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Hey y’all.

Thirty years ago, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) guaranteed equal opportunities under the law for people living with disabilities. This legislation continues to impact the quality of life of the 26% of Americans who have a disability -- and we can thank the advocates, activists, and protestors of the disability rights movement for making it happen.

One such advocate was then 8-year-old Jennifer Keelan-Chaffins. On March 12, 1990, she and dozens of other protestors left their mobility aids at the foot of the US Capitol and ascended up the steps in a determined climb. It took Keelan-Chaffins, who has cerebral palsy, an hour to reach the top, but she was prepared to “take all night if [she] had to.”

The Capitol Crawl was a powerful reminder of the barriers that people with disabilities face every day, and it propelled the passage of the ADA. Three decades later, we can celebrate this victory by continuing to advocate for the rights of those with disabilities. Sign this petition demanding protections for people with disabilities amid COVID-19, and check out the documentary Crip Camp to learn more about the fight for disability civil rights.

Let’s Do This,
Jackie

Power to the Period: First Class of DoSomething Summer Ambassadors Collects Menstrual Products for Local Shelters

Last month, DoSomething (remotely) welcomed 151 amazing young people from across the country to our first ever cohort of DoSomething summer ambassadors. Through our eight-week career and community development program, they’re making a real impact this summer on causes they care about, from racial justice to voter registration and beyond.

Bobbie, 20, one of our community impact cohort captains, is leading a team of fellow ambassadors in collecting menstrual products for folks in homeless shelters through Power to the Period, a campaign that brought in 585,965 period products when it first launched in 2016.

“I was inspired to run a Power to the Period drive because I personally feel period poverty is an issue that many people overlook,” says Bobbie, a senior at Brooklyn college. “As a young woman, I understand how important it is to have access to feminine hygiene products, and knowing that some people do not have access to it is unsettling and disheartening.”

Together, the team has collected 1,248 packages of period products so far -- and with every donation, they’re also spreading the word about this crucial issue around their communities.

“The donations were vital to the campaign, but I think showing people the issue and why it’s important, especially in COVID-19 is necessary as well especially for those who don’t have periods,” says DoSomething summer ambassador Isobel, 21, who graduated from NYU in May. “Being in COVID-19 the drive had to be online, so I used my Instagram/social media platforms to collect over 163 period products, which is over $1,000 in Venmo donations.”

After a local new outlet caught wind of the huge impact she was making, DoSomething summer ambassador Estefania, who attends New Mexico State University, was featured in an article published about her drive, amplifying her efforts even further.

“Once the article was published, I was honestly surprised by the additional amount of support I received from the community,” says the 23-year-old. “In the week that the article was published, I received about 100 packages of period products, and have had a steady pace of donations since then. I’ve received nothing but positive feedback.”

When asked what advice they have for young people thinking about running their own drives, the summer ambassadors had one resounding message: just do it.

“If you have an idea for how to implement change in your community, go for it,” says DoSomething summer ambassador Paige, a 23-year-old Emerson College grad, who has collected 122 boxes of menstrual products so far. “I know it’s incredibly intimidating to use your voice, especially in high school or college, but know that every time you advocate for a cause there’s always going to be at least one person who will have your back and help you towards your goals.”

Run your own Power to the Period drive to collect and donate period products for folks experiencing homelessness.

DoSomething member Charlie, 17, swapped stories with his neighbor Miss Jane, to help her stay connected during COVID-19.

“My favorite story...was about her and her husband doing a camping trip just after they were married,” Charlie says. “They spent only $20 total on the whole trip, including gas, campground rental, and food, and stayed for a week.”

Join Charlie and the members who have swapped over 24,856 stories through our Senior Homies campaign.

11 ways to support your loved ones’ mental health this summer… thanks to DoSomething members like you.

I’m not crying, YOU’RE crying… at these stories DoSomething members swapped with Senior Homies in our lives.

Today in Black joy slash viral cuteness… is an extremely happy baby wearing a wig.

On August 1-2, join our friends at #HalfTheStory… for 24-hours of collective presence on August 1-2 for the @globaldayofunplugging.

This Week in Pets of DoSomething… our Campaigns Contractor Parker visited family and saw two good boys: Sawyer the dog and Billy the cat.

More Amazing Impact From the DoSomething Community!

We asked you to brag about the amazing stuff you’re doing, and you did not disappoint. Here are some of our favorite answers from the DoSomething community. (Psst...submit yours here!)

“I helped organize a virtual science week with a close friend of mine to share my passion for STEM with local students.”

- Isaac, 16, California

“Started a nonprofit, The College Voter, which aims to increase political conversation and civic responsibility through programming on college campuses.”

- Valerie, 20, Connecticut

“I'm shipping 300 school backpacks, food, supplies to prevent COVID-19, and money to buy notebooks and mattresses to families in need in the Dominican Republic.”

- Aminadab, 28, New York

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