16
2011
Do Something Awards 2011: Finalists, Celebrities Inspire Action
Guest post today from ReachOut Council Member Jessica. Don't forget to tune in to VH1 for the DoSomething Awards 5pm PT/8pm CT/9pm ET and read Jessica's bio at the end!
This past Sunday was the taping of the Do Something Awards ceremony, honoring five young people who have already done so much to help others. Each finalist shared their story with the audience, describing the motivation behind their efforts. Within the first fifteen minutes of the event I became teary-eyed: the first finalist had created The American Widow Project, a resource for widowed spouses of the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, and as the daughter of a veteran I felt a deep connection with the military families who are so desperately in need.
While the ceremony is a unique mix of activism and pop culture that honors the finalists as well as celebrities, it is also so much more. Sitting in midst of such inspirational individuals made me want to jump out of my seat and set out to change the world, never mind the fact that it was 10 pm on a Sunday night or that I was wearing a dress with semi-uncomfortable high-heeled shoes.
I guess that is one of the amazing things about the Do Something Awards, it has the power to motivate and instill in everyone the idea that one person can bring about positive change. I’m so grateful that I was able to have this experience, because it reaffirmed the potential that I see in myself and the potential that I know we all have inside of us.
What inspires you to be a change agent? Does seeing celebrities involved with charities motivate you to do more?
About Jessica
Jessica was born and raised in southern California and currently live in the LA area. She recently graduated from the College of William & Mary in Virginia with a degree in political science and history. She is currently employed at an environmental consulting non-profit organization and is extremely dedicated to social causes as well as ecological ones. In her spare time she loves to read, cook (or at least try), attempt crossword puzzles, spend time with her siblings, eat copious amounts of peanut butter, watch obscure foreign films and experience new foods, places and cultures. She joined the ReachOut Council because it allows her the opportunity to help teens and young adults. She believes ReachOut.com is a powerful resource for young people, providing a network of understanding and supportive peers who are able to give comfort and relief.
