Miami Congressional Action Team members meet with U.S. Congressman Carlos Curbelo

Our Stories Propel Our Movement

Miami Congressional Action Team members meet with U.S. Congressman Carlos Curbelo

October marked the month of the classic American tradition of Trick-or-Treat for UNICEF—the “kids helping kids” campaign. In Miami this was no different. However, for many of the Congressional Action Team members, Trick-or-Treat for UNICEF was not something they were able to participate in during their childhood in their respective countries.

The Miami Congressional Action Team is comprised of many individuals who have seen first-hand the realities many children face in places around the world.  These memories propelled them to take a constructive approach to social change on behalf of children through advocacy and civic engagement.

Shared narratives inspired a productive dialogue regarding the continued support of the Reach Every Mother and Child Act and UNICEF appropriations during our meeting with Representative Carlos Curbelo.

For many years Representative Curbelo was an active member of the Miami Dade School Board and knows first hand what it means to hold childhood and youth development at the forefront of the region’s priorities. During the meeting Curbelo and our team happily expressed the reality of the diverse community in Miami and suggested how that gives us the unique opportunity to be leaders in our local and global community.

Students from Florida International University and Cypress Bay High School are proud participants and leaders in the Miami Congressional Action Team for UNICEF USA. These students inspired a renewed sense of passion and inspiration for Representative Curbelo and solidified a promise for continued support for UNICEF.

“When we share our stories, what it does is, it opens up our hearts for other people to share their stories. And it gives us the sense that we are not alone on this journey.”

Laylah Copertino, ©U.S. Fund for UNICEF