My Time With V.I.S.A.: Assistant Coordinator, January 2009-August 2009, Part II

Part I: http://pumudu.wordpress.com/2010/12/26/ast-exec-carrousel/

Throughout the summer and fall of 2008, then Coordinator Mallika Padmanabhan began planning an event to raise awareness of the humanitarian situation in Darfur, Sudan. Mallika’s brainchild was the first event V.I.S.A. specifically aimed in getting funds for a humanitarian cause. This event would take place on January 24, 2009, and was called “Visions for Darfur“.

During the planning, V.I.S.A. recruited a new Executive who would make such events a regular feature for V.I.S.A. each year. She was Alanna Oddoye, and Mallika and her organized the event in the main. I was happy to be part of this event, and to assist with some planning and execution of it. But my contribution was minimal, but I feel this event’s significance in being a student-initiated event by a non-funded group merits mention on this blog. The event raised $334.00 for OxFam Canada, and was a success. The International Student Centre, and especially the International Student Advisor Mr. Enrique Chacon was also very helpful in planning for this event.

The event encompassed a speech by Debbie Bodkin, who was part of the United Nations Commission of Inquiry for Darfur in Sudan as an investigator in 2004-2005. She shared her experiences, and raised many morally compelling issues to the audience. We were also honoured to have the Hon. Brian Masse and Hon. Joe Comartin, the Members of Parliament for Windsor-West and Windsor-Tecumseh respectively attending the event. In addition, we had a silent auction, readings of survival stories from a victim of the Rwandan genocide of 1994 as well.

Laura with guest speaker, Debbie Bodkin

Event in progress

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Part III: http://pumudu.wordpress.com/2010/12/27/aloha-pub-night/

My Time With V.I.S.A.: Assistant Coordinator, January 2009-August 2009, Part I

At the end of the fall semester of 2008, Mallika Padmanabhan left the V.I.S.A. Coordinator position, as she graduated. As the previous Assistant Coordinator Lulua Mala had left the team in September 2008, that position was vacant as well. To fill the Coordinator position, Laura Prada joined the team. Laura was experienced in international student affairs over a three-year period without being part of V.I.S.A. She brought in a wealth of experience, new ideas and a different perspective to the team.

To fill the Assistant Coordinator position, I was appointed by Mallika and Laura. But until June 2009, I also held the Executive for Events position, before relinquishing that role to Vanessa Sperduti. For the 2009-2010 year, Sheryl June Bennett was appointed as Associate for Events, succeeding Naitik Parkeh. Sheryl and Vanessa were both very outgoing, enthusiastic and made an excellent Events team. They were both exception to work with.

As with the previous year, V.I.S.A. was tasked with creating promotional items for the Carrousel of the Nations for winter 2009. With Laura absent till the day before the event, I was in charge of coordinating the creation of these items. Once again, V.I.S.A. and our volunteers created several banners to celebrate the event. Our volunteers once again helped with the setting up and running of the event as well.

Banners for the Carrousel, winter '09

Crowds at the Carrousel, winter '09

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

In addition to the Carrousel, I was called in to represent V.I.S.A. in Laura’s absence for the winter International Students Orientation (I.S.O.) as well. At the end of the 2008-2009 year, I received the “V.I.S.A. Outstanding Service Excellence Award” at the annual Volunteer Recognition Banquet on March 28, 2009. The banquet is organized for volunteers for V.I.S.A. and Students Orienting Students (S.O.S.) The award winner is selected by the Coordinator, and given to an Executive who has consistently delivered excellent performances, and provided outstanding leadership, and service to international students.

 

Students and Volunteers at the winter '09 I.S.O.

Receiving the "Outstanding Service Excellence Award" from Laura Prada

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Part II: http://pumudu.wordpress.com/2010/12/26/visions-for-darfur/