When first-time drivers go to the DMV to apply for their driver's license, it is required to answer the question on the form which asks if they would like to register to be an organ, eye, and tissue donor. They have the choice of marking "YES" to be a donor or "NO", not at this time. It is required on the DMV driver's license application and every student needs to be correctly educated.
In 2016, the JJ's Legacy team developed "Got the Dot" in response to this need. Got The Dot has returned to the school campuses and reestablished in-person learning. As we continue to educate students about the importance and need of organ donation, we expose the misconceptions that come with the pink dot on their license.
In the overwhelming success of the Got The Dot Leadership Program, Got The Dot has now branched out to an Executive Student Board and Got The Dot Campus Clubs. With the goals of investing in our community and nurturing the next generation of educated and inspired students, this is the perfect way to bring our community together and create positive lasting change!
The Got The Dot Leadership Program- An educational introduction to organ, eye, and tissue donation, the curriculum consists of four sessions of educational material, concluding with the opportunity to give a presentation in class to a panel of local judges. Their final project will showcase a student-created video using their newly gained knowledge about registering. All the students who participate in the Leadership Program will receive participation certificates. A first and second-place team will be awarded scholarships to further their education since they are advocates for Organ, Eye, and Tissue donation.
The Got The Dot Executive Student Board- This academic year-long club continues educating students on organ, eye, and tissue donation while providing several independent projects to expand their leadership skills. To maximize volunteering and community outreach impact, students can meet with guest speakers who have had a life-saving transplant and donor families, partake in all of JJ's Legacy's fundraising events, and volunteer time with other community events. The Student Board meets monthly to provide education and leadership skills and plan our annual Got The Dot Walk-A-Thon. Students will become organ, eye, and tissue donation educators for their friends, families, and peers. The culminating project will be a research presentation on a campaign educating Kern County residents on organ, eye, and tissue donation. Students will receive the criteria on the context for their research presentation and work in teams. Their final campaigns will be used to educate our community on the value of organ, eye, and tissue.
A presentation will occur at the end of the year, with the student teams presenting their research projects to a local panel of judges. Students are encouraged to invite their family and friends to this event. All Got the Dot Executive Student Board students will receive participation certificates. JJ's Legacy will award scholarships to first and second-place winning teams. The GTD Club aims to increase donor registration in Kern County.
