The student-led movement to end mass atrocities.

STAND MC Applications Due Tomorrow: Zach Ackerman Talks About His Experience

Name: Zach Ackerman
School: Pioneer High School, 2011
Position: Outreach Coordinator


How and why did you get involved in STAND?

The summer after my sophomore year of high school I was looking for something to occupy my time. I visited my local teen center and began trying out different programs. I went from meeting to meeting never really finding the right fit, until STAND. There I met people with a passion unmatched by any other group, fighting for a cause so deserving of my attention and devotion. I began attending meetings on a weekly basis and in no time, I was a dedicated member of our chapter with a plane ticket to DC for Pledge 2 Protect 2009.

Why did you apply to be on the STAND MC?

Prior to the conference, STAND was, in my mind, a fundraising
organization with little power to make big change. But, I began to
realize STAND was an organization that could make waves. From the
Congo plenary to Burma 101 and lobby day training, P2P showed the
immense amount of resources at our disposal backed by 1,000 fellow
students each as dedicated as they were intelligent. The conference
made me realize that we, as students, held so much power and I wanted
to help guide that power to be as effective as possible.

What was the most fun experience you’ve had as an MC member?

I like the paperwork best. But in all seriousness, I have grown so
much on account of the talent and commitment shown by my fellow MC
members. I have learned more from our team than I ever could from
school or a 9 to 5 job. They inspire me to work harder while being
some of the greatest friends I could have asked for.

How has being on the MC changed you? How has it prepared you for your
next step in life?

Unlike many member of the MC, I will not be entering the work force
this coming fall. Instead, I am heading to college for my freshman
year. Being on the MC and being surrounded by people that know so much
more than I do about everything has helped me to embrace my future
education. I am excited to use my four years to help inform policy
discussions and step up my contributions to STAND.

You can have an incredible experience too on the STAND MC. Applications are open till May 23rd for the STAND’s Managing Committee and Task Forces.

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