Five Guidelines for a Better World
 Image courtesy Do Something Do Something Clubs let kids adopt a cause with their classmates |
- Kids lead.
- Kids decide.
- Measurable impact.
- Free.
- Web-based.
Kids lead.
The organization is by young people, for young people. While adult participation
is welcome, it is by no means required. Do Something encourages young people
to see themselves not as the leaders of tomorrow, but as the leaders of today.
On the Web site, there's a section specifically for interested adults who want
to get involved. It's labeled "Old People."
Kids decide.
Do Something isn't just some organization where young people have a say; they
have THE say. While another organization may be led by a seasoned activist in
the ‘50s who is getting the next generation involved, Do Something IS
that generation and is massively involved and dedicated. Members like to say
they're pro-choice… kid-choice, that is.
Measurable impact.
Do Something is about results. Are you actually going out and making a difference?
For some causes, results are easy to find. You've changed a law, helped X number
of kids to get off the streets, or built a computer lab in an impoverished area.
But other causes are not so simple. What if your cause is the struggle against
global warming? Do you have to sit around and wait for the global temperature
to drop half a degree before you know if you've accomplished anything? Of course
not -- results can be measured in how many people you've spoken to or how many
signatures you've collected. As long as there's some level of measurable impact,
you're doing good work.
Free.
… As in no money required. No dues. No starter fees. Nothing. Social change
is not something that should be limited in any way. Likewise, the organization
has a "no car needed" rule. Anyone who wants to get involved should
be able to do so regardless of his or her financial situation. If you have a
ton of money to invest in a cause, fantastic. If not, no worries. You can still
make a tremendous change in the world. All you need to bring is your enthusiasm
and inspiration.
Web-based.
Do Something is a not-for-profit Internet company. The soul of the organization
is the Web site, located at www.dosomething.org.
Here, young people from all over the world gather to exchange ideas and get
things moving. If it can't be done online … find a way to do it online.
This is the Internet age, and Do Something is the Internet destination for social
change in the world.
Taken together, these guidelines help Do Something ensure that the community action the group inspires is both empowering and accessible to the target demographic of young people.
