Local Community
There is no better way to learn more about your community than by helping out the people in it! No matter what your interests, there are always plenty of opportunities for you to beautify your neighborhood, provide assistance to the less fortunate, or even play with dogs and cats. Everyone will come to know you and appreciate all the hard work you do to help make the community a better place.
Spread the Peace
Inspire someone through your every day actions.
Peace starts with one person being nice to another, and so on. Do the world some good and say a nice thing about someone. You'll feel great, and just a tip: don't expect anything in return. When you do something nice, do it because you know it's the right thing. Now let's go help make the earth a better place for girls and boys!Idea submitted by anonymous, 13
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If you have lofty aspirations for helping to make the world a better place, you might want to check out some of these national and international agencies and organizations. Whether you want to make helping others your profession or just a hobby in your spare time, don't let anyone tell you that you can't make a difference!
Cut or Shave Your Hair for a Good Cause
Get rid of your hair to give hair to someone who needs it
Resources
Canada
USA
Pediatric Cancer
Locks of Love
Description
Suggest this fundraising event to your school! Participants will shave their head or cut their hair in order to raise money for cancer. Each participant accepts pledges and sponsorships for shaving their hair. Cut hair can be donated to be made into wigs for cancer patients. All the money raised is donated to cancer research.
Idea submitted by Kristy, 19
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If you have lofty aspirations for helping to make the world a better place, you might want to check out some of these national and international agencies and organizations. Whether you want to make helping others your profession or just a hobby in your spare time, don't let anyone tell you that you can't make a difference!
Walk for Breast Cancer
Raise awareness, donations, and support by participating in a walk
Resources
Avon Walk for Breast Cancer
Making Strides Against Breast Cancer
Learn About Breast Cancer
Description
Although fewer women are dying from breast cancer, more and more women are being diagnosed each year. Many of us have friends and relatives who have been diagnosed with breast cancer. The decrease in mortality rates is in part due to a greater understanding of breast cancer, as well as increased awareness of breast cancer, what it looks like, and how to treat it. Encourage your family members who are over the age of 35 to ask their doctors for an annual mammogram, especially if the disease runs in your family. You can help raise awareness by participating in a fundraising Breast Cancer walk. Many families do these walks together!
Idea submitted by Tara, 12
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If you have lofty aspirations for helping to make the world a better place, you might want to check out some of these national and international agencies and organizations. Whether you want to make helping others your profession or just a hobby in your spare time, don't let anyone tell you that you can't make a difference!
Fundraise for a Cause
Work as a team to spread the word and raise awareness!
Resources
PayPal Donations
Network For Good
EventBrite
Fundraising
Description
STEP 1: Start a club at school or with your friends and family.
STEP 2: Make a name for your club so that people can recognize you.
STEP 3: Commit to a cause, e.g. leukemia research.
STEP 4: Brainstorm ideas on how to raise money for your cause, e.g. leukemia research.
STEP 5: Research the cause and create a speech that give people information that inspires them to join the club and help the cause.
STEP 6: Set up an event and deliver the speech!
STEP 7: Collect money. You can accept checks, or set up a website to collect paypal donations. There are lots of ways!
STEP 8: Send the money that you earned to an organization that helps the cause you're interested in.
STEP 9: CELEBRATE! Feel proud of yourself for helping out with a serious cause and changing lives for the better.
Idea submitted by Lila, 12
"; dig.add_slide(s); // Create a slide s = new slide(); s.src = "images/head-mad.gif"; s.title = "World
If you have lofty aspirations for helping to make the world a better place, you might want to check out some of these national and international agencies and organizations. Whether you want to make helping others your profession or just a hobby in your spare time, don't let anyone tell you that you can't make a difference!
Be GREEN
These small actions raise awareness and save the environment a little bit at a time
Resources
Recycling Trivia
Recycle City
Where to Recycle
Description
DON'T TRASH IT: pick up trash in your community, around your house, or just your stuff. Put it into the proper recycling bins.
