Interns enhance our work at the UN in immeasurable ways.  One is their savvy with technology, which constantly either speeds advocacy efforts or provides a creative twist to it.  Using Prezi instead of power point for a presentation.  Spreading the word about an event through Twitter.  Working techno-magic to come up with a video or ensuring that a Vimeo is accompanied by sound.  Preparing catchy flyers for on-line promotion of special events.

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“Social media is convenient and has tremendous potential,” said Daughters of Charity Intern Frank Hernandez-Morales. “The best way to tap into that potential is to be passionate and consistent about something.  At the U.N we can find some of the most passionate people in the world. This allows for our social media engagement to reach very high goals. With the networking and engagement happening every day at the U.N, social media has the ability to be an effective and universal tool for combating poverty and promoting the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).”

Frank, a student at St. John’s University, serves with Sr. Catherine Prendergast, DC, on the NGO Committee for Social Development’s Social Media Subcommittee, for which he has engaged in website and other work.   His participation on the Subcommittee led to an opportunity for him to enlighten other NGOs about Twitter, January, 25, during a presentation at UN Headquarters.

The event was a collaborative effort with the UN Department of Social and Economic Affairs (DESA) and the Department of Public Information (DPI). Frank explained in detail the many nuances of Twitter, after DESA’s Helen Daun Rosengren and Michael Szymanski emphasized the importance of planning effective social media strategies.

“Presenting with a UN DESA team was a great experience for me because of the opportunity to learn from them as well,” said Frank.  “Even though my role was to educate on Twitter, I was able to watch the presentations from DESA and gain valuable insight on Twitter myself.  Being able to teach and learn all in one workshop was a very valuable experience.”

Interns were busy, as well, during the first week of the UN’s Commission for Social Development (CSOCD) during which Famvin Homeless Alliance leader Mark McGreevy spoke on a high-level panel and Patti Hughes, from the International Society of St. Vincent de Paul, moderated a side event on homelessness.  Frank, together with St. John’s students Jada Bradberry, Kyle Alvarez, and Fareesha Ali all were engaged in preparations or social media related to CSOCD.

Jada, together with Frank, was part of a team of interns who analyzed data related to the Sustainable Development Goals for a Grass Roots Task Force panel, February 6.   She also engaged in a social media campaign last fall for the NGO Committee to Stop Trafficking in Persons.

Jada, who serves as an intern for both the International Society of St. Vincent de Paul and the Daughters of Charity UN NGO offices, has developed a “Read, Love (Act), Pray” series for the Daughters of Charity at the UN Facebook page.  It alerts followers to upcoming UN days, such as the International Day for the Abolition of Slavery, suggests where one might read about the topic, offers a suggested action, and invites the reader to pray about it.

According to Bradberry, social media can be a powerful tool for change in the world of social justice.  Different platforms provide a variety of formats, presentations, and potential audiences which enable UN NGOs to convey a powerful message if used properly.

“People around the world with the same interest in social justice issues have the opportunity to converse and raise awareness among others,” she said.   “Social media provides a new level of interaction that can keep the audience engaged and can create a sense of urgency, which means an effective call to action. The sense of unity and collaboration from this online community of people or organizations that want to take action, creates strength in numbers for social justice causes.”

The United Nations is proactive in encouraging youth involvement in its various meetings and campaigns.   They bring much energy, passion, and efficiency to advocacy.

“Social media allows youth to join the conversation and can strike curiosity for them to complete some research on their own,” Jada commented. “This newfound curiosity and knowledge can lead to passion for social justice issues and them becoming effective advocates in the future.”

Kyle was instrumental in coordinating student participation in the International Day for the Eradication of Poverty October 17.  Both he and Fareesha have contributed to the work of the Congregation of the Mission and the Vincentian Family in multiple ways.

We are grateful for our interns!