My whole life, I've wanted to be a part of something like Merit360; to come together with peers from all over the world to discuss social issues, collaborating to create strategies to address them. Merit360 is a program that selects applicants to be a part of a 6-month long strategy development process where young people from around the world work together on researching, collaborating on and producing action plans in response to the United Nations' 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). After working with our groups remotely, we will meet for two weeks in Liverpool, England in late August to team up in person and finalize our action plans. Finally, we will be presenting our work to the British Parliament or other British governmental body (the program was originally set to take place in New York City, with a presentation to the United Nations, but the president's travel ban has made it very difficult for applicants from majority Muslim countries to acquire U.S. Visas). 

I will be working on SDG #10: Reducing Inequalities. Striving to achieve this ambitious goal is an integral part of who I am. I've been a champion for social and environmental justice, gender and LGBTQ equality, and civil rights ever since I can remember. From convincing my parents at the age of 12 to start a compost pile in our backyard to being an officer in my high school's Gay Straight Alliance, I have always been passionate about helping people and the environment in any way I can. I am also ecstatic to be putting my Bachelor's studies in sociology and public health to good use.

Currently, as a part-time health research coordinator at Stanford, I am very interested in the research we're doing on health barriers which exist between minority communities and the U.S. health care system. Tailoring medical procedures and resources to the needs of different communities fascinates me, and I'm really excited to apply my experience and knowledge to a program like Merit360, and to collaborate with great minds from around the globe.

In order to attend, I must raise $1,500 by May 1st. The non-profit hostel organization I work for, Hostelling International, is sponsoring a portion of the participation cost. They will be covering the travel costs to the U.K. and back, therefore, the money I have to raise is for expenses related to Merit360.

I am super appreciative of any donation amount. Family, friends, strangers are all welcome to donate :)

This kind of opportunity doesn't come around often. I am so excited to make the most of my experience trying to put action behind my interests, ethics and passions. Please help me make this a possibility!

Thank a lot, 
Becca