully aware of current events, but to have a thorough focus and significant knowledge on a specific issue, particularly on a global scale, is a great start. I would like to have a much deeper understanding of not only the history and current state of the conflict in central Africa, but the culture and daily experience of the people.
The next would be to work on not letting fear get in the way of making connections with people. I want to work on my ability to be comfortable with a large crowd and to find confidence in the message I want to bring to others. I know with training and knowledge on the mission and information IC is providing, if it felt as if I could live and breathe the information I could offer it others in an engaging and confident way.
Another goal would be to notice all of the growth I would have as an individual. It would be important to give conscious attention and critical thought to all of the change and growth that would occur during an experience like this, especially with how unique of an experience this is. Moving out of state, not having family or friends, networking and planning on a such large scale, working so closely with a group of people I don’t know, making connections with people from all over the world; all of these aspects will be things I may have never done before or will be doing in a different way than I ever have which will be situations I will learn from.
I am a lot of things. I am a sister of 11 month old Memphis James-newly smiling, world discovering, sweetheart; 4 year old Mason Douglas-bike riding, outdoor loving, explorer; 7 year old Mira Kathleen-imaginative, brother protecting, firecracker; and 12 year old Vinnie-compassionate, school succeeding, jokester. It’s hard being a big sister from 100 miles away, but they never fail to let me know I am part of the family. My family has played a very big role in who I am. They have taught me to be open and speak my mind. They told me to be confident in myself and live life to the fullest and they continue to stand by me every step of the way.
I live in Bellingham, WA and I’m going to graduate with a Bachelors Degree in Human Services from Western Washington University. The Human Services major changed my life. I spent two years with a community of learners that challenged yet supported me; celebrated our differences while embracing our similarities; and encouraged me to be the most authentic version of myself while assuring, not just tolerance, but acceptance. Out of this program I made friends that I would consider nothing less than family.
I work as a Clerical Assistant at a Sean Humphrey House, a local nonprofit organization. It is a residence meant to support low-income individuals with HIV/AIDS that may also suffer from other disabilities and diseases. I love my job. All of my work is indirect service; overseeing administrative duties, working with the SHH Board of Directors, handling community correspondence and doing data entry. I believe in our mission and the people we support. I have enjoyed my jobs in the past, but working for a nonprofit puts it on a much more fundamental level for me. Knowing that the work that I do and the effort I put in is working towards an outcome I can support makes me feel proud to do what I do.
2. How did you become familiar with Invisible Children and what has your previous involvement with Invisible Children been?
I first became aware of Invisible Children at Warped Tour 2006. I was informed of the Ugandan conflict and the progress that was being made by Invisible Children to stop the war and help the people. The effort put forth to support the people of Uganda did seem important to me, but it was the way IC was going about it that I was struck by most; empowering the people of Uganda to help themselves. By using loans to generate income and educating their people to be their own future leaders is the way to cause deeply rooted change that will stay as authentically to the Ugandan culture as possible. The most recent screening I saw touched on this. While I haven’t had any opportunities yet to become involved in direct work with IC I have been able to show my support by doing a reoccurring donation with the Legacy Scholarship Fund, purchasing merchandise and constantly speaking about Invisible Children.
3. When did social justice become a priority for you?
Social justice has always been a dynamic of my life because from the beginning my family has taught me that the rights and wellbeing of every person should be a priority. I have been nothing but reaffirmed of the power of social justice and the necessity of those who fight for it by being a Human Service major.
Social justice on a global scale became a priority to me because of Invisible Children. I certainly had had exposure to the social injustices of the world and felt a responsibility as global citizen previous to Invisible Children, but hadn’t felt it on such a personal level until IC. Learning about child soldiers for me puts social injustice in perspective because when I see the videos of these invisible children I see my siblings. There are so many disparities in the world, but reading about it in books and hearing about it on the news makes it feel so far from me to a point where it doesn’t seem real, but feeling a connection with this cause makes it tangible for me to understand.
