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VACCINEADVOCACYTOOLKIT Message ADVOCACYTOOLKITPresbyterian Ministry at the UN &Office of Public Witness

This toolkit provides practical tools to raise awareness, foster informeddialogue, and share the hope and promise of new medical breakthroughs likethe malaria vaccine. With resources for hosting educational events, sharingaccurate information in your community, writing to policymakers, andreflecting on scripture and global mission, this guide connects faith with actionin meaningful and spiritually grounded ways. As Presbyterians, we are calledto seek peace, pursue justice, and love our neighbors. Supporting vaccineeducation and equitable access is an expression of that call. Our hope is thatthis resource will encourage and equip you to be a voice for health, equity,and hope in the world, helping your community become a channel for healingand transformation.Bella RamosYoung Adult Volunteer 2024-2025Presbyterian Ministry at the United NationsWHAT IS ANADVOCACYTOOLKIT? This Vaccine Advocacy Toolkit is aresource created by the PresbyterianMinistry at the United Nations(PMUN) to empower individuals,churches, and other communities toengage in faithful, informed vaccineadvocacy. Rooted in a sharedcommitment to justice, compassion,and global health, this guide isdesigned to help you understand thevital role vaccines play in preventingdisease and protecting vulnerablepopulations, especially children andfamilies in these impacted regions. With step-by-step ideas, from writing to elected officials and organizing localevents, to using social media effectively and reflecting on scripture, you’ll findguidance for turning your beliefs into bold, compassionate action. This toolkitis designed to bridge the gap between learning and lasting impact, remindingus that advocacy isn’t just something we do during big events, but somethingwe live out every day. As Presbyterians, we are called to seek peace, pursuejustice, and love our neighbors near and far. Our hope is that this resourceencourages and equips you to carry that work forward in your own context,sustaining momentum and making space for transformation, connection, andfaithful witness in the world.Let’s keep advocating, together.Bella RamosYoung Adult Volunteer 2024-2025Presbyterian Ministry at the United NationsWHAT IS ANADVOCACYTOOLKIT? This Advocacy Toolkit is a resourcecreated by the Presbyterian Ministryat the United Nations (PMUN) andthe Office of Public Witness (OPW) tohelp individuals, churches, andcommunities take meaningful actionon justice issues rooted in our sharedfaith. Whether you’re just beginningyour advocacy journey or looking forways to deepen and sustain yourefforts, this guide offers simple andpractical tools to raise your voice,build stronger communities, and stayspiritually grounded in your work.

TABLE OFTABLE OFCONTENTSCONTENTSJustice LibraryFostering Spiritual GrowthVaccine Advocacy UpdatesLitany of Justice PrayerSharing Your StoryOn the Ground AdvocacyDigital ActivismBuilding a Community TABLE OFTABLE OFCONTENTSCONTENTS→Justice Library→Fostering Spiritual Growth→Sharing Your Story→Digital Activism→On-the-ground Advocacy→Building a Community

JUSTICEL I B R A R YAdvocacy begins withawareness, and education iskey. Learning about vaccines,global health, and the impactof malaria equips us to speakwith clarity, compassion, andconviction. Here are a selection ofrecommended reads to informand inspire your commitmentto education and justice. Maythey encourage thoughtfulaction and faithful witness inyour community and beyond. JUSTICEL I B R A R YAdvocacy begins withawareness, and reading is apowerful tool for deepening ourunderstanding. Books canchallenge our perspectives,expand our knowledge, andequip us with the tools toengage in meaningful change.When we stay well-read, ouradvocacy is more informed,,impactful, and rooted in truth.To fuel your passion for justice,here are a selection of booksthat inspire action within thechurch and beyond. May thesewords challenge, encourage,and reignite your commitmentto building a more just world.

