Sent every Tuesday
Hey y’all!
This week, we are *thrilled* to introduce you to our new CEO, DeNora Getachew!
DeNora is a native New Yorker; mother of three, including a son she had as a teenager; and a passionate advocate for an accessible, equitable, inclusive, and representative democracy. DeNora is the former New York Executive Director of Generation Citizen, a marathoner, and a connoisseur of New York City bagels and cotton candy, though not at the same time.
“DoSomething’s mission and the power that it holds to catalyze young people to effect change on issues important to them is what drew me to the organization,” DeNora says. “I remain inspired daily by young people stepping firmly into this disrupted, yet incredibly transformative moment and demanding change, equity, and justice for themselves and their community.”
We are beyond pumped to have DeNora’s leadership. She is currently meeting with every single staffer and team to understand the core of DS and how to create an even better, more impactful DoSomething that speaks to you and your needs. Get to know more about DeNora!
Let's Do This!
Ben, Editor-in-chief
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How DoSomething Members Are Planning to Vote for Racial Justice
The police killings of George Floyd, Daunte Wright, Breonna Taylor and so many other Black Americans are not isolated incidents. Black Americans are 2.5 times as likely as white Americans to be shot and killed by police, and Black Americans make up about 1/3 of the prison population despite making up only 12% of the overall US population.
What can change look like?
The House of Representatives just passed the George Floyd Justice in Policing Act, a national bill to address police misconduct, which is now under consideration by the Senate. Last November, I voted for the inaugural civilian police review board, which was just announced in my hometown of Columbus, Ohio. And Los Angeles, where I’m currently visiting, elected a new District Attorney, who has promised sweeping criminal justice reform. States have passed over 140 police oversight bills since George Floyd was killed.
Let’s be clear: There is much, much more to be done, and some activists argue that police reform isn’t enough. But when we talk about systemic change, when we talk about progress, when we talk about steps in the right direction -- these new policies and decision-makers can play a major role in that.
How does change happen?
Lots of ways. And one especially powerful one is voting. Elected officials in your city or state can determine funding for police and social programs as well as punishments or protections for police misconduct. Your vote is your power to shape the direction of criminal justice in your community.
Despite the global pandemic and widespread voter suppression, young people proved they wouldn’t be silenced in 2020, turning out in historic numbers, with young voters of color cited as critical in deciding battleground races.
As the wheels of democracy never stop turning, at least 548 towns and cities will host mayoral elections in 2021, with dozens of other governor and state-level positions up for grabs.
If you’ve recently turned 18, have moved during COVID-19, or aren’t sure if you’re registered to vote, take 2 minutes and register to vote at your current address.
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Producing one new outfit (jeans, shirt, shoes) emits 167 lbs. of CO2 and requires 4,400 gallons of water, so it’s no surprise that clothing and textile production is a major contributor to greenhouse gas emissions.
That’s why DoSomething members Jordan (and his fraternity brothers), Natalie, and Torun donated and recycled a total of 1,300 items through our Comeback Clothes campaign. Learn how you can protect the planet and support vulnerable communities at the same time.
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![“A lot of the information we learned about the Civil Rights Movement and Black history [in high school] was inaccurate and told in a way that still emphasized white people as the main characters in history. I learned about accurate Black
history in college, where I had Black professors that taught history from a Black perspective.” - DoSomething member Meryum, 21, who submitted ways to improve education on race, racism, and history through our Whole Histories campaign.](https://userimg-bee.customeriomail.com/images/client-env-63704/Thats%20What%20He-She-They%20Said_4.27.2021.png "“A lot of the information we learned about the Civil Rights Movement and Black history [in high school] was inaccurate and told in a way that still emphasized white people as the main characters in history. I learned about accurate Black history in college, where I had Black professors that taught history from a Black perspective.” - DoSomething member Meryum, 21, who submitted ways to improve education on race, racism, and history through our Whole Histories campaign.")
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As India’s COVID-19 crisis worsens… learn how you can donate to help.
If you missed Amanda Gorman’s poem for Earth Day… just watch it.
This Week in Dogs (and Inflatable Llamas??) of DoSomething… member Gabrielle made aluminum recycling more fun and adorable than ever.
This week in Black joy… a Philadelphia son sold cheesesteaks to fundraise for his mom’s dream trip to see the Egyptian pyramids.
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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!)
“Started Canary Academy Online Inc., a nonprofit working to bring equity to the homeschool sector.”
- DoSomething member Nasiyah, 18, Virginia
“I kept working on my petition, and now have over 80 signatures!”
- DoSomething member Molly, 12, Wisconsin
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