Leadership
Stories
Avidan Ackerson
Avidan Ackerson, 17, has led the effort to build public will around
the issue of blood donation. Through a well-organized, grassroots
campaign, Ackerson helped pass a bill in his state's legislature,
lowering the minimum blood donation age. Because of his efforts,
Maryland 16-year-olds may now give blood. However, his work didn't
end with the passage of his bill; he has rallied to increase youth
awareness of, and advocacy for, important issues surrounding blood
contribution. As part of his will-building efforts, Ackerson challenged
the popular belief that donating blood was a medical risk to 16-year-olds,
collecting extensive data to support his claim.
Ackerson has employed a number of mechanisms to change public
attitude and behaviors: capitalizing on his computer expertise,
he designed a teen-focused website for his cause. He has also
circulated a petition throughout schools in his area, using the
many signatures he collected to influence the Maryland General
Assembly. Additionally, he has spoken publicly on his issue, testifying
numerous times before the state legislature. Notably, he has incorporated
existing organizations into his network of supporters, working
with the Maryland Association of Student Councils and the American
Red Cross to recruit teens and adults. He has also enlisted medical
organizations to challenge misconceptions regarding the implications
of giving blood. Ackerson's work, which began as a response to
the events of Sept. 11, 2001, has resulted in the potential to
save thousands of lives and has led to a new public attitude towards
blood contribution. He is currently expanding his efforts into
a nationwide campaign, helping other young people pass similar
laws in their own states.
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