Hey y’all! It feels pretty wild that Thanksgiving is already right around the corner. While it’s certainly been a stressful year for a lot of us (to say the least), it’s also a good reminder that there are still lots of things to be thankful for. Some things I’m thankful for this holiday season: the health of my loved ones, (virtual) laughs shared with friends, and the existence of peppermint mocha coffee creamer.

And of course, I’m thankful for you all -- the passionate and dedicated young people who I get to witness make real change in their communities every day. You inspire me endlessly and make my work feel worth it, even in the toughest times. (Hope that’s not too cheesy.)

I also know Thanksgiving looks a little different this year, and if you need help navigating some of its more stressful situations, check out this guide I wrote on protecting your mental health during the holiday.

Let’s Do This,

Jackie

How the DoSomething Community is Managing Stress This Holiday Season (and Beyond!)

88% of Americans feel stressed when celebrating the holidays, and with everything else going on this year, this Thanksgiving is shaping up to be...uniquely stressful. Amid a surge in coronavirus cases, tightening physical distancing guidelines, and a contentious election season that just doesn’t seem to end, we could all use a little help to make it through.

That’s why the DoSomething community is working together to help support their friends’ mental and emotional health. Through our Let’s Stress Less campaign, 25,895 DoSomething members have submitted their tips on coping with stress to be added to a national anti-stress guide.

My family decided that we were going to reduce the amount of news that we watched during the election. We also made it a rule that until the election was over, we could not talk about it at the dining room table. - DoSomething member Masene, 20

Getting up every morning and pumping out a 45 min cardio or strength workout starts my day off right and leaves me feeling accomplished. Even exercising after school can help burn off any frustrations or worries about an upcoming test! - DoSomething member Marin, 16

If I am worried about the election, my future, or just feeling overwhelmed I talk to my family. They help me navigate my feelings by giving me advice and wisdom. I have noticed that communication is the best way for me to cope with stress. - DoSomething Member Anna, 17

This Thanksgiving, take time to do the things that help improve your mental health -- whether that’s spending time with family, getting your heart pumping with a turkey trot, or disconnecting from the news for the day. Then, help other young people do the same!

Take 2 minutes to share your tips for managing stress (and you’ll also be entered to win a $1,000 scholarship!).

Maggie and her team carpooling to school and practice

Through our Go There Greener campaign, DoSomething member Maggie, 17, saved 416 pounds of CO2 by carpooling with her team to school and practice for just one day.

“In addition to carpooling, our family has convinced seventeen families (thus far) to procure solar panels for their homes,” says Maggie. “This produces clean energy, the excess of which goes back into the electric grid and can help power electronic vehicles or other electric needs.”

Choose a greener way to travel to help us keep over 10,000 pounds of carbon emissions out of the atmosphere!

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The kudos just keep coming… for our stellar Teens for Jeans campaign. This time, we’ve earned Silver Distinction at the Shorty Social Good Awards.

Lifetime support as you build a better world... is what Rise is offering their first-ever cohort of young changemakers. If you’re 15-17 years old and passionate about serving others, apply to earn mentorship, scholarships, and future support for life.

Show your love for sustainable travel… with our new Go There Greener GIPHY pack -- perfect additions to IG or Snapchat stories of your next walk or bike ride.

Feeling over election misinformation?... so are we. Here’s our Social Media Strategist Allie breaking down some false voter fraud claims on TikTok.

This week in Black joy… this little girl made an unconventional (but effective!) choice when her mom told her to grab a mask to go to the store.

Truthsgiving: The True History of Thanksgiving. Learn how you can support Native communities this holiday and beyond.

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 created a form for teachers at my school to use to ask students for their pronouns.”

- Chelsea, 14, USA

“Made a really great website and awareness campaign to reduce waste.”

- Katherine, 12, Pennsylvania

“I recently got promoted to the LAPD Cadet program as a lieutenant.”

- Kimberly, 16, USA