The journey of a thousand miles begins with one step. . .
There's a famous African proverb that says “ If you want to go quickly, go alone. If you want to go far, go together.” There's strength in unity, and we're in treating everyone to become apart of something great. We have 4 core values that are: creating lifelong connections, linking African students from various time zones and states, empowering ASAs- African start-ups and small businesses, and discussing issues that affect us on and off campus etc.
So originally I started this MASO Forward Campaign last August our goal was for 1,000 people to donate $10 each. That would be $10,000 total, and within 24 hours we raised $2500. After MASO Con 18 we received a private donation of $2500 from a private individual. So now theres $5000 left to raise and I've changed a few of the objectives as well to better serve our midwest community. Here's what we now hope to accomplish moving forward:
1. ASA Organizational Funding: Whose organization couldn't use some extra unsubsidized funds? Essentially we're looking to give 3-4 ASA's funding for events because we realize not everyone receives funding the same way. Everyone has ideas and events they'd like to create but the funds aren't always available.
2. MASO Scholarships: 10 $500 Scholarships for Starting fall 2019/spring 2020. These first 10 will be given to students who attend MASO Con 19 in Indianapolis, Indiana via random instant drawing. Then as we acquire more funding and growth we'll have different tiers based on academics, study abroad and other extra curricular expenses. Extra money is extra money and the least we can do is give back to our community.
3. Consistent Conference Cost: Keep the cost of future conference's consistent /roughly around the same to increase participation. Each State and market has their price point which is why prices vary year to year. By keeping prices consistent/ roughly around the same year by year we can increase the number of students participating and grow/push MASO further.
4. Beyond The Conference: Create events across the Midwest in each state during fall and spring semester. MASO happens every Labor Day weekend, but after that there's no real engagement with ASA's and other African students in the 160 Organizations in the 10 states we cover. So moving forward we'd like to create multiple events that range from professional / social activities to entertainment weekends. Possible events are Dance Classes, State-Wide ASA Days/ State Weekends (Sports, Cookouts and etc), Networking Opportunities, Creative Mixers, Seminars, Brunches and whatever students would like to see/do.
Follow us on Twitter , Facebook , Instagram
We're at a critical point in which there are so many African students in the Midwest. Our number one goal is to cultivate the college experience for the fastest rising and most educated immigrant group in America.
We just want to spread MASO across the Midwest and beyond all while helping out students and student groups.
There's a famous African proverb that says “ If you want to go quickly, go alone. If you want to go far, go together.” There's strength in unity, and we're in treating everyone to become apart of something great. We have 4 core values that are: creating lifelong connections, linking African students from various time zones and states, empowering ASAs- African start-ups and small businesses, and discussing issues that affect us on and off campus etc.
So originally I started this MASO Forward Campaign last August our goal was for 1,000 people to donate $10 each. That would be $10,000 total, and within 24 hours we raised $2500. After MASO Con 18 we received a private donation of $2500 from a private individual. So now theres $5000 left to raise and I've changed a few of the objectives as well to better serve our midwest community. Here's what we now hope to accomplish moving forward:
1. ASA Organizational Funding: Whose organization couldn't use some extra unsubsidized funds? Essentially we're looking to give 3-4 ASA's funding for events because we realize not everyone receives funding the same way. Everyone has ideas and events they'd like to create but the funds aren't always available.
2. MASO Scholarships: 10 $500 Scholarships for Starting fall 2019/spring 2020. These first 10 will be given to students who attend MASO Con 19 in Indianapolis, Indiana via random instant drawing. Then as we acquire more funding and growth we'll have different tiers based on academics, study abroad and other extra curricular expenses. Extra money is extra money and the least we can do is give back to our community.
3. Consistent Conference Cost: Keep the cost of future conference's consistent /roughly around the same to increase participation. Each State and market has their price point which is why prices vary year to year. By keeping prices consistent/ roughly around the same year by year we can increase the number of students participating and grow/push MASO further.
4. Beyond The Conference: Create events across the Midwest in each state during fall and spring semester. MASO happens every Labor Day weekend, but after that there's no real engagement with ASA's and other African students in the 160 Organizations in the 10 states we cover. So moving forward we'd like to create multiple events that range from professional / social activities to entertainment weekends. Possible events are Dance Classes, State-Wide ASA Days/ State Weekends (Sports, Cookouts and etc), Networking Opportunities, Creative Mixers, Seminars, Brunches and whatever students would like to see/do.
Follow us on Twitter , Facebook , Instagram
We're at a critical point in which there are so many African students in the Midwest. Our number one goal is to cultivate the college experience for the fastest rising and most educated immigrant group in America.
We just want to spread MASO across the Midwest and beyond all while helping out students and student groups.