RECYCLE: collect pop cans and turn them in at the local grocery store. In some states, you get 10 cents per can!
BREATHE EASY: walk, take the bus, or ride your bike instead of driving. Even carpooling is better than driving alone!
SAVE TIME AND GAS: save up your errands and do them all at once instead of making several trips throughout the day or week.
PAY ATTENTION TO THE PACKAGE: Get paper instead of plastic for your groceries; plastic takes longer to degrade in the dump. Better yet, start collecting totes and duffels for reusable grocery bags.
SMALLER WAISTLINE, BETTER HEALTH: buy fewer prepackaged foods. The more packaging, the less healthy it probably is. Slim down and save the planet, too!
Idea submitted by Lucille, 13
"; dig.add_slide(s); // Create a slide s = new slide(); s.src = "images/head-mad.gif"; s.title = "World
If you have lofty aspirations for helping to make the world a better place, you might want to check out some of these national and international agencies and organizations. Whether you want to make helping others your profession or just a hobby in your spare time, don't let anyone tell you that you can't make a difference!
FreeRice
Fight world hunger by answering trivia questions!
Resources
FreeRice.com
Description
Answer multiple-choice trivia questions about vocabulary, art, chemistry, geography, math, and foreign language vocabulary. For every answer you get right, Free Rice donates 10 grains of rice through the UN World Food Program! If you get 5 right in a row, they donate 50 grains. FreeRice gives you harder and harder questions if you are playing well, and if you get questions wrong, they lower you level to something a little easier. A few questions later, they bring the question you answered incorrectly back. Do you remember what the right answer was? How many can you get right in a row?
Idea submitted by Briana, 11; anonymous, 13; and Maia, 12"; dig.add_slide(s); // Create a slide s = new slide(); s.src = "images/head-mad.gif"; s.title = "
Nation
It's easy to feel like one little voice can't affect anything when it comes to 'the system,' but that doesn't mean it's true! One person CAN be a positive influence on an entire country; you just have to know where to start!
Support Our Troops
Write a Soldier a Letter
Resources
How to Write a Letter to a Soldier
My Soldier
Send a letter to your local USO office
Description
Are you scared because someone you know is joining the army or is about to be deployed? Many soldiers from all over the country are being deployed all the time, leaving their friends and family and homes behind. When deployed, soldiers are often away for long periods of time. When they hear from people like us, it may make them feel better and remind them why they had to leave in the first place. Support our troops by sending them cards, letters, and care packages. Tell them how thankful you are for what they are doing!
Idea submitted by Dezseray, 11"; dig.add_slide(s); // Create a slide s = new slide(); s.src = "images/head-mad.gif"; s.title = "
World
If you have lofty aspirations for helping to make the world a better place, you might want to check out some of these national and international agencies and organizations. Whether you want to make helping others your profession or just a hobby in your spare time, don't let anyone tell you that you can't make a difference!
Invisible Children
Child education, not child soldiers
Resources
Invisible Children
Description
Do you like to watch movies? Do you like to wear bracelets? You can help out kids who don't have homes to stay in just by buying a bracelet that comes with a movie of a child. These children are suffering from the longest war in Africa, and sleep in huge groups to keep from being abducted by a local cult, the Lord's Rebel Army. Children who are abducted are taught to kill and see killing every day of their life. By puchasing a bracelet, not only can you start a new fasion trend, but you can be providing education, safety, and a future for these children!
World
If you have lofty aspirations for helping to make the world a better place, you might want to check out some of these national and international agencies and organizations. Whether you want to make helping others your profession or just a hobby in your spare time, don't let anyone tell you that you can't make a difference!
American Red Cross
Make a blood donation
Resources
Red Cross
Description
If you or someone you know is 17 or older, consider donating blood, and spread the word around! One donation can save up to 3 lives, and it's always in need. You might wonder, who needs blood transfusions? Cancer patients, premature babies, car accident victims, individuals undergoing surgery and organ transplants, people with blood related disorders, among many more.
