On behalf of PHR’s National Student Advisory Board, I’d like to welcome all of you to the launch of the 2009-2010 Student Program. I’m confident that you will find the National Student Program to be a home for your passion for health and human rights! As a member of the Student Program, you benefit from having a program and peer-network dedicated solely to helping you grow and contribute as an advocate, along with the expertise of PHR’s network of internationally recognized health and human rights leaders.
As health professional students, we are uniquely poised to advocate for patients both domestically and abroad. Together we can bring our collective passion, knowledge and expertise to our classrooms, our clinics and our Congress. Having been involved with PHR for over six years, as a staff member and now as a medical student at Loyola, I can unequivocally say that this will be our most important year yet. At this moment, we have an opportunity to profoundly shape the way our present and future generations think about health and human rights. We have a phenomenal year planned, filled with opportunities to strengthen and expand your role as health and human rights advocates, as well as connect with mentors and peers all across the country.
As the academic year gets underway, the Advisory Board recommends these three simple ways to start this year strongly:
- Get to know your fellow chapter members, both as individuals and as advocates. Many chapters are holding informal potlucks to get to know one another, discuss their goals as a chapter and develop action plans for the year.
- Sign up for your upcoming Regional Advocacy Institute. These institutes can better your understanding of some of PHR’s priority issues, further develop your advocacy skills and foster collaboration between chapters in your region.
- Learn about all the resources available to your chapter! The strongest chapters have a good sense of their strengths, connections, and resources. As your chapter core begins to brainstorm activity ideas, be sure to check out what resources the Student Program provides, and use this guide to assess additional resources available within your chapter, on your campus and in your community.
Finally, the Student Advisory Board members, Training Coordinators, Chapter Mentors, and, of course, Danielle, are always here to help! Don’t forget to keep in touch with us so we can offer advice and assistance for all that you are doing. Email Danielle to contact me or any of the other volunteer leaders. We are excited to support all your ideas, your creativity and your commitment to advancing health and human rights!
