Hi, fellow change makers—

My name is Samantha “Sam" Bailon, and I am excited to share that I am the Living Proof Advocacy ‘23 intern! 

Before I settle in and absorb the insightful stories that travel through LPA’s network, it only seems fitting to first share who I am.

I am a graduate student at the University of Florida, pursuing a Mass Communications degree specializing in public-interest communication (PIC). PIC is an emerging field combining science and storytelling to make impactful and long-term changes in advocacy work. It has introduced me to exciting professionals such as John and Tim at Living Proof Advocacy. 

It also has provided a new framework for how I view my future. As an undergraduate student at UF (go gators), I studied journalism. I spent four years listening, writing, and sharing other people’s stories—and I loved every minute! There was a semester I spent almost every weekend dedicated to one family’s story out in Melrose, Fla. Chiappini Gulf Station, a store, former gas station and relic of North Florida has been under one family for three generations and has served as a haven for the Melrose community for over 85 years.

For another story, I spent a day running errands (including to his chiropractor appointment) to profile Scott Camil, veteran of the Marine Corps and political activist. From recipient of two purple hearts for his two-term service in Vietnam to anti-war advocate labeled an “extremist” by the FBI, Scott learned firsthand that love was the only path to a safer and better future for everyone. Now in his late 70s, Scott dedicates his time to educating the public about peaceful reform and helping veterans with PTSD who also never want to lose another generation to the grips of war.

Through powerful stories that I learned in the field, from Scott to the Chiappini brothers, I felt challenged to comb through my own personal struggles, identity and, through practice, grew confident in my ability to not only be a good listener for others but to carefully tell a story. Through trial and error, this has brought me closer to my community and family and instilled a more confident mindset: If I am unsure of attending an event, meeting someone new, or trying something new, I should always go anyway. It has only done me good thus far. 

This philosophy led me to explore several environmental organizations where I met scientists, volunteers, and community organizers. It brought me to new places around my home state, instilling a deeper appreciation of my environment. It encouraged me to focus on the building blocks for creating positive, local change. It also introduced me to a conference of communicators called Frank Gathering, a hotspot where movement builders and change makers meet to inform one another on research, insight and news that help them drive positive social change. As a volunteer at Frank, I met professionals in fields ranging from academia, to environmentalism, to the entertainment industry. This experience provided a foundation for how I can combine my love for storytelling with mission-driven campaigns. 

By the end of the week volunteering for Frank, I switched to a combined degree program to start my studies in PIC while finishing my undergrad degree. 

While most of my experience is in editorial writing, I wanted to focus more on strategizing for change in a real-world setting. My advisor then swooped in and forwarded a link to Living Proof Advocacy. My initial impression was disbelief. This organization offered the hands-on training and direct involvement with non-profits that I was looking for, combined with the flexibility I needed as a student. I thought to myself “this position has to be my next step.”

An interview later, here I am. I look forward to growing on the LPA team and learning, through the amazing network of fierce leaders, how to create impactful connections through strategic storytelling. 

When I am not bouncing off the walls over my professional epiphany, you can find me biking amongst the Spanish moss trees in my home state of Florida or crocheting at nearby breweries under the sun. 

If you are interested in learning more about Living Proof Advocacy, public-interest communications or me, let's connect! 

Email me at: samantha@livingproofadvocacy.com