Do Something is a national not-for-profit youth organization that believes young people have the power to make a difference by inspiring, supporting and celebrating a generation of doers: people who see the need to do something, believe in their ability to get it done and take action.
The organization was founded in 1993 by Andrew Shue, an actor famous from his role on Melrose Place, and his childhood friend Michael Sanchez. The New Jersey natives had a dream: what if making a difference in a community became just as cool and important and second nature to teens as athletics or other activities? Kids would develop not only their minds and bodies, but their souls, too.
Do Something is the 'one-stop shop' for teens changing the world and the creator of the BR!CK Awards, called "the Oscars for young people in service" by CNN in 1998. Last year's BR!CK Awards ceremony was televised on The CW on April 12, 2007 and was America's first televised awards show about changing the world. The show was produced by Alex Coletti and sponsored by Saturn, Pepsi and JP-Morgan Chase.
In 2008, the BR!CK Awards were renamed the Do Something Awards, and actress Scarlett Johannson presented the grand prize of $100,000 to Chad Bullock, 19, at the Teen Choice Awards. Lauren Conrad, star of reality show "The Hills," was so touched by Pat Pedraja, a 13 year old leukemia survivor who founded Driving for Donors, that she gave him her surfboard which she won as Choice Female TV Reality Star. On August 2, 2008 Do Something threw a pre-party at Level 3 in Hollywood to celebrate the 9 finalists. Hosted by singer JoJo, the pre-party featured performances from Jesse McCartney, Lil' Mama, Varsity Fan Club, 70's Latin boy-band Menudo, and one of the groups from "America's Best Dance Crew." Party-goers included a number of Hollywood celebs such as "The Hills" actresses Lauren Conrad and Lo Bosworth, N*SYNC's JC Chasez, Danity Kane, Olivia Wilde from "House," Elizabeth Berkeley from "Saved by the Bell" and "The Suite Life's" Dylan and Cole Sprouse.
Do Something's monthly causes, sponsored by companies like Fresh Express, Pepsi and Del Monte, address issues that concern teenagers, including healthy eating, caring for pets and recycling. The youth-led, web-based organization has over 250,000 members on its website, and it is estimated that through media and marketing the organization reaches over 11 million young people annually. Do Something is also the publisher of BUILD, the magazine for young people changing the world, which reaches over 400,000 teenagers in 500 schools throughout the United States and Canada.
The not-for-profit organization's CEO is Nancy Lublin, who founded Dress for Success in 1996. Lori Majewski, former editor-in-chief of Teen People and a former executive editor of US Weekly and Entertainment Weekly recently joined the organization as editor-in-chief.
Official Website
http://www.dosomething.org
