Virtual Gathering To Support Global Vaccine Equity

Source: Peoples Vaccine Project

A grassroots collaborative is working to address global inequities in COVID-19 vaccine distribution, encouraging people to “pay it forward” after receiving their own vaccines by donating to organizations advocating for more equitable access to vaccines.

The western MA-based People for Global Vaccine Equity has launched a fundraising campaign, with donations to be divided among the nonprofits Oxfam America, Justice is Global, Public Citizen and Right to Health Action. The campaign will culminate in the Global Vaccine Equity Gathering on May 1, 7 p.m. ET, on Zoom. Emceed by Phil Straub, DJ at WRSI in western Massachusetts, the event will include music, poetry and international guests speaking about vaccine efforts around the world.

Register for the event here.  

“This grassroots effort is vital to demonstrate that people in the U.S. are in solidarity with people around the world, especially those in the 30 countries that have yet to receive any vaccine — not even for health care workers,” said Risa Silverman, one of the effort’s organizers, who works in the public health and health equity field. “In fact, 76% of all vaccines have gone to just ten countries.”

People for Global Vaccine Equity selected May 1 for the event since that was the original target date set by the Biden Administration for all Americans to be eligible for the COVID-19 vaccine. Silverman said “I hope people make small donations to honor our own good fortune in the U.S. to be heading towards herd immunity, while so many around the world do not yet have this opportunity.”

The May 1 Global Vaccine Equity Gathering lineup includes many local performers:

• The Expandable Brass Band, an activist street band based in Northampton, Massachusetts
• Leo Hwang, performer and poet whose work has appeared in  Human Being & Literature, Meat for Tea,  and other literary magazines. 
• Peter Newland, a singer/songwriter and multi-instrumentalist and founder of the legendary western Massachusetts rock band FAT
• Rui Santos (aka Ras Moon), a Cape Verdean reggae musician who lives in Greenfield
• Michelle Wilson, an award-winning blues vocalist and songwriter 
• Nicole Young, a poet, playwright and producer/host of the web series “Black Writers Read” and “Creating in Color”

In addition, representatives from the organizations for which money is being raised will also speak about their work.

The fundraising campaign is underway now and will accept donations on its secure ActBlue page through May 15th. All money raised will go directly to the four health organizations, which are engaged in vaccination equity efforts domestically and internationally.

To learn more, visit the Global Vaccine Equity Gathering at Facebook or email organizer Risa Silverman at peoplesvaccineproject@gmail.com.