It's So Hard to Say Goodbye...to RCRC

Lots of happenings going on here in Wild and Crazy Pearl world... so I decided on a little blog post was the best bring my loyal fans (that's you) up to speed!

Nine years ago, I stopped to chat with a woman carrying a "Pro-Faith, Pro-Family, Pro-Choice" tote bag on the DuPont Circle metro escalator (and if you've ever gone up or down the escalator at the DuPont metro, you know it is not short, so we had plenty of time to talk... and if you've ever been with me in public, you know I have no problem talking to people I don't know). During our conversation, I learned about a wonderful organization called the Religious Coalition for Reproductive Choice (RCRC's) that had produced the tote.

Five years later, I was recruited to be RCRC's youth and young adult organizer. I joined the RCRC team on April 1, 2006 and have spent four exciting years directing the organization's Spiritual Youth for Reproductive Freedom (SYRF) program. I was 22 years old and had been out of college for 11 months.

Yesterday, I resigned from my position at RCRC (over a delicious lunch at DC Coast with my supervisor). I will be transitioning to a position with a technology company called Convio that helps non-profits with online advocacy and fundraising. I am excited, terrified, and very optimistic about this opportunity. And in true Wild and Crazy Pearl form, I have put together a little FAQ to cover the specifics of the job change. Pull up a chair, grab a snack, consider donning an item of SYRF paraphernalia I may have given you over the last four years, and read on...

When is your last day at RCRC?
I'll finish out my time at RCRC on March 26! Between now and then, I will try to cram four years of SYRF program knowledge into a transition memo and work to hire and train my replacement. (Stay tuned for a job description soon!)

Is there a Juice Joint near your new office?
If you don't recall my love of the Juice Joint, check out the post I wrote about their turkey bacon potato breakfast wrap. I am actually dining on one as I write this! Alas, there is no JJ near the new office (which is in Foggy Bottom) and I am already beginning to mourn the loss of my favorite lunch (slash breafast/lunch/snack) spot. I will try to eat a breakfast wrap (or two) everyday between now and March 26 just to prepare for the separation.

How many business cards do you need to distribute per day between now and your last day at RCRC to use them all up before you go?
47.6. Yes, that's right. Our office just moved so I helped the Coalition design and print new business cards for all the staff featuring our new address. And they are BEAUTIFUL (if I don't say so myself). I love the design and the weight of the card stock and the satiny glossy finish. Alas, I have 1,000 cards and three more weeks in this job. So, if I distribute 47.6 everyday between now and my last day (including Saturdays and Sundays) here, I will have given 'em all out. I am also taking suggestions for craft projects that use business cards (note: there is text on both sides).



Are you leaving the reproductive justice and youth organizing movements forever?
Um, have we met? Never! I am still a very proud member of the Planned Parenthood of Metropolitan Washington (PPMW) board of directors and am helping to plan an 80s prom fundraiser on May 7! The prom will actually coincide nicely with my 27th birthday (which is the following day) so if you want to celebrate me and the big 2-7 while making a donation to an important organization, get out your shoulder pads and SAVE THE DATE. As specifics and ticket sale information are finalized, I will surely dedicate a blog post to all the details.

I am also really excited to be helping Choice USA with some strategic planning work in the coming months so I can keep my organizing skills sharp (and support an organization I really care about). Speaking of Choice USA, have you heard about the Generation to Generation Celebration? Check out more information on this fabulous soiree and consider nomianting a reproductive justice rockstar for the award.

How does the new office compare to your current office?
I am not sure if anything will ever compare to my current office. I sit about four feet from two fabulous colleagues who keep me laughing and inspired on a daily basis. I don't know if the Convio office will allow me to play Rock and Roll by Eric Hutchinson everyday at 9:00 AM (but there is talk of cheese puffs in a snack closet which was a big selling point).

Does the new job involve wearing a cape?
So, I am unsure if actually wearing a cape is encouraged... alas, I am looking forward to having a few superpowers and doing super things! Actually, the position will allow me to work with a whole bunch of non-profits and help them with online fundraising and advocacy efforts. A big part of my job will be serving as a liaison between Convio's non-profit clients and the company. I am still working on my "elevator speech" but so far I have come up with a few different versions:

• I have a new job! I couldn't stand being so far away from the Trader Joe's in Foggy Bottom so I've decided to take a job only a few blocks away. See you in the Two Buck Chuck aisle...
  
• I have a new job! I am going to work for a company called Convio. They work with non-profit organizations on e-mail fundraising and advocacy. Did you hear about all that amazing fundraising work that happened after the Haiti earthquake through the Red Cross? That was Convio!
• I have a new job! My really cool friend Amber W. went to work for an exciting company called Convio and I want to be just like her. She told me the office has a fun committee, so I decided to change jobs.
  

Will you still get to travel to cool places and blog about bakeries you discover?
YES! Convio's main offices are actually in Austin. I will most likely make my way there in mid-April and several other times in the near future. So, Austin friends, clear your calendars and get ready to take me to Hey Cupcake!

What was your favorite part of working at RCRC?
Obviously the SYRFboard keychain bottle openers...

I actually have tons of fabulous memories from my time at RCRC. I will remember the political conventions and all of the fabulous volunteers we worked with in both Denver and St. Paul. I am also so proud of the outstanding SYRF organizers, activists, grantees, and SYRF Program Coordinators (Josh F. and Reina A.) that I had the privilege of working with and learning from--your creativity and passion for reproductive justice inspires me and I know our movement will be in good hands with you at the helm. And although it is nearly impossible to articulate all of my favorite aspects of this job, I also loved my work with the Youth Organizing Working Group. This coalition of hard working peers at partner organizations made me feel so supported in this important work and are excellent colleagues and friends.

Thank you...