Hey y’all,

Happy Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) Heritage Month! With hate incidents against AAPI communities surging, it’s more crucial than ever to recognize the contributions, voices, and experiences of AAPI people this AAPI Heritage Month and beyond.

Get inspired by checking out our list of young AAPI activists you should know, and then sign the AAPI Visibility Pledge to join the movement against AAPI violence and elevate the voices of AAPI individuals.

Let's Do This,

Jackie

Comeback Clothes: How the DoSomething Community Is Fighting The Environmental Impact of Fast Fashion While Helping Those in Need

Approximately 95% of all used clothing, footwear, and other household fabric products, such as sheets and towels, can be reused or recycled, yet only 15% of reusable textiles are recycled.

Of all recyclable materials, textile reuse and recycling has the second-highest potential for reducing greenhouse gases. That’s why, a few years ago, DoSomething members like you donated and recycled 1.4 million lbs. of clothes to protect the planet. Now, our Comeback Clothes campaign is back!

Donating even just one outfit can save the 167 lbs. of CO2 and 4,400 gallons of water it takes to produce a new one. By donating their gently used clothes to local organizations, DoSomething members are helping populations in need *and* tackling the climate crisis at the same time.

“When I first came to the United States at the age of 10 the first place I ever went shopping was the Salvation Army and I never even knew it was called a thrift store, it was just a store with nice clothes for cheap prices to me,” says DoSomething member Ladi, 20, who donated 71 pieces of clothing. “Consignment stores give everyone the opportunity to be able to wear and dress nice, and look neat for an affordable price. That is why I donate as much as I can, because others deserve the same privilege regardless of how much they have.”

“I personally know people in my community who can benefit from programs like this. It feels amazing to be able to help community members while cleaning out my home and organizing my belongings,” says DoSomething member Kendra, 18, who donated 52 pieces of clothing. “Apart from affecting my direct community, this campaign is important because it will benefit the entire planet and begin to prevent permanent environmental damage.”

Join our Comeback Clothes campaign to cut down on textile waste, greenhouse gas emissions, and water usage -- and help your community in the process.

After having experienced colorism firsthand, DoSomething member Katie, 17, shared resources for dismantling skin-tone discrimination with her 1,259 followers on social media.

“I fell in love with the way my skin tanned naturally...However, my own family would forbid me from going outdoors in an attempt to lighten my skin,” Katie says. “The consequences of colorism extend beyond just being ‘pretty’ -- it strips girls of their confidence and reinforces discrimination to the point where it becomes internalized for young girls growing up.”

Join Katie in educating others on identifying and advocating against colorism through our Confront Colorism campaign.

Get Started

Following Sunday’s public mass shooting in Colorado Springs… use these resources from Everytown for Gun Safety to learn more about what happened and take action to prevent gun violence.

We’re looking for 15 curious and creative young people… to dig deeper on solutions at the intersection of education and racial justice at the Allstate Foundation Racial Justice Innovators Hackathon. Apply by Monday, June 7!

Why aren’t more people talking about… how state legislatures (including Idaho, Iowa, and Tennessee) are banning the teaching of critical race theory in public schools?

Now you can party *and* protect the planet… with these sustainable (and soon to be 100% compostable) party cups created for college students, by college students.

This week in Black joy… a Missouri teen received a prestigious full-ride scholarship, so he used his college savings to start a tuition fund for his peers instead.

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 started an organization called Girls to Industry, which is focused on building a community for future female leaders who are interested in the pharmaceutical, biotechnology and healthcare industries.”

- DoSomething member Dewan, 20, Texas

“I was awarded a certificate of nomination for the Congress of Future Medical Leaders Award of Excellence.”

- DoSomething member Maddy, 17, Wisconsin

“We participated in the National Day of Silence to bring attention to the bullying, harassment, and discrimination of the LGBTQ+ community.”

- DoSomething member Sherri, 54, New York