International Human Rights

Rainn Wilson wants you to Do Something (& tell him about it)!

Submitted by megbomb on Tue, 11/02/2010 - 18:41

Rainn Wilson wants you to share your eye-opening experiences! Have you done something or met someone that truly inspired you to take action? What volunteer experiences have made the biggest impact on you?

5 comments

Submitted by jalenfaith on Thu, 02/02/2012 - 02:43

the problem:

Rather than trying to solve, I'm trying to provide. I'm going to provide educational opportunities to people wanting to jump high over obstacles that life brings to them, and how they can overcome them.

vital stats:

people impacted:

people involved:

why it's important:

I care about others safety, and I know if I was someone in need of education, I would want someone to do this for me.

the plan of action:

I'm beginning with applying for a grant so I can get the website created, and once the website is created we're going to start sharing our information on facebook / twitter. I'm hopefully going to be able to create a club at my school to teach students about the issues my organization is going to provide.

how you can get involved:

By sharing my ideas, and possibly joining in!

project updates:

Submitted by bri7232 on Wed, 02/01/2012 - 01:05

Check out our videos!

the problem:

Right now, more than 300,000 Kenyan youth live and work on the streets. Street youth face a life of disease, poverty, exploitation, and violence. Some street youth survive by collecting scrap metal for recycling as well as washing cars, while the more vulnerable turn to theft and prostitution. In Kenya, where education is neither free nor mandatory, many street youth have not completed Primary School let alone Secondary School. Millions of dollars are invested into humanitarian programs that offer food, clothing, and shelter, but they often fail to keep youth off the streets forever. In a country with an unemployment rate of 64% among youth between the ages of 18 and 35, street youth simply cannot compete in the job market.

vital stats:

people impacted:

300

people involved:

why it's important:

In 2008, I traveled to Nairobi, Kenya to volunteer with an HIV clinic in Mathare, the second largest slum in Kenya. The experience changed my life. Upon my return to the U.S. I changed my major from Biology to International Studies with the determination to go back to Kenya after I graduated.

I graduated in December 2010 and moved to Kenya in March 2011 determined to make a change in the world. Just a few short days after landing in Nairobi I met a former street boy, Wiclif Otieno. Wiclif's story, success, and passion for changing the lives of other street youth through KITO International was very inspiring. We became instant friends.

Wiclif taught me a lot about street life, poverty, and the importance of quality aid. I quickly fell in love with the KITO community and it didn't take long before Wiclif and I joined forces to continue KITO's growth.

the plan of action:

KITO believes that "moving off the streets" means "getting out of poverty." If street youth are given an economic opportunity that enables them to work their way out of poverty and become self-sufficient, they will stay off the streets forever.

Potential KITO youth are referred by partner organizations, recruited by team members, or apply on their own. KITO selects street youth through a participatory interview process. Successful applicants enter a vigorous 2 month training program which covers entrepreneurship, life skills, employability skills, and financial literacy. Upon graduation of KITO's Training Program, KITO youth are offered temporary employment with KITO's social enterprise, EcoSafi, where they learn to make bags from recycled material as well as practice the skills they have learned in a hands-on setting. KITO staff work tirelessly to customize each youth's exit strategy. KITO youth have the option to start their own business, go back to school, or find full-time employment.

how you can get involved:

Spreading the word about KITO International is very important to us. You can help us in these efforts by liking us on Facebook (www.facebook.com/kitointernational) or following us on Twitter (www.twitter.com/kitointl). KITO International is always looking for volunteers, interns, and donations to help us achieve our mission. To learn more about us please visit www.kitointernational.org.

project updates:

videos:

Submitted by suzrose7 on Mon, 01/30/2012 - 16:02

the problem:

The Fourth Estate is a generation defining idealogy based on the belief that “All men are created equal, and that justice for some is not justice for all”. As an extension of Invisible Children, The Fourth Estate is about proving the universial through the specific and the specific being yound people. It is about empowering youth to see their potential, to map out the future of international justice and what it looks like to be a true global citizen.

vital stats:

people impacted:

80,250

people involved:

600

why it's important:

There is not one specific thing that inspired me to take action, but rather everything in my life has prepared me to do so. I had no way of knowing people I believe to be history makers would ask me to work alongside of them. That they would see potential in me that I didn’t, and give me the opportunity to step into what I was meant to do.

the plan of action:

By creating an inviting and revolutionary platform and equipping young people with tangible tools to bring sustainable change to their local communities and the world. This Fall, directly after our first conference 355/600 students raised $820,000 in 100 days that went directly to fund Invisible Children's Protection Plan. The funds that are already on the ground have gone to introduce Phase 2 of a child soldier Rehabilitation Center in the DRC, the implementation of 20 new radio towers in remote and targeted villages.

how you can get involved:

By sharing the story of the longest running armed conflict in Africa. out how at www.invisiblechildren.com

project updates:

Submitted by SMCYC on Wed, 01/25/2012 - 19:11

the problem:

Youth Voice in the Community. While youth in San Mateo County are passionate about a wide spectrum of issues, and many are actively attempting to make a difference, there is very little acknowledgement of these efforts.

vital stats:

people impacted:

500

people involved:

why it's important:

Having worked with a wide array of youth struggling with a variety of issues, from eating disorders, to criminal records, to running away from home, I have seen first hand how important it is to youth to have their voice heard. I am passionate about Youth Empowerment, and strongly believe that when a platform is given to youth to excel and succeed, they will far exceed expectations.

the plan of action:

Host the 2012 San Mateo County Youth Conference, a Conference entirely run by-youth and for-youth. It is featuring workshops throughout the day which are all run by youth under the age of 25. From panel discussions of Teen Parents, to youth workshops by teens with incarcerated parents, to jiu jitsu seminars, to film showings of "Project Happiness" and "Miss Representation" - the Conference will be chock full of options for youth to attend. The event will also have a "Policy Panel" featuring local and state elected officials who will be answering youth questions, a keynote speaker talking about Rap and Hip-Hop Activism, community partner tables, and raffle prizes. The event will be held March 17th, 2012 from 930AM-5PM at the College of San Mateo. More information can be found on our website at: https://sites.google.com/site/smcyouthconference/ or on our Facebook page at: www.facebook.com/smcyouthconference

how you can get involved:

We need volunteers on the day of the Conference to help run the day! We also need youth attendees, and youth to get the word out about this incredible event!

project updates:

Submitted by LoraLion on Mon, 01/23/2012 - 21:53

the problem:

What I have been trying to do to help the world become a better place is to build a website not only to gather people to see my website, but to action off items for a profit that will be given to a specific cause. I have built a website that I want to use to help gather in people to come and talk, listen, view, and relate to the world by viewing music videos, movie trailers, video game trailers, and other topics I hope to add on later. The auctions page will be used for the purpose of showcasing my creations, and the selling of my creations. If this goes well in the future, I also would like for others to be able to donate their items on my website for a cause as well.

vital stats:

people impacted:

people involved:

why it's important:

When I was younger, I was always considered to be nature, environmental, and human sensitive to the negative effects on these subjects. The burning and cutting down of trees, pollution of the world’s drinking water, hunting down animals to be used as trophies, abuse against women, and so many other events. But I was never able to do anything to help because when it all comes down to it; the best way to help any cause is to offer money. And who could blame people for needing money to help others because the world seemed to run highly on currency. I really wanted to help, but I could barely help myself in that situation. Even though I have become older, I still was not able to help those that I wanted to help and the longer I was waiting do to something, the worse everything was becoming, especially in my area.

the plan of action:

I have already created a website that is available for others to view. I have even had some people travel into my website. But it’s not exactly the greatest looking website on the planet. I still lack some experience in making good graphic logos to put onto my website. But I am still learning and I am willing to make major changes to the website until I can create a website that everyone will be proud to visit. I have included a picture with my project idea that will become the new logo for my Relax and Tell website. And because of this, I am certain now that I can make more original graphics and help improve the outlook of the website. My new website is being made and will soon take the place of the old website. This should gather more people to view my website and will gather many more supporters to my cause.

how you can get involved:

I know that my website is not entirely finished right now, but the best way to help me improve my vision is to come to my site, click on some of the ads and banners on the website, and bookmark the pages in case you do decide to buy something from their web site. This way, I can get a small commission from every product bought from each of those ads on my website. If I can get even a small commission rate from the ads on my site, I can make even more improvements to the website that could become more interesting.

project updates:

Submitted by YulissaElhassan on Fri, 01/13/2012 - 21:56

the problem:

Some teenagers and even children don't have a place they can call home, have people in their lives that they can love, to bebable to go home knowing there will be food in their tables. It would be nice to help out, wouldn't it?

vital stats:

people impacted:

people involved:

why it's important:

It's important to me because it's nice to care for others, some people aren't as lucky as others some don't have someone they can call "Mom" or "Dad" too. Some don't have things to play with. Have a heart. Donations and volunteering would be nice (:

the plan of action:

My plan is to provide teenagers and children with a family, toy's, delicious food, and have lots of people to help out and volunteer, adopt or simply give donations.

how you can get involved:

You can help by emailing me; Yuliabejita@hotmail.com Letting me know you would like to help. I will provide you with information for you to help with a place nearby you or if you would simply like to donate just let me know. Also if you would like to adopt. All you have to do is let me know (: Or you can go to the website itself http://www.fbchomes.org/

project updates:

Submitted by juliadaly on Fri, 01/13/2012 - 12:41

the problem:

