1. Clearly define the platform issue to which you are sincerely committed and for which you will be an activist during your year of service.

• Contrary to popular belief, we all have within our power and in our community the ability to obtain knowledge and skills that will help reduce injuries and save lives in emergency situations. Emergencies can happen anywhere and at anytime. When they strike, there often is not much time to respond. My platform of Citizen Emergency Preparedness focuses on empowering people to cope and survive in emergency situations ranging from major catastrophes such as airline and auto crashes to “minor” emergencies in the home like accidental poisoning and choking. I encourage people to arm themselves with vital knowledge and develop life-saving skills as the basis for an action plan, and then be prepared to carry that plan out on a moment’s notice.

2. What, if any, are your most significant accomplishments to date in regard to your platform issue?

• I have armed myself with skills and knowledge that will help me save another individual’s life. Through the American Red Cross, I have obtained training in First Aid and CPR and certification in Lifeguarding and Swim Coaching. I actively share those skills and knowledge with others. For the past two years, I have also been an instructor for babysitter's training courses geared for teenagers as well as an instructor for the all-ages “Learn to Swim” program. The skills I have learned have prepared me to save lives and prevent accidents. As an advocate for Citizen Emergency Preparedness, I speak to community groups and distribute a pamphlet which I designed. That pamphlet not only lists emergency response telephone numbers, but also contains information on where the public can attain relevant preparedness training.

3. What do you wish to accomplish during your year of service as an activist for your platform?

• In my year of service, I will continue to raise awareness among average citizens about the importance of learning to prepare for and respond to emergencies. I want to motivate and encourage them to identify community resources, empower themselves with skills and knowledge, and share that information with friends and family. I draw on the inspiration of the fire, police and emergency personnel who responded on September 11, 2001, an almost unimaginable disaster, and stress that one does not need to be a professional emergency responder to be effective in most everyday emergencies. I will spread the word about Citizen Emergency Preparedness by addressing community organizations and school groups across New York State, working in conjunction with and reinforcing the efforts of the American Red Cross and other agencies.