World
If you have lofty aspirations for helping to make the world a better place, you might want to check out some of these national and international agencies and organizations. Whether you want to make helping others your profession or just a hobby in your spare time, don't let anyone tell you that you can't make a difference!
Goodsearch
Raise money for your cause while surfing the internet!
Resources
Goodsearch
Description
Goodsearch is a search engine that donates 1 penny to the non-profit organization or charity of your choice every time you use it. Some organizations even earn money for themselves. You don't need to enter any personal information and it's easy to use.
Local Community
There is no better way to learn more about your community than by helping out the people in it! No matter what your interests, there are always plenty of opportunities for you to beautify your neighborhood, provide assistance to the less fortunate, or even play with dogs and cats. Everyone will come to know you, and appreciate all the hard work you do to help make the community a better place.
Friendship Circle
Make a difference in the life of a child with special needs!
Resources
Friendship Circle
Description
The Friendship Circle is an organization that pairs special needs children with teenage volunteers, to give them a friendship they so badly need. Through different programs like the Sunday Circle or Friends At Home, you will feel like you do your share to help someone, and a child will be overjoyed by your presence in his/her life. I have been a volunteer for three years and it has changed my life. Go for it, you won't regret it!
School
Do you see other students who may not be as academically or financially well off as you are? Tired of the same old routine at school? You can help inspire your school into making a difference!
Be A Class Act
Resources
Warm2Kids.com
Description
Are you getting straight A's in math? Maybe you're a master when it comes to grammar. Then spread the wealth and help your fellow student by becoming a tutor. Start by talking with the teacher(s) of your favorite subject(s). Let them know that you are interested in helping out any students that might be having difficulty with the material. The teacher may arrange for you to meet with a student at your grade level, or perhaps someone younger. If you feel uncertain with some difficult material, arrange for a session with your teacher, yourself, and the student you are tutoring. Chances are that while you are helping someone else with your academic strengths, you will find that they may know a lot about something that you are as not comfortable with!
School
Do you see other students who may not be as academically or financially well off as you are? Tired of the same old routine at school? You can help inspire your school into making a difference!
Clean Up Your Act
Resources
EarthForce.org
Clean Up Kids
Description
Tired of seeing those old pop cans and newspapers on your school playground? Gather a bunch of your friends and help make your school sparkle. Ask a teacher, school nurse, your principal, or a lunch room aide to help you gather the materials you will need to safely get that trash out of the way: garbage bags, rubber gloves, and plenty of volunteers! Bring along an adult to help with the broken glass, cigarette butts, or anything else that might be dangerous. You and your friends will be school heroes, and your playground will be squeaky clean.
School
Do you see other students who may not be as academically or financially well off as you are? Tired of the same old routine at school? You can help inspire your school into making a difference!
Quarters for Kids
Resources
QuartersForKids.com
Description
Though you may not know it, there are actually a lot of kids who aren't able to purchase a nutritious meal or school supplies to help them through the day. Even though this is a big problem, you can make a big difference! Start a fundraiser at your school to help these kids and their families out. Talk to a teacher or your principal about asking students to bring in spare change in exchange for a special privilege if a certain amount of money is reached. Some examples might be a special pizza party, hat day, or free time in the classroom. Get the whole school involved by posting flyers, including information in the morning announcements, and asking teachers to encourage their students to participate. Once the money is raised, you and your friends can help the principal decide how the money should be distributed to the kids who need it most!
School
Do you see other students who may not be as academically or financially well off as you are? Tired of the same old routine at school? You can help inspire your school into making a difference!
The Great American Bake Sale
Resources
GreatAmericanBakeSale.org
Description
The Great American Bake Sale is a national initiative that gathers funds from corporations, schools, community organizations, and clubs across America. All contributions go towards providing summer and after-school meals to needy children. If you want to arrange a school bake sale to contribute money to this group, or if you just want to learn how to organize one so you can donate to local charities, this site provides step-by-step information on how you can make major dough.