FosteringSpiritual Growth01.PRAYERPRACTICESFOR JUSTICE02.SCRIPTUREANDREFLECTIONSet aside regular time to pray forjustice and community health.Light a candle for healthcareworkers, vulnerable populations,or those facing vaccine accessbarriers. Try a breath prayer like“God of healing” (inhale),“protect your people” (exhale), orsit in silence, lifting up thoseaffected by preventable illness.These practices ground youradvocacy in God’s compassionand presence as you work towarda healthier, more just world.Reading and reflecting onscripture can root your vaccineadvocacy in faith. Focus on versesthat speak to care for thevulnerable and communalresponsibility, such as Micah 6:8,Matthew 25, or 1 Corinthians12:25-26 (“If one part suffers,every part suffers with it”). Ask:How does this passage call me torespond to injustice? What mightGod be saying about loving ourneighbors through actions likevaccination and education?03.CREATIVESPIRITUALPRACTICES04.SABBATH ASRESISTANCECreative expression can deepenyour spiritual engagement withjustice and health work. Paint animage of healing, write a poemabout hope, make a playlist thatlifts your spirit after hardconversations, or create artinspired by stories of thoseaffected by vaccine-preventable diseases. Thesepractices make room for theSpirit to renew your heart,especially when the work feelsheavy or slow.Advocacy, especially in the realmof public health, can be sacredand exhausting. PracticingSabbath is a way to resist burnout,keep your spirit healthy, and trustGod’s work beyond your own.Whether for a full day or just amoment, rest intentionally. Walk innature, cook a nourishing meal,listen to music, pray, or simplybreathe. Rest is a faithful andnecessary act that reminds us weare not alone in the work ofhealing and justice. FosteringSpiritual Growth01.PRAYERPRACTICESFOR JUSTICE02.SCRIPTUREANDREFLECTIONSet aside regular time to prayintentionally for justice issues. Thiscould look like lighting a candleand lifting up a specific group orsituation, using a breath prayerlike “God of peace” (inhale),“bring justice now” (exhale), orsitting in silence with God. Thesesimple practices create space toalign your advocacy work withGod’s presence and compassion.Reading and reflecting onscripture can help root youradvocacy in faith. Spend timewith a passage and focus onverses that highlight God’s heartfor justice, like Micah 6:8,Matthew 25, or Jeremiah 22:3. Askyourself: What is God calling meto notice? How can scripturefurther my passion for justice?How can I live this out today?03.CREATIVESPIRITUALPRACTICES04.SABBATH ASRESISTANCECreative expression can be apowerful way to connect withGod and reflect on justice work.Paint, write poetry, make acollage, start a journal, orcreate a playlist, write a letterto your future self, or respond toa scripture passage through art.These small creative acts offerspace for the Spirit to move andcan help renew your energywhen advocacy work feelsoverwhelming.Advocacy work is holy, but it canalso be hard and heavy.Practicing Sabbath, setting asideintentional time to rest, is a way tohonor your limits and trust thatGod is still at work, even when youpause. Whether it’s a full day orjust a moment, spend time doingwhat restores your soul- taking awalk, cooking, napping, praying,or simply being still. Resting is aspiritual act of resistance againstburnout and injustice.

Malaria Vaccine Rollout: Two WHO-approved malariavaccines are being distributed in select countries, withearly signs of reduced child hospitalizations in someregions.Uptake is Uneven: Many remain hesitant due tomisinformation and distrust, especially in areas wherevaccine programs are only in pilot stages.Infrastructure Challenges: Maintaining proper coldstorage remains difficult in regions with unreliableelectricity. Solar-powered fridges and creative storagesolutions are being used where possible.Limited Availability: Children can miss doses whentraveling to districts that do not offer the vaccine,highlighting the need for nationwide rollouts.U.S. Foreign Aid Cuts: Proposed cuts would eliminateup to $1 billion in funding to Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance,which supports vaccine access globally. This couldresult in over 1 million preventable child deaths in thenext five years.Cost-Effectiveness: Vaccination programs are oftenmore effective and less expensive than currentinterventions like insecticide-treated bed nets.Advocacy is Critical: Governments and internationalpartners must be urged to sustain and expand fundingfor vaccine programs to protect millions of lives.Preventable diseases like malaria continue to take the lives of hundreds ofthousands of people. New vaccines, including the recently approved malariavaccines, offer powerful protection, but challenges such as limited access,misinformation, and funding cuts threaten their impact. Faith communitieshave a unique role to play, helping bridge gaps and amplify the call for equity.VACCINEADVOCACYUPDATES LITANY OFJUSTICEFROM THE FEAR THAT OUR VOICES ARE TOO SMALL TO MATTER,DELIVER US, O GOD.FROM THE SYSTEMS THAT SILENCE TRUTH AND PROTECT POWER,DELIVER US, O GOD.FROM THE LIE THAT JUSTICE CAN WAIT,DELIVER US, O GOD.FROM APATHY IN THE FACE OF SUFFERING,DELIVER US, O GOD.FROM DESPAIR WHEN CHANGE FEELS TOO SLOW,DELIVER US, O GOD.FROM THE BELIEF THAT WE ARE ALONE IN THIS WORK,DELIVER US, O GOD.THAT WE MAY BELIEVE LIBERATION IS POSSIBLE,GOD OF JUSTICE, WE TRUST IN YOU.THAT WE MAY CONFRONT OPPRESSION IN ALL FORMS,GOD OF JUSTICE, WE TRUST IN YOU.THAT WE MAY FOLLOW THE WAY OF JESUS—TABLE-TURNER,HEALER, LIBERATOR, FRIEND,GOD OF JUSTICE, WE TRUST IN YOU.THAT OUR FAITH WOULD NOT BE PERFORMATIVE, BUT PROPHETIC,GOD OF JUSTICE, WE TRUST IN YOU.IN THE NAME OF JESUS, WHO TURNED TABLES AND FED THEHUNGRY, WE PRAY FOR PEACE THAT FUELS JUSTICE, & JUSTICETHAT BRINGS TRUE PEACE.AMENWRITTEN BY BELLA RAMOS

