This picture is me on site at a sanitation project, in the process of building a latrine.
What inspired you to join the team at BLUE Missions?
What inspired me to join BLUE Missions, was the feeling that I got when I got off a trip of wanting to do more - a feeling that completing this trip wasn’t enough, that I could do more. So I talked to my friend Danny, who is the CEO of BLUE Missions, and he gave me the role of Development Director.
Can you tell us about your experience in the Dominican Republic in 2011?
In 2011, Danny told me about this organization that he started and he was planning a trip in the summer to the Dominican Republic where we would build a water system in a community - he invited me to join and I accepted. The trip opened my eyes to a whole new world. The group of volunteers that traveled with us were all friends, family, and acquaintances. It was clear what our mission was as soon as we got off the bus. We were there to serve.
Describe a typical day/week as the Development Director of BLUE Missions.
A typical day as a Development Director of BLUE Missions consists of phone calls and emails developing a relationship with sponsors and companies to discuss ways in which they can help us fund our projects and our organization.
What is your favorite part of your job?
My favorite part of my job is watching organizations and donors see where their money is going towards and seeing the difference that they are making even if they are not able to be apart of a trip.
How would you describe global citizenship?
I would describe global citizenship as an attitude and the actions taken towards global issues. Being a global citizen is being aware of what is going on around you and taking action.
This picture was taken this summer at one of the communities. This was day one of the trip which consists of the volunteers walking to the source carrying pipes. And in this picture I (with the green shirt and blue bandana) am explaining to the volunteers what the hike meant, how we are connecting the pipes together and how it is going to reach the community.
If you could participate in any BLUE Missions program, which would you choose and why?
If I could participate in any BLUE Missions program it would be a water project. I have done many water projects and sanitation projects as well as climbed Pico Duarte twice. But water projects are my favorite because as the days go by and you see the project advancing, you start seeing the community get excited and the volunteers are getting anxious for the day that all the pipes are glued together and the water reaches the tank and comes out of the pipe for the first time and you see the smile and the tears of the community.
Why is the Dominican Republic an ideal location for travelers and volunteers?
The Dominican Republic is an ideal location for travelers and volunteers because the culture is incredible. There is a sense of hospitality and generosity and liveliness that emcompasses every Domincan you meet - always willing to help and offer you everything they have - which makes staying there all worth the while.
What makes BLUE Missions special?
What makes BLUE Missions special, besides the unique experience that it provides on its trips in the Dominican Republic, is what we continue to do back at home. We encourage the volunteers to continue being involved in the community when they get back home.
They don't need to leave the country to make a difference. We encourage them to find their purpose. To find their passions and pursue them. We have monthly meetings called the REACH Program with high school students where we pick a theme and invite speakers and have activities, they make think and get them involved.
This is a picture the entire US employee team. (I am to the far right)
Why is it important for individuals to travel and experience new cultures?
It is important for individuals to travel and experience new cultures because it expands their knowledge of other cultures and opens their minds to the ways that other people love their lives, other struggles that exist, and it creates this new way of looking at the world with empathy for people who they dont know at all but want to help them.
What hopes do you have for the future of BLUE Missions?
The hopes that I have for the future of BLUE Missions is to be able to reach high school and university kids from all over the nation and eventually the world to come on a trip and experience this for themselves. I would like for us to be able to promote the idea of finding your purpose through providing service for others to the young minds of the world who are the ones who are making a difference.