School
Do you see other students who may not be as academically or financially well off as you are? Tired of the same old routine at school? You can help inspire your school into making a difference!
Big Brothers Big Sisters
Resources
Big Brothers Big Sisters US
Big Brothers Big Sisters International
Description
If you're a high school student, you can make a big difference in an elementary or middle schooler's life. The Big Brothers Big Sisters program has paired kids with young and old adults for over 100 years, creating meaningful relationships for all involved. As a big brother or big sister, you can be a positive influence in the life of your 'little.' The program consists of tutoring, mentoring, and friendship. If you are interested, ask about the program at your school, or submit your volunteer information on the organization's website. A Big Bro/Big Sis liaison will pair you with a 'little' in your community.
School
Do you see other students who may not be as academically or financially well off as you are? Tired of the same old routine at school? You can help inspire your school into making a difference!
Reinvent Recycling
Resources
EPA Educational resources
Recycle Zone
Description
Sometimes it's hard to keep recycling programs in schools if students and teachers aren't all on board, too. Help get your school excited about recycling and a clean environment by getting a group of friends together and learning the benefits of recycling. Then, ask teachers if you can give a brief speech in their classes, or even hold a special school-wide assembly to get everyone excited about recycling. Choose a centralized recycling station in the school's cafeteria or gymnasium, and encourage each classroom to send their daily recyclables to the station. If you live in a state with pop can deposits, you can even use the can money to pay for a pizza party, school dance, or movie day in your school. Your fellow students, and the environment, will be grateful for your commitment!
Local Community
There is no better way to learn more about your community than by helping out the people in it! No matter what your interests, there are always plenty of opportunities for you to beautify your neighborhood, provide assistance to the less fortunate, or even play with dogs and cats. Everyone will come to know you and appreciate all the hard work you do to help make the community a better place.
Growing Community Roots
Resources
KidsGardening.com
CommunityGarden.org
Description
Is there a plot of land in your community that just seems to be calling out for a kid like you to do something amazing with it? Think about starting a community garden. Gardening can be a great stress relief for the older folks, and it can be a great way for you and your friends to learn cool things about nature, and help out your community. To start, ask a few adults--try teachers, parents, or family members--to help you ask your city government for permission to use the land. You'll have to convince them that a community garden will be a great place for people to learn more about their neighbors and contribute to your community culture. When you have the land secured, start fundraising by any way you can think of! Try selling seeds door-to-door, collect quarters at your school, have a community-wide talent show, anything to help you raise funds to buy the supplies you will need. It might involve a bit of planning, and may cause some sore muscles, but your whole community will thank you and your friends for caring so much! Try the sites above for everything you will need to know to start your own garden.
Local Community
There is no better way to learn more about your community than by helping out the people in it! No matter what your interests, there are always plenty of opportunities for you to beautify your neighborhood, provide assistance to the less fortunate, or even play with dogs and cats. Everyone will come to know you and appreciate all the hard work you do to help make the community a better place.
Just Do Something!
Resources
DoSomething.org
Description
You must be getting tired of those reruns after school, and there's only so much fun those toys can provide. If you find yourself constantly looking for something to do, just Do Something! DoSomething.org is a great website that gives all sorts of cool ideas about things you and your friends can do to make a big difference in the lives of people around you, and in your own life. From starting a program that shows people just how bad smoking is, to a fitness program that raises money for the Lance Armstrong Foundation, there is an idea for just about anyone's interests. Also, you can register to become part of the Do Something community so that you can share your experiences, read about what other kids are doing, and even win prizes and scholarships for your community activism! Make sure to tell us what you think about their ideas, and tell your Do Something friends about SmartGirl.
