AGAPE

Over the course of 5 weeks I had the incredible opportunity to be a participant in a circular enhancement grant through the College of Liberal Arts and the Mass Communications Department.

There were 10 students total who were chosen for this project. Each of us was paired with a different Berwick United Way agency. I was fortunate enough to be paired with AGAPE.

When I started this I honestly had no idea what AGAPE was, what they did, what they stood for, nothing. However, with just 1 initial meeting with Matt and Deb, two individuals who work heavily in AGAPE, and then my own research I quickly came to realize how passionate I, myself was about this organization too. I firmly believe when you are passionate about something you work twice as hard and the outcome is exponentially greater.

Matt, Becca and Deb
Photo by: Anthony J. Cucchi

During the first meeting with them we sat down and discussed who they were, what they were about, what their mission statement was, etc. Basically any and all information they could give me on the agency we covered. We also talked about where they want to see AGAPE go in the future as well as the needs of the agency. After this I got right to work developing a strategic communications plan that would better enabled them to understand where they were at, where they want to go, and most importantly how to get there.

For 3 weeks all 10 of us students met with Dr. Byrum to work on our plans. She offered us insight and comments on how to better improve our plans. Some of us even collaborated together to give our agency as much as we possible could.

At the end of April we met with our clients and presented them with the final strategic plan. Matt and Deb were more than pleased with what I created for them. They both thanked me and told me how much they appreciated my expertise and willingness to help the organization. Deb even told me that it is validating to them that things I put in my plan were ideas that they too have for the agency, and that they feel as if they are taking AGAPE in the right direction. Hearing this from them was so rewarding.


Fist bumping Matt from AGAPE celebrating the final plan. Photo by: Anthony J. Cucchi

This experience was extremely beneficial to not only my college career but to my future as an aspiring Public Relations professional. Having this experience and being able to showcase the plan I created for AGAPE will without a doubt come in useful at some point in time. I think every PR major should look for this types of opportunities and jump on board when they are presented.