Although the distribution of the COVID-19 vaccine is beginning, we still have many strides to overcome the obstacles in achieving herd immunity. By and large, building public trust in the vaccine is fundamental to reaching protection for all and lowering the potential for virus mutations. For communities to benefit, a majority estimated around 70% of the population is needed.
That’s why Virginia Tech alumnus Kamran Razvan (1981), is leading Click & Pledge to inspire and educate the community about the vaccine. Together with partners Blacksburg Volunteer Rescue Squad, Virginia Tech Corporate Research Center, Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine (VCOM), and Roanoke-Blacksburg Technology Council (RBTC) the #Rise4Science challenge is taking form.
“The #Rise4Science mission is to build public trust in the vaccine through a unified social movement,” said Razvan. “Our goal is to increase awareness, generate discussion, and provide the motivation our community needs to get one step ahead of the virus.”
#Rise4Science is an opportunity for individuals and organizations to be part of a movement supporting science and widespread vaccination. As an individual, #Rise4Science consists of pledging to get the COVID-19 vaccine, sharing on social media using the hashtag “#rise4science”, and challenging four other peers to follow suit. As an organization, the campaign encourages charitable giving in honor of frontline workers and employees getting vaccinated.
To kick off the campaign, Click & Pledge is partnering with the Blacksburg Volunteer Rescue Squad. For each BVRS volunteer that is vaccinated, a donation of $25 will be made to a local nonprofit of their choice. This same pledge will be offered to all Click & Pledge employees when the vaccine is available.
The Virginia Tech Corporate Research Center is supporting this initiative by encouraging the companies on our campus to #Rise4Science. President & CEO, Brett Malone, Ph.D. said, “We support Kami and his efforts to help educate, create awareness, and provide valuable and actionable information to improve public safety for our community.”
Over the next months, the #Rise4Science team will work toward partnerships with other organizations like VCOM and RBTC to help lead the effort and find other creative ways to rise for science. “Generally speaking, action within your local community is an essential step when dealing with global challenges … only together can we achieve what needs to be done,” said Razvan.
To learn how you or your company can get involved, download the get started guide at Rise4Science.org.
About Click & Pledge:
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