Local Community
There is no better way to learn more about your community than by helping out the people in it! No matter what your interests, there are always plenty of opportunities for you to beautify your neighborhood, provide assistance to the less fortunate, or even play with dogs and cats. Everyone will come to know you and appreciate all the hard work you do to help make the community a better place.
Be A Hero
Resources
CityYear.org
Description
Are you in 6th-8th grade and living in Boston, Chicago, Cleveland, Columbia (SC), Columbus, Detroit, New Hampshire, New York, Philadelphia, Rhode Island, San Antonio, San Jose, Seattle/King County or Washington, D.C.? Are you looking for something amazing to do on Saturdays besides watching cartoons and sitting around? If so, become a Young Hero. 'Young Heroes learn about the social issues in their community and then work together to solve those problems through hands-on community service 3 Saturdays a month from January-May. Saturdays begin with the Young Heroes gathering together in the morning to participate in team activities and a special training on that day's social issue topic. In the afternoon, teams split up and fan across the city to do community service projects that address the issue they learned about that morning.' You can become an ultimate SmartGirl by learning about your community's problems, and then learning how to fix them!
Local Community
There is no better way to learn more about your community than by helping out the people in it! No matter what your interests, there are always plenty of opportunities for you to beautify your neighborhood, provide assistance to the less fortunate, or even play with dogs and cats. Everyone will come to know you and appreciate all the hard work you do to help make the community a better place.
Stand Up and Serve
Resources
ServeNet.org
Description
Are you interested in volunteering but not sure what you can do in your community to help? Servenet.org allows you to search volunteer opportunities across the world according to your interests, age group, skills, and the population you're interested in working with. If there are people looking for volunteers, they'll find YOU through Servenet.org. They also offer information so that you can learn more about how volunteering helps you and others, and even scholarship opportunities for people like you who are really making a difference.
Local Community
There is no better way to learn more about your community than by helping out the people in it! No matter what your interests, there are always plenty of opportunities for you to beautify your neighborhood, provide assistance to the less fortunate, or even play with dogs and cats. Everyone will come to know you and appreciate all the hard work you do to help make the community a better place.
Get Planning
Resources
YSA.org
Description
The Youth Service America's 'Plan It' tool is an incredible way for you and your friends to plan your entire community service project from start to finish, and then post online for the world to see. You don't need money, or even experience, just a good idea of how you can help your community, and Plan It will help you do the rest. Youth Service America believes that volunteers gain just as much, if not more, as they give, so their mission is 'to make service and service-learning the common expectation and common experience of all young Americans.' Do you think you have something to share with your community, even your world? Then you'd better start planning.
Local Community
There is no better way to learn more about your community than by helping out the people in it! No matter what your interests, there are always plenty of opportunities for you to beautify your neighborhood, provide assistance to the less fortunate, or even play with dogs and cats. Everyone will come to know you and appreciate all the hard work you do to help make the community a better place.
Part of the Solution
Resources
VolunteerSolutions.org
Description
This website provides another solution if you're still trying to find the right volunteer opportunity for you. You can enter your age group, your location in the U.S., interests, and any other preferences, and they will provide you with more opportunities than you could possibly find time to take advantage of! If you're looking to prepare for college, or just life in general, this website can connect you with many non-profit groups and volunteer organizations in your area. Get your friends to join you, and have a great time helping out the community!
Local Community
There is no better way to learn more about your community than by helping out the people in it! No matter what your interests, there are always plenty of opportunities for you to beautify your neighborhood, provide assistance to the less fortunate, or even play with dogs and cats. Everyone will come to know you and appreciate all the hard work you do to help make the community a better place.
Build Some Habitat
Resources
Habitat.org
Description
Habitat for Humanity has been supporting the underprivileged and giving the homeless a place (and reason) to live since 1976, and you can help them. Use their site to look for volunteer opportunities in all U.S. cities, Canadian provinces, and across the world. Not only will you be able to meet, work with, and really help out a family in need, but you'll get a crash course in building an entire house! If swinging a hammer isn't your thing (though it's a lot easier than it may seem) there are lots of other opportunities to help out the poor in your community including cooking at breakfasts for the homeless or fundraising for housing supplies.
