See how relationship building can be used to advocate on behalf of today's youth...

 

Paul Morris '95
Role: Deputy Director
Organization: Elevate Oregon
Major: Communication
Host Date: 2020 TBA
Time: TBA
Host Location: Portland, OR

 

 

We asked Paul...

How would you describe your role and organization to a college student?
My primary role is to identify and secure the resources we need to deliver our mission and advance our vision. In this role, I oversee the implementation of a development plan that is multi-dimensional and is pursuing a goal of approximately $1 million this year. I also oversee communications and I work closely with other organizational leaders to keep Elevate running smoothly.

Elevate Oregon is an organization that fiercely champions success for youth in Parkrose, one of the most disconnected and under-resourced communities in the Portland Metro area. Our work through a dedicated classroom curriculum is coupled with 1:1 relational mentoring that helps youth define and navigate success on their terms.

What can a student expect to experience by job shadowing you?
A full and fun experience. Students will...

  • See our program up-close and, if you want, could talk about your experience in school (we serve youth from 4th through 12th grade, so speaking to juniors/seniors about what you are doing at Puget Sound might be fun).
  • Be able to ask all the questions you want and will get straightforward, very honest answers.
  • Have a chance to interact with different people within the organization and even outside of the organization.
  • Have a chance to weigh in on what we are doing, offering your opinion/perspective and having it heard.
  • Have the opportunity to be amongst people who are committed to the mission and vision of Elevate and are fierce champions for kids in the Parkrose community.

Why do you want to host Logger Students?
I am proud of the education that I received at Puget Sound and am equally proud of the career that I have developed thanks to my time/education at Puget Sound. I would like students interested in working in (or even starting their own) the non-profit sector to see that the education they are pursuing can make a very real difference in people's lives, as well as to gain a very clear understanding of what it takes to work in the non-profit sector successfully (that it isn't all fat cats and socialites hob-nobbing at gala events, nor is it simply sending a video to one's friends of something off-the-wall and asking them to give. Nor is it scary or overwhelming).