5 Amazing Things That Happened in September

Need a break from the news? Do your Twitter and Facebook feeds make you want to throw your phone out the window? Never forget that despite any and all bad news swirling around us, there are smart, compassionate, incredible people dedicating their lives to the pursuit of progress. Check out these five things that happened last month -- and watch them restore your faith in humanity.

1. Hundreds of New Orleans Students United for a Rally Against Gun Violence

By the end of September, a staggering total of 271 mass shootings had been reported in the United States this year alone. With the school year in full swing, students all over the nation are urging legislators to help create safer school environments with common sense gun reform.

This month, an estimated 1,200 students took to the streets in New Orleans to honor the memory of 15-year-old Chance Smith. The Eleanor McMain Secondary student was shot on August 18 in a New Orleans home, just two weeks into his freshman year. In partnership with InspireNOLA and Project Live & Achieve, activists marched from the Mercedes-Benz Superdome to City Hall, united against gun violence. The crowd listened as students, teachers, and concerned citizens shared their own experiences through poetry and song.

Since the devastating Parkland shooting in 2017, more than 50 new gun laws have been put in place all around the country, proving the power of student-led activism to make tangible change.

2. We Celebrated National Voter Registration Day and Got Fired Up for the Midterms

Election Day is under two months away, and we’ve never seen such excitement around youth engagement in democracy. Our awesome members have held voter registration drives on their campuses and in their hometowns, helping remind their communities that each and every vote matters. September 25 was National Voter Registration Day and all across the country, people were taking action and finding out how to make their voices heard on Election Day, November 6.

Celebrities like Chelsea Handler and Katie Couric urged fans to register to vote through social media. Lyft offered members discounted rides to the polls on November 6, and even pledged to give free rides to voters in underserved communities to encourage participation. And there was even a Google Doodle commemorating the day!

Not sure if you’re registered? Don’t worry — it only takes two minutes! Check your registration status and learn more about your polling place before the midterms.

3. A 9-Year-Old Came Up With the Coolest Way to Make Sure Nobody Feels Alone at Recess

Nine-year-old Sammie Vance is proof that you’re never too young to make a difference in your community. This fall, the elementary schooler put together a proposal to implement “buddy benches” on the playground. She walked into her principal’s office, crayon drawing in hand, and presented her idea of a place where kids can find a new friend to play with at recess.

After an enthusiastic approval from the school, Sammie and her mom got to work. The mother-daughter duo reached out to a company that builds benches from recycled plastic, and organized a fundraiser to collect spare bottle caps. With the incredible support of her community behind her, Sammie was able to raise enough for three benches in only two months!

Buddy benches are a simple, meaningful way to make sure everyone at school feels included — even those who feel shy when making new friends. Sammie’s dedication to this project reminds us all of the remarkable positive impact young people can have on those around them.

4. Madeline Stuart Stunned at New York Fashion Week

Twenty-one-year-old Madeline Stuart is a perfect example of why representation matters. The Australian model has been making waves in the fashion industry since 2015, when she became the first person with Down Syndrome to walk in New York Fashion Week. This fall marked her sixth NYFW, where she repped high-end looks from brands like Nonie and House of Byfield. With an Instagram following of nearly 200,000, Stuart is using her elevated platform to break down social barriers and change the conversation around the representation of disabilities in media.

Fashion is slowly becoming a more inclusive industry, making more of an effort to encourage equality in advertising and runway shows. Stuart is unapologetically herself and doesn’t let anything hold her back from succeeding.

5. This Michigan High School Started a New Homecoming Tradition

High school can be pretty competitive, especially when homecoming season rolls around. In an effort to make the celebration more inclusive, Michigan’s Chelsea High School ditched the stereotypical Homecoming Court for a new student achievement award. The Excellence Award recognizes students based on academic performance or their contributions to the school’s overall atmosphere, taking any insecurity and rivalry out of Homecoming.

Chelsea High made great strides in promoting an accepting and healthy school environment with their anti-bullying campaign, #WhyYouMatter. The Excellence Award continues this mission by highlighting students of any and all backgrounds, emphasizing kindness and student involvement, and fostering a supportive school community.

DoSomething.org is the largest not-for-profit exclusively for young people and social change. Our digital platform is activating 6 million young people (and counting!) to create offline impact in every US area code and in 131 countries.