Glowing and Giving: The Big Give at International House

Get ready to show your blue and gold spirit, because UC Berkeley’s Big Give starts tonight! This annual 24-hour fundraising marathon unites our entire campus community – students, faculty, staff, and alumni –  in a wave of generosity. It’s a day to celebrate all the incredible things that make Cal such a special place, and to fuel the initiatives that shape the Golden Bear experience.

International House has been an integral part of the Cal community since 1930, fostering global understanding and enriching lives of students and scholars from every corner of the world. Each year at Big Give, we’ve welcomed the opportunity to participate and have been grateful for the enthusiasm of the I-House community. This year we’re raising funds to support the I-House Scholarship Fund so we can make an even greater impact on the community at I-House. We hope you’ll unleash your inner Bear spirit and get ready to make a difference – together!

In past Big Gives, the energy has been nothing short of phenomenal. We’ve seen friendly competition ignite between student groups, research labs make groundbreaking strides thanks to crucial donations, and scholarships empower deserving students to chase their dreams. It’s a powerful reminder of the collective impact we can make when we all come together as one.

In our hustling and bustling week of preparation for the Big Give, we organized many activities which promoted the event. We kicked off our efforts with the Big Give Photoshoot, which was a resounding success. The Global Community Ambassadors rallied to have students join them before and after their meals in the Dining Commons to bring together residents from diverse backgrounds and take photos with the plethora of props and accessories in order to spread awareness about the Big Give and to promote giving within International House.

There were lively photos taken, a lot of props used and thanks given in various languages of the world. Simultaneously, students were encouraged to participate in a short video that I-House would be publishing as a Reel on Instagram. The video involved students holding a glowing star – the symbol of this year’s Big Give – and stating why they “glowed for I-House,” essentially highlighting what they were thankful for at I-House. The participants then passed the star outside the edge of the frame and the next person would then be edited in the video repeating the same exercise. This video was part of the reel challenge that is part of Cal Student Philanthropy’s attempts to increase the Big Give’s outreach. The most popular reel is set to win $500 for its program. Therefore, this Reel was posted to the various resident groups to promote sharing and sharing it to socials.

More recently, I-House posted another Reel on its Instagram page highlighting the importance of the Big Give and the benefits it reaps for I-House in particular. The reel encourages giving and the process to donate to the Big Give endeavour.

Resident activities also include the distribution and posting of many flyers in locations frequented by residents at I-House. This included elevators, notice boards outside dining and the great hall. Residents could sign up for the photoshoots and learn more about the Big Give as well as sign up as Big Give Ambassadors.

Continuing with this effort, I-House also plans to have live tracking for the Big Give leaderboard in the Dining Commons and the lobby digital screens.

It is not all reliant on the individual donors, however. The International House Board of Directors will contribute $13,500 once 135 gifts are made to the International House Scholarship Fund. I-House encourage inviting friends and family to donate, becoming ambassadors, and shining a light on International House!

On Thursday, residents can look forward to various Big Give events in the Dining Commons. Residents will be treated to a rally for the Big Give where they will spin the wheel for I-House prizes and more. There will be a photo booth where residents will be able to take photos with the props and signage for the Big Give.

A Letter of Support from the President of the Resident Council International House

Dear Residents, Alumni, Students, and Benefactors,

The Big Give is a pivotal moment for UC Berkeley, where the entire community comes together to support the things we hold dear. For International House, it’s an opportunity to ensure this unique space continues fostering global understanding and enriching lives.

A World Under One Roof: I-House is unlike any other residence hall at UC Berkeley. It brings together students from over 70 countries, creating a vibrant tapestry of cultures. Here, we learn from each other’s traditions, challenge our perspectives, and forge lifelong friendships that transcend borders.

Building Bridges, One Conversation at a Time: Beyond the residence, I-House offers a wealth of programs that benefit the entire UC Berkeley community. From cultural events and language exchanges to workshops on international relations, these programs promote intercultural dialogue and understanding – a critical skill in today’s interconnected world.

Investing in the Future: The Big Give allows us to maintain and improve this vibrant living-learning environment. Your contribution can support vital programs, scholarships for international students, and cultural events that enrich the UC Berkeley experience for everyone.

A Call to Action: As the President of the I-House Resident Council, I see firsthand the positive impact this residence has on its residents and the wider campus community. Your donation, no matter the size, will ensure I-House continues to be a beacon of global understanding at UC Berkeley.

The Big Give allows us to directly support the things that make I-House so special. Your contribution can provide much-needed financial aid and scholarships to international students, ensuring a diverse and vibrant resident population. These funds also empower us to offer a wide range of programs for residents, fostering cultural exchange and personal growth through workshops, language exchanges, and international events.

Finally, your generosity helps preserve the historic home that is International House. This beautiful building serves as a symbol of our commitment to global understanding and a constant reminder of the importance of fostering intercultural connections.

On behalf of all the residents, faculty, and staff at I-House, I urge you to consider supporting us during the Big Give. Together, we can build a more inclusive and globally aware future for our university community.

Sincerely,

Joseph

President, I-House Resident Council

International House has been the beacon at the top of the hill at UC Berkeley metaphorically and literally for nearly a century. The very intent of I-House is to foster community, growth, and international understanding.

We sincerely hope I-House residents, alumni, and  friends will join in this year’s Big Give and support I-House, the place we’ve come to call “home.”