La La Anthony
I am using my VOICE to help people and pets around the world by supporting an amazing organization called 'ma Cares'. Ma Cares does so many charitable things including providing disaster relief, donating to the cause of disease prevention, organizing events to support children in need and raising awareness to assist abandoned and abused animals. I really believe that the actions of just one person can impact the lives of more people than you've ever dreamed. It is such a wonderful feeling knowing that from your own small community, you can affect lives around the world. If you would like to know more about what 'ma Cares' is doing to better the lives of others, go to their website: maCares.org. How are you using YOUR voice?
Shayla
I volunteer to get insight on giving back to the community. I was introduced to volunteer work by my MOM who volunteers all the time. At first I was volunteering because I needed the hours for graduation but as I progressed throughout the year I realized that volunteering was a great thing to do. I was learning while volunteering and now I enjoy volunteering. I volunteer for HandsOnBroward participating in Walks like Florida HIV/AIDS WALK ,Walk to CURE DIABETES , ANGELS Picnic for Families and Kids with HEART DISEASE and Feeding the Homeless. I follow in my mom's footsteps who was inspired by my great-grandmother who inspired my mom when she was a teenager in Jamaica. I encourage my friends because it is awesome. Thank you
Ursulline
I am using my VOICE to coach pre-teen girls with an organization called Girls on the Run! I've been a coach and a running buddy for almost 5 years and have absolutely loved the bonds I have built with the fellow coaches and girls involved. Girls on the Run is an after-school health and wellness program for girls between the ages of 8-12 years old. We combine life skills with running activities that prepare them for a 5K race at the end of the 10-week program. We cover topics like gossiping, bullying, positive self-talk, and positive interactions with everyone around them. The organization is meant to prepare girls for a lifetime of success by encouraging them to be active and positive throughout all aspects of their life and I love it!
Martha
This past October I got the opportunity to use my VOICE to speak at Chicago Ideas Week. Chicago Ideas Week (CIW) brings together hundreds of the world’s brightest leaders to inspire, connect and activate the city of Chicago and the world. I was on a panel called Instigators: Stand for Something. I chose to stand up for my girls all around the world. I talked about how important it is for girls in developing countries to find their voice and speak out. I mentioned how programs such as Girl Up are easy ways to get involved in doing so. Girl Up is a campaign that the United Nations Foundation created to help girls in developing countries reach their full potential through education, staying safe, healthy, being counted, and becoming leaders.
Sarah
As a champion for Girl Up, I have pioneered the SoCal Girl Up Club, in Cerritos, a small suburb of Southern California, to unite and empower girls here to raise awareness and advocate for girls not only here, but also abroad in countries including Malawi and Guatemala. I strive to become involved and help others not only in my immediate community though organizations like my local hospital and the American Red Cross (of which I am helping with the fundraising initiatives at my high school chapter), but also in campaigns like the United Nations' Girl Up campaign which is gaining greater support and successfully channeling the compassion and resources of millions of American girls here for girls just like us around the world.
Tess
I am using my VOICE by promoting the Girl Up campaign, a part of the United Nations Foundation. I started a Girl Up club at my school and am a member of the Girl Up Southern California Coalition. Recently we had the opportunity to talk to Shaun Robinson via web call which was great! Thank you!
Kaitlin
I'm using my VOICE to help girls around the world through GIRL UP. I created a Girl Up club at my school a couple months ago and am trying to bring awareness about the situations girls around the world go to my community. I have teamed up with an organization called Girls in Power and through their help have been able to promote Girl Up through their radio show and annual Give the Gift Gala. All girls deserve the opportunity to be safe, educated, and counted for and that's what Girl Up aims to do. Though we are strong, together we are stronger!
Tori
I am using my VOICE to "Call Teens To Action" all over the world. I love to volunteer and serve my community! I started volunteering with my Mom and my little sister and I loved it so much that I begin to look for new ways to serve my community and get other teens involved also. I have volunteered with Home Mission, Inc. (Feed the Homeless Program); The Mark Ingram Foundation (Helping Kids of Incarcerated Parents); and my very own foundation Tori Turner's D.R.E.A.M. BIG Foundation (Funding the dreams of youth around the southern region!). I raised thousands for Make-A-Wish Foundation of Louisiana and Texas Gulf Coast through the Kids For Wish Kids Program and also assisted with the Macy's Believe Day Campaign.
Kelli
I'm making my VOICE heard through this very medium of mass communication. I started a petition on change.org "Kelli's Senior Project Petition" which aims to strive to have more influential and positive images of African American women in the media. This started off as a small interest in order to graduate but it has grown into something I have become truly passionate about. I was able to get in contact with a Disney channel producer who created the show "Doc McStuffins" which features a African American girl who wants to be a doctor. Less than 2% of doctors are African American Women! With support from my peers, I hope to be able to get my message across to show a more positive depiction of African American Women in the media!
Liana
I am using my VOICE to help the homeless. In my fifth grade class, we decided to have a talent show to raise money for an organization called DC Central Kitchen. DC Central Kitchen is a soup kitchen that not only feeds the homeless, but teaches them how to cook so they have the right training to get a job at a restaurant. We raised over $700 just with the one talent show, which we know made a difference in our community. I learned from this experience that when we can all put our hands in and work together, we can really make a difference!
Kristiana
My junior year, I was looking for more community service hours to receive a cord for graduation my senior year. I discovered that my school needed more tutors for underclassmen in danger of failing the school year. So, I signed up for the Scholar Program. It's an enriching program that allows the upperclassmen to encourage underclassmen to develop good study habits and to be more involved in school. I was a cheerleader, a teacher, and a motivator for those students last year, like I am this year. I've sacrificed my study hall for two years to give these students the positive push for being more involved in school. Also, once a month, I mentor them on their dreams and goals. Leading these students is why I enjoy volunteering. That's how I am using my VOICE!
Shenelle
This past week, I used my VOICE by spending time volunteering at my local rescue mission. I was surprised to see that I was enjoying my time there. All of the employees were really nice and the people we were serving were also kind towards me. By volunteering at the rescue mission, I gained a new appreciation for things I take for grated on a daily basis. It made me realize that I have it good and that I shouldn't complain about the petty things in life!
Sianni
I use my VOICE to help celebrate my team and the amazing athletes that play for my school. As a cheerleader, I must be positive and try and promote positivity. I consider myself a comedian and a fashion designer. I create my own clothes and one day will create clothes for every type of person regardless of their race, size or gender. One day, I will make enough money to address something really close to my heart. I care about the homeless people. If I could, I would build houses for everyone who is out there on the streets and is cold. But until I am in a position to do something like that on the big level, I will continue to cheer for my team. Be positive is what I say!
Khadra
Growing up in Africa, I have seen the hunger and people not having many of the things that we take for granted today. I use my VOICE to give back to many children who are in the same situation I was in, not long ago. I send money every month to a group of children in Africa and I have a very special bond with one of them - a boy named Burhani. He sends me letters and pictures every three month and tells me I am his "angel" which melts my heart :). I would love to create a big organization one day that will help more children in Africa. But, for now, it all starts with me. God Bless you all!