4. Explain why you are applying for this position and what makes you a good fit for this particular position.
I know that I am meant to be a Human Service professional, but I feel that within that sector I haven’t quite found my niche. I have been privileged to go to school and try several different internships-different populations, different settings, different types of work-but none of the opportunities I have had so far have sparked an interest in me in the way it does when I attend an event for a social issue. There is a rally and a passion that is fueled in me when I go to a video screening, or a march, or a reading of memoirs that is meant to break down silence and bring out information on what’s really going on in the world. I always assumed that I would find my professional self in direct service work and that that would be the way I would help people, but I have come to understand there is so much more out there to be done to work towards social justice. This past year I learned about community change and what it takes to create this. I have learned that the power of change comes from being able to mobilize. If one individual can spark a fire to make others crave change as much as they do, that’s when authentic change has the chance to occur. “The powerless will remain powerless, and therefore exploited, discriminated against, marginalized, and otherwise taken advantage of, as long as they remain isolated and divided” (Miller, 2010, p. 45).
I have been to two Invisible Children screenings on my campus and both times I have left with T-shirts, videos, updated information from the screening, and a significant energy to support Invisible Children. I feel strongly for what you do and how you do it. Public speaking is something I have been working on, recently by being a face for SHH at various events in front of hundreds of people. However, that passion and energy for the movement you are creating is something I already have. I think it is incredible what all of the staff and volunteers at IC do and I know I’d be a great addition.
5. If you are accepted, what will your personal goals be during your time here?
There will be several personal goals I would look to engage with during my experience as an Invisible Children Roadie. The first is to have a greater global awareness. I know I have a responsibility as a global citizen, but as a working student I know I have neglected these responsibilities with only a fair understanding of all of the different things going on in the world. It can seem overwhelming at times to try to be fully aware of current events, but to have a thorough focus and significant knowledge on a specific issue, particularly on a global scale, is a great start. I would like to have a much deeper understanding of not only the history and current state of the conflict in central Africa, but the culture and daily experience of the people.
The next would be to work on not letting fear get in the way of making connections with people. I want to work on my ability to be comfortable with a large crowd and to find confidence in the message I want to bring to others. I know with training and knowledge on the mission and information IC is providing, if it felt as if I could live and breathe the information I could offer it others in an engaging and confident way.
Another goal would be to notice all of the growth I would have as an individual. It would be important to give conscious attention and critical thought to all of the change and growth that would occur during an experience like this, especially with how unique of an experience this is. Moving out of state, not having family or friends, networking and planning on a such large scale, working so closely with a group of people I don’t know, making connections with people from all over the world; all of these aspects will be things I may have never done before or will be doing in a different way than I ever have which will be situations I will learn from.
Personality Profile Questions:
1. Please list two or three of your favorite websites.
Facebook, Pandora
2. What is the last book that you read and enjoyed?
The last book I read and enjoyed was Turning Stones by Marc Parent. The book walks through much of the author, Marc Parent’s, professional life as a case worker and all of the incredibly challenging situations he was put through. The book highlights how personal values can come in conflict with professional ethics.
3. What is the most recent piece of literature/media/art/music that impacted you?
I was recently shown a YouTube video by a man named Jeff. He is reciting a poem he wrote, entitled Sexual Healing, about our culture’s perceptions of sexuality and the emotional and physical harm that is too often caused as a result.
4. Please list several bands/artists that you are currently listening to.
I feel it is safe to say I have fairly eclectic taste in music. More and more I have been listening to a lot of local artists here in Bellingham, including Polecat, Jesse Morrow, Lamppost Revival, Keaton Collective, and Bellamaine. But I also listen to artists that are a bit better known, including Kings of Leon, Mumford and Sons, Meg & Dia, Matt and Kim, Cat Power, Paramore and Family Force 5.
5. Please list your top three favorite movies.
This is a difficult question, but if I had to choose three of my favorite movies, it would be Blood Diamond, The Last Kiss and the Breakfast Club.
6. Please list a couple of your hobbies outside of school and/or work.
I am a very busy person, working and going to school full time, but I make sure to practice self-care and have fun in my spare time. I dabble just a little in a lot of different hobbies. By myself I like to paint and sew. With my friends I like to make music videos, play board games and go see live music. But one of my favorite things to do is watch movies, which I would credit to my dad. Over the past few months I’ve gotten more involved with volunteering and going to events for nonprofit organizations. I think that being able to have a good time and bring people together over a cause they can support and feel passionate about makes the experience all the more while.
