My New Happy: Teens: DoSomething.Org

Thursday, September 11, 2014

Teens: DoSomething.Org


Unless someone like you cares a whole, awful lot.  Things aren't going to get better, they're NOT!
--Dr. Seuss, The Lorax

We all know the value of volunteering.  Giving back has an enormous impact on the health and well being of a community.  Doing something good for others has been shown to reduce stress and improve the health of the volunteer.  

My boys have been surrounded by volunteer work their entire lives.  Even as babies I took them with me to various activities, and in high school, they have been required to perform volunteer hours in order to graduate.

But I don't want them to see volunteerism as something they have to do to make mom happy or fulfill a requirement.  I want them to understand that one person can make a difference, that one of the best ways to be happy is to do things for others, and that the world needs their help to make positive changes.

What's the easiest recipe to get a teenager interested in something?  Make it cool, and kick the old people out.   Enter DoSomething.Org.  I'll let them explain.

DoSomething.org makes the world suck less.  One of the largest orgs for young people and social change, our 2.7 million members tackle campaigns that impact every cause, from poverty to violence to the environment to literally everything else.  Any cause, anytime, anywhere.

My favorite part?  Members are ages 13-25, and anyone beyond that = old person. Love it!

Young people can go to their website and join one of their existing volunteer campaigns, or create one of their own and share it with others.  In the past year, members have collected 800,000 jeans for homeless youth, distributed 73,000 "thumb socks" to remind people not to text and drive, and started a Babysitter's Club, which provides free child care for parents earning their GED.  The list of campaigns goes on and on.


Growing up is scary these days. DoSomething.org tells young people that they have a say in where the world goes from here, and shows them how to change things - one person at a time, starting right now. Pretty powerful stuff.


Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world; indeed, it's the only thing that ever has.
--Margaret Mead, anthropologist

29 comments:

  1. I love this! We just started something called the Passion Project which can have similar components. I just love that it has kids/people actually thinking and doing!

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  2. My daughter has to have volunteer hours for NJHS and is beginning to see the impact she has when she helps others. DoSomething sounds like such a great organization!

    Jill
    dousedinpink.blogspot.com

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    1. I love that they focus on young people - so important!

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  3. Thank you for this great idea! My daughter needs volunteer hours in high school and this is a perfect way to get started! And I love your sweater in the last post! Business in the front and party in the back;) Susan

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  4. Replies
    1. I thought so too. Young people can do so much with all that energy1

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  5. Great resource! Has T started anything with running or animals using this resource?

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  6. I love this! My sons and I do a TON of volunteer activity and they love it. It's just been a basic fact of life since they were little so they don't think it's anything unusual. But I did some mock interviews with kids at school last year and I was surprised that not one of them had ever done any volunteer work to speak of. I think I'd like to feature DoSomething.org on my blog as well. Do you have someone you are working with or did you just do this on your own?

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    1. Nope, just found them on my own. I think spreading the word is a great idea.

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  7. love this and I love how you encourage and inspire people to get their teens (and themselves) involved in helping others! The world needs more Lanas!

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    1. You are so sweet and my best cheer leader! But I'm pretty sure one Lana is enough for everyone :)

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  8. What a terrific idea! I am knee deep in Alzheimer's stuff this month walking in one and volunteering to work at another. But looking for ward to getting more and more projects. I would love to work with the homeless in some way or another. I feel like my life has just opened up and the sky's the limit!

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  9. What a great organization. Plus it keeps teens and young adults away from trouble or wasting time online or on the TV.

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    1. I'm all about keeping the kids busy - and out of trouble!

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  10. This is great! I had heard of DoSomething.org but never realized it was for "young" people. It's wonderful your kids are involved and doing it for themselves...

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    1. Yeah - they don't want us old folks! But that's ok, if it gets kids involved.

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  11. I had never heard of this organization - I am heading over now to check it out! Great post!

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    1. There might be some good ideas for your son or his school.

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  12. What a wonderful organization and I love that you've surrounded your kids with volunteering for so long. I need to find something here that my son can participate in - volunteering is such a wonderful experience!!

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    1. It's such a great way for our kids to take the focus off of them and onto someone else. There are so many great opportunities - I'm sure you'll find something perfect for your son!

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  13. I can't believe I ran into this post today! I was just on their website looking at volunteer opportunities. My daughter just turned 12 and I am looking for ideas for her to start volunteering. This organization looks perfect. Thanks so much for sharing your recommendation...it helps a lot!

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    1. Glad you found them - it's a great organization! I'm sure they'll have something perfect for your daughter.

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  14. What a great resource! Teens learn so much by helping others. Thank you for sharing!

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