Summertime is in full swing, and it’s time to pack your (metaphorical) bags because we’re going to camp! Our program Camp Reboot just launched today, and it’s the mental health boost you’ve been waiting for. We wanted to offer our members the opportunity to join forces with one another and create a community of peer support. Camp Reboot is a year-round effort that does just that and its doors officially open this summer.

💡Did you know? A staggering 83% of young people lack the tools needed to take care of themselves when feeling overwhelmed, according to a DoSomething survey.

Camp Reboot is here to help bridge the gap between young people and stellar mental health resources. After all, we know that being able to show up 100% for our communities means showing up 100% for ourselves first.

Ready to get started? The first activity of Camp Reboot is Mind Craft, where you can use your creativity through art, music, dance, and more, to help realign your mind. Here you’ll get to connect with your peers by sharing a piece of art and reflecting on the role creativity plays in your mental health journey. Hello, self-expression and growth! 

Plus, when you join, you’ll have a chance to earn a $2,000 scholarship ✨

Let’s Do This!

DoSomething

Pride month may be over, but that won’t stop us from carrying our Louder Than Ever energy throughout the year. Here are some voices from Stronger Together that will keep your Pride advocacy going the other 11 months of the year:

“As a person who uses they/them/theirs pronouns and has a LOT social anxiety, I have a tough time correcting people when they use incorrect pronouns for me," said Hannah K., 18 "Something that actually helped me was whenever you're with your friends, have at least one person, who you trust, help you and correct someone if they use the wrong pronouns. I know it sounds like I'm telling you to avoid the confrontation all together, but by having someone in my corner who will always be brave with me helps build the confidence I need to advocate for myself.”

DoSomething member Anwita A., 16 said, “I have a pride bracelet which I almost always wear that way LGBTQIA+ people feel safe talking to me. Additionally I don't make comments like "you are not gay, you are just confused" and I make sure not to misgender them by asking their pronouns in a compassionate manner. I educate myself about their experiences, their triumphs, and their struggles. Listening to their stories, their fears, and their dreams with an open heart is also important. Lastly be their ally, their shelter in a world that may not always understand or accept them.”

It’s giving Pride-365, and we’re here for it! There’s still time to join in on Louder Than Ever and remind everyone that LGBTQIA+ advocacy is a year-long affair.

This week’s Quick Hitters are all about the amazing things worth celebrating as Summer raves on:

Good news this week… the Biden Administration just announced plans to cancel $39 billion of student loan debt to fix ‘historical inaccuracies’, in which some systems have failed to keep an accurate record of student loan payments. While this unfortunately won't impact the vast majority of recent borrowers or future college students, it does offer a glimmer of hope that the current administration is looking for more solutions to the student debt crisis.

Climate victories… recent reports show a 34% drop in deforestation rates in Brazil’s Amazon Rainforest for the first half of 2023, heyoooo! This proves that the advocacy of thousands of climate action groups is paying off, and the planet is saying, “thank you!”

Save the date… for Apollo Teen Takeover: AfroCosmic, which is taking place this Friday, July 21st at 6pm at the Apollo Theater in New York. Don’t miss this celebration of African culture if you’re in NYC!

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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