My Journey with SASE

SASE Content Creator: My Journey with SASE Foundation and CRGP

By Grace Bamforth

My journey with the Cross River Gorilla Project (CRGP) began during my Global PR module with Ramona Slusarczyk. From the moment I was introduced to the charity's mission, I was inspired by the need to protect the critically endangered Cross River Gorilla.

As part of this module, I worked as part of a team to come up with a pitch based on a live brief for the CRGP for a global campaign. This is how the 3 For 300 Challenge was created: to raise money and awareness for the critically endangered 300 remaining Cross River Gorillas on behalf of CRGP. This involved taking on a sports challenge involving the number ‘3’ to save the 300 remaining gorillas, e.g. running 3km and posting a photo of completion and tagging, using the hashtag and nominating 3 friends to take part and raise awareness.

I was absolutely thrilled when we learned that our campaign had been selected by the charity to be officially launched, seeing our social media campaign go beyond our lectures and take real-world forms. Consequently, through the SASE Foundation, we launched the 3/300 challenge across the UK, calling all people to take part and amplify the message, which was truly rewarding.

Sample of Content Created for Campaign

Alongside this, I was selected for the role of content creator, creating exciting content across all social media platforms for the SASE Foundation to support the CRGP charity. I worked alongside Rosie to raise awareness of the Cross River Gorilla and their shrinking numbers to spark donations.

I also had the privilege of hosting a fundraising event at Pumphreys Bar in Newcastle. The event got students involved in playing games and raising money and

awareness for CRGP through donating to George’s Paris Marathon. It was a great night, and I thoroughly enjoyed creating engaging content in the lead up to the event, making print posters and social media content for Instagram and TikTok. A huge thank you to everyone who came to support a great cause!

Another truly rewarding experience which I reflect upon is the Louisiana Wetland Project with students at Nicholls State University in South Louisiana. Academics and students from Nicholls travelled to Newcastle University, and it was a great experience to network with students from across the globe and learn about coastal restoration.

UK & USA SASE students and Academic Mentors at Dove Laboratories in Cullercoats

By creating content for the SASE Foundation on behalf of CRGP, I have learnt that awareness is power. When people gain awareness and connect to this critically endangered species, they are far more likely to care and act by making donations to support CRGP. This has been such a rewarding experience to take on this role of creating awareness through content, alongside my degree. I have learnt many transferable skills and have thoroughly enjoyed working with the rest of the SASE Media Team and mentors.

Thank you to Kellie Daniels & SASE for making this all possible!