When people learn about my involvement in programs with the United Nations Foundation they typically respond with, “Cool!” The next thing I hear from them is, “How can I do that?”
It’s always the perfect time to get involved, but right now Shot@Life has an extraordinary opportunity: You can apply to become a Shot@Life Champion and go to Washington, D.C., for special training.
Shot@Life is a movement to protect children worldwide by providing life-saving vaccines where they are most needed. Shot@Life Champions are those who give time and their voices in support of this cause. The group is comprised of those you’d know in your own communities: Parents, students, bloggers, health professionals, and volunteer activists. Champions receive training to know how to communicate with elected officials, how to use media when advocating for the cause, and how to host events for fundraising and awareness.
You’ll have opportunities like traveling to Washington, D.C., for Shot@Life’s 2016 Champion Summit.
I attended the Champion Summit in 2013. More than 100 delegates from 37 states were in attendance at the summit. There eight people from my state, Utah and we formed strong bonds through learning and working together. The summit was filled with incredible instructors, mentors and and inspiring stories. In addition to the instruction, we had the opportunity to go to Capitol Hill and meet with our respective leaders to discuss the importance of life-saving vaccines. I had never lobbied before and was nervous, but the training we received provided the confidence and skills needed. It’s an incredible feeling to realize that our elected officials work for us and that they and their staff not only value hearing from us, but they can’t do their jobs without our input!
The author speaking with school children in Uganda during a vaccinations observation trip.
This year’s Champion Summit will be Monday, February 29, to Wednesday, March 2, in Washington, D.C. You’ll learn how to reach out directly to members of Congress to ask for their help and support, how to recruit other champions in your communities, how to raise awareness using new and traditional media, and how to fundraise. The deadline to apply is January 26, so don’t delay! Travel scholarships are available but they fill up fast.
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Apply today to be a Shot@Life Champion! If you know others who mightbe interested, do pass the information along. You can learn more by liking Shot@Life on Facebook, following them on Twitter and on Instagram.
Images courtesy UN Foundation / Stuart Ramson