LITANY OFJUSTICEFROM THE SYSTEMS THAT SILENCE TRUTH AND PROTECT POWER,DELIVER US, O GOD.FROM THE LIE THAT JUSTICE CAN WAIT,DELIVER US, O GOD.FROM APATHY IN THE FACE OF SUFFERING,DELIVER US, O GOD.FROM SYSTEMS THAT DENY EQUAL ACCESS TO VACCINES ANDESSENTIAL CARE,DELIVER US, O GOD.FROM DESPAIR WHEN CHANGE FEELS TOO SLOW,DELIVER US, O GOD.FROM THE BELIEF THAT WE ARE ALONE IN THIS WORK,DELIVER US, O GOD.THAT WE MAY BELIEVE LIBERATION IS POSSIBLE,GOD OF JUSTICE, WE TRUST IN YOU.THAT WE MAY CONFRONT OPPRESSION IN ALL FORMS,GOD OF JUSTICE, WE TRUST IN YOU.THAT BARRIERS TO HEALTHCARE BE BROKEN DOWN WITHCOMPASSION AND COURAGE,GOD OF JUSTICE, WE TRUST IN YOU.THAT WE MAY FOLLOW THE WAY OF JESUS—TABLE-TURNER,HEALER, LIBERATOR, FRIEND,GOD OF JUSTICE, WE TRUST IN YOU.IN THE NAME OF JESUS, WHO TURNED TABLES AND FED THEHUNGRY, WE PRAY FOR PEACE THAT FUELS JUSTICE, & JUSTICETHAT BRINGS TRUE PEACE.AMENWRITTEN BY BELLA RAMOS SHARINGYOURStorytelling humanizes issues.When people hear a personalstory, they can emotionallyconnect with the subject,making complex issues moretangible and relatable. Thisconnection encouragesempathy and a deeperunderstanding of the topic.A well-told story has the powerto inspire others to act. Whenpeople connect with anarrative, they are more likelyto take steps to support thecause, whether throughdonations, volunteering, oradvocating for change in theirown communities.Stories leave an imprint on thelistener long after theconversation ends. Powerfulstories can spark continuedreflection and discussion,ensuring that the message staysalive and encourages sustainedefforts toward change.Sharing your story is a wayto ensure that voices fromunderrepresented ormarginalized communitiesare heard. Stories oftenbring attention to strugglesand challenges that wouldotherwise go unnoticedS T O R Y1Pers onalconn ecti on3insp irin gacti on4crea tingimpa ct2ampl ifyi ngvoic esStorytelling is a powerfultool in advocacy. By sharingpersonal experiences, wecan connect with others,raise awareness, and inspireaction. Here are four waysyour story can make adifference:

SHARINGYOURStorytelling humanizes publichealth. When someone hears apersonal account, like acaregiver protecting their childthrough vaccination, they canemotionally connect with theissue. Your story can makecomplex public health topics,like vaccine equity or access,more tangible and relatable.A well-told story can movepeople to act. When listenersconnect with your story, theyare more likely to supportvaccine efforts, whether bygetting vaccinated, educatingothers, or advocating forchange. Your lived experiencecan be a catalyst forcommunity change.Stories linger. A powerful storycan spark conversation at thedinner table, in faithcommunities, or on socialmedia. This ripple effect keepsthe message alive, encouragesreflection, and helps sustain themovement toward justice andaccessible healthcare for all.Sharing your story can upliftperspectives that often gounheard, especially frommarginalized orunderrepresented communitiesimpacted by health inequities.Stories bring visibility to barriers,biases, and systemic challengesthat might otherwise be ignored.Your story can illuminate truthsthat data alone cannot.S T O R Y1Pers o n a lconn e c t ion3insp i r i ngacti o n4crea t i n gimpa c t2ampl i f y ingvoic e sStorytelling is a powerful toolin advocacy. By sharingpersonal experiences, we canconnect with others, raiseawareness, and inspire action.Here are four ways your storycan make a difference: Organize Community Events: Host protests, rallies, orworkshops to educate and engage community members onimportant issues, creating a space for dialogue and action.Lobby Local Officials: Meet with local lawmakers andpolicymakers to advocate for change, presenting petitions,data, or personal stories that highlight the need for action.Provide Direct Support: Volunteer with local organizations,offer resources, or create support networks to addressimmediate needs in the community, such as food drives orlegal aid.On-the-ground advocacy involves direct, in-person efforts tocreate change. This can include protests, lobbying lawmakers, orproviding direct support to those affected by social issues. Byengaging directly with individuals and communities, on-the-groundadvocacy brings awareness to issues and drives tangible change. ON-THE-GROUNDADVOCACY

