Archers for UNICEF (AU) is an organization accredited in 2017 by De La Salle University (DLSU). Back then, only a few universities, namely University of the Philippines (UP), University of Sto. Tomas (UST), and Ateneo de Manila University (ADMU) had organizations that were working in line with UNICEF. Along came Danielle Solancho, a then sophomore, who founded AU after noticing the need for an organization that upholds the values of both DLSU and UNICEF.
Creating avenues for service
Danielle had always been active in school organizations, namely Green Media Group (GMG), Arts College Government (ACG), and Office of the Vice President for External Affairs (OVPEA). Despite the heavy workload, she always had the passion to serve others in any way she could.
But aside from organizations within DLSU, Danielle also wished to gain experiences outside the University. Her end goal had always been to eventually work in the international headquarters of UNICEF’s legal department. With this in mind, she contacted various non-profit volunteer organizations such as Kythe, Amnesty International, and UNICEF. She asked them if they were looking for any volunteers. She recalled getting rejected numerous times from several non-profit organizations, or sometimes getting no response at all, “It’s either I was too young or they just wanted donations rather than volunteers.”
Upon asking Danielle what made her establish AU in DLSU, she explained, “I noticed that UST volunteers for UNICEF has a student organization. At that time I didn’t know that they had student volunteer organizations outside the University, so I asked, ‘How come DLSU doesn’t have one?’ and that was also the time that my OVPEA asked our group chat if we knew anybody who wants to start an organization.” Danielle saw this as a window of opportunity and pondered on whether or not she should take it.
Eventually she filled up the paperwork needed and discussed her detailed plans to create an organization with her mom. Danielle shared that her mom was very supportive with her decision and that she played a big role in contacting UNICEF. After a series of discussions, UNICEF finally agreed to partner up with DLSU.
Challenges in creating an organization
As expected, establishing an organization in a University is no walk in the park, so she recruited people she knew well. “There were lots of paperwork to be filled and the founding members had to establish the organization’s bylaws,” Danielle shared.
Meanwhile, she had to screen those who wanted to be part of the organization to ensure the organization’s vision and mission would be executed efficiently, and that shared the same passion for the organization’s advocacies.
One of the challenges faced during its first year was the clash between the members’ and the organization’s goals and objectives. According to Danielle, if by chance the member’s intentions don’t fit with the organization’s, the member may end up feeling unmotivated or even aggressive to push their objectives rather than that of the organization’s. “It is important to make the people you are working with feel like they’re important in the organization, and that what they do makes a huge difference for the organization. In that way, they would be encouraged and motivated in doing their tasks,” she explained.
Another problem was when most of its members had stopped doing their jobs, and Danielle had to conduct an exeteam meeting. “I dubbed that day ‘the great resignation day.’ What happened was, I gave a speech and I told them that I would understand if they can’t shoulder the responsibilities of the organization anymore,” she recalled. “I was expecting everyone to be signing resignation letters since we had them prepared, but nobody resigned and I was really thankful for that,” she added.
These challenges taught her the importance of communication and understanding, especially when working with a diverse set of people. “You have to understand your members and give them a choice on how they work because everyone’s working style is different,” she said.
Leaving a legacy
After over a year, AU continues to grow. In fact, it now has over 450 student volunteers to help with its numerous projects and initiatives. However, it is still trying to find its footing even after holding successful events both inside and outside the campus to receiving an accreditation from CSO. Danielle explained that she always wanted an organization where all its members are just as involved in the decision making as the executive team, “I’m a very democratic person, so I know leaders are there to serve and be a representative of the people.”
By giving a platform for students to give back to people who are marginalized and voiceless, AU is able to raise awareness and enact on prominent social issues that affect these sectors. While the organization still has a lot of things to achieve, Danielle sure has left a legacy, not just among the students of DLSU, but also among Filipino children and women.
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