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Online safety, often times is taken for granted. With the increase of technology and internet access continually become more exposed to a virtual world. Cibersegura was a project that began in San Diego, California. It was initially created as an effort to educate users of the online risks. Argentina is now the country with the largest volunteer and community engagement. This summer I was able to be part of this amazing organization for two months. In which I was able to help with their business operations, while continually learning about some of the issues that Argentina's youth faces with regards to social platforms. "Somos una organización sin fines de lucro que trabaja para crear un espacio digital seguro a través de actividades de concientización y educación destinadas a distintos públicos de interés" (We are a non-profit organization that works to create a secure digital space through awareness and education activities aimed at different publics of interest).
In 2017, Argetina Cibersegura was featured on a Ted Talk, presenting one of its focal talk points "Grooming". It has been a year after the Ted Talk however, the NGO continoues to expand in a rapid manner. With more than 500 seminars in both educational and workplace facilities, its mission is beginning to reach remote locations in Argentina. My tasks were very much related to my Communication and Business major. My coworkers made sure to give me a summary of the company's current standpoint in terms of projects and goals.
I initially began with creating new content and post for our Twitter page. By the second and third week, I was managing and scheduling two post a day for our Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram sites, as long as keeping up with the comments and messages that each site received. One of the challenges, I faced initially was with regards to captions. The Spanish my parents (Mexican) had taught me was quite different than the one spoken by porteños. Not only did they use words such as "vos" and "Sumete", but they are also much more expressive in their captions. Soon enough I was able to adjust to the style of writing and began to post without any edits or supervision.
As I look back, I realize that each audience is different and what works in the states will not have the same effects elsewhere. Which is quite crucial to understand and accept, often times westerns have this idea of superiority over other countries. That ethnocentrism is what keeps us close minded and unable to grow personally and professionally. Another takeaway that I will be sure to practice back home is simply making everyone feel welcomed at work. No matter the position or time of day, customers and employees will not only feel better but also work harder if they feel like they matter. I am extremely grateful to Cultural Vistas for allowing me the opportunity to learn more about myself in a foreign culture, I know it has helped me become a better citizen."