Corbin Bleu wants your help and voice to make a difference in the world. He recently launched a new project called www.CorbinBleuLive.com where he’s asking everyone to write about issues that are important to them. The response has been great so far, with posts about topics ranging from fighting domestic violence to pollution and recycling.

Corbin, who is currently completing the last few weeks of his run on Broadway’s In the Heights, recently tweeted that he will also be doing live shows from the site. We think it’s great that Corbin is so committed to making a difference in the world and that he’s inspiring others to do the same!

Visit www.CorbinBleuLive.com and click here to read some of the posts being made now. Be sure to join in and lend your voice to a cause that you believe in. (If you have trouble signing up click here for directions.)

(Editor’s Note: I also wrote a piece on www.CorbinBleuLive.com about an issue I’m passionate about, how young people can change the world through their gifts. Click here to check it out).

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• Wilfredo Perez Jr., Public Health Education and Training Program for Haitian Youth
• Micaela Connery, Unified Theater
• Jessica Posner, The Kibera School for Girls and Shining Hope Community Center
• Mark Rembert, Energize Clinton County
• Jacqueline Murekatete, Jacqueline’s Human Rights Corner

Click here to read a feature on AOL about this year’s nominees and visit the Do Something website to vote for your favorite Do-ers.

More About The Do Something Awards

Since 1996, Do Something has honored the nation’s best young world-changers. Do Something Award Winners represent the pivotal “do-ers” in their field, cause, or issue. Finalists are rewarded with a huge $10,000 community grant, and the Winner receives $100,000. All participate in a special award ceremony that features celebrities, media coverage, and continued support from Do Something.

More info at: http://www.dosomething.org/awards

Do Something Grants

Do Something also gives grants to support young people in their dreams to change the world. Do you need $500 to further the growth and success of your program or turn your idea into reality? Did you recently create a sustainable community action project, program or organization or have a great idea for helping your community? If you answered “YES!”, you’re eligible to apply for a Do Something Grant. Best of all, they’re given out WEEKLY!

More info at: http://www.dosomething.org/grants

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After hearing about the oil spill in the Gulf that is affecting many people and animals there 11-year-old Olivia Bouler was moved and decided to take action. The Gulf Coast was a familiar place to her, where she spent many vacations with her family who live in Louisiana and Alabama.

Olivia, who describes herself as an “aspiring ornithologist, artist, and saxophone player,” decided to put her artistic skills to work, creating and selling original artworks of birds, because she knew birds would be affected and could likely suffer as a result of the spill.

She contacted the National Audubon Society to ask for help, in hopes of giving her illustrations to raise money for clean up costs. The response has been enormous and, Olivia has raised thousands and has over 27,000 members on her Facebook page: Save the Gulf: Olivia’s Bird Illustrations. Her story has appeared in several news outlets like BBC radio, AOL News, Newsday, Italian news, and Belgian news. Her work is now also featured as an AOL Artist, with AOL giving The Audubon Society $25,000 in honor of Olivia’s efforts.

What an amazing effort; we love Oliva’s artwork and commend her for the work she’s doing! Want to donate or contribute to her efforts? Visit http://www.aolartists.com/projects/help-the-gulf to donate and visit Save the Gulf: Olivia’s Bird Illustrations to find out how you can get a print of her work for your donation.

Read more about Olivia in this feature from AOL’s Good News Now and read the letter she wrote here.

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There’s nothing like a good book; you can immerse yourself in different worlds, share someone else’s experiences and ignite your own imagination to what’s possible in the world.

Adele Ann Taylor has such a passion for books and at the age of 13 decided she wanted to share her love for reading with other kids, to show them how much power it holds and how much fun it could be. This is why she founded her non-profit organization Adele’s Literacy Library™ (A.L.L.) in December 2008. The goal of A.L.L. is to “instill and empower that reading is not only fundamental, it is the key ingredient to success and through reading ALL things are possible.”