Local Community
There is no better way to learn more about your community than by helping out the people in it! No matter what your interests, there are always plenty of opportunities for you to beautify your neighborhood, provide assistance to the less fortunate, or even play with dogs and cats. Everyone will come to know you and appreciate all the hard work you do to help make the community a better place.
Don't Ignore Our Furry Friends
Resources
Humane Society of the United States
Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals
Humane Society of Canada
Description
So you've been begging your parents for a pet for years, but they insist you can't handle the responsibility. Surround yourself with all the four-legged friends you can handle by volunteering at your local animal shelter. These shelters can use all the help they can get with grooming, feeding, and playing with their residents. This way you can have experiences with all types of animals, and people too! Maybe your parents will even be impressed enough to change their mind about letting you have your own furry friend…no promises, though.
World
If you have lofty aspirations for helping to make the world a better place, you might want to check out some of these national and international agencies and organizations. Whether you want to make helping others your profession or just a hobby in your spare time, don't let anyone tell you that you can't make a difference!
Your Dreams Take Flight
Resources
Audubon.org
Description
The Audubon Society focuses on the conservation and restoration of natural ecosystems and wildlife habitats, especially those of our feathered friends, for the benefit of both humanity and biological diversity. High school juniors and seniors, and college students can intern at one of the many Audubon nature camps, or assist on exciting mountain journey programs. Older members of the Audubon Society contribute by conducting environmental research, raising funds to restore habitats, participating in clean-up expeditions, and educating communities regarding the importance of conservation. If your heart is with the preservation of the environment and its inhabitants and you enjoy science, ecology, or biology, consider investigating opportunities at the Audubon Society.
World
If you have lofty aspirations for helping to make the world a better place, you might want to check out some of these national and international agencies and organizations. Whether you want to make helping others your profession or just a hobby in your spare time, don't let anyone tell you that you can't make a difference!
Click Your Way to a Better World
Resources
Race for the Rainforest
The Hunger Site
EcologyFund.com
Description
It sounds too good to be true, but these sites allow you to make donations just by clicking on a button! While these click-to-donate websites aren't meant to replace the more traditional donations of money, skills, effort, and time, they're a good way to contribute to the causes you care about when you don't have enough of the above to spare.
World
If you have lofty aspirations for helping to make the world a better place, you might want to check out some of these national and international agencies and organizations. Whether you want to make helping others your profession or just a hobby in your spare time, don't let anyone tell you that you can't make a difference!
Food for Thought
Resources
Strength.org
Description
Share our Strength (SOS) is a nonprofit collaboration of 'anti-hunger' activists who donate their time, skills, resources, and money to programs helping to feed kids and their parents who aren't able to afford a warm meal, or any meal at all. If you like cooking or have plans to be the next Emeril Lagasse, SOS hosts a ton of 'dinner party' functions in which chefs prepare elaborate meals to raise money for their cause. Even if you can't imagine yourself going anywhere near a food processor, you can still help to end childhood hunger. SOS needs drivers to deliver meals to food banks, publicity people to spread the word, and business people to keep the whole thing going. No matter what your skills when you're older, if you choose ending hunger as your cause, SOS can use your help.
World
If you have lofty aspirations for helping to make the world a better place, you might want to check out some of these national and international agencies and organizations. Whether you want to make helping others your profession or just a hobby in your spare time, don't let anyone tell you that you can't make a difference!
A World of Opportunities
Resources
UNICEF.org
Description
If you have your sights set on helping to make the entire world a better place, then you had better check out the United Nations International Children's Emergency Fund (UNICEF). With UNICEF, you will be able to use all the skills and resources you will have when you are older to help make the lives of children throughout the world better when they are unable to change things themselves. UNICEF helps many countries in providing medical care, education, and safe living environments, in the hopes of decreasing the poverty, violence, disease and discrimination currently facing these children. If you want to fight for the rights of others, or maybe you don't want other children to have to experience the hardships you had to overcome, then consider contributing your time or skills to UNICEF.
