Hi, my name is Maggie Boorman, and I am so grateful to be TFFT’s intern in the Charlotte office this summer!
I have been passionate about TFFT since volunteering with them in high school and following my trip to Tanzania in the summer of 2011. This internship is a great way for me to learn more about this incredible organization and the inner workings of the nonprofit world! As my freshman year came to a close, I left Clemson eager to see what my internship with TFFT would entail.
On my first day, I was welcomed by a lunch with Meghann and Kaitlin, and as soon as we returned, we got down to business. Kaitlin and I sat down and went through my tasks and responsibilities for the summer, each organized by week with details and a description. My jobs range from promoting TFFT on social media to entering accounts into TFFT’s new database, and everything in between!
After we went through my tasks, I filled out my goal sheet for the summer. These goal sheets are completed by everyone employed by TFFT (both in the U.S. and in Tanzania), and they are used to measure the progress employees have made throughout the year. Some goals included improving my communication, completing my work thoroughly and on time, and really making as much of a difference for TFFT as I can. Lastly, my long term personal goals were to stay involved with TFFT, return to Tanzania for a longer time to visit Richard again, and to possibly participate in RIDETZ?! After only a few days I can already tell these goals are not impossible, especially with the help I’ve been getting from Meghann and Kaitlin.
Outside of the tasks listed in my job description, I am hoping to contribute to the 7th annual S.O.S. Gala (although the Gala was just named Best Fundraising Party, so they do not need much help :)), and I am hoping to help contribute ideas on how to build awareness of TFFT.
My first few days have mostly consisted of writing thank you notes to supporters, putting together mail-outs, a lunch meeting with one of TFFT’s Board Members, and learning how to navigate TFFT’s website. We’re approaching the last few days of the Annual Fund Campaign, so as I’m helping spread the word about that, I’m learning how vital the Annual Fund is to TFFT’s success.
Then, on Thursday night, Meghann, Kaitlin and I attended Charlotte Magazine’s BOB (Best of the Best) Awards at Label Downtown. It was definitely an interesting evening, and we were able to see Charlotte’s Best of the Best…everything – from the “Best Place to Spot a Celeb” to the “Best Use of Jalapeno”. We were proud to represent TFFT as the “Best Fundraising Party” for the S.O.S. Gala, and we’re excited about the Gala being even better this year!!
One of the highlights of my week was Friday when Meghann brought her 3-month-old Labordoodle puppy, Kona into the office. She brought a lot of entertainment to the office and served as a fun break from work! I’m loving being able to help with some of the huge workload Meghann and Kaitlin have every day, and I’m really enjoying learning even more about TFFT and education in East Africa along the way. I hope everyone had a great Memorial Day, and I will keep you updated on my adventure as TFFT’s Intern throughout the summer!
