COLUMBUS, Ohio (WSYX/WTTE) — With in-person classes canceled, many assignments had been altered or simply left unfinished. However, one group of Ohio State University students, made sure a special project didn’t go unheard.
“We were supposed to be able to plan an event, fundraise for it, and then host the event,” said OSU Jr, Kinley Barth.
COVID-19 quickly changed the plans for the Developing Arts Careers class assignment.
“So then, it was figure out how you can make a positive impact on the community without hosting the event,” said Barth.
Kinley Barth and eight other women didn’t think that was enough, especially with everything going on.
“Instead of taking a step back, why don’t we take a step forward and give back and help any way we can,” said Barth.
So, the group of nine launched an entire organization. The name suits them well. It’s called, ‘Power’ also seen as PWR across social media platforms.
“It is a women’s empowerment organization that uses social media and art to raise awareness for women’s issues and support women in need,” said Barth.
Power quickly joined forces with the Ohio Women’s Alliance to create a relief fund.
“It’s for women in the community that have been negatively affected by the pandemic,” said Barth. “So, they lost child care or their job.”
The group is raising funds by creating awareness through a social media campaign, #thepwrchallenge.
“We are trying to encourage women to post a photo that they feel powerful in,” said Barth.
The mission is to spread courage, positivity, and support for one another.
“The they tag three women in their life that they believe are also powerful,” said Barth.
Barth said, at a time when everyone is down, they’re just hoping to pick up those who need it most.
“I’m lucky enough to be fortunate that I really don’t have anything to worry about right now,” said Barth. “But, I do know there are so many women in the community that have so much on their plate already, and then add on this pandemic.”
The relief fund will finish this week, but the message is likely to pack a powerful punch far beyond that.
For everyone who donates to the relief effort, Power has designed a postcard that is hand addressed to thank you.
Article Credit: abc6onyoursid