Recent news about SCOTUS decisions on affirmative action and student loan relief as well as the onslaught of anti-LGBTQIA+ legislation has us reflecting a lot on what freedom means to us. A huge part of fighting for justice and equity is also acknowledging the hard-fought freedoms. Last month, we launched Notes on Freedom, a program that asked our members to reflect on what a free and liberated community looks like to them.
Your answers did not disappoint. From pieces of artwork to poetry and everything in between, we got a glimpse into your innermost thoughts on freedom. Notes on Freedom is a way to use our voices to let the world know what liberation looks like for us and our communities. New challenges in the fight for justice are popping up on the daily, so we must create a shared vision for freedom together. Add your creative works to our ever-growing archive with Notes on Freedom. It’s LIT over here! 🔥
Share your Notes on Freedom before July 31st, and you’ll have a chance to earn a $1,000 scholarship! Let’s Do This! DoSomething |
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Speaking of 🔥contributions to Notes on Freedom so far, here’s a sneak peek of what you all have shared: |
DoSomething member Ivan. S, 17 said, "This note is for the dreamers, the souls who find solace, inspiration, and purpose in the rhythm and lyrics of music. As a student living day to day immersed in the transformative power of music, reflecting on freedom holds immense importance to me. It serves as a guiding light in my journey, reminding me of the inherent value of autonomy, equality, and justice. Music, with its universal language, transcends boundaries and allows us to tap into emotions and experiences beyond our own. It prompts us to question societal norms, challenge oppressive systems, and envision a world where every individual can flourish without fear or discrimination. Reflecting on freedom through music empowers me to use my voice, advocate for change, and work towards a society where the symphony of liberation resounds, uplifting the silenced and amplifying the cries for justice."
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DoSomething member Sabrina L., 17 wrote, "another black man killed, another family left to suffer. another hashtag on our screens and another speech from a grieving mother. another tear drops from my eyes as another name is added to the list. and another video of a life being taken is numbed by our likes & clicks. another depiction of black violence keeping white supremacy alive & known. and another day of us not wanting to say how comfortable blacks are with killing our own. then another protest fills the streets fighting for justice we may not get. and cops fill those same streets, using weapons and tear gas as threats. and another cop goes to trial as the family hopes justice is served. and social media reacts to a verdict depending on what we think is deserved. and as the storm begins to settle, and we start to pick up the pieces to mend. another name with the same story starts the whole cycle all over again."
Ready to add yours to the mix? |
Get inspired with this week’s Quick Hitters :
On freedom… Women in Afghanistan are standing up to recent beauty parlor bans which threaten the freedom and livelihood of thousands. This comes after women have been completely banned from schools, parks, and other public spaces. We commend the courageous Afghan women who are on the frontlines of gender inequality, and this is a story to keep an eye on. 👀
Celebrate...DoSomething.org turns 30! That means 30 years of incredible impact fueled by YOU - our members! For our latest #WeDidThat quarterly report, we're not only celebrating your impact from the last 3 months, but the last 30 years. Come check it out, 'cause #WeDidThat.🥳
Our hero today… is Louisiana State University Basketball Star Angel Reese, who just launched her own foundation to boost access to sports, education, and financial literacy for young girls. We love to see it!
BIG news… for the Golden State! Through the new Fostering Futures program, all foster kids in California can now attend any state college for FREE. This is an awesome step in the right direction of helping young people achieve financial security and find their purpose. We hope that more states will follow suit!
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FastWeb Quick and Easy Scholarships
If your summer schedule is filled with fun and your time is limited, you’ll want to check out these quick-apply scholarships. This list includes 10+ scholarships you can apply for in 5 mins. or less!! |
CollegeXpress Our friends at CollegeXpress are giving YOU the opportunity to earn a new iPad, and all you have to do is answer one question!. Complete a free profile on CollegeXpress and share your response to the following: Which phone app do you use the most and why? |
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