Page 62 - Tennessee Teen Volunteer Judge's Book 2022

What has been your involvement with your platform? I have set up multiple food drives at my local grocery store. I set up donation boxes to collect food items at local businesses in my community. I organized "Egg Your House" and "31" to raise funds for local food banks. I sold bracelets to encourage hope for others with the proceeds going to my platform. I am also building a Blessing Box to put at my high school so those who need it will have easy access.
What inspired you to first become involved in your platform? While leaving a pageant, I saw a lady with her children on the side of the road asking for food, and I knew I needed to help. It broke my heart. Of course, I had my mom stop and give her some help. After research, I realized many kids go without food at home because they don't have enough. I knew then I had to get involved. I was further inspired by a family begging for food on the side of a busy street. I made my mom stop again, but this time I had my own money to give them.
If you are selected as the winner, how would you mobilize and market your platform nationally? I would reach out to churches across our state and nation to team up with me to reduce the number of those who go hungry every night. I would use social media, newspapers and TV stations to help make people aware of the need for food donations. I will use social media in order to help normalize the need for asking for help.
How would you utilize social media in order to positively further your position as a titleholder if you are selected as the winner? I will use social media to share the need for food donations, and to let people know where the Blessing Boxes are located so they can drop off food. I will organize fundraisers and utilize those funds to purchase food. As your new titleholder, I will work diligently to utilize all avenues of social media to help promote the Miss Tennessee Volunteer program, and encourage others to be a part of this great organization.