T-Minus 90 days and $2,000

Its always so odd when opportunities choose to present themselves. Whether its fate or luck or hard work finally paying off.  I believe that things happen for a reason. I recently applied for a job I thought I would be so great at. I had the experience to back it, I thought about it constantly, and studied up on interviewing and resumes, bought new clothes.  I was a shoe-in....

Nope. 

Whatever. I'm not bitter. In this economy you can apply to 100 jobs, be over qualified and not get an interview. There will be something else, eventually.  But then, what to my wondering eyes should appear? A new opportunity.  A real long shot.  Actually, a really really really long shot. 

Wanted: One person in the country to represent the United States at a global peace conference. 

That sounds awesome and I thought, "I'll give it a go, you can't get anything if you don't apply."  I quote myself saying that to my boss as well, after I assured him it's "virtually impossible." Needless to say virtually impossible is not impossible.  I was offered the position to be a Global Educator at the 2012 Youth Peace Network, the United States Representative.  That means, three months in Vancouver with leaders from around the world all working together to make change and create peace.  Sounds pretty good for a girl trying to save the world.

So, heres the jist.  From June 7-September 7 I will be in Vancouver with 16 other people, all from different countries.  The program is run through the YMCA of Greater Vancouver and takes place at Camp Elphinstone, directly on the ocean.  Pretty attractive to someone from Minnesota, where we are pretty much the furthest you can get from any ocean.  We will volunteer at the camp and lead global adventures for the young Canadian kids and meet with many NGO's dedicated to international affairs. We will build peace locally and globally by recieving training in intercultural communication, children's rights, global education, developing leadership skiills. Then we will create action plans and implement them in our countries. 

This is a once in a lifetime opportunity and a big step in my mission to leave this world better then when I got here. 

So, today I have 90 days to raise $2000 so that I can go.  I was granted my leave of absence (without pay of course) and am allowed to come back to my job (which is nice).  I'm asking for help to my friends and family as well as asking a few local organizations for a sponsorship.  Please help me get to this dream opportunity.  If I can get 40 people to donate $50 I'm set to go, if you can't do $50 anything helps and is very appreciated! To donate you can click on the PayPal button below or through ChipIn on the upper right of this page. THANK YOU! THANK YOU! THANK YOU!

If you do donate please let me know by leaving a comment so I can give you a proper Thank You!

Here is a video about the YPN.  2012 Youth Peace Network