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Hey y’all!

As a DoSomething member, we know you’re selfless -- the kind of person who always puts your friends, family, and community first. Aaaaand...we think there should be something in it for you too.

That’s why, starting today, DoSomething members like you can earn rewards for volunteering! For every DoSomething campaign you complete, you earn a badge, which helps you unlock rewards, like extra chances to earn scholarships. Learn more about your rewards and badges, and how you can achieve Doer, SuperDoer, or even LEGEND status.

Let's Do This!

Ben, Editor-in-chief

Whole Histories: How the DoSomething Community Is Improving the Way Textbooks and Curriculum Cover Race, Racism, and History

The Problem

In the movement for more inclusive and historically accurate education in US schools, we have a long way to go. Research shows that many popular textbooks are spreading misinformation and are shown to be biased and politicized.

For example, studies show that most popular high school textbooks fail to comprehensively cover the history of enslaved people and white supremacy’s role in American slavery, and almost 60% of teachers agree. 

This kind of “erasure” (omitting or misrepresenting historical events and figures) is one reason why 7 in 10 young people are looking for more learning opportunities to gain a better understanding of racism in society.

Solution

Around the country, students are leading the movement for better school texts and curriculum around race, racism, and history. And educators are on board: 83% of teachers say they’re “somewhat” or “very” willing to teach anti-racist curriculum. A more inclusive and comprehensive education system is a powerful step towards a more truthful, just, and equitable society.

Call to Action

You have the power to make sure students nationwide are learning the whole histories. Answer 3 questions on your experience and opinions surrounding history education. We’ll use your feedback and work with experts and educators to create two student-powered guides: one to help students advocate for more inclusive curriculum in schools, and another to support school districts in making immediate change. Let’s Do This.

DoSomething is an org for members ages 13 to 25, but when it comes to protecting the planet, we need environmentalists of ALL ages. That’s why community member Clint got help from his 3-year-old daughter, who pointed out cigarette butts for Dad to pick up. The pair cleaned up over 1,000 butts together.

“My desire for my children to consistently give back is important to me,” Clint says. “I am a big example in their lives right now and I hope she remembers that I love her so much, I’d go fishing for garbage for her...[I want my daughter to know] she can make a big difference even when no one is watching.”

You can too! Learn how you can tell cigarettes to GTFO: Get The Filter Out.

Thanks to members like you… our Mental Note campaign, powered by Harry’s, is a finalist for a Halo Award!

April is Earth Month… so get involved with Sunrise Movement on April 7, and fight to protect the planet all spring long.

This week in Black joy… a 4-year-old goes viral for belting Selena and a Marine Corps Master Sergeant gives his son an emotional first salute.

This week in Dogs of DoSomething… a very sleepy Yoda, whose mom is Elyssa, our Senior Marketing Manager.

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've received the Humanitarian Award for my local Red Cross club because I completed over 50 hours of volunteering.”

- DoSomething member Maya, 15, California

“I started an anonymous online petition for more LGBTQ+ representation in the music industry. Here's the link to sign it.”

- DoSomething member Molly, 12, Wisconsin

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