Throughout the past few years since founding A.L.L., Adele has already donated thousands of books and spoken to hundreds of kids about the power of reading. Her main goals are to donate millions of brand new books and bookmarks to schools, libraries and charitable organizations, and to “make a difference” in the lives of others through a book. She also wants to eventually offer scholarships to graduating seniors who want to pursue their educational dreams.

Adele was crowned Miss Heartland’s Outstanding Teen 2009, making her an official representative for the sister group to the Miss America Organization, and she was most recently crowned Miss Bonnie Blue Outstanding Teen 2010. She is also a featured Hero on the website Kids Are Heroes that shows that young people can make a difference in the world. Watch Adele in the video below from a Kids Are Heroes event, where she speaks about her organization and how other young people can become change-makers in their communities:

KidsAreHeroes.com Presents Adele Taylor

Adele aims to motivate people of all ages to develop a passion for reading and show them that “regardless of where you come from, you can go anywhere in the world by reading a book.” This inspiring teen spoke to Dreamer ENT about how she got started and what she’s up to now – ALL for the love of reading.

Dreamer ENT: Tell us about you – how old are you and what grade are you in, and a little bit of your background?

Adele Taylor: I am a 14-year-old freshman [will be entering 10th grade in the upcoming year]. I am the oldest of three; I have a younger brother and sister. I enjoy rock climbing, roller skating, ice skating, hanging out with my friends, dancing and of course reading.

DE: When and why did you start Adele’s Literacy Library? What sparked the idea and what did you do to get started?

Adele: Well, I love to read and I always have wanted to make a difference in the world. I started Adele’s Literacy library or A.L.L for short, because I wanted to empower people of ALL ages to read. I feel that there are so many people of all ages that don’t realize how important literacy is and how without it, you can’t achieve in life.

Basically, I approached my parents about what I wanted to do and they liked the idea. They hosted a fundraiser at our annual holiday party where every guest was to bring a brand new book. I collected over 200 books that night!

DE: When did you first have the passion for reading? Why do you believe it’s so important for young people, or anyone?

Adele: I remember my mom reading to me ever since I was little, and I’ve just grown up having a strong passion for reading; it is the one thing I never get tired of doing. Reading is important for everyone. Could you imagine being in school struggling with reading and asking your parents for help only to find out they don’t know how to read? Where would that person be today? I don’t know too many jobs that are available where reading isn’t required.

DE: About how many books have you raised so far and what type of places have you donated to?

Adele: Adele’s Literacy Library has given out over thousands of brand new books and bookmarks. We’ve donated to The Boys and Girls Club, The Ronald McDonald House of Southern New Jersey, as well as various libraries, schools and organizations.

DE: Tell us about one of your favorite events or projects you’ve done through Adele’s Literacy Library?

Adele: My favorite event was Adele’s Literacy Library one year anniversary extravaganza. We raffled prizes from gift cards, to spa packages. It was a nice turnout and everyone was so supportive, the guests were competing for certain prizes and bought a lot of tickets. I had a lot of fun and raised money for ALL at the same time.

DE: What are some of your favorite books now, or one’s you’re currently reading? Do you remember your favorites as a kid?

Adele: Hands down I will always love the Twilight series by Stephanie Meyer, and the Crank series by Ellen Hopkins. However, I love ALL Nicholas Sparks books, and Tar Baby by Toni Morrison. When I was kid I loved Dr. Seuss, and enjoyed The Magic Tree House series.

DE: What are some of the other things you do in your free time? What are your favorite classes in school?

Adele: When I have “free time”, (which isn’t often) I love to hang out with my friends because most of my friends I don’t see on a regular basis; they’ve moved to other states. I love music and dancing and often find myself making up little dances. My favorite classes in school are surprisingly math, and history.

DE: Who are some of your inspirations and role models and why?

Adele: I have many role models, but my mom comes at the top because she has taught me that family comes first and to believe in the power of my dreams.

DE: I read you were named Miss Heartland’s Outstanding Teen 2009. How was that experience; did this along with your organization allow you to mentor other girls? What would you say to a girl who felt shy or unconfident about herself?

