Cynthia Sun

What social issue is the most important to you and why?
There are many social issues that are important to me. In general, I believe that education, equal rights, abortion, immigration, profiling, and “glass ceiling” theory are just a few of the social issues that are vital. I believe many public school education curriculum needs to be improved as well as hiring qualified teachers that will go above and beyond the daily classroom duties. In addition, matters of equal rights and abortion are important issues that everyone should be involved in, in voicing our rights and freedom of choice. Also, even in this day and age, women and other groups still feel the effects of the “glass ceiling” theory in the work force. With all the opportunities to speak out and make a difference in our world, too many people sit back and remain silent.

What type of program is needed in your community?
In my community, I strongly believe that there needs to be a stronger and more proactive sex education program in public schools. First of all, public schools, which are funded by the government, are limited to only teaching abstinence to children and teenagers, rather than having the freedom of teaching methods of safe sex. Reality is that teenagers as young as 12 years old are involved in sexual acts which unfortunately lead to pregnancy. Most teenagers do not ever learn the real facts and consequences of sex. Secondly, there are a high percentage of teenagers in public high schools that are sexually active and HIV positive. During normal blood donation events at schools, most teens who end up testing positive for HIV cannot even be informed that they are positive because of the strict confidentiality laws to “protect” minors.

What involvement have you had with nonprofits or your community?
Some of the nonprofit organizations I have volunteered with include Furkids, United Way, Trees Atlanta, Edgewood Foundation-Tanzania Mission, Ahimsa House, Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta, Atlanta Community ToolBank and many others.

How did you get interested in helping out with charities?
 I, too, strongly believe that by involving youth in community service, it increases the chances that when they grow up they will remain active in the community and philanthropy. Since I was in middle school, I volunteered with local organizations through school activities and clubs. Then, throughout college, I became more active in supporting nonprofit organizations by promoting awareness through public relations work. I truly believe that everyone can take just a few hours out of their week to give back to the community. One person can make a difference.

Do you prefer mp3 or Cd?
I purchase mp3s as well as CDs. If there is a soundtrack or album I have been waiting to be released, I will most likely purchase the CD. However, when I either am impatient to wait until the stores open or when I just want to buy a single song, I will purchase the mp3 on iTunes. I think the ability to purchase songs online allows people to have more of a variety of types of music and are exposed to many more artists.

What songs are currently in your ipod or cd player?
I have hundreds of songs in my iPod, car, and computer. I listen to just about every type of music, from indie rock to bluegrass to R&B soul. Some of the artists I am currently listening to include a couple of local, underground bands, such as The Selmanaires and A Fight To The Death. Both are very upbeat rock music with either a Western Swing touch to it or a Tropical/Indie mix. I also listen to Jason Mraz, Justin Nozuka, Missy Higgins, Lenka, Kanye, Chris Brown, Lady Gaga, Eagles, A Perfect Circle, The Fray and many, many others. To sum it up, I really enjoy upbeat songs with piano or songs with meaningful lyrics that I can easily sing to.

What skills do you think you have that contribute to an organization?
I am an outgoing and approachable person with an unique ability to connect with just about any stranger. I love meeting new people! I am definitely a people-person with a strong sense of professionalism and the ability to be a team player but also a leader. I take initiative with everything that I do, from finding new funding to finding new media to help promote an organization’s mission. I am undeniably organized and superbly sufficient with multi-tasking, all important skills to have especially in helping a nonprofit organization run its daily operations. In addition, I love public speaking and am experienced in creating public relations materials, such as media kits, press releases, fact sheets, backgrounders, memos, brochures, newsletters, PowerPoint presentations, news releases, feature news releases, pitch letters, strategic plans, and business plans.

What do you think about the idea of Concepts4Charity’s mission to engage youth in philanthropy through sports and the arts?
Like I mentioned earlier, as a child I was always volunteering through school activities and clubs. I think involving children and teens in philanthropy will help them develop as responsible and grounded adults in the future. With kids, it is not just about getting more volunteers to help out in the community, but the kids get so much in return as well. It is a great learning experience and a way for them to feel important, something vital to keep a child’s spirit up during the tough years of puberty and adolescence. As a child, I always enjoyed arts and sports. It was like an escape from reality, where a child can just enjoy the innocence and purity of life. In addition, arts and sports really engage a child both physically and mentally. Freedom of expression.

How did you hear about Concerts4Charity ?
I found out about Concerts4Charity/ Concepts4Charity through volunteermatch.org. I was looking to volunteer with a nonprofit organization and to be more active in the community again. I was also hoping to find an organization where I can use my skills and experience to better help the organization and to gain more experience.

Any Final Thoughts you would like to share?
I would absolutely love to be a part of Concepts4Charity! I truly believe in the organization’s vision and goals, as I have always wanted to start a nonprofit myself with the same sort of concept, involving youth in the community through the arts. I think I would be a great asset to Concepts4Charity because I can not only offer my public relations expertise, but I can also offer my dedication and personality. After all, a nonprofit runs on the commitment of volunteers and the good will of the people. Thank you so much for your time! I look forward to being a part of Concepts4Charity!