[Profile]
A long-time resident of Mobile, Alabama, I received a Bachelor of Science in Communication from the University of Mobile and attained a Master of Divinity in Urban Missions from New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary. Hurricane Katrina struck the Gulf Coast while I was working toward my master’s degree, and upon my return to New Orleans I added extensive experience in community relations through my church and the seminary. As an AmeriCorps VISTA at the American Red Cross Alabama Gulf Coast Chapter, I have built upon prior experience in the realm of public relations, community networking, fundraising, and social media.
[Experience]
AmeriCorps VISTA
American Red Cross Alabama Gulf Coast Chapter | Mobile, Alabama | January 2011-Present
As an AmeriCorps VISTA, I openly recruit and train volunteers for the Red Cross in Mobile County. I engage community members, non-profits, and other community organizations in Mobile and Baldwin Counties, promoting disaster preparedness and building partnerships. As Disaster Action Team Coordinator, I am responsible for managing 30 volunteers who respond to local disasters as well as recruiting and training new team members.
For our Gumbo Cook-off in March 2011, I gained media coverage, including an eight minute guest spot on Studio Ten, a local morning show on Mobile’s FOX affiliate. I secured teams and sponsors for the event, designed posters and tickets, and maintained our chapter website, Facebook, and Twitter accounts. In addition I was responsible for making contact with city organizations and officials in an effort to include them in the Gumbo Cook-off fundraiser. We raised $14,000, an increase of over 300% from the previous year.
I also organized and led fundraising events, including two benefit concerts at local bars, which raised a combined $11,150 for fire victims within our Chapter and those affected by tornadoes in North and Central Alabama in April 2011.
Public Affairs and Disaster Action Team Volunteer
American Red Cross Alabama Gulf Coast Chapter | Mobile, Alabama | October 2010- January 2011
As a member of the Disaster Action Team, I helped feed search and rescue teams during the search for the body of a missing girl in the Mobile area in December 2010. I dispatched disaster teams and responded to local disasters within the Chapter service area, including tornadoes and fires.
Temporary Office Clerk
United States Bureau of the Census | Mobile, Alabama | March-May 2010
My clerk duties included extensive paperwork preparation and computer data entry, as well as courier runs as needed. When necessary I would assist in the training of new clerks.
INTERNSHIPS
Church Planting Intern
North American Mission Board | New Orleans, Louisiana | January – May 2008
I worked as a church planting intern in the Gentilly and Filmore neighborhoods of New Orleans. I assisted in meeting with families and individuals whose homes were gutted by volunteers from Edgewater Baptist Church after Hurricane Katrina.
Community Missions Intern
First Baptist Tillman’s Corner | Mobile, Alabama | May – August 2003
I organized community events for the church, including a Backyard Bible Club, apartment outreach, and an apartment Bible study. I also used my graphic design skills to promote outreach fundraising events within the church.
EDUCATION
Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) Training
Baldwin County Emergency Management Agency | Robertsdale, Alabama | February 2011
Grant-Writing Seminar (14 Hours)
Zockelin & Associates | New Orleans, Louisiana | July 2010
Master of Divinity (Urban Missions)
New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary | New Orleans, Louisiana | 2008
Bachelor of Science in Communication (Advertising and Public Relations)
University of Mobile | Mobile, Alabama | 2004
SKILLS
In 2007 I was approached by Invisible Children, a non-profit organization dedicated to telling the story of war-affected children in East Africa. I took promotional photos of the Displace Me event site at Tulane University in New Orleans. In addition to working with Invisible Children, I have been a photographer at various events and conferences in Mobile, New Orleans, and Fort Worth, Texas.
I work extensively with Microsoft Office, Apple iWork, Adobe Photoshop and Lightroom, WordPress, and social media platforms.
by Joe Kennedy
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