Empowering Futures: My Nonprofit PR Intern Journey with the Boys and Girls Club
Since June, I’ve had the privilege of serving as a social media intern for the Boys & Girls Club of Fullerton, California. My main focus has been capturing and sharing the organization’s vibrant moments. This experience has been inspiring, educational and has shown me the difference you can make in your community.
One of the most rewarding aspects of working with the Boys & Girls Club of Fullerton is witnessing firsthand the positive impact that the organization has on the kids. The Club offers many programs to support children’s development. They host everything from dedicated learning sessions, that include stimulating games, dance, and cooking classes, to fun field trips that aimt to broaden the kids’ horizons. These activities are not just about keeping kids entertained; they’re about helping them grow into well-rounded individuals with the skills and confidence to succeed.
As a social media intern, I capture and share these moments with the community. Through this experience, I’ve come to appreciate the importance of visual storytelling in public relations. By showcasing the Club’s programs through photos and videos, I can convey the joy, learning and growth within its walls. Whether it’s a group of kids engaged in arts and crafts or the excitement on their faces when we have fried chicken for lunch. These images tell a powerful story of the Club’s impact.
The opportunities provided for the kids at the Boys and Girls Club of Fullerton extend beyond the typical after-school activities. The Club invites guest speakers from various job market sectors, including doctors, real estate professionals, teachers, and more, to speak to the kids about their careers and futures. These interactions are invaluable, as they expose the children to a world of possibilities and help them dream bigger.
Working at a nonprofit has been an eye-opening experience. I’ve come to understand that effective public relations in this sector isn’t just about promoting programs, it’s about recognizing and celebrating the collective effort that makes these moments possible. Everyone plays a crucial role in the Club’s success, from the dedicated staff who plan and execute activities to the volunteers who support the kids. Being welcomed so warmly by Emily Nolen, the Director of Special Events & Marketing, Kevin Pedraza, the Director of Resource Development, and the rest of the team has made my time here truly remarkable.
I’ve also gained a deeper understanding of the importance of authenticity in PR. In a community setting, people connect with genuine stories and real emotions. The content I create must capture the true spirit of the Boys & Girls Club of Fullerton, reflecting its dedication to helping kids learn, grow, and succeed. This involves showcasing the highlights and the everyday moments that make the Club a special place. It’s about presenting the kids’ real, unfiltered experiences and demonstrating the Club’s impact on their lives.
There’s no better feeling than when the kids excitedly ask for “Ms. Emily” and eagerly share their ideas for content they want to help create. My experience as a social media intern for the Boys & Girls Club has been transformative, teaching me the power of visual storytelling, the importance of authenticity, and the profound impact it can have.
Emily Vazquez, Vice President of Member Services from 2024 to 2025, is a rising senior at California State University, Fullerton. She is pursuing a Bachelor’s degree in Communications with a concentration in Public Relations and a minor in Chicana and Chicano Studies. Beyond her academic and PRSSA commitments, she is deeply passionate about exploring and celebrating the rich Chicana/o culture of Southern California while actively contributing to its community. In her leisure time, she enjoys planning travel adventures, immersing herself in the excitement of March Madness or the Champions League, and attending concerts. You can connect with Emily via email at vpmemberservices@prsa.org.
