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Driven by their passion and desire to make their time worthwhile this summer, 20 volunteers—mostly millennials—from across the Philippines gathered recently for a three-day outreach program, called “I am MAD (Making A Difference) Camp”, in Magdiwang municipality on Romblon province’s Sibuyan Island.
The volunteers were made up of old and new ones who were united to help 50 students of Tomas and Maria Maglaya Memorial School in Magdiwang develop their potential and make a difference in many simple ways, starting with themselves and then with their families, schoolmates, and community.
“I am a millennial myself and, for me, having a purpose is empowering. Just as we millennials are seeking to find purpose in our careers, we also seek purpose in almost everything we do, which includes traveling. But regardless of generation, we are all human beings. Each of us is looking for a place to belong, feel loved, and know that we are truly making an impact,” said Mark Conrad “Maco” Ravanzo, co-founder and CEO of I am Making A Difference Inc.
“This is what I am MAD Inc. is doing: making a meaningful difference, not only to our beneficiaries, but also to our volunteers who are committed to discover and share their passions through volunteering,” he added.
During the first part of the camp, students were engaged in fun and educational activities, including storytelling, team-building, games, and obstacle courses, that promote the four core values of I am MAD: maka-Diyos (godly), makatao (humane), makabayan (patriotic), and makakalikasan (pro-nature).
The I am MAD Camp ended with an encounter with the parents of the beneficiaries, during which they introduced I am MAD’s mission and encouraged them to support their children in reaching their dreams and be more proactive in their own community. Afterward, the families met in a mini-retreat session before handling I am MAD’s “Bags of Dreams” gifts of school-supplies to the students.
Magdiwang Mayor Denisa Repizo was present during the closing ceremony, where volunteers and beneficiaries alike got the chance to show their appreciation for the support given by the community and the local government in making the I am MAD Camp possible.
A youth forum, called MAD Talks, was also held that aimed to empower local young people to make a difference in their own ways and choose to be part of the solution. Teenagers were encouraged to join the volunteering community to spur positive change in their community.
To complete the volunteering and #TravelWithAPurpose experience, volunteers of I am MAD explored the raw beauty of Romblon by visiting some of its tourist attractions, such as Lambingan Falls, Sanctuary Garden, Dalipi River, Magdiwang Beach, and the view of Mt. Guiting-Guiting on Sibuyan.
The local tour, called “MADventure”, ended in the capital town of Romblon, where volunteers enjoyed the white-sand beaches of Tiamban and Bonbon, which has a sandbar.
A 2016 Ten Accomplished Youth Organizations (TAYO) Awards recipient for Culture and the Arts, Peace, and Human Development, I am MAD is a millennial-driven, non-profit volunteer organization that aims to promote Filipino values to both its young participants and volunteers and spread the passion of making a difference in simple, yet meaningful ways. It was established in December 2009 as a simple outreach project.
In keeping its advocacy alive, I am MAD travels to different parts of the country to inspire and empower more young individuals to be catalysts of change for stronger nation-building. After the camp in Romblon, I am MAD is set to visit and hold more camps in Zamboanga, Guimaras, Cavite, Oriental Mindoro, and Ilocos Norte.
I am MAD primarily uses social media in promoting its future events, inviting of volunteers and raising of funds for the chosen beneficiaries.
For local community partnerships, interested volunteers and sponsors, send an email to iammadph@ gmail.com or visit www.facebook.com/IamMakingADifference.