Shot@Life Training in New York City with the UNA-SNY Young Professionals

by Melinda Richardson, Chair, UNA-SNY Young Professionals

On November 19th the United Nations Association Young Professionals - Southern New York State Division and the Young Professionals Health Network co-sponsored an event hosted by the UN Foundation’s Shot@Life campaign at the Centre for Social Innovation in New York City. The Shot@Life campaign educates, connects, and empowers individuals to champion global vaccines as one of the most effective ways to save the lives of children in developing countries.

We were joined by Alan Kissick and Liz Clapp from Shot@Life who share how young professionals and others can get involved in the campaign. They highlighted the ways individuals can help through actions such as sharing the work being done, meeting with representatives, and hosting fundraisers both online and in-person.

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Highlighting the effective nature of vaccines, Alan mentioned that: One of the great things about vaccines is that they’re inexpensive.” and that “by expanding access to vaccines we can save a child’s life every 20 seconds”. Ultimately, Alan urged young professionals support saying that "everybody has a role to play.” Liz went on to say that there are “tons of ways your organization can partner with Shot@Life.” 

As a champion myself, I have seen the impact we can make by supporting the campaign. Here are some ways I have worked with and supported Shot@Life:

• Raised $500 on TeamImmunity website
• Created a two minute video from my experience on Shot@Life trip to the Philippines (video here)
• Interviewed Dr. Nkopa Mkobi, Global Immunization Fellow with the UN Foundation (Link)
• Helped support the UN Association to host Shot@Life Campaign Director for our monthly Happy Hour attended by over 75 young professionals in New York City.
• Hosted Shot@Life training at the Centre for Social Innovation with 25 trainees on fundraising and becoming champions.
• Met with Senator Gillibrand’s office to discuss support of vaccination programs in congress.
• Advocated with elected officials offices with meetings on Capitol Hill.

Want to know more about becoming a champion? It is a great way to engage and grow your UN Association involvement and knowledge about the UN. E-mail me at melinda@unasny.org.

Learn more about Shot@Life at www.shotatlife.org.