ODAC Encourages Outreach & Education During Youth Advocacy Month: Mid-May Updates

New York City, NY (5/15/23) – The Organ Donation Awareness Corporation (ODAC) is an undergraduate-run, student-led 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization based in New York City that is dedicated to educating youth on the importance of organ donation. In May 2023, ODAC launched Youth Advocacy Month (YAM), which aims to foster youth involvement and bring awareness to youth-led nonprofit organizations' hard work and passion. In addition, the organization seeks to highlight various advocacy groups and individuals who have had a role in organ donation. 

YAM provides a platform for the next generation to amplify their voices, encourage meaningful conversation, and empower their peers to advocate for the causes that matter most to them. Monumental change is created from young individuals joining in mobilizing as a collective. To do this, ODAC created a Fireside Chats series, where viewers learn virtually about some of the most inspiring youth activists, educators, and change-makers.

In early May, ODAC presented a fascinating Fireside Chat featuring musician Billy Miller and the 3rd Street Band. Miller and his bandmates, Justin Gerber, Dash Chase, Timothy Young, and Massimo Daul, recounted the inspiring saga that led to the formation of their band and the success of their first single, “Aphrodite and the Mystery Man.”  ODAC received positive feedback from the Fireside Chat, with many individuals stating that it motivated them to take initiative in their own efforts to gain credibility as young people, despite the challenges they may face.  Another Fireside Chat recently released features Vinny Johl, a healthcare leader passionate about improving patient experiences. She explains her journey entering the healthcare field with a business background and why it was the right choice for her. As someone who mentors many delegates as part of the Clinton Foundation, including fellow ODAC members, she offers insightful advice about finding your path and advocating for causes near and dear to yourself and those in your community. 

On Saturday, May 6th, Community Relation Fellows Rohit and Alyssa held the second tabling event of spring at Washington Square Park in New York City. Using their first tabling experience as inspiration, the fellows decided to implement a trivia-style game where they invited passersby to spin a wheel for a chance to win a small prize if they got a trivia question correct. In addition, the questions encouraged discourse on organ donation and common misconceptions of the process. Through this experience, ODAC spread the word about the importance of becoming an organ donor and typical organ donation stigmas, all while encouraging youth advocacy. 

Within the next several weeks, ODAC plans to have webinars with the Transplant Support Organization (TSO), family members of transplant recipients, and Fireside Chats with influential advocates such as the fascinating and multi-talented Evan Roden. 

For more information on ODAC outreach and events:

Instagram: @odac_ny

Website: odacny.org

Tiktok: @odacny