Keith Ives » American Red Cross

The World is A Wreck; I'm A Wreck

Keith — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 03:12:05 +0000

It hit hard today. I’m watching the Philippines still suffer through the initial phases of their disaster. Atlanta is still trying to sort things out. Indonesia got rocked by an earthquake. Cambodia was hit by a typhoon. Samoa is in a world of hurt. Peru had a near miss with an earthquake too.

West Africa is still recovering from a 100 year flood. East Africa is in an epic drought/food shortage.

In North America we are arguing about who will pay for health-care, if industrial solar energy is a viable energy source, and if we should drink Arizona Ice Tea because of the high-fructose corn syrup.

I don’t blame us for living in a stable country. I’m not hoping for catastrophic disasters in the Midwest. I just wish there was a way for us to get involved. I am anxious to find a way for me to help.

For the last year I have been trying to find a way into international aid or development. It is difficult to see so much need and not have a way to give. I can send money, and I do. What I really want is to be involved; to get my hands dirty. I want to share their burden. I want to give them hope in their life, Americans, & Humanity.

I want to know that if it happened to me, someone else would do the same.

Our World. Your Move.

Keith — Sun, 20 Sep 2009 13:20:04 +0000

This is a Video from the ICRC’s campaign: Our World. Your Move

Their are some great videos and advocacy resources on the main site: http://ourworld-yourmove.org

I really appreciated this video. The last 9 months have been dedicated to me contemplating My Move. The paralyzing anxiety of decision has really worn me down, but videos like this inspire:

9-11-09 Event With Bill Ritter

Keith — Fri, 11 Sep 2009 23:57:05 +0000

Me & Colorado Gov Bill Ritter

Required: Advanced Degree

Keith — Thu, 27 Aug 2009 04:32:03 +0000

I have been looking for & applying for jobs in international aid or development for a few months now. I would estimate that 90% of the positions that I have looked for require an advanced degree. Having spoke with my contacts in the field, they are strongly recommending I go back to school and get my masters as well. For the last year I have worked for the American Red Cross in Denver, Colorado. Before that I was in the Marine Corps. I have traveled extensively and volunteered intensely with international organizations. However, my experience in leadership, management, logistics, operations, government relations, or non-profit administration will not get me the lowest job in international development. Ironically, I supervised four interns completing their masters degree from one of the top international studies schools this past year. For the most part they were supersaturated in theory & idealism. They have or will soon have jobs…

I have managed millions in assets, dozens of people dispersed over multiple cities, stabilized volatile relationships with stakeholders, & proven that I can work and thrive in difficult environments.

That was my rant; now I will apply for graduate school so that I can apply for an internship under the person who will take my position when I go back to school.

Oh the hoops we jump through to work in the areas we are passionate about….