Matt speaks for hunger

via People

Matt Damon has already tackled water, and now he’s moving on to food. The actor, who does tons of great work with his organization water.org, is the voice of a new PSA on world hunger. Created by the U.S. Department of State, the ad contains some unbelievable information – like that every five seconds, a child dies of hunger. The PSA also explores the link between climate change and hunger.

Watch the video below, and then take action to fight hunger. Start local – check out our Feed the Need campaign, going on now. Then take it global – lobby your Congressional representative to support the Global Child Survival Act.

Russell talks turkey

via Hamptons Magazine

This definitely isn’t your grandmother’s Thanksgiving! Russell Simmons will host an upcoming benefit brunch for turkeys – a vegan brunch, naturally. On November 22, the hip hop superstar and avowed animal activist will host The Celebration for the Turkeys at Central Park’s legendary Tavern on the Green restaurant. Along with the animal-free meal, a silent auction will raise money for Farm Sanctuary, an organization that fights the abuses of factory farms and raises awareness about a vegan lifestyle.

Want to help animals like Russell? First, read our 11 Facts about animals and factory farms to learn why he’s opposed to factory farming. Then consider volunteering at your local ASPCA or animal shelter, or start an awareness campaign to educate others on this issue. And be sure to check out the Farm Sanctuary website for more info on their work.

Kristen's cause surprise

via Ecorazzi

Kristen Stewart is busy promoting the newest Twilight flick New Moon, but she still found the time to do some good. The actress made a surprise appearance at Dodgers Stadium in LA yesterday to jump start the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation’s Walk to Cure Diabetes. Joined by boxing legend Sugar Ray Leonard, Kristen cut the ribbon to kick off the initiative, which aims to raise $2 million for juvenile diabetes research. “It’s amazing to be around such inspiring people” said Kristen. Check out more of her appearance in the video below.

Don’t know the difference between Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes? Get the real facts on youth diabetes. Uninformed about insulin? Read our background on diabetes for more info. Then, to join Kristen and participate in the Walk to Cure Diabetes, check out the Walk to Cure Diabetes website.

Chase's Phillie Philanthropy

via PETA

He may have lost the World Series, but Chase Utley is a winner when it comes to doing good. The Philadelphia Phillie’s second-baseman is a huge advocate for animals, and he and his wife have helped organize Save a Pet at the Park, a day that brings adoptable animals to the ballpark on gameday. Chase's foundation, Utley’s All-Star Animals, has raised more than $200,000 for the Pennsylvania SPCA, and he’s also involved in lots of community-based mentoring programs. Chase even won the 2006 Phillies Community Service Award for his all his great work.

Baseball season may be over, but there are still plenty of chances for you to follow Chase’s lead and do some good in your community. First, check out our wrap-up of each team’s volunteer efforts. Then, plan an animal shelter fundraiser to help out cats and dogs in need. And next time you’re looking for a pet, don’t shop, adopt!

Quote of the day: Mariah Carey

via People

"Abuse has several categories. Emotionally, mentally, in other ways. I just think you get into a situation and you feel locked in — if your situation is similar to one of the situations I've been in."

- Mariah Carey is opening up about her history of abusive relationships after seeing Rihanna's new interview. Make sure you're well-versed on violence against women by reading our terms you should know.

Nicole's charitable travels

via Babble

It was just a few weeks ago that Nicole Kidman was in Washington, D.C. to talk to lawmakers about violence against women. Now Nicole, who’s an ambassador for the UN Development Fund for Women (UNIFEM) is turning her talk in to action by making a trip to Kenya. The Australian actress will tour the country, visiting a hospital and school, to see first-hand the work being done by UNIFEM while also raising awareness and bringing attention to the plight of women worldwide. Nicole says that African women “need and deserve our support. Not with a box of band-aids, but with a comprehensive, well-funded approach that acknowledges that women’s rights are human rights.”

Okay so maybe you can’t travel the world to help your cause – there’s still tons you can do. First, take the Harvard Implicit Bias test – it’s designed to uncover some gender biases you might not even know you have! Then, check out our huge page of action guides so you can do something for women’s rights.

Tony skates for good

via Babble

Skateboarding superstar Tony Hawk will do some good in Sin City. On Saturday, November 7th, Tony will host Stand Up For Skateparks at the Wynn Hotel in Las Vegas, to benefit his Tony Hawk Foundation. The event will feature games, music, auctions, a raffle, and, of course, skateboarding and BMX. Money raised will go to the Tony Hawk Foundation, which brings free, high-quality public skateparks to low-income areas in the U.S. Among the celebs joining Tony are Diddy, Jamie Lee Curtis, and Travis Barker.

Can't make it to the event? Check out the Stand Up For Skateparks website, or visit Stoked.org for more info on how extreme sports can help out kids in need.

Rihanna breaks her silence

via E! Online

As we previously covered, Rihanna has given her first interview since being assaulted by then-boyfriend Chris Brown back in February. Now, the entire Diane Sawyer interview with the pop superstar has been released, and Rihanna goes in to detail about what happened that night. She says that Chris held her in a headlock and bit her on her ear and fingers, and that she didn’t fight back, saying: “I just wanted it to stop. I was not interested in hurting him back.” Chris was sentenced to five years of probation, one year of domestic violence counseling, and six months of community service for the assault that night.

Rihanna spends a lot of the interview apologizing to her fans, saying that going back to Chris after the incident was a mistake since she is a role model to so many young women. She says: “When I realized that my selfish decision for love could result in some young girl getting killed, I could not be easy with that part… even if Chris never hit me again, who is to say that their boyfriend won't? Who's to say that they won't kill these girls? These are young girls and I just didn't realize how much of an impact I had on these girls' lives until that happened."

A half-hour interview with Chris Brown will air tonight at 6 on MTV, and although it’s not his first since the assault, Chris will discuss his life and career since the incident.

What do you think of Rihanna’s statements? Should she share so many details of what happened? Is it fair that the media has made her a role model for other young girls in her situation? Be sure to read our info on dating abuse to learn more about this issue and what you can do to stop it.

Quote of the day: Tyra Banks

via Just Jared

“It’s not about being skinny, it’s about getting in the best shape that you can be.”

- Tyra Banks. Today, the model's talk show tackles health and fitness. Before you tune in to the show, check out our background on fitness to learn why it's so important.

Selena's awesome auction

via AOL Music

Halloween may be over, but CGG superstar Selena Gomez is still in the spooky spirit. The UNICEF ambassador is hosting a charity auction to benefit Trick-or-Treat for UNICEF, that famous orange box program. The auction has items like clothes, signed shoes, and even a meeting with the Disney star herself. Selena’s been Tweeting up a storm during the auction’s last week, asking fans to spend some cash for her favorite cause. UNICEF helps out kids around the world, providing food, education, and shelter for underprivileged kids in developing nations.

Check out the auction here. Don’t have big bucks to bid? Don’t worry! You can still do like Selena and help out kids around the world – check out our massive list of global poverty action guides.