It’s day two of our Week of Action, and you can still pledge to serve more in 2023! Many DoSomething members are already in the swing of this week’s activities, and we’re stoked for you to join in, too. We’ll keep you in the loop about each day’s action on social media. Who knows, maybe you’ll be featured!

One of our actions this week, It’s (NOT) All in Your Head, is about sharing mental health resources in your community. We know that these dark days of winter can take a toll on our mental health, even leading to seasonal affective disorder (aka SAD). It's a stellar time to spread awareness and resources because this very real psychological phenomenon is usually brushed off as the “winter blues,” and not taken as seriously.

We admire how brave young people have been in speaking up about the lack of diverse mental health resources they see in their communities. Let’s face it: if it wasn’t for your advocacy, mental health offerings that fit people of all backgrounds might not be possible.

That’s why It’s (NOT) All In Your Head is a fabulous action to kick off your 2023 year of service. Plus, when you share mental health resources with your community, you’ll be entered to earn a $2,000 scholarship, and who doesn’t love that?

Let’s Do This!

DoSomething

Need a dose of resource-sharing inspo? These awesome members are personifying “sharing is caring” by putting up sweet mental health posters in their schools and beyond:

“Mental wellness and mental health are important to me because they are essential components of overall health and well-being. When we are mentally well, we are able to think clearly, make sound decisions, and cope with the challenges that life throws our way,” said DoSomething member Elizabeth J., 18. “On the other hand, when we are struggling with mental health issues, it can have a major impact on every aspect of our lives, including our relationships, work, and overall quality of life. By promoting mental wellness and addressing mental health issues, we can help individuals live happier, more fulfilling lives and create a more harmonious society overall.”

“This campaign and mental health is important to me because nowadays anywhere you go in the world there are people who are struggling with mental health. I need them to know that they are not alone in this. For them to know that they are people around who CARE!. This will be a great way of sharing ways that we can seek the help we need. Being very proud of them for taking their time trying to find help,” said DoSomething Kadidiatou F., 19. 

You won’t believe this… but the ozone layer is on track to recover over most of the Earth by 2040 (according to the latest United Nations ozone assessment report). This is promising news for the environment and proof that our efforts really do matter!

ATTN: NYC members...the DoSomething x New York Cares Coat Drive is officially underway! Swing by our New York office any day THIS WEEK to drop off new or gently used coats (You might even snag some cool DS swag)! You can sign up for a time slot here. 

Celebrate the DoSomething way… MLK Day was yesterday, but we’re still looking for ways to live his legacy. His daughter, Bernice King, tweeted three things we can do (today!) to honor him. See what she said here.

ICYMI in Science…On Sunday in Florida, the Falcon Heavy rocket made its fifth launch in five years. This launch was extra-special because it was the first to use the triple-core booster during twilight, which resulted in some seriously spectacular images. Check them out here. Yay, science!

Before you go… Don’t miss out on our 2022 Year in Review, highlighting what YOU, our members, accomplished last year. We’re super excited for you to see how young people are choosing DoSomething to make a change in their communities.

There’s still time!… to nominate an inspirational woman to receive $1,000 with the Archewell Foundation Grant. Nominations are open through the end of January. The grant is part of a program founded by the Duke and Duchess of Sussex (Meghan Markel and Prince Harry), and you can read more about it (and submit your nomination!) here.

New year, new you! Our friends at CollegeXpress are giving away a $2,023 (get it?!) no-essay scholarship through January 31! And all you have to do is answer one simple question. 

Complete a free profile on CollegeXpress and answer the following to be entered: What is one new thing you hope to try in 2023?

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