West Virginia University - News and Information Services
WVU student's malaria awareness campaign recognized nationally
One of 12 Buzz Cuts finalists
A West Virginia University senior is “biting back” to raise awareness of malaria.
Emily Renzelli, a double major in political science and philosophy from Bridgeport, has been named one of 12 finalists in the national Buzz Cuts contest, which challenges college students from across the country to submit innovative awareness campaigns in support of Nothing But Nets, a grassroots campaign to prevent malaria.
Renzelli’s “Bite Back” proposal has three parts. As students complete each activity, they will receive a wristband – one will say “B” for believing, another “U” for understanding, and the final one will have a “G” for giving – spelling out “BUG.”
During the “believing” stage, Renzelli will encourage the campus community to sign a petition to show its concern over malaria. She plans to share the document with West Virginia lawmakers.
For the second – “understanding” – phase, increasing awareness is key, Renzelli said. She hopes to organize a campout on campus with student organizations. Movies about malaria would be shown and health information distributed.
And finally, during the “giving” stage, Renzelli will ask for donations to “send nets to save lives.” It only costs $10 to provide an insecticide-treated bed net that can prevent the deadly disease, she said, and the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation matches donations net for net.
“Emily’s campaign stood out as an innovative and fun approach to advocacy on the serious issue of malaria,” said Victoria Baxter, executive director of The People Speak, a campaign to educate and engage young people on global issues. “Malaria kills a child in Africa every 30 seconds. The finalists were really able to get that message across while also getting other students involved in helping prevent this disease.”
The People Speak selected the finalists, who were invited to the United Nations Foundation offices in July to learn more about malaria, the Nothing But Nets campaign and the production of multimedia tool kits.
This fall, Renzelli has begun planning and implementing her “Bite Back” campaign. She is documenting the process and results through a blog, photos and video, which will be featured at http://www.nothingbutnets.net/.
During this phase of the competition, Renzelli will be supported by Americans for Informed Democracy, a partner of The People Speak. The WVU Center for Civic Engagement has also joined her cause and is working to involve student leaders and other campus organizations in the project.
“Emily’s innovative campaign and dedication to this important issue are commendable,” said Kimberly Colebank, director of the Center for Civic Engagement. “We are very excited to help her get others involved.”
In December, the public will vote on its favorite campaign online at http://www.nothingbutnets.net/, and the winner will receive a $500 prize and national distribution of his or her campaign tool kits and materials.
“This program again reiterates the national presence of our student body,” said David Kirkpatrick, Student Government Association president. “Our students are competing with some of the most prestigious higher-education institutions in the country, and we intend to help Emily win.”
A special Web site is being developed for Renzelli’s malaria awareness project. In the meantime, people can e-mail emilyrenzelli@yahoo.com to learn more or sign up to volunteer.
Nothing But Nets
Nothing But Nets is a global, grassroots campaign to save lives by preventing malaria, a leading killer of children in Africa. Thousands of people have joined the campaign that was created by the United Nations Foundation.
Founding campaign partners include the National Basketball Association’s NBA Cares, The People of the United Methodist Church and Sports Illustrated. Otherpartners include VH1, the Mark J. Gordon Foundation, AOL Black Voices, Rotarians’Action Group on Malaria, the Wasserman Foundation and Major League Soccer’s MLS W.O.R.K.S.
Office: (304) 293-6997
Center for Civic Engagement
Office: (304) 293-8761