5 Amazing Things That Happened in November

If you’re feeling overwhelmed by the bad news, we have the perfect solution. There are always smart, compassionate people working hard to make the world a better place -- even if they don’t make headlines. Check out some of the most inspiring and uplifting stories that you may have missed this month.

1. Millie Bobby Brown Was Named the Youngest UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador

We all know Millie Bobby Brown is one of the coolest 14-year-olds around, but she just might be one of the most powerful too. In celebration of World Children’s Day on November 20, Millie announced her new role as UNICEF’s youngest Global Goodwill Ambassador. Following in the footsteps of mega-stars like Orlando Bloom, Serena Williams, and Shakira, Millie will spend time traveling with UNICEF in order to better understand the lived experiences of children in different communities around the world. Millie is already making the most of her heightened platform, urging supporters to sign a petition to promote more awareness and commitment to protecting children’s rights worldwide.

2. Jaden Smith Is Here to Make Environmental Activism Fashionable

There’s been a lot of talk about environmental crisis lately, especially in the wake of disastrous fires in California and two massive hurricanes in the southern US earlier this fall. Luckily, we have passionate and intelligent young people like Jaden Smith working hard to promote environmentally-conscious lifestyle choices and business ventures. The 20-year-old triple threat partnered with Dutch fashion brand G-Star Raw to create what may just be the world’s most sustainable denim. With three brand new colorways inspired by natural elements like water and earth, G-Star Raw was able to use fewer harmful chemicals and waste less energy during their production process. You heard it here first -- conscious consumerism is the biggest trend ahead of 2019!

3. Parkland Students Received International Children’s Peace Prize for Gun Violence Prevention Efforts

Student activists from Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School have powered a youth-led movement against gun violence since 17 students were killed at their school in February. They organized a huge protest demonstration in Washington D.C. earlier this year, spearheaded youth voter registration efforts across the country, and founded what has become one of the most well-known gun control advocacy groups, March For Our Lives. Now, their incredible impact is being recognized on a global scale. At a ceremony in South Africa, the Parkland students were awarded the International Children’s Peace Prize for showing “a remarkable commitment to combating problems millions of children face worldwide.”

4. Dr. Christine Blasey Ford Stood Up for Sexual Assault Survivors (Again)

On October 9, Judge Brett Kavanaugh was sworn into the Supreme Court, despite having been accused of sexual assault by three separate women. The Kavanaugh confirmation was one of the most divisive in history, as the nation watched Dr. Christine Blasey Ford give a devastating and brave testimony about the night Kavanaugh allegedly assaulted her when the two were high school students. Since the hearing, Dr. Ford’s family has been forced to relocate and raise funds for increased security protection. Nearly $650,000 were raised in two short months, but according to a statement on her GoFundMe page, Dr. Ford will no longer be accepting donations for herself and her family. Instead, the remaining funds will be given to organizations that work to organizations that support trauma survivors. Showing us all her bravery and grace, Dr. Ford wrote, “Although coming forward was terrifying, and caused disruption to our lives, I am grateful to have had the opportunity to fulfill my civic duty.”

High profile coverage of assault can be especially triggering to survivors -- learn more about how to show your support and be an ally.

5. Gen Z Was Named the Most Diverse and Best Educated Generation Yet

Lazy. Entitled. Narcissistic. These are all words that have been used to (unfairly) describe members of the youngest generation, but that stereotype is about to change. Studies show that post-millennials -- a.k.a. anyone born after 1996 -- are the most diverse and well-educated generation yet! According to Pew Research Center, nearly half of Gen Z are racial or ethnic minorities and Gen Z students are pursuing secondary education at a significantly higher rate than both Millennials and Gen Xer’s were at the same age. We may not be able to pay off our student loans or buy real estate any time soon (thanks for the reminder, Monopoly) but the next time someone tries to give us a bad rep, we have the data to prove them wrong.