Creator: Do Something.org Team | visit site
Grade Range: 6 - 11
<i>Do Something.org</i> is one of the largest organizations in the United States that helps young people take action to promote causes they care about and motivates them with realistic, creative inspiration to create a culture of volunteerism. By tapping into the web, television, mobile devices, and popular media, <i>DoSomething.org</i> empowers and celebrates today’s youth as the "Do Something" generation: teenagers who recognize the need to do something, believe in their ability to get it done, and then take action. Explore this site for ideas for starting your own project and browse the many causes and volunteer opportunities already in your own area and beyond. Help students discover ways to make a difference. The rules are simple: No Money, No Car, and No Adults permitted for putting your plans into action.rn<br><br>rnThere are suggestions, resources, and support to empower young people and give them the energy to take action and make a difference. Whether their passion is to feed the homeless, end bullying, help even the playing field of educational inequalities, or many more needy causes, this website is chock full of easy to access information and strategies that encourage teenagers to decide for themselves how they can contribute their time and desire to make a difference.
In the Classroom
Do you believe that kids can change the world? What are you doing about that? If you have been thinking about involving your class in some type of community service and project based learning, but need some direction, DoSomething.org is a phenomenal place to "shop" around for ideas. Perhaps you may want to start by showing the film, <i>Pay It Forward</i>, or with a writing prompt, "If you were given time in school to come up with one idea that could be put into action right now by people your age that would make this school or this community a better place, what would it be and how would you put your plan into action?" Have students share ideas in small groups, then introduce them to DoSomething.org by projecting it on your classroom whiteboard or projector, viewing some of the short videos, and using the power of the internet to empower them to act now. Challenge students to collect Internet resources for their cause using Wakelet, <a href="/single.cfm?id=17619">reviewed here</a>, rn where they can add a cover image, background, and chose the layout they prefer. Next, enhance learning by asking your students to create an interactive infographic using Canva Infographic Maker, <a href="/single.cfm?id=17570">reviewed here</a>, to explain their ideas about their cause and how they would put their plan into action. Club advisers, school counselors, and teachers of gifted can use the empowering resources of this site to inspire students to ACT.
At Home
As parents, one of our biggest commitments is to be a role model for our children. What better way to teach them the value of helping others than to inspire them to get involved in a cause that is near and dear to their hearts. Use this website to see how other kids are making a difference.
Tags
Project Based Learning, service projects, character education,
Subjects
Careers & Guidance, Character Education, English, Gifted, Language Arts, Professional, Social Studies, Social Studies,