Photos: 5 Ways DoSomething Members Are Impacting Their Communities Right Now

Last month, over 22,317 DoSomething members signed up for the The Five Actions Challenge week of action, five days and five ways to make an impact during the holidays. The week of action is over but the challenge, powered by TargetTag, lasts until January 31! Check out incredible photos and powerful quotes from DoSomething members who have taken the challenge, and sign up to get involved!

Day 1: Environment

Unplug energy vampires.

Did you know Americans lose $5.8 billion a year, simply by leaving things like computers, lamps, and appliances plugged in? By unplugging unused devices around your home and at school, you could help protect the planet, conserve energy, and significantly reduce your carbon footprint.

“As someone who is extremely passionate about the outdoors, protecting the planet and its beauty is imperative for me. It only takes a second to make a small impact, so why not take that first step!” -- Shyvonne, 17

“It was important to me because it made me realize how people waste electricity without even realizing it. I found out that I was one of those people, until today! I'm now making sure that I unplug devices that could be potentially dangerous and those I often don't use.” -- Brian, 18

Day 2: Community

Collect and donate canned foods.

Collecting non-perishable food items to donate to your local food bank or homeless shelter is a simple and effective way to contribute to your community. Whether you donate five spare food items or 50, every little bit helps those who need it most.

“Every year for Christmas, my school raises up to 30,000 cans to take to families in need at our local shelters. I feel like this is very important (especially during Thanksgiving time and Christmas time) and my family is very fortunate to be able to have food during these times, [while] some people are not. If you give you shall receive, and that is the motto I live by.” -- Oluwateniola, 17

Day 3: School

Celebrate the people who serve your school.

The hard work and compassion of teachers, school counselors, and other employees too often goes unnoticed. Make thank-you cards for custodians, dining hall workers, RAs, teachers, counselors, and others who make your school better for everyone. It only takes a few minutes to show them you care!

“This project could really help make a difference. Small things like thank-you cards can go a long way for someone, and this world could use a bit more kindness!” -- Shayne, 18

“My teachers spend so much time making sure I understand the material so I can be prepared for college. They go above and beyond to ensure that we get the information. I believe that teachers are underappreciated and we need to spend more time telling them thank you for everything they do. I am where I am today because of my teachers, without their guidance and instruction I would be lost in my academic career. I love my teachers and so should you.” -- Savannah, 17

Day 4: Friends

Show your allyship to the LGBTQ+ community.

Pronouns (like “she/her/hers,” “they/them/theirs,” or “he/him/his”) are one of the easiest ways of acknowledging someone’s identity. Show your support to the LGBTQ+ community by making and wearing a pin with your preferred gender pronouns. Be an ally and help make your community a safer space for everyone.

“This campaign is important to me because throughout my high school career and currently in college, I have plenty of very close friends in the LGBTQ community. I just want to let them know that no matter how they identify themselves or prefer to be identified my other, I support them completely. The LGBTQ community is filled with very kind people that deserve to be treated with respect and equality.” -- Priya, 18

“I have loved ones that faced many hardships, simply because society didn't approve of whom they had romantic feelings for. We have come a long way since then, and I only want to see the love progress.” -- April, 18

Day Five: Yourself

Practice self-love.

Worrying about your appearance and how others perceive you can take a huge toll on your mental health. Take a few minutes out of your day to treat yourself to some self-love by posting positive sticky notes on bathroom mirrors. You deserve it!

“Self-love is the most important type of love and often the hardest to truly acknowledge, but it is important to believe in your worth because that's the only way you will find the motivation to accomplish your dreams.” -- Catherine, 17

“Loving yourself is key in life. People will doubt you along the way but nobody can stop what you're doing but you. Your self-love is the motor that pushes you to do things and be the best person you can be.” -- Matthew, 18

Special shoutout to all the DoSomething members who completed all five days of the Five Actions Challenge, including Dylan, 18!

“I participated in this challenge, and it was SO MUCH FUN and immensely gratifying! I love being able to do things that help make other people feel better, because everyone in life deserves happiness."