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. Regardless, because it is required on the DMV driver's license application, every student needs to be properly educated.
In 2016, the JJ's Legacy team developed “Got the Dot" in response to this need. This year, 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- A 3 week long 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 along with their presentation. All the students who participate in the Leadership Program will receive participation certificates. A first and second place team will be awarded scholarships and will be featured on JJ’s Legacy social media platforms.
The Got The Dot Executive Student Board- . This academic year-long club educates students, provides several independent projects to expand on their training. JJ's Legacy events to maximize volunteering and community outreach impact. Students also are given the opportunity to meet with guest speakers who have had a life saving transplant and donor families. The Student Board meets at the JJ’s Legacy office monthly to provide education and leadership skills. Students will become educators on organ, eye, and tissue donation for their friends and families. 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 take place 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 the students who participate in the Got the Dot Club will receive participation certificates. JJ's Legacy will award scholarships to first and second place winning teams. The goal of The GTD Club is to increase donor registration in Kern County.
