Join the Club: Epic Intentions
Epic Intentions serves as an interdisciplinary society of Georgia Tech volunteers whose purpose is to aid local nonprofits, social enterprises, and civic-minded entrepreneurs through service-oriented design projects.
Members of Epic Intentions are assigned to various projects working with Atlanta based nonprofit organizations. Teams of around five to six students, with one team leader, work together throughout the semester to complete their projects while developing technical skills.
Third-year computer science major and Vice President of Campus Relations Anna Herrera joined Epic Intentions during the spring of her second year at Tech. After applying to the organization, she was assigned as a team leader for the H.E.R.O. For Children project. H.E.R.O is a nonprofit organization in Georgia that focuses on quality of life care for children with HIV/AIDS.
“Team leaders are the liaison between the nonprofit organizations and Epic Intentions," Herrera said. "The other team members work to complete the project using their unique skill sets.”
Each semester, the nonprofit organizations are recruited by the Epic Intentions board. Once a nonprofit agrees to work with the club, they give team leaders an idea of what they need. Then the team is assigned to the project, and it is up to them to decide specific details and goals.
Teams in the past have worked with organizations including Beloved Atlanta, the Center for Working Families, and Enchanted Closet. They have worked to improve marketing strategies, database systems, fundraising efforts, and more. Visit Epic Intentions’ website for a full list of projects.
Epic Intentions Final Presentations
On Wednesday, April 12, from 4:30 to 6 p.m., Epic Intentions will host its semesterly final presentation event. The event will take place in Room 105, D.M. Smith Building, and is free and open to the public. It is a great opportunity for students to see what teams have been working on and understand what Epic Intentions is all about. The night is a culmination for this semester’s projects.
“Each team has invited the nonprofit organization they worked with to attend," Herrera said. "The event will feature nine presentations and refreshments will be provided.”
Read more here (pdf) for more information on this semester’s projects. Herrera encourages students who are interested in joining Epic Intentions to attend.
"Epic Intentions allows students to apply skills they’ve learned in classes to real life problems happening at these nonprofit organizations," she said. "Students can use those skills while helping a great cause."
Joining Epic Intentions
Applications to join Epic Intentions open at the beginning of the fall semester. Undergraduate and graduate students from any major are welcome to apply. The application is brief but includes short response portions that are reviewed by the group's executive board.
“The board is looking for people who are passionate about the club and ready to commit time to their project,” Herrera said.
The organization expects members to attend weekly team meetings and commit around three to five hours per week to their projects.
Applicants will have the opportunity to choose from a predetermined list of nonprofits and can choose to apply for a team leader position, if interested. This gives students the opportunity to choose their level of time commitment as well as a cause they are passionate about.
“It has been exciting to watch Epic Intentions grow over the past three semesters," Herrera said. "From building close relationships with nonprofits to increasing applicant numbers, the club is expanding in an exciting direction. Students interested in applying should come to the final presentation Wednesday to learn about the creative solutions our teams have developed for nonprofits this semester.”
Visit the group's Facebook page for updates.