Shot@Life is a campaign promoting vaccines for children in developing countries to give kids everywhere a chance at, or a "shot at" (get it?) life and all the joyous milestones that come with it. As a RESULTS advocate, I was already a champion for global education, global health and microfinance. But I decided to take on this extra championship because I am also a mother of healthy children and the daughter of a public health administrator. Some issues just really hit home for personal reasons.
With the number of children dying from easily preventable diseases equal to the number of American children entering kindergarten next year, society owes it to these kids to give their parents the choice to vaccinate. It's the safest, most cost-effective way to save the most lives.
I want to shout it to the world that this has been one of the most fun and empowering experiences of my life. When I was accepted to be one of the very first champions before Shot@Life was even launched, I felt valued and honored, then scooped up and plunked into a room of 50 kindred spirits. Moms (it wasn't all moms, but mostly for the first champion summit) who are busy, loving, passionate about our causes, and always seeking to balance volunteering with work and caring for children. "All in" kinds individuals already used to throwing in all their skill and energy at something they believe in. Driven people who were similar in this characteristic, but coming from so many diverse backgrounds and skill sets as bloggers, pediatricians, advocates, etc. It has been so invigorating to learn from all of them and help each other grow.
What specifically do I do as a Shot@Life champion? I advocate, promote and fundraise. Here's a glimpse at what me and my fellow champions have been up to:
- Advocating: We're visiting US members of Congress. Also, by asking folks to take action through emails, phone calls and handwritten letters, we're helping others to advocate, too.
- Promoting: We're hosting information tables at PTA conventions, local farmer's markets, and anywhere else we can find an audience. We're generating news media for Shot@Life and sending out the word through Twitter and Facebook.
- Fundraising: We've hosted fundraisers like our IL Shot@Life Oscar party and other events to raise funds and awareness. In 2013, I will run a 1/2 marathon to inspire donations.
- Once in a lifetime moments: Every once in a while, a few champions are chosen to do something quite extraordinary. Amazing things, like...walk the catwalk during a NY Fashion Week show, go to the Clinton Global Initiative talks, or go to Uganda to talk with African mothers about vaccines. These can't be guaranteed for you, but I did go to Uganda and personally know the folks who did those other things.
- Kibbitz: Good lord, the amount of time I've spent on the phone or email with my new friends. It's truly remarkable. And from the fellowship and online shenanigans also come great ideas about how to save kids' lives on a grand scale.
I hope that gives a better view into what we're up to...and what you could be doing in 2013, too. Every action we take makes me feel more empowered and better connected to creating a better world for all children, including my own. Apply today for the Shot@Life Champion summit. Only 100 slots are available and the deadline is December 31. Good luck!