Organize Community EventsHost vaccine education forums, health fairs, or paneldiscussions that provide accurate information for yourcommunity. Partner with healthcare workers, faith leaders, orlocal organizations to create spaces for open dialogue,questions, and learning. These events can countermisinformation and empower informed decisions.Lobby Local OfficialsMeet with local lawmakers, health departments, or schoolboards to advocate for equitable vaccine access andoutreach. Share community concerns, data, and personalstories that highlight the impact of vaccine gaps. EncourageCongress to fully fund Gavi in the US global health budget. Provide Direct SupportSupport community vaccination efforts by volunteering atclinics, organizing transportation to vaccine sites, ordistributing information. Collaborate with mutual aid groupsto combine public health advocacy with other vital support,like food distribution or housing resources. On-the-ground advocacy involves direct efforts to createchange. This can include community engagement, policy pressure,and support for those affected by health inequities. These actionsraise awareness, build trust, and help improvements in access,education, and equity.ON-THE-GROUNDADVOCACY Hashtag Campaigns: Use social media to create or participate inhashtag movements that raise awareness about important issues,such as #BlackLivesMatter or #MeToo.Online Petitions: Launch or sign petitions on platforms likeChange.org to rally support for policy changes, social justice issues,or environmental causes.Social Media Sharing: Share articles, videos, and infographics onplatforms like Instagram, TikTok and Facebook to educate othersand spread awareness about causes you care about.Virtual Protests or Events: Organize or participate in online events,webinars, or virtual protests to engage a larger audience in real-time discussions and actions.Crowdfunding Campaigns: Support or create fundraising campaignson platforms like GoFundMe to fund activism projects, helpmarginalized communities, or provide relief after a crisis.DIGITALACTIVISM.Digital activism can look like using onlineplatforms to raise awareness and promotedifferent causes. It allows people to quicklymobilize, spread messages and information,and influence change globally. Throughtools like hashtags, petitions, and viralcontent, digital activism can givemarginalized voices a platform and fosterglobal solidarity.

Hashtag Campaigns: Use social media to create or participate inhashtag movements that raise awareness about important issues,such as #VaccinesWork or #HealingStartsHereOnline Petitions: Launch or sign petitions on platforms likeChange.org to rally support for policy changes or health protections.Social Media Sharing: Share articles, videos, and infographics onplatforms like Instagram, TikTok and Facebook to educate othersand spread awareness. Virtual Protests or Events: Organize or participate in online events,webinars, or virtual protests to engage a larger audience in real-time discussions and actions.Crowdfunding Campaigns: Support or create fundraising campaignson platforms like GoFundMe to fund activism projects, helpmarginalized communities, or provide relief to those in crisis.DIGITALACTIVISM.Digital activism can look like usingonline platforms to raise awarenessand promote different causes. It allowspeople to quickly mobilize, spreadmessages and information, andinfluence change globally. Throughtools like hashtags, petitions, and viralcontent, digital activism can givemarginalized voices a platform andfoster global solidarity. Creating a strong community involves fostering trust, inclusivity, andactive participation. By embracing diversity, supporting each other, andworking towards common goals, we build a space where everyone canthrive, collaborate, and drive meaningful change together.BUILDING ACOMMUNITY01.CULTIVATEBELONGINGCreate welcoming spaces—bothin person and online—whereeveryone feels seen, heard, andvalued. A strong sense ofbelonging helps people show upfully and engage more deeply.02.EMPOWERPARTICIPATIONEncourage community membersto take the lead, share ideas,and contribute their uniquestrengths. When people areempowered, they feel investedin the collective mission.03.GROWTOGETHERBuild relationships rooted intrust, care, and mutual respect.Growing together strengthensthe foundation for long-term,sustainable change.