giving kids a shot at life

22 Apr giving kids a shot at life

One child dies every 20 seconds from a disease that could have been prevented by a vaccine. Can you imagine? Most of us can’t. But, that’s because we have access to the vaccines that keep our children safe from diseases that kill so many children in developing countries. How do we get these kids the vaccines that can save their lives? We support the people that work tirelessly on behalf of the mothers and the children that need it most. We advocate for the campaigns that focus on protecting children everywhere from preventable diseases.

The impact of immunization is powerful. Vaccines are one of the most cost-effective ways to save lives, improve health and ensure long-term prosperity. I am honored to be a champion for the United Nations Foundation’s  Shot@Life campaign—to help raise awareness about the importance of global immunizations and ensure that we decrease vaccine-preventable childhood deaths and give children a shot at a healthy life.

This week is Global Immunization Week and the official launch of Shot@Life. To kick off this important campaign, I am thrilled to be partnering with another Shot@Life champion, my friend  Kristen Doyle in hosting what we’re calling #Shot4Shot. This is where advocacy gets creative, effective, social & fun!

#mymugshot + #shotofcoffee = #shot4shot

CREATIVE: You are invited to join us for a week of coffee, creativity & giving kids a shot at life!  All week long we encourage you to share your mug shots (#mymugshot) of your morning shot of coffee (#shotofcoffee) with us on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, Flickr, and/or your blog. We cannot wait to see the images you capture and share with us for #Shot4Shot.

EFFECTIVE:  By brewing our coffee and steeping our tea in the comfort of our own home, you save time & money. We ask that you contemplate how much cash you spend of coffee out and about and consider donating that money you won’t be spending this week to making a huge difference in the lives of kids that need a shot at a healthy life.

SOCIAL: This week, we’re making #Shot4Shot a social endeavor! Whether that means sharing your participation through your social networks. The object is to turn our shots into shots by raising awareness about Shot@Life. 

I will be co-hosting the Shot @ Life Twitter party on launch day, Thursday 4/26 at 9am EST. Won’t you join me?

And speaking of social, why not gather some friends together for a coffee date this week. It’s a perfect excuse to catch up with friends AND make a difference.  I’m hosting a #shot4shot gathering on Friday morning. The more collective energy we get behind us this week, the better. I’m envisioning a collective coffee meet ups this week (in person and online) where we can clink our cups, click our shots, and converse about how we can help give kids the shot at life they deserve!

FUN: Yes, it gets even better. We’ve got prizes from awesome sponsors! At the end of the week Kristen and I will be randomly choosing six shots from the #Shot4Shot participants to receive one of the following fab gifts, courtesy of our #Shot4Shot supporters:

1. Big Picture Classes is offering away a complimentary spot in my next photo workshop Picture Black & White. And by the way, 10% of your registration fee goes directly to Shot@Life! So even if you don’t win but you register anyway, it’s a win/win. YAY!!
2. We’ve got a limited edition Shot@Life Messenger bag. It’s adorable and awesome.
3. Shutter Sisters is offering up a signed copy of Expressive Photography.
4. Ephiphanie Bags has donated one of their coveted camera bags. Squeee!
5. Keurig is giving away a coffee brewing system. Super-yum.
6. Paper Coterie has offered a $100 gift card. Love their stuff.

AWESOME BONUS: I know, can you beleive this? Paper Coterie wants to help us thank all of you who choose to participate by givng every single person who shares a #Shot4Shot image this week a lovely photo journal. What better way to feature your own favorite photograph from the week? You help us spread awareness AND you get a gift. It’s just so awesome.

We cannot wait to celebrate Shot @ Life with #Shot4Shot this week with all of you!

Requests:

*We would love for the Uinted Nations Foundation and all of their incredible partners to feel the Shot @ Life love this week. Please visit Shot @ Life on facebook and give them a like for us.

*If you beleive in giving kids a shot at a healthy life, like we do, please visit the Shot @ Life website and take the pledge! Your support helps so much.

*To donate to the Shot @ Life Campaign, please visit our Crowdrise page. The money you save by brewing your own coffee at home could give a needed vaccine to a child who wouldn’t otherwise get it. And a donation of only $20 gives one child ALL the vaccines they need for a shot at a healthy life. Only $20.

*Beyond the #Shot4Shot hashtag (and if you’re so inclined the #mymugshot and/or #shotofcoffe) please use the hashtag #vaccineswork so all that we share together is on the radar of all of the other people out there looking to give kids a shot at a healty life. There’s going to be a lot of them! How cool is that?

*For your Paper Coterie journal code, all you need to do is send us an email with a link to at least one of your #Shot4Shot submissions and we will send you your code. Woohoo! Journal codes will go out following the #Shot4Shot week festivities.

Thank you so much! It’s going to be a great week!