Hey everyone!

Summer may be more than halfway over, but a lot of folks are still hitting the road for adventures near and far during these warmer months.

If that sounds like you or someone you know, you’ll want to scroll below to learn more about Road to Self-Care, a national program empowering DoSomething members to impact their friend’s mental health while keeping them safe on the road.

Let's Do This,

Anthony (he/him)

These DoSomething Members Are Helping Their Friends Keep Calm and Stay Safe on the Road

Motor vehicle crashes continue to be the one of the leading causes of death among young people, and since 2015, 43% of teen driver and passenger fatalities involved speeding (compared to 30% for all other age groups).

According to multiple studies, adolescents experiencing psychological distress report higher levels of risky driving. Mental health symptoms related to depression, anxiety, ADHD, and conduct disorders can influence a young person’s behavior on the road (just as it does off of it). Studies suggest that they have a greater chance of taking risks on the road — including speeding.

That’s why 22,433 DoSomething members (and counting!) have signed up to keep their friends calm and safe on the road by sharing our mental health and road safety checklist. Here are just a few of our favorites from the Road to Self-Care program:

“This campaign in particular hits a soft part in my heart because I lost a [cousin] to a motorcycle,” says DoSomething member Alexander, 18. “He had stress related to his job and I believe that may [have caused] the crash. With this, I approached my brother and told him 4 tips to practice self care which were printed on the template. I hope an accident like this never happens to any of my family members again and I would like to thank this organization for promoting such an important cause.”

“This campaign is very important to me,” says DoSomething member MeKayla, 18. “I have a close family member, who struggles with anxiety and depression. The Road to Self-Care checklist helps my family member while driving; the list helps keep her safe and other drivers safe.”

DoSomething member Alejandro, 17, went above and beyond by designing his own checklist (with some pretty fun drawings too). He says: “This campaign is important to me because I want to keep my friends and family safe while on the road.”

Join Alexander, MeKayla, and Alejandro in the movement for road safety and mental health through our Road to Self-Care program.

It’s almost National Financial Awareness Day… so celebrate the holiday (taking place this Saturday, August 14) by reading our personal finance guide for young people like you!

My heroes today are… these high schoolers, who built a device that allows people with impaired mobility to walk their babies.

In case you missed it… last Friday was the anniversary of the Voting Rights Act of 1965, which was passed to protect the voting rights of all Americans, including especially Black citizens. With barriers to voting still in existence today, read about how to spot signs of voter suppression near you.

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 have done a lot recently to [advocate] for Body Focused Repetitive Behaviors, but if I had to choose one cool thing is that I started to run an international online support group for these people in this awesome community.”

- DoSomething member Morgan, 18

“I recently volunteered as one of the teens who will distribute food packs to those victims of Typhoons.”

- DoSomething member Desiree, 19

“Recently I became a peer mentor to a young transgender person and its been awesome to help them along their transition!”

- DoSomething member Samuel, 17