They say that failure to prepare is preparing to fail. We are excited about our first international Grassroots Bootcamp in Ireland 2021. The most important aspect of our participation as Black females is our ability to prepare well ahead of time. There is a lot to be gained at the camp, from learning transferable skills in digital literacy and advocacy to networking with future Black females from all around the world. We look forward to seeing you there!
In the previous post, we talked about ways to fund the trip to Ireland. It is important to note that the first step to aligning yourself with your goal of attending the Bootcamp is in asserting your interest. You can do this by writing it down in your journal, as one of the things you are working towards for 2021. In addition, you need to register your interest with Future Black Female here, so we can plan for your attendance. Registering your interest on the website will not only assist with the planning but, it will act as an accountability tool as you will constantly be reminded of your goal. It will give you access to all the latest information about the Bootcamp.
Once you have registered your interest, you better start making your travel arrangements. As this is an international Bootcamp, many Black females from around the world will be preparing as you do too. Imagine the excitement you will all feel as you talk about this Bootcamp with friends and family. The beaming smiles on their faces are not just a reflection of excitement, they are an extension of the hope that you too will make it. There are people somewhere out there excited to meet you.
Get back on your journal and create your travel checklist! Checklists, just like your registration, are an accountability tool, which will keep you on track and keep you from forgetting anything. One of the important things that you need to include in your checklist is your passport. You are not going anywhere without your passport. It is important to have one valid up to 6 months after the trip. If you don’t have one, get one now! As you write it down ensure to take note of all these details. Once your passport is ready, find out if citizens from your country need a visa to visit Ireland. Future Black Female can write you a letter with details about the camp if you need one (another reason to register your interest in attending the Bootcamp). This link will help you figure out if you need a visa and any other visa-related information. For smooth sailing in your preparations, it is important to make your visa application well ahead of time.
Having your passport and visa ready well ahead of time will help you take advantage of one of the pros of early preparation. That is, being able to book your flights way ahead of time. Booking your flight two or three months in advance helps you take advantage of specials and promotions which will be good for your pocket! So, not only are you getting ready to have the time of your life, but you are also saving money. All this just from preparing well ahead of time. (Some travel agents will allow you to pay the tickets in installments. Be careful though, if you do not finish paying for the ticket you will not be refunded).
Now that your passport is ready, your visa is applied for and approved, and you have booked your flight, you can rest easy knowing that you are not about to miss out on the best networking opportunity yet. Be on the lookout for information about the Bootcamp in your email. Share your excitement and the news with other Black females. Encourage them to consider attending the Bootcamp, at this point you are the best person to convince them why it is important. Let them know that the world is ready for you and them!
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