World
If you have lofty aspirations for helping to make the world a better place, you might want to check out some of these national and international agencies and organizations. Whether you want to make helping others your profession or just a hobby in your spare time, don't let anyone tell you that you can't make a difference!
Seeing Red
Resources
RedCross.org
Description
If you or your parents have ever (willingly) given blood, then you know all too well one of the things American Red Cross (ARC) does to help communities in need. What might surprise you, though, are the numerous other ways in which the ARC works to help people recover from tragedy and natural disasters. ARC's mission is to provide 'relief to victims of disasters and helping people prevent, prepare for, and respond to emergencies', and they need A LOT of people to help them do this. Volunteers do everything from marketing, public relations, and fund raising, to balancing the ARC's bank accounts. No matter what you choose to be when you grow up, there are definitely ways that you can contribute to the ARC, and the thousands of families they help every year would certainly appreciate it!
World
If you have lofty aspirations for helping to make the world a better place, you might want to check out some of these national and international agencies and organizations. Whether you want to make helping others your profession or just a hobby in your spare time, don't let anyone tell you that you can't make a difference!
A 'Peace' of the Action
Resources
PeaceCorps.gov
Description
If you aren't happy about all the bad news you've been hearing on TV and learning about in school, consider gearing up to do something about it when you get a little older. As a member of the Peace Corps, you will have the opportunity to travel to over 72 countries, helping to train and educate impoverished children, men, and women, as well as promote a better understanding of different cultures upon your return home. Depending on your skills and interests, you might be working on educating youth, helping to build highways and government buildings, working with farmers to develop more efficient ways of growing crops, promoting health awareness, or teaching computer skills to people who may have never even seen a computer (you are SmartGirls, after all!) The possibilities are endless as long as you have a sense of adventure, a drive to help humanity, and the willingness to go without a Target or Wal-Mart anywhere nearby!
World
If you have lofty aspirations for helping to make the world a better place, you might want to check out some of these national and international agencies and organizations. Whether you want to make helping others your profession or just a hobby in your spare time, don't let anyone tell you that you can't make a difference!
The Natural Thing to Do
Resources
WorldWildlife.org
Description
The World Wildlife Federation is an international effort to conserve and increase the dwindling numbers of endangered species including whales, giant turtles, rhinoceroses, tigers, and many, many others! If you're a WWF volunteer, you can do something as simple as fundraising and choosing environment-friendly products, to something as exciting as traveling to a distant country and working with the native species and people first hand. You probably already know how important it is to make sure these animals are around when you are your parents' age, and much longer, but be sure to spread the word to friends, family, and the community.
Nation
It's easy to feel like one little voice can't affect anything when it comes to 'the system,' but that doesn't mean it's true! One person CAN be a positive influence on an entire country; you just have to know where to start!
Teach For America
Bridging the gap toward educational equality
Resources
TeachForAmerica.org
Description
Do you have a special teacher or mentor in your life who has inspired you to become a teacher? Even if you don't want to be a teacher, do you think you have something to contribute to kids with little hope for a good education? Then here is an idea that you won't even have to wait much longer to take advantage of. Teach for America is a program that pairs recent college graduates with schools in the poorest regions of the U.S. that are in desperate need of qualified teachers. The type of children in these schools often have less access to quality health care, strong pre-school programs, and adequate housing, which results in an overall inability to focus on academics. After all, how much energy can you spend worrying about grades when even your most basic needs aren't being met? If you have experienced family, economic, discriminatory, or other hardships, you may want to prevent other kids from having to experience the same troubles you did. Or maybe you had a pretty comfortable life, and you want to help others experience that as well. No matter what your motivation is, Teach for America allows you to make the difference that only teachers can without asking you commit to being a teacher as your permanent profession.