7. Are you a part of any social networking sites/ do you have any webpages? Please provide the links to these sites.
Professional Portfolio: http://Leahschlegel.weebly.com
Social Networking Site: http://www.facebook.com/#!/leah.schlegel
Facebook, Pandora
2. What is the last book that you read and enjoyed?
The last book I read and enjoyed was Turning Stones by Marc Parent. The book walks through much of the author, Marc Parent’s, professional life as a case worker and all of the incredibly challenging situations he was put through. The book highlights how personal values can come in conflict with professional ethics.
3. What is the most recent piece of literature/media/art/music that impacted you?
I was recently shown a YouTube video by a man named Jeff. He is reciting a poem he wrote, entitled Sexual Healing, about our culture’s perceptions of sexuality and the emotional and physical harm that is too often caused as a result.
4. Please list several bands/artists that you are currently listening to.
I feel it is safe to say I have fairly eclectic taste in music. More and more I have been listening to a lot of local artists here in Bellingham, including Polecat, Jesse Morrow, Lamppost Revival, Keaton Collective, and Bellamaine. But I also listen to artists that are a bit better known, including Kings of Leon, Mumford and Sons, Meg & Dia, Matt and Kim, Cat Power, Paramore and Family Force 5.
5. Please list your top three favorite movies.
This is a difficult question, but if I had to choose three of my favorite movies, it would be Blood Diamond, The Last Kiss and the Breakfast Club.
6. Please list a couple of your hobbies outside of school and/or work.
I am a very busy person, working and going to school full time, but I make sure to practice self-care and have fun in my spare time. I dabble just a little in a lot of different hobbies. By myself I like to paint and sew. With my friends I like to make music videos, play board games and go see live music. But one of my favorite things to do is watch movies, which I would credit to my dad. Over the past few months I’ve gotten more involved with volunteering and going to events for nonprofit organizations. I think that being able to have a good time and bring people together over a cause they can support and feel passionate about makes the experience all the more while.
7. Are you a part of any social networking sites/ do you have any webpages? Please provide the links to these sites.
Professional Portfolio: http://Leahschlegel.weebly.com
Social Networking Site: http://www.facebook.com/#!/leah.schlegel
Video Instructions
The purpose of this video is for us to see who you are in a creative and personal way, since resumes and written questions alone cannot do you justice. Have fun with this, be yourself, and be as creative as you want. This isn’t a video interview, so it doesn’t need to be formal. As this is just a chance for us to get to know you better, please do not worry about your filmmaking ability. You can post your video online on youtube.com, vimeo.com or similar site, or you can mail a hard copy of your DVD to the office (Attn: Roadie Applications). If you post online, make sure to put your NAME in the TITLE of your video.
Requirements:
Your video should be 2 - 3 minutes in length. We stop videos after 3 minutes, so short and sweet is the way to go here. You must use the required prompt, as well as three more prompts that you can choose from the six options below.
Note: We will be viewing your networking pages or web pages in conjunction with your application. If your profile is set to private, please accept our friend request.
Prompts:
The required question to answer is: If you could choose to go on the road with any influential person (past or present), who would it be and why?
Please choose three more prompts for your video from the following questions:
1. What excites you?
2. Where do you spend most of your time? Film yourself there.
3. Who do you spend most of your time with? Introduce us to some of your friends.
4. Act out one of the most exciting or rewarding experiences of your life.
5. Please describe the strangest or most interesting place you have traveled to. Show us pictures or a video from your trip.
6. Which television or movie character do you most identify with and why?
Requirements:
Your video should be 2 - 3 minutes in length. We stop videos after 3 minutes, so short and sweet is the way to go here. You must use the required prompt, as well as three more prompts that you can choose from the six options below.
Note: We will be viewing your networking pages or web pages in conjunction with your application. If your profile is set to private, please accept our friend request.
Prompts:
The required question to answer is: If you could choose to go on the road with any influential person (past or present), who would it be and why?
Please choose three more prompts for your video from the following questions:
1. What excites you?
2. Where do you spend most of your time? Film yourself there.
3. Who do you spend most of your time with? Introduce us to some of your friends.
4. Act out one of the most exciting or rewarding experiences of your life.
5. Please describe the strangest or most interesting place you have traveled to. Show us pictures or a video from your trip.
6. Which television or movie character do you most identify with and why?