Feature: Joining and engaging in organizations outside UPIS

12/11/2020 12:35:00 PM Media Center 0 Comments

Have you ever been part of an organization at UPIS, be it a group, club, committee, council, or team? Better yet, have you ever tried to commit, or do you want to commit, to organizations outside UPIS? If you haven't and want to do so, this article will surely help you! 

First, let us read sentiments from our fellow schoolmates who’ve been furthering their experience with organizations outside of school, Danie Cabrera and Francheska “Chey” Candido. 

Danie is a Grade 11 student from the Social Sciences and Humanities track. She has been active in organizations in UPIS such as the English Club and Forum, but she’s been active particularly in the Pamunuan ng Kamag-Aral or PKA. We asked her about her motivation to join organizations outside of school.

"At first, I only actually wanted to join opportunities such as competitions or seminars like I normally do in UPIS. But when quarantine came around, the voice in my head that usually keeps telling me I should do something got louder; staying updated on the news or social issues wasn’t enough," Danie shared. Now, as we go along this article, let us see how she responded to that little voice.

Francheska or Chey, meanwhile, is a Grade 12 student from the Applied Sciences and Engineering track. If you are mutual friends on social media, you may have noticed how active she has been since quarantine started. With all these DP blasts and promotions, you may be wondering how she balances all her organizations! She is now part of three organizations, not including the numerous organizations and projects for which she is an ambassador. 

Now, to give you a headstart, below are five organizations outside UPIS; organizations that our schoolmates are a member of, which fellow students can also support and apply for! 

Are you ready? Let’s get into it!

THE KEY TO OUR FUTURE. Alpas’ logo symbolizes a key that will unlock the minds of the youth. Photo Credit: Alpas Youth Organization

If you are interested in joining an organization that focuses on raising awareness and being the voice of the unheard, look into Alpas Youth Organization! 

Founded only last September 19, this organization is still young and is slowly establishing itself. According to Ms. Mikyla Pugeda, the executive head, creating Alpas was an impulsive decision--a decision she will never regret. Pugeda was driven to start this organization by her dream of becoming a diplomat and to help society. She wants to be able to fight for the weak and deprived. 

Alpas, meaning to break loose and become free, is a non-profit and non-government youth organization that aims to enlighten and empower the youth about humanitarian, environmental, and political issues. Alpas’ members plan to address this by raising awareness and providing reliable and unbiased information on social media, which is a powerful platform nowadays. They want to be an inspiration to the youth.

They often produce articles about current local and international issues such as the Divorce Bill in the Philippines and the recent win of Joe Biden as president-elect of America on the 46th US Presidential Elections. Currently, they are working on an upcoming project wherein they will post once or twice a month 1-to-3-minute videos tackling various issues.

As a new organization composed of members of the youth, Alpas faces challenges as well. Pugeda fears being red-tagged and putting the members in an awkward position. But given the fact that she established Alpas to be able to contribute to society by tackling issues and providing the truth, she, along with the members, still pushed through.

To everyone interested in joining Alpas, Pugeda has a message for you: 

"Hello! Thank you for your interest in joining Alpas! General Member applications are open all year round, so come join us! Stay safe and don’t forget to take care of yourself and stay hydrated."

You may like and follow Alpas' social media platforms to keep yourselves posted: 

Facebook: Alpas Youth Organization (https://www.facebook.com/Alpasyouthorg)

Instagram: @alpasyouthorg (https://www.instagram.com/alpasyouthorg/)

THE STRENGTH OF THE YOUTH, THE POWER OF THE FUTURE. The O in Puhon is represented by a sun, symbolizing the inner glow and brightness of Puhon. Photo Credit: Puhon Philippines

Puhon’s rough translation is soon or in God's time, and after reading the information below, let us hope you join this organization, if you can, soon!

Similar to Alpas, Puhon Philippines is an organization that aims to provide factual and reliable information concerning social issues. Ms. Chanel Tanaka envisions an organization that encourages everyone to engage in societal issues and hone, pursue, and utilize their skills and interests to be remarkable youth leaders and make a notable change in society. Eventually, she founded Puhon Philippines.

Puhon intends to use the capabilities and strengths of the youth in such a way that they can create a difference while growing and learning as individuals. Committed to societal change, this organization foresees youth empowerment through its platform as the community unites to leap forward for the betterment of society on a national and global scale.

Every month, the organization follows a specific theme around which its projects revolve, such projects include webinars, donation drives, and forums. December is a holiday season, so their projects this month follow a Christmas theme.

Since classes have started, they are currently struggling to organize events that will fit the schedule of their members, heads, and target audience. To reach a wider audience, and because they know that our generation finds social media convenient and engaging, they ensure that word of every project they plan gets out on their social media accounts. They recruit ambassadors as well who can further spread information about Puhon.

