The following individuals and organizations are donating their time and effort because of their belief in what we are working towards. We owe each of them a debt of gratitude.
Paris signed up to help us because of her excitement about the GovLuv project and her past experience working with Jim Gilliam. She is proving instrumental in verifying that we have all the representatives that are on Twitter accurately represented on GovLuv and will soon be helping us to spread the word!
Paris Marron
“I am a California-born, Idaho-raised, Angeleno (Los Angeles) transplant. I consider myself an “Internet Activist.” I earned my degree from the University of California – Santa Cruz studying Community Studies, which – at its heart – focuses on grassroots organizing and social change. I have since worked with progressive organizations and documentary filmmakers around issue-based campaigns. I have a background in using video and the web for social change; and I am interested in how we can use technology as tools for civic engagement and community organizing.
“You can read more about me on my personal site or my LinkedIn profile.”
Brenna is an Online Account Executive with Adams Hussey & Associates. She is helping us to get our social media strategy off the ground so that we can best utilize it for awareness building and fundraising. She understands how to build long-term relationships and her insight has proven invaluable. I will recommend her using her own words, “Want online cause marketing/fundraising tips & tricks? Follow me on Twitter @bfholmes.”
Brenna Holmes
“My background is in cross-channel marketing and advocacy integration, including online list-growth with paid and earned media. Since joining AH&A’s Interactive department, I’ve mapped the online advocacy and fundraising strategies for diverse clients such as the California State Parks Foundation, American Heart Association, Sierra Club, AARP, and AAUW. I’m responsible for implementing innovative and successful email and social media campaigns by applying cutting edge Web 2.0 techniques. And am also a graphic designer and a fervent foodie and wine lover – being from the Napa Valley, CA it’s only natural 
“I have two master’s degrees from Syracuse University – go Orange! The S.I. Newhouse School of Public Communications in public relations and the Maxwell School in public administration; where I was able to merge communications policy, theory, and practices to best fit my eclectic and holistic approach to life and media.”
Colby is our Fundraising Intern for the summer of 2009. His position is incredibly important at this early stage of our development. He is researching the many and varied options that are available for a young nonprofit and working to determine our best course of action to ensure our sustainability. He will also be writing letters of inquiry and grant applications, for which we are imminently grateful.
You can follow his efforts on the community Fundraising page.
Colby Hopkins
“In high school I took an interest in the American Civil Rights Movement. I was attracted to the issues of justice and fairness. These interests were compounded by teachings from my mother (a 1960’s activist) and years of training in martial arts and Eastern philosophy. Expanding on that, I took an interest in political science and history in college. After college I began years of independent research for a book I am currently writing. The more I researched the more I became aware of injustices worldwide and the structures that cause them. In addition working on my book, I have been involved in several social justice campaigns and protests. These advancements in thinking led me to purse my Master’s degree.”
Daniel, Grace, and Meena are our Social Media Interns for the summer of 2009. They are researching the use of social media by nonprofits and helping us develop a social media strategy that meets the following criterion:
- Expands awareness of our work
- Lays the foundation for fundraising
- Is sustainable beyond their tenure
We’re happy to have them aboard and excited about the work that they’re doing! You can read more about their efforts on the community Social Media page.
Daniel Cohanpour
“I am a student at Herricks High School. Throughout my years at Herricks, I have gradually become extremely interested in politics, and have a passion for it. Political Dialogue, at our government’s current state, is lacking. Through the Open Forum Foundation, individuals who desire change are able to communicate with the representatives on the hill. What the Open Forum Foundation has accomplished so far is truly inspiring, and should continue to meet its objective. I will be helping with new social media projects/platforms as well as working on Facebook, Twitter, and Myspace to increase awareness on this foundation.”
Grace Oh
“Hey! I am Grace Oh and I will be an upcoming junior at Herricks High School located on Long Island, NY. I am currently interning for Wayne Burke and along with others we are working on developing this forum in order to create an easier method of communication between the people (you!) and his/her representatives. Additionally, I am intrigued by our government and learning how it exactly functions, as well as how affective the voice of the people is in certain situations. In school, I am an active member of the Model Congress club; therefore, it is nothing short of interesting to learn first hand how the government responds to the people’s needs as opposed to simple procedures taught in schools!”
Meena Yoo
“I am interested in a future career in constitutional law and love learning about governmental affairs. I stand firm in my belief that the people serve as the backbone of our nation’s legislature and that we can truly make a difference. However, we must make our voices heard. Additionally, I try to have an open-minded approach to new experiences; hence, I love meeting new people. After all, stepping out of your comfort zone is the first step in learning more about yourself and your capabilities.”
MuNiMulA has generously donated their design skills to the creation of this website. Special thanks are due to Barbara Anderson, their graphic designer, for the many hours that were required to create a compelling design fitting our unique mission statement.
Full disclosure: This company is owned by our Executive Director’s sister.
Danny helped us early on by providing research and guidance on potential corporate partners. He continues to evangelize the work that we’re doing and support us by introducing new people to the organization.
Danny Feltsman
“Born in Moscow and raised in New York, I graduated from Trinity College (Hartford, CT) in 2005, double-majoring in international relations and world religions. While at Trinity, I was a four-year NCAA wrestler, and spent a semester abroad in Australia. After college I enrolled at NYU’s Center for Global Affairs, where I received an M.S. in Global Affairs – with a concentration in international business, economics and development. I have a genuine interest in poverty alleviation and sustainable development and want to work in venture capital/private equity – looking to find and fund businesses and ideas that provide solutions to poverty in emerging markets/developing countries. I love any and all sports, am a movie buff, enjoy traveling, great food, great literature, all types of music, going out and staying in.”
KAOSmedia helped us early on in the development of our branding and copywriting, as well as establishment of the written portions of the website. KAOSmedia is the public persona of Kelly Drennan Walsh.
Bio: Kelly Drennan Walsh is a New York-based advertising and marketing professional, specializing in brand building and creating public awareness for non-profit organizations. Over his 22 year career, he has developed ad campaigns, marketing strategies, corporate identity make-overs, and “new media’” content for a wide variety of entities. Currently serving as Marketing Director for a public radio station, Mr. Walsh has been involved with broadcast media and non-profit fundraising endeavors for the past seven years.
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