When first-time drivers go to the DMV to apply for their driver’s license, they are required to answer a question asking whether they would like to register as an organ, eye, and tissue donor. They can choose to mark “YES” to become a donor or “NO” not to at this time. Since this decision is a required part of the DMV application, it is important that every student is properly educated to make the choice that best suits them.

In 2016, the JJ’s Legacy team developed “Got the Dot” in response to this need. As we continue to educate students about the importance of organ donation, we address the misconceptions associated with the pink dot on their license. With the goals of investing in our community and nurturing the next generation of educated and inspired students, this program is a perfect way to bring our community together and create positive, lasting change!

The Got The Dot Leadership Program: A three-day educational introduction to organ, eye, and tissue donation, culminating with the opportunity for students to present their projects to a panel of local judges. Their projects will showcase a student-created video using their newly gained knowledge, along with a slideshow presentation.

The Got The Dot Club: This academic year-long club educates local high school students to become advocates for organ, eye, and tissue donation. Students are encouraged to share this crucial information with their families, friends, and peers, with the goal of increasing donor registration in Kern County. Club members meet with guest speakers who have undergone life-saving transplants and donor families. To maximize their impact, students attend JJ’s Legacy functions, hold tabling events, and plan the annual Walk-A-Thon. At the end of the year, students present their projects to a local panel of judges.

All Got the Dot students receive participation certificates for their respective programs, and JJ’s Legacy awards scholarships to the first and second-place winning teams.