Street roots., November 13, 2015, Page 11, Image 11

Commentary
Page 12
Street Roots
Connecting to something greater than myself
prevention methods, looking for ways to
improve the lives of people affected by crime.
By the time I finished graduate school, I
ast month, as I was packing up my
had the education and experience necessary
things to move to Portland, I discovered
to take the next steps in my career. But along
a box of old school projects in the
the way, I had lost my calling. I was
garage. In it was a picture I had drawn in the
discouraged by the pace at which change is
second grade of my
made through litigation. I was no longer sure
future self. I was
about my career path.
wearing a stethoscope
It took a lot of self-reflection before I made
around my neck and a
the difficult decision to change the course of
white lab coat, and was
, my future. I was certain that I wanted to
attending to a little girl
improve the lives of others yet I found myself
who had scraped her
back at the drawing table.
knee. I had drawn
It was during this time that I fell into the
myself as a pediatrician.
Since then, my career world of development. I was offered a
fundraising position in higher education and
aspirations changed
accepted thinking I would stay no longer than
frequently. In middle school, I np longer
a year. On the contrary, I’m pleased to say
wanted to be a doctor. I was going to be a
that it’s been nearly five years since that day
psychologist instead. In high school, I had
and I look forward to many more years in
changedmy mind again and aspired to be a
social worker? By the time I entered college, I development.
Fundraising is often daunting and stressful.
declared my major in criminology and was
It’s not a responsibility that everyone enjoys.
determined to practice law.
Certainly, most people find the act of asking
With a new sense of purpose, I focused
most of my undergraduate and graduate years for money uncomfortable. So why does
anyone choose to be in development? It’s a
soaking in as much criminal justice work as I
question I get asked all the time and my
could. I came to know women Serving life
reason is simple. Development provides an
sentences at the California Institution for
incredible opportunity to be connected to
Women in Corona, who opened my eyes to
something much greater than oneself. The
the shortcomings of the criminal justice
work can be tough but the greatest reward
system. I interned with the Attorney
comes from making a meaningful difference
General’s Office in Washington, D.C., which
in people’s lives.
showed me the potential of law for social
As a development director, I’m surrounded
change, as ^elT etsTffe' iheFffcien'cie’d of ™ f “
by people who are passionate about changing
bureaucracy. I spent hours researching crime
BY CLEO TUNG
C O N T R IB U T IN G C O L U M N IS T
B
Cleo Tung is the
development director a t
Partnership fo r Safety
and Justice, a statewide,
nonprofit advocacy
organization dedicated
to m aking Oregon's
approach to crime and
public safety more
effective an d just.
the world aroutid them. There’s something to
be said about helping people realize their
vision and connecting them to the incredible
organizations that share their commitment.
After all, development is about empowering
ordinary people to do extraordinary things. It
gives me immense gratitude serving this
purpose. I’m continually humbled and
inspired by the people I meet through my
work, and what they can teach us about the
human spirit
My love for development also stems from a
sincere belief in the power of philanthropy to
deliver lasting and positive social change.
Philanthropy has the potential to make a
remarkable impact on the world in which we
live. It propels us to raise the voices of the
underserved, tackle the inequalities of our
time, and transform society for the better. It
is through development that we drive such
philanthropy and ensure that this critical
work can continue.
So, as I think about that picture of myself
and all my different career paths, none carry
more meaning than my work in development.
Indeed, I can’t think of anywhere I’d rather z
be than Partnership for Safety and Justice,
especially during this critical time for public
safety reform.
Ibis an honor to be part of an organization
that so fearlessly advocates for a criminal
justice system that is truly fair and effective,
and Serves the needs of those most impacted
by crime. I am energized by PSJ’s mission
and look forward to the great work that lies
ahead.
Are you a
Veteran
experiencing
or at risk of
THE MAGIC IS IN THE HOLE!
2 2 SW 3RD
& BURNSIDE
1501 NE DAVIS
SUPPORTING STREET
ROOTS SINCE 2 0 0 3
becom ing
hom eless?
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