On April 27th, Hamlin welcomed Kelly Sawyers from change.org. Ms. Sawyers has worked with numerous change.org campaigns, including ones devoted to the petitions of Malala Yousafzai.
We invited Kelly Sawyers to speak about change.org as our 7th graders embark on their “Rising to the Challenge” projects. RTC is an opportunity for our students to seek solutions to problems both local and global. To learn more about RTC, please visit: http://pubs.hamlin.org/globalcitizenship/2015/06/09/demonstrating-leadership-symposium-rising-to-the-challenge/ Some of our students will likely use the change.org platform as part of this year’s project exploration.
“On change.org people everywhere are starting campaigns, mobilizing supporters, and working with decision makers to drive solutions. Anyone can start a petition. Petition starters and signers share the petition. The petition reaches new audiences. Decision makers have the opportunity to respond to the petition” (change.org website).
Change.org’s global online mobilization is influencing the lives of millions of people while empowering individuals to take a stand for what they believe in. Their platform has gotten artificial dyes removed from M&M’s and helped secure the release of journalists from prison. To learn more about their many victories, please visit, https://www.change.org/victories
Ms. Sawyers articulately addressed many topics based around the theme: “How Young Women are Changing the World Through Digital Storytelling”
She made the following points based on her direct experience working with Malala and change.org.
-Stories have power
-Young people can use technology to change the world
-62 million girls around the world do not have access to an education
-Malala used change.org to help secure funding for 12 years of education for girls around the world
-Malala is currently working to support Syrian children’s right to an education
-One person’s story can change the world
The day after the change.org presentation many Hamlin students stated that they were hoping to start a thoughtful petition as part of their RTC work.
A number of students also signed a petition created by the Julia Morgan School in Oakland.
To learn more about Change.org and the Julia Morgan petition to pass the Equal Rights Amendmend, please visit: https://www.change.org/p/we-want-equality-pass-this-bill-to-give-the-era-a-chance
-Special thanks to Hamlin Alumna and President of change.org, Jennifer Dulski who arranged Ms. Sawyers’ visit.
To listen to Kelly Sawyers, please watch the video below: