Orientation and First Weeks
My orientation was part of a scheduled orientation week for myself and about thirty other Campaign Associates, all from different organizations. The orientation took place in a classroom-like setting in the United Way British Columbia offices. We were told all about United Way British Columbia, and our roles as Campaign Associates. We were then sorted into teams of about 4-6 Campaign Associates and assigned a Campaign Manager. Over the next few weeks, I was able to do many important tasks. I got to work a shift at a food bank with my CA team, getting to know them all better, and helping Burnaby's most vulnerable residents. I worked an informational booth at SFU's Streetfest. I was also introduced to SFU's United Way campaign team and got situated in my SFU office space. I had learned a lot, and I felt ready to begin my role.
Day to Day
This position is a flex co-op which means that I was expected to work only three days each week while also participating in two classes. Every week I would work 1 day at my SFU office, 1 day at my United Way Office, and one day remotely. My days each had a variety of tasks and obligations. Some of the things I would work on day-to-day would be: designing the website, designing promotional materials, distributing the materials, attending meetings with event leads, attending online learning sessions, calling donors and helping other CAs with their events.
The main project I was hired to work on over the work term was the creation of a new web page for SFU's United Way Campaign. The objective of this project was to make the website more functional and to bring it up to SFU's current web design standards. In particular, updating it from SFU's Common Look and Feel 2 to the Common Look and Feel 4, using the Adobe Experience Manager. Although I received some help and revisions, this project was primarily completed individually. Working through the process of the web page's creation was an insightful experience. I started by making a prototype in Photoshop. A challenge I had to overcome was my inexperience with the AEM and Canva applications that I used to make the site. I was able to follow tutorials and use my knowledge of similar applications to become confident with these tools relatively quickly. The design went through multiple iterations with feedback on early versions of the website stating that the copy was too long and flowery. To combat this, I made several versions with a more minimalist copy. I then went through each page to make sure it still displayed all the necessary info. Because of the reordered campaign timeline, I was able to complete and publish the website by February.
Another major part of my job was helping to organize the necessary labour and supplies for the events, including volunteers and United Way Staff. I created the online form where volunteers could sign up and designed the coffee coupons used to compensate them. I also was in charge of securing the needed resources from United Way BC such as standing banners, the Seymour mascot, point of service machines, and United Way staff to work them. I served as a line of communication between SFU and United Way.
Learning and Adaptation
One of the most important things to remember during any role is to always stay curious and ask as many questions as possible. Try to learn as much as you can about the processes involved with your role, and how you can make the most efficient use of your time. Things will not always stay the same in a role, they did not always stay the same for me, but the knowledge I built up helped me pivot and adapt to new circumstances.
Accomplishments and Challenges
The campaign had several successes this year, that were in part attributable to my accomplishments in this role. I was able to complete the new website for SFU's United Way Campaign while satisfying all stakeholders. All of my poster and screen designs were approved and distributed to promote the campaign events. All three major campaign events were more successful this year than they were the previous year. This was great considering the challenges we faced in this campaign. Unforeseen circumstances forced us to move the events from their usual fall timeslots to February and March in the new year, throwing off the expected timeline. A personal challenge I faced was being able to collaborate with lots of new people. I was able to overcome this challenge by forcing myself to become more outgoing, and by reminding myself that it is okay to ask for help sometimes.
Cultural and Environmental Observations
During this role, I was provided a unique opportunity to observe the culture and environment of two different organizations. Despite their differences, everyone I met in both offices was nothing but kind and welcoming to me. The area I worked at in the SFU office did not have other people working on the United Way campaign, so it was good to be able to spread the word and get outsider opinions on the campaign. Everyone in the United Way office, however, was focused on campaigns like I was. It was good to experience both settings.
Social and Extracurricular Activities
I was provided the opportunity to participate in a number of social engagements with my coworkers in the short eight months I was with them. I attended an educational cabinet meeting in downtown Vancouver, participated in Pi Day at the SFU office, attended a Christmas luncheon with a view of the Northshore Mountains and joined a wonderful volunteer appreciation lunch in the spring. I even got involved with one of the events by baking and then donating cupcakes to be put on sale. These events made me feel like I was a valued part of a team.
Wrap Up
I am very thankful for my time with SFU's United Way campaign. Those I have worked with have been very supportive and encouraging of my work. They have made sure to always answer my questions, and help guide me along this journey I have undertaken over these last eight months. I will not soon forget this experience and all the wonderful people I met along the way.