I am trying to encourage young Americans to get involved with international issues and see beyond themselves. AMIGOS has opened my eyes to the world and I want to do this for other people. Taking the time to volunteer and live in some of Latin America's most impoverished places and make a difference in a small community can be a caveat for change in a young person's life. For me, participating in AMIGOS on 4 different occasions, taught me the value of being a global citizen. I believe that racial tensions, international ignorance, and poverty persist in this world because of people's lack of access to the international community. I also do not believe that only wealthy young people should be given the opportunity to travel and help others. I believe that the money awarded to me would go directly towards influencing America's youth and making them better citizens of the world. Education can change the world and I hope to help young people become educated about international issues through this scholarship.

vital stats:

people impacted:

800

people involved:

25,000

why it's important:

AMIGOS has been the single most life-changing thing I have ever done. I first volunteered in 2005 in the rural pacific of Costa Rica. Since then I have returned to AMIGOS as a Project Supervisor in Paraguay, the Dominican Republic, and Nicaragua. Each experience has inspired me to be the change I want to see in the world. I have seen poverty and how it directly affects my fellow human being and it is not fair. I have worked in communities where children suffer botched amputations because of a small foot infection endured because the family cannot afford to buy them shoes. I have had a conversation with a 15-year-old mother to be who did not understand how she got pregnant. There is an obvious lack of access to opportunity in the developing world, and I believe that if I can help young Americans to see that, I can help to change the world one person at a time.

My experience with AMIGOS has inspired me to get involved with my community both in the United States, and abroad. I believe that global youth-to-youth outreach is the best way to combat ignorance, racial tension, and poverty in our world today. If the money I am awarded can give this opportunity to even one young person, it will be worth it to me.

the plan of action:

I want to create an opportunity for qualified high school students to receive funding for their international volunteer experience with AMIGOS. I would like to put these funds towards giving less privileged youths the opportunity to change their lives and impact their youth counterparts in Latin America. This money would go towards a scholarship or grant program for children who would otherwise not have access to such an amazing opportunity to travel the world and help to stop poverty.

how you can get involved:

Others can help by donating to Amigos de las Americas at http://www.amigoslink.org/. Many children can be given a chance to volunteer abroad with the right financial assistance. Your donation can directly impact the life of a young person and put them on a path of civic engagement, youth development, and international problem solving.

project updates:

Submitted by juliadaly on Fri, 01/13/2012 - 12:30

the problem:

vital stats:

people impacted:

800

people involved:

25,000

why it's important:

AMIGOS has been the single most life-changing thing I have ever done. It has inspired me to get involved with my community both in the United States, and abroad. I believe that global youth-to-youth outreach is the best way to combat ignorance, racial tension, and poverty in our world today. If the money I am awarded can give this opportunity to even one young person, it will be worth it to me.

the plan of action:

I want to create an opportunity for high school students to receive funding for their international volunteer experience with AMIGOS. I would like to put these funds towards giving less privileged youths the opportunity to change their lives and impact their youth counterparts in Latin America.

how you can get involved:

n/a

project updates:

Submitted by josh_sg1 on Thu, 01/12/2012 - 14:36

the problem:

I would like to make a universal paradise for everyone on the Planet through Investing and Inventing Technology and Extreme Science Advancements in Nano Technology that can do anything you can imagine, solve all your problems in any, create practically invincible anything, etc...

vital stats:

people impacted:

people involved:

why it's important:

I want to do it as I want to do something, anything to get the technology I want.

the plan of action:

I would like to create some inventions I design. I would like to do college, I want to be there to know graphic design and make money to invest with. There are small projects I can do with small amounts of money and there are large projects with a lot of money. Example: A Nano Technologically advanced Volumetric Molecular Scanner that can scan something and make a digitally programmed 3d working copy of it can work with a nano machine with a compupter where you can do anything you want to it instantly. That includes people, objects, items, anything you can think of, completely stop the need for farms and animals farming as all the acids and minerals can be practically instantly printed off a computer with this. I like to think it would cost around $990 Billion USD to design the Scanner. With the Scanner, it can be designed quickly and distributed everywhere. I am the only person in the universe that I know of actually doing something about it.

What I would like to do to make the money is make a Electric Generator that creates its own electricity to power things like helicopters and jets. I already design it and I can talk to engineers that can make it although it would be a hard concept as anyone I explain it to that thinks they know how to do it greater would just do it themselves, take small amounts of investment and the money that would be needed for the scanner would be distributed to lots of people at large companies an they wouldn't do anything to design the scanner. I would like to think that I would need more power from the electric generator as a idea to make people want to buy it. I design a lot of inventions and I can make designs and everything I would need to show engineers how to design them. The electric generator I design is about less than $100.00 in resources, and is less than a few LB's. It is in the shape of a acorn. I call it the Acorn. It is not all about the generator's. I design a lot of inventions and a lot of ideas, companies, etc... that are all amaing and I would like to think that people are interested in what I am interested in though I would like to be around people like that in college environment's.

how you can get involved:

People can work with me on project's and make money. People can invest with the company too.