Amizade Global Service-Learning empowers individuals and communities through worldwide service. On November 1st, they will be celebrating their 20th anniversary at the Children’s Museum of Pittsburgh! The powerhouse of the newly opened Global Switchboard, Amizade designs service-learning and volunteer programs around the world in collaboration with universities, high schools, and community groups. Julia Smucker, a current PULSE fellow, works as a program assistant focusing on the CEOLI Card Project and the Youth Ambasador’s Program with South America (YAPSA).
Brandon Blache-Cohen, the executive director of Amizade, reflects on his positive experience working in partnership with PULSE for the very first time.
JS: Why did your organization decide to work with PULSE?
Brandon: We’ve always wanted to work with PULSE. Amizade had a great opportunity for a PULSE position after we opened our new location, The Global Switchboard. With the CEOLI and YAPSA State Department Grants, this year presented a perfect opportunity to welcome a PULSEr into our family and to see what good they could do.
JS: What do you like most about your current PULSE fellow?
Brandon: Julia Smucker is our PULSE fellow this year. Having her on the team adds new perspective, and I appreciate her ideas on the current video project we’re working on. It’s great to have an outside voice to keep us fresh.
JS: How has your partnership with PULSE impacted your organization ?
Brandon: Our partnership with PULSE has helped us better meet our mission through increased capacity and fresh ideas.
JS: What is the most rewarding part of working with PULSE?
Brandon: I think PULSE has helped Amizade to have more of a reach into the community in some ways. It has a “pulse” on Pittsburgh and it’s nice be part of that network as well.
JS: What would you tell other Pittsburgh nonprofits about PULSE?
Brandon: PULSE has great glasses and pens! More importantly, the process of getting a PULSE fellow was really efficient and has thus far been an absolute pleasure.
Story by PULSE Fellow Julia Smucker.
Read more stories about the Nonprofit Partner experience with PULSE. If you would like to learn more about a Nonprofit Partnership, please visit our Partner Page.