It started out as a little work on the side; something to steer my “relevant” work experience in a new and exciting direction. Non-profit special event planning may sound like a routine gig, as far as public relations work placements go. But, I soon realized the QE II Foundation and Bust a Move (BaM) were not doing routine business; they were working together on a mission of epic proportions.
The future of breast health is at stake and the QE II and BaM are on a crusade to proactively change the world’s attitude towards related diseases. The organization’s annual fundraising initiative is a fitness extravaganza uniting survivors and supporters to celebrate life and champion the cause. And through the covert guise of formatting spreadsheets and answering endless streams of calls, I was being groomed to become part of their movement to rid the world of evil villains like breast cancer. It was then that I stepped forward to embrace my destiny as an Assistant Superhero Recruiter.
As a kid, I vividly remember tying a knot under my neck with a coarse terry-cloth towel as I bounded down my parents’ long rickety staircase. I was practically bursting to tear mom away from whatever household task she was doing to tell her what I’d only just discovered. “I’m physic, I’m physic!” I yelled, as she nodded her head in fairytale belief. Now, I’m putting those powers to the test, for real.
In the office I helped out with general event planning for the staff and public campaign launches. I got to use my creative superpowers to develop posters and signage to promote the events. On the day of, I preserved the memory of celebration after learning my way around the in-house photography equipment.
I had the amazing opportunity to individually manage intricate details for the participant rally, which took place before the main event. Preparation included widespread communication to all registrants, securing and organizing venue logistics and arranging and confirming all event activities.
My day-to-day activities did not seem extraordinary to most people. I drafted press releases and monitored media coverage. I never thought to ask the bigger question; “Who would blow the horn to rally Nova Scotia into action to support the development of their breast health care resources?” It was then, within the confines of my high cubicle walls that I whirled at lightning speed and metamorphosed into my superhero costume to begin my secret operation.
I could hear my five year old self enthusiastically shouting “I’m physic, I’m physic!” Indeed I was! I would defy the laws of science; the restraints of the routine and conventional thinking, to embody the unexpected and inspirational awesomeness of a real superhero!
Undercover - in spandex tights - I work hard to assemble teams of superstars- in-training. My ‘BaM!’ signal doesn’t shine through the night sky but via word of mouth, social media and past participants. You might see me and my crew of volunteer superhero sidekicks at malls and ferry terminals, where we use our superhuman poses, charm and knowledge to generate public buzz around our cause and main event.
My limited edition Chrysler Lebaron is the not-so secret mobile centre of operations, as it’s plastered with BaM stickers and posters. It houses various superhero supplies like pink, cotton candy coloured capes, plastic gem-encrusted masks, speaker boxes, trademark BaM KAPOW signs and banners.
Despite any learning curve in mastering my powers, I discovered my superhero trademark, the one particular area where my natural abilities go unmatched by all others; cupcake making – booby cupcakes, to be exact. During the external launch I volunteered my services to make over 100 booby-themed cupcakes for the event. I used booby-toned frosting and chocolate chips on some and made brazier replicas on others with frosting covered mints wedged into the cupcake itself. Innocent civilians were powerless to their crippling decadence.
Once, the superhero mission with BaM was over, I returned to my normal life as a PR student. The cape was long put away, but the rewards of the experience stayed with me. One day, in class, my university professor was attempting to explain the importance of communication key messages and pulled up an example from Bust a Move. I silently smiled to myself as I recognized the messages as ones that I had developed. I felt proud of my contribution to the organization and of the simple recognition it received from other professionals.
Wherever life, family or career may lead, I’ll never lose the deep values of championship and mutual understanding with others that I gained while helping BaM and the QE II fulfill their mission. I know I want to whole-heartedly support and believe in whichever organization or cause I devote myself to next. My future is wide open and that’s how I like it.
No comments:
Post a Comment