Tanaka has an encouraging message to everyone who would like to join Puhon:

"To those wishing to become agents of change, Puhon Philippines is the home for you. Each member plays a critical role in fulfilling this mission. Their unique skills and talents are the building blocks of decisive action that the Puhon Philippines shall enact with unity. Through this interpersonal dialogue and discourse, both the individual and collective empowerment of the youth may be achieved."

You can support Puhon Philippines' initiatives by following their social media accounts for future updates: 

Facebook: Puhon Philippines (https://www.facebook.com/philippines.puhon)

Instagram: @puhon.philippines (https://www.instagram.com/puhon.philippines/)

A SAFE SPACE. Securus’ logo consists of an arm, symbolizing Securus’ solidarity, and a snake, representing people who are unaware of the importance of acceptance, whom they aim to educate. Photo Credit: Securus

Driven by an advocacy different from the previously mentioned organizations, Securus is focused on the importance of mental health. Given the roadblocks the youth faces today, they aim to provide a safe space for everyone. 

Securus, a Latin word for safe, emphasizes how the organization puts the safety and acceptance of people first. Isn't it cool how such a unique term translates to a simple meaning? 

Mr. Cenzo Hipe, one of the Executive Board members of Securus, came up with the idea of creating an organization that advocates for mental health because he wanted a haven for people like him. He was already planning on creating an organization last year, but he lacked confidence. Given the circumstances we are in now because of the pandemic, he felt like this would be the best time to start this organization. Now, he leads Securus with the help of Ms. Toni Atienza and Ms. Bea Manlapaz, his fellow advocates of mental health.

Their main goal is to create a community where people who sometimes feel ignored or ostracized can come to for a sense of belonging. They aim for this community to be a safe space where everyone can share their thoughts, problems, and passions. 

Securus focuses on mental health awareness projects. These vary from informative publication materials to small events that their audience can participate in, which all focus on mental health issues or ways to cope with them. They also plan to have a monthly "check-in" on their social media accounts to provide support and interact with their growing community. Given that our communication mainly revolves around social media now, this is a great way to engage in conversations!

According to the Executive Board, they encourage everyone within the organization to speak up as much as they can about their opinions, current state, and suggestions for the organization, which can be a challenge too. It often results in disagreements because of clashing ideas. As executives, they address these kinds of problems by talking to everyone and planning a solution to suggest to their members afterward.

Alongside the fact that they want to be more interactive with their audience, the executive members have a message for everyone:

"To everyone interested in joining Securus, go for it! We hope that you will apply and join our growing family, and if you do, we are looking forward to seeing your application and welcoming you with open arms. Let us all work together to advocate for mental health and create a safe space for all!"

Keep yourself at ease and updated by following and supporting their advocacies through their social media platforms:

Facebook: Securus (https://www.facebook.com/secvrus)

Instagram: @securus_org (https://www.instagram.com/securus_org/)

AS BRIGHT AS OUR FUTURE. A sun symbolizes Simply Hope’s goal to radiate joy, love, and hope to all. Photo Credit: Simply Hope PH 

Simply Hope, led by Ms. Raven Foronda, is an organization that aims to provide positivity and help to marginalized sectors through projects focused on education, finance, and well-being. Simply Hope envisions a society radiating love, joy, and hope one heart at a time. In the current state of our world now, a little love and optimism wouldn't hurt, right?

Ms. Foronda's initial plan wasn't actually to found Simply Hope. She only wanted to provide load cards to patients of the East Avenue Medical Center who had no means of communication with their loved ones. However, as this project continued, she thought of establishing an organization. She used her connections to gather core members who could help her, thus creating Simply Hope on August 12, 2020. Through Simply Hope, they continued to provide load cards, later on calling the project COVID Care.

As of now, COVID Care is Simply Hope's only major project, but they plan to hold webinars and an infographic series soon. We surely cannot wait to join and see those!

Simply Hope is a newly launched organization, which is why it is harder to find partner organizations, donors, and participants. For their current project, they are also having a hard time purchasing load cards in bulk since most stores only sell a few cards at a time. Let’s help them by spreading their initiative as they continue this project and find more resources for their organization! 

"Simply Hope would be very happy to have more members! We are still at the beginning so anyone who joins will be helping us build Simply Hope's foundation. The many bumps that we encounter as we try to solidify Simply Hope's mark actually make us closer together. So if you're interested in joining, we welcome you with arms wide open!" Ms. Foronda states. 

Remembering Danie’s statement earlier, we are glad to mention that she finally listened to that little voice and joined her first organization outside UPIS: Simply Hope! She is now a part of the Logistics Committee. Before Simply Hope, she also interned for an organization called Makesense, for which she organized a webinar for Lumads in the Philippines. That truly is a great initiative!

