Help Me Become a Voice for Change [GUEST BLOG]
Posted by
Ben Banks
Ashland, Virginia
July 20, 2011
My name is Ben Banks and for nearly a decade I have been a
Foundation Ambassador for the Elizabeth Glaser Pediatric AIDS Foundation. Last year I graduated from Walden University with a Master’s degree in public health. Walden University is dedicated to advancing positive social change through programs that inspire students to use their education and skills for the greater good.
Ben speaks to a crowd about growing up with HIV
at the 2008 A Time for Heroes picnic in
Los Angeles. (Photo: EGPAF)
My experience at the university encouraged me to make a difference and one way I’m doing that is through my work as an Ambassador at the Foundation. Through the Foundation Ambassador program, I’ve had the opportunity to support an amazing cause – the elimination of pediatric AIDS - and make a difference by sharing my own personal story.
I was recently featured in the Foundation’s web series, “this is HIV. live your life.” The video (
watch it here) tells my story of growing up with HIV and how I’m using my voice today to educate others about pediatric AIDS.
I liked the video so much that I submitted it to the Walden University Scholars of Change video contest, a program for prospective students, students, and alumni to share videos promoting social change.
The winner of the video contest receives $2,500 to donate to the charity of his or her choice. If I win, I pledge my $2,500 prize to the Foundation to continue its mission to eliminate pediatric AIDS.
I am competing against six fellow alumni who have submitted their own amazing videos and I need your support to win. This is where YOU come in:
- STEP 1: Go to www.waldenu.edu/contest
- STEP 2: Enter your email address and click “Vote Now!”
- STEP 3: Register
- STEP 4: Select “Alumni Gallery”
- STEP 5: Vote for Ben B. School of Health Sciences and click “I am Done Voting”
- STEP 6: Vote once a day until July 25
- STEP 7: Share contest with friends and family and encourage them to vote.
Thank you in advance for registering, voting, and supporting me and the Foundation!
Ben Banks is a Foundation Ambassador for the Elizabeth Glaser Pediatric AIDS Foundation. He lives in Ashland, Virginia with his wife, Kasiah.