Hiya, DoSomething members:
Feeling alone is the worst. Trust us. We get it. Nearly 79% of Gen Zers report feeling lonely, a number only fueled by the COVID-19 pandemic. And don’t get us wrong–while we loved our virtual book clubs and taking class in our pajamas, we definitely missed our friends and hanging out IRL.
It’s why we were geeked that this year, many schools returned to safe and in-person learning, allowing you to rekindle old friendships and make new ones. In case you didn’t know, friendships are supppeer important to our mental (and physical) health. They help us find purpose and meaning, stay healthy, and live longer. And while school is a natural place to meet new friends, oftentimes it can feel
overwhelming and isolating after the summer break (and a two-year in-person hiatus)!
However, this fall, New School Year, New Friends gives YOU the resources needed to create welcoming spaces for everyone to show up as their most authentic and joyful selves in school. Share a welcome note or guide and help remind others they aren’t alone this school year.
And while you're passing out notes and humming “You’ve Got a Friend in Me,” you’ll also be entered for the chance to earn a $500 scholarship. New friends and a potential scholarship?! What. A. Deal. Let’s Do This! DoSomething |
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These DoSomething members know that when we create inclusive and welcoming environments in school, we allow everyone to show up as their most authentic and genuine selves. And when we show up as our authentic selves, we’re able to find joy and belonging in all that we do.
Hear why helping others feel welcome this school year is top of mind for them! |
DoSomething member Luke I., 16 said, “This project means the world to me! When I was younger, I wasn’t always the most included at school. Growing up as a young LGBTQ+ kid, there were many times where I felt I didn’t belong. But because of Monster High, I learned to embrace my freaky flaws and who I was! Now, thanks to a community of incredible friends, I feel like I have a place to belong at my school. This project represents my chance to pass that kindness on. It’s so important to create an inclusive and welcoming school environment, and I hope that this campaign inspires people to take that chance and help others!”
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“I know what it's like to feel very lonely, especially in school, and I thought I was the only one who felt this way,” said DoSomething member Maya J., 17. “It turns out that a lot of people feel the same exact way as I do. I hate feeling this way and if I can help someone else not feel lonely and get someone out of their shell I will gladly help them with some advice. Making friends is hard and after the pandemic, it’s even harder. I want to help people like me and to remind them that anyone is lucky enough to have them as a friend.”
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“This campaign is important to me because so many kids have mixed emotions at the start of a new school year. You could be nervous, scared, anxious, etc. It's good to have people standing in your corner that you know are there for you and this paper [welcome note] can really help kids just by reading it because they can also share it with other kids as well,” said DoSomething member Madison H., 14. Join Luke, Maya, and Madison in reminding others in your school that they’ll always have someone in their corner. You’ll be entered to earn a $500 scholarship! |
Save your spot…join us on October 13 at 7pm ET for Vibe Check: A Community Conversation about Mental Health. We’re creating a welcoming and engaging space for young people to discover strategies and resources to support better mental health for themselves and their peers. You DON’T want to miss this. And did we mention it was FREE?!
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Our hero today is…Jaiya Patillo, the 13-year old track star from Nebraska, who is already competing–and winning–against college athletes! To her dreams of being at the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris, we say, “Oui!”
ICYMI…Rihanna was announced as the headlining act for the Super Bowl Halftime Show and the internet lost its mind. Are we all suddenly football fans?!
Three cheers for…Megan Thee Stallion, who just launched a new mental health resource website. Megan has shared her own struggles with anxiety, and the online hub provides resources like free therapy, therapists that specialize in BIPOC and LGBTQ+ communities, crisis hotlines, and more. Celebrities–they’re just like us!
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CollegeXpress Fall is here! Cue the pumpkin spice lattes, apple orchards, and hayrides! Our friends at CollegeXpress are giving away a $500 scholarship (plus a $100 coffee shop gift card) through September 30! Complete a free profile on CollegeXpress and answer one question to be entered: What is your favorite fall flavor or treat? |
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