Introduction
For my 50 hour project, I decided to work with a faculty member of the Communication department at BYU-Idaho in planning an event to discuss porn addiction specifically for those who are members of the Rexburg/BYU-Idaho community.
Phase 1
In a two week span, I spearheaded the start of this project with lots of research and brainstorming in regards to the event. Here is what it looked like:
- April 29th: The groundwork was laid with a two-hour session dedicated to pinpointing the perfect date for our event. Alongside my mentor, we delved into calendars, considering academic schedules and community events, ensuring our chosen date would maximize attendance and impact.
- April 30th: The quest for the ideal venue began. I joined forces with fellow team members, investing two hours into exploring potential locations that would resonate with our theme and audience. That same day, we took our first steps into one of these venues, spending an hour envisioning the space filled with eager learners and open conversations.
- May 2nd: With the event’s framework taking shape, I dedicated four hours to dreaming up decor ideas. The goal was to create an environment that was welcoming yet thought-provoking, a space that would encourage reflection and dialogue.
- May 6th: Another hour was spent touring additional venues, leaving no stone unturned in our mission to find a place that would echo our commitment to awareness and education.
- May 7th: Understanding the community’s pulse is crucial. I immersed myself in two hours of research, listening to conversations about porn addiction. This insight is invaluable, guiding us to address the topic with sensitivity and depth.
- May 13th: The creative process took a tangible turn as I spent two hours drafting promotional materials. These drafts are more than just advertisements; they are invitations to join a movement, to learn, and to support one another.
- May 15th: No event is complete without voices of experience. Another two hours were invested in seeking out guest speakers who could share their personal journeys, adding a layer of authenticity and empathy to our discussions.
My mentor and I wanted this event to be a safe place to talk about the difficult topics, grow as a community, and find fellowship with similar people. In order to have an event like this there was lots of research to be done
Phase 2
The upcoming seminar on porn addiction, specifically tailored for BYU-I students, had encountered a slight delay and will now take place in the fall. This postponement was due to unforeseen circumstances that arose. Despite this setback, the preparatory work for the event continues undeterred. I am diligently crafting a comprehensive “game plan,” ensuring that by the time the seminar is held, all elements will be meticulously in place.
My next steps of work followed another two week period. In the time from May 20th to 22nd, I reached out to potential guest speakers, formulated a set of questions for them, and provided them with essential details about the event. Following these initial contacts, I conducted interviews with all interested parties, dedicating eight hours to this task. On May 28th, in collaboration with a fellow team member, we refined our list of potential speakers to three men and three women, and courteously informed the others of our decision, which took three hours of our time.
On May 31st, I began the process of creating a presentation for our client, detailing the potential guest speakers, which would enable her to make an informed choice. This initial draft took one hour to complete. By June 3rd, the presentation was finalized, and I arranged a meeting with our client, also designating the event officially as a seminar, which took another hour of work.
Finally, on June 5th, I met with the client to present my findings. During this meeting, we discussed the possibility of postponing the event until the fall due to a death in the client’s family. Nevertheless, we concurred that the planning should continue to ensure a seamless execution come fall. Additionally, we agreed that I would help conduct focus groups to collect relevant statistics for the seminar, a task that required two hours of engagement.
This proactive approach not only keeps the project on track but also allows for the accumulation of valuable data and insights that will undoubtedly enhance the quality and impact of the seminar when it takes place. The dedication to this cause, even in the face of adversity, exemplifies the commitment to providing a meaningful and well-prepared event for the attendees.
The following two weeks, I conducted more research specifically for interest in the event to get an idea of the size of venue that would be best for the event. I also worked with a professor to host a focus group to gather information on the experience with mental and behavorial health in the community and then tying that back to porn addiction and the resources available in the community to help with that.
Phase 3
At this point of my project, I split my focus between the event and a focus group, as a part of research. As the planning for the fall seminar on porn addiction continues, the efforts have been both meticulous and inclusive. On June 24th, I dedicated three hours to researching the cost of floral decor and strategizing its placement for the event. The following day, I reached out to LGBTQ individuals, inviting them to participate in a focus group scheduled for the next week, which took an hour of my time.
On June 26th, I spent three hours brainstorming ideas for light refreshments, researching costs, and deliberating on the suitability of offering refreshments at the seminar. By June 29th, I had confirmed the attendees for the focus group, a task that required two hours to complete.
The beginning of July marked a significant meeting with the client on the 1st, where we discussed the floral decor, the concept of refreshments, and the budget for two hours. The focus group event on July 2nd was a substantial undertaking; I prepped, hosted, and managed the cleanup, dedicating four hours to ensure its success.
The day after the focus group, I spent two hours reviewing the valuable information gathered, which will inform the seminar’s approach to mental health issues related to porn addiction. This period has also been an opportunity to connect with individuals eager to volunteer for the seminar. The progress made thus far is promising, and I am thrilled at the prospect of sharing this impactful event with the community when the time arrives. The dedication to creating an informative and supportive environment is evident in the careful planning and engagement with diverse groups, ensuring that the seminar will be a well-rounded and insightful experience for all participants.
Conclusion
From the initial stages of setting a date and scouting venues to the thoughtful inclusion of diverse voices and the careful consideration of decor and refreshments, every step has been taken with the utmost care and intention.
The process has not been without its challenges, as unforeseen circumstances necessitated a postponement to the fall. Yet, this has not deterred the spirit of the project. Instead, it has provided additional time to refine the details and ensure that the event is as impactful as possible. The focus groups have offered invaluable insights, and the engagement with volunteers has fostered a sense of community and support that will undoubtedly enrich the seminar.
As the planning enters its final stages, the excitement is palpable. The groundwork laid over these 50 hours has set the stage for an event that promises to be enlightening, supportive, and transformative. This seminar is not just an event; it’s a testament to the power of community and the importance of addressing challenging topics with compassion and understanding. The anticipation for the fall is high, and the promise of what this seminar will bring to the Rexburg/BYU-Idaho community is a beacon of hope and progress.