Legacy Donor Foundation’s Operation Donation program helps inspire teens to learn about the positive impacts of organ, eye and tissue donation and hopefully register as donors when getting their driver’s license or ID. This program is unique because the education comes from their peers.

Our young volunteers are given a starter kit, along with some education. They participate in discussions regarding donation and are guided to develop creative ways to educate their student population. We work together to plan and implement awareness programs or events at their schools.

We will be giving trophies and certificates to recognize their hard work. We will determine various levels of recognition based on uniqueness of activities, measurable outcomes and spirit shown. We hope by this type of education beginning at an impressionable age, young adults will be inspired to learn more and maybe even register as donors!

Some amazing benefits of the program include:

• • Student Advocates will be able to count volunteer hours to school courses or for extra credit
  • The Youth Advocacy program will be an excellent project for students to put on their resume
  • The Legacy Donor Foundation/Donate Life Louisiana will provide a letter of recognition for each participating student to be used in college applications and job prospecting as needed.
  • Students can recruit a Teacher Advocate and form a Donor Awareness Club to assist in implementing donor awareness activities and programs.
  • The Youth Advocacy program gives students the opportunity to become a leader in their community and among their peers.
  • Students will learn the importance of advocating for a cause and how they can influence a positive change in society.
  • This program will develop well-informed young adults by preparing them to make responsible health decisions, by educating them on accepting their right and responsibility as donors and they can see how increasing registered donors will impact those waiting for transplants by shortening the waiting time.
  • Awareness activities will be decided on by student advocates. Some examples include: distributing heart-shaped suckers for National Donor Day (Valentine’s Day), surveys, decorating a Donate Life bulletin board on campus, displaying of brochures/flyers and posters, announcements on speaker or publications, tables with information and giveaways, youth videos, speaker at assembly, workshops, social media and unique school events such as a fashion show, flying a Donate Life flag on campus, and Blue and Green dress down day. Other events are also welcomed.

Interested in starting an Operation Donation Program at your school? Contact us at [email protected] or (504) 558-8900 for more information and to get started!