do something

Last month in a fit of irritation I lamented the lack of youth balls to honor the great participation, volunteerism, and voting power that Millennials had this election to get President Elect Barack Obama to the White House. It wasn't long after that MTV announced they were working on a ball - then there became an official Obama Youth Ball (for $75).

Yesterday Declare Yourself announced their hawt ball action "A New Birth of Citizenship" with Host Jessica Alba and Musical Performance by Maroon 5.

"Norman Lear, the TV producer, and founder of Declare Yourself, said, "This Inauguration marks an important moment in our country's history - one that allows us all to be proud of how far we've come and the direction we're going. Our event celebrates this moment and helps motivate us all to become more active in our communities on the local and national level by getting involved, giving back, and being proud to be an American, born again."

Cost for the event is a not so youth friendly $250.

But wait... there's more! Today my good buddy from Kansas Kevin from Do Something sent me an invite to their event on January 19th the day before the Inauguration

"Do Something is holding a Social Action Boot Camp in conjunction with the 2009 Presidential Inauguration and we want you to be part of it. Join your fellow community organizers, activists and youth leaders for a day of workshops, innovative speakers and networking."

Place: Washington, D.C., Georgetown Campus, Intercultural Center (entrance at 37th St and O St)
Time: 9:00am to 6:00 pm (Breakfast and Lunch Included)
Cost: FREE (*Attendees are responsible for travel and accommodation costs.)

I think I also volunteered to do something in my sleepy stouper this morning, but I'm not sure what it is.... so I encourage you to stop by and say hi and support DoSomething.org

The New Leaders Council is hosting an event Sunday January 18th from 4-6pm at the Watergate Office Building for a very youth friendly $35. The NLC works to promote the young leaders who are working daily to crate a better world with 3 major chapters in NYC, San Francisco, and Washington DC. Space is limited, so RSVP ASAP.

The DNC Youth Council has also created a spreadsheet on google docs (this isn't working for me suddenly, I'm investigating) that helps chart the information for who, what, when, and where key youth events will be held in the days before and on Inauguration Day. These include the Human Rights Campaign Event, Netroots Nation (which I'm told is nearly sold out), as well as others. Check it out to find out all your youth ball info. Hope to see you all in just over a week!

Last week during the Teen Choice Awards, DoSomething.Org honored a young community activist (under the age of 25) that aims to change the world. The winner received $100,000 to continue the community project started prior to the award. Finalists were posted on the Teen Choice website and fans voted for their favorite.

"One amazing young person is going to be recognized for their philanthropic efforts and impact on their community and get the rock star treatment they deserve at the show," said Bob Bain, Executive Producer of TEEN CHOICE 2008.

Do Something is a non-partisan non-profit that believes teenagers have the power to make a difference. They leverage communications technologies to enable teens to convert their ideas and energy into positive action. Their site says "We inspire, empower and celebrate a generation of doers."

"We think young people aren’t just tomorrow’s leaders; many young people are doing amazing things right now," said Nancy Lublin, CEO of Do Something, Inc.

And the Winner is.....

The winner this year winner was 19 year old Chad Bullock who has become the leading youth anti-tobacco activist…and he lives right in the middle of tobacco country. He works with politicians, companies, not for profits and other teens. One of his biggest successes was making the Durham Bulls Arena a smoke-free arena.

This is a unique way for an organization as well as a nationally televised event to convey to young people the impact they can have on the world around them. Young people already volunteer in their communities in encouraging numbers according to CIRCLE.

"44% believe that "people working together" can make a great deal of difference in solving local problems" and "45% believe they can make some difference" by volunteering in their community.

Honoring them and encouraging others to also get involved can continue the civic engagement we now see from the Millennial Generation.