Getting involved with UNICEF in Philadelphia
Are you based in Philadelphia and want to deepen your commitment to UNICEF? Philadelphia offers many opportunities and examples of ways for concerned individuals to get involved!
Philadelphia, often referred to as the "city of brotherly love", has a vibrant community of UNICEF supporters like yourself! In fact, the Trick-or-Treat for UNICEF campaign originated in the area and the spirit of supporting children has since continued. Below you'll find a list of ways you can get involved.
Join the Philadelphia Congressional Action Team (CAT): Join the growing network of UNICEF advocates! Launched in 2015, the CAT teams meet monthly across the country in their respective cities to learn from guest speakers, strategize, and take action. In addition to the monthly meetings, the CAT teams meet with elected officials, write letters, and raise awareness on social media. Philadelphia is one of the more recent teams to start forming and welcomes new members. You need not be an advocacy expert, our staff here at UNICEF USA will provide the resources you need to feel equipped to advocate. For more information about Congressional Action Teams click here.
Trick-or-Treat for UNICEF: As previously mentioned, the first "Kids helping Kids" campaign was a tradition that originated in Philadelphia. Decades later the program continues to support the development of young global citizens. During the fall, you can celebrate it with your children, relatives, and siblings! If you're a teacher, Trick-or-Treat for UNICEF also has a school program. Equipped with curriculum and activities, the program is a fun way to introduce global themes within the classroom. There may also be an opportunity for an in-person or skype presentation from the New York City fellow who will cover UNICEF's background, history, and programs. Other cities have amplified their impact by hosting community tabling events where boxes are distributed in public places. Why not a host a community Trick-or-Treat for UNICEF drive near you?
Start a UNICEF High School or Campus Initiative: Mobilize your campus around children's issues! Clubs such as Swarthmore College, University of Pennsylvania, Central High School, and North East High School are among the schools championing for the world's youth in Philadelphia. By starting a club, you'll be tasked with leading the effort to advocate, fundraise, and raise awareness for UNICEF within your institution. There are also opportunities to meet other clubs during regional meet-ups and at the student summit in Washington D.C. Does your school already have a club? Join it! Run for e-board or as a regular member you can take part in the life-saving initiatives.
UNICEF Kid Power: By getting active with the UNICEF Kid Power band or app, individuals are unlocking Ready-to-Use Therapeutic Food (RUTF) for children suffering from severe acute malnutrition (SAM). One can get involved as an individual, family, workplace, or as a school. For example, La Salle Academy recently turned their school field day to a Kid Power action-packed day of games, activities, and lessons.
If you have any questions whilst pursuing these actions, feel free to connect with the NYC Global Citizenship Fellow.
HOW TO HELP
There are many ways to make a difference
War, famine, poverty, natural disasters — threats to the world's children keep coming. But UNICEF won't stop working to keep children healthy and safe.
UNICEF works in over 190 countries and territories — more places than any other children's organization. UNICEF has the world's largest humanitarian warehouse and, when disaster strikes, can get supplies almost anywhere within 72 hours. Constantly innovating, always advocating for a better world for children, UNICEF works to ensure that every child can grow up healthy, educated, protected and respected.
Would you like to help give all children the opportunity to reach their full potential? There are many ways to get involved.