What are you waiting for? Join Simply Hope now!

Should you be generous enough to donate, if you know anyone willing to donate, or if you are interested in supporting and joining Simply Hope, you may reach them through their accounts: 

Facebook: Simply Hope (https://www.facebook.com/SimplyHopePH)

Instagram: @simplyhopeph (https://www.instagram.com/simplyhopeph/)

Twitter: @simplyhopeph (https://twitter.com/simplyhopeph)

KABABAIHAN PARA SA SIYENSIYA. Siyensiya PH is an organization which aims to create a platform for women about their aspirations in the field and to develop an appreciation of the STEM field among the youth. Photo Credit: Siyensiya PH

Lastly, we have an organization that empowers women and all genders in the field of STEM! So, for anyone interested or currently in the STEM field, read more below to find out about this organization!

Siyensiya PH was planned in April but was launched on July 20 by Ms. Sofia Magno. This organization aims to boost the voices and visibility of women and the minority in the field of STEM to create an inclusive community of like-minded individuals of all genders. They also want to effectively communicate complex scientific concepts to the masses and to bridge societal gaps through this field.

They also long to establish an initiative that motivates positive change through STEM by providing understandable learning materials and information. They want to create a platform for women for their ambitions in their desired fields, raise awareness about pressing issues in the world, and develop an interest and appreciation of STEM in the youth.

Currently, they have two ongoing projects. The first ongoing project named STOP Infomedic started on August 7. In this project, they share complex scientific terminologies in the form of concise infographics to help end infodemic, an overabundance of information - some accurate and some not - that makes it hard for people to find trustworthy sources and reliable guidance when they need it (World Health Organization, 2020). They aim to educate people about the implications of COVID-19 and how they can protect themselves from it. 

The second project, started last October 9, is Let's Talk Science, a project that aims to encourage future generations of female leaders to pursue the field of STEM. They conduct live interviews featuring STEM students, advocates, and experts to share their work, passions, and projects.

Soon, they plan to implement other projects that align with their mission and vision and serve as a bridge to create more opportunities for everyone in the field.

Like the first four organizations, Siyensiya PH is also a growing organization, thus they face the challenge of having limited manpower. Despite that, Ms. Magno is proud to say that everything they have worked on so far has exhibited their teamwork. The members continually learn from each other, even with their different backgrounds.

"As a future Siyentista ng Bayan, continually wonder and ask questions. In fact, in STEM there are still so many questions that are yet to be answered. You continually learn, discover, and develop your knowledge about things. Utilize what you have learned to contribute to a positive change in society. In Siyensiya PH, we learn and take a stand together - for Science, innovation, and for the life that our society deserves," Ms. Magno states as she encourages all future Siyentista ng Bayan.

To all interested in STEM-related fields or currently pursuing this field, Siyensiya PH is an excellent organization where you can hone your skills while pursuing your interests and passions! Should you wish to be part of an environment where you can thrive using your interests and skills, support, and contact Siyensiya PH through their platforms:

Facebook: Siyensiya PH (https://www.facebook.com/siyensiya.ph)

Instagram: @siyensiya.ph (https://www.instagram.com/siyensiya.ph/)

Going back, three of these organizations are joined by Chey. She is one of the marketing heads of Simply Hope PH, and she is tasked to oversee all the captions, posts, and ambassador engagements of the organization. Her role in Simply Hope is fairly similar to her role in Alpas Youth Organization, where she is a Social Media Analyst. Lastly, she is the Logistics Committee Co-Head of Puhon Philippines, where she is also responsible for projects and content. You can imagine how hard it would be to balance all three, but Chey does it easily!

Some of you may be wondering how she was able to join not one, but three organizations outside UPIS. But like any other student, she was also scared to step out of her comfort zone at first. She also struggled in joining outside organizations as she didn't know anyone from our school and she had to work with strangers.

"[...] I know that a lot of UPIS students can relate to the fact that they actually do want to try out new activities but are scared and they just haven't been offered the opportunity. I suggest that you ask around if you're really interested and not just wait for opportunities to come to you. Don't be afraid to go out of your comfort zone. It may be uncomfortable for some time but I promise you that you'll grow and have fun in the process," Chey shares. 

In line with this, Danie also encourages UPIS students to join organizations outside of school. 

"Since it’s outside of UPIS, I understand that people would tend to shy away from it, but you can always try and join with a friend! In the process of joining one, however, you can look up organizations on social media first, ones that have caught your interest or whose values and advocacies align with yours [...] Just remember to make sure that when you decide to join an organization, you commit wholeheartedly to it."

And that’s a wrap! Hopefully, our schoolmates’ sentiments and this article can help you decide if you want to start stepping out of your comfort zone and finally try joining organizations outside UPIS. We hope to see that soon!  //by Kyle Mararac