Adele: Yes, in the year 2009 I was crowned Miss Heartland’s Outstanding Teen, which is a local pageant to this sister organization, Miss America. I had a great time during my year of service where I got to promote my platform, literacy. I am currently Miss Bonnie Blue Outstanding Teen 2010 and will relinquish my title in August. I love this Miss America Organization as it has given me the opportunity to promote my cause, literacy, while wearing the crown.

I would tell anyone that was shy or unconfident about themselves that they are special and everyone was placed on this earth for a reason. Write down all the things you like about them and read it every day. The main thing is to be you and be true to yourself.

DE: How would you encourage reluctant readers or those who thought it was boring?

Adele: I would say to find something that interest you and find a book on it! The beauty with books is that you can go anywhere and be anything when reading a book!

DE: What is one thing you’ve learned by starting your own non-profit organization, where any challenges?

Adele: Wow! I have learned so much in such a short period of time, I think organizational skills would have to be on the top ten of my list.

DE: What are your future goals for Adele’s Literacy Library, do you hope to expand the idea? Any upcoming events or special projects?

Adele: My goal is to have ALL centers globally and to eventually give out scholarships for those that are less fortunate and would like to fulfill their educational dreams.

DE: Do you think you’ll ever pen your own book?

Adele: Yes, one of my goals is to write my own book, I currently write poetry just for fun. I would like to write a children’s book. I have had offers from a few that would like to feature me in their book but for now writing my own is not in the immediate future.

DE: Would you encourage other young people to start their own businesses, or follow a dream like you did and why? What tips would you give?

Adele: Absolutely! I would encourage anyone to start their own business. Surround yourself with people who will not try to bring you down but would help. Also to make sure you do your homework before starting your business, haste makes waste.

DE: What’s your dream career or what you hope to do when you get older?

Adele: I’m the type of person who wants to do it ALL, I don’t have a dream job right now for my future; I do love what I am doing right now though.

DE: Is there anything else you want to mention about your organization or how people can support what you’re doing?

Adele: I would love for people to frequent ALLforBooks.amazonwebstore.com This is my web store, powered by Amazon that allows people to purchase a book have shipped anywhere and the proceeds go directly to Adele’s Literacy Library where I can empower more people to read. If you don’t see a book that you want, simply email us at webstoresupport@AdelesLiteracyLibrary.org and we will make every attempt to accommodate. Also, if you know of any schools, organizations that would like me to host Storytelling with Adele, please email me at READ@AdelesLiteracyLibrary.org

DE: Thanks so much Adele, you’re really inspiring and are truly are spreading the love of reading!

Be sure to connect with Adele’s Literacy Library by visiting her website at www.adelesliteracylibrary.org and the ALL Facebook page.

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This year the theme is “Healthy Girls, Healthy Communities” focusing on empowerment through focus on physical activity, nutrition, body image, and managing stress. Girls around the country took the time to determine the resources available in their communities to encourage physical activity and came up with findings as to why some girls might not have access to these resources. Girls Inc. National Scholars also met with First Lady Michelle Obama’s staff to present their findings.

Even though Girl’s Rights Week is closing why not think of ways you can continue to create a healthy body and community in the upcoming weeks. Maybe you can make a decision to start picking healthier snacks like fruits, taking time to exercise regularly, or getting together with friends to volunteer in the community, possibly cleaning up a park or planting a garden. Also check out the Girls’ Bill of Rights below and this video from the Girl Power Studio where girls and girl power motivator Kelsie Morales give an inspiring message:

Girls Inc. Girls’ Bill of Rights

Girls have the right to be themselves and to resist gender stereotypes.

Girls have the right to express themselves with originality and enthusiasm.

Girls have the right to take risks, to strive freely, and to take pride in success.

Girls have the right to accept and appreciate their bodies.

Girls have the right to have confidence in themselves and to be safe in the world.

Girls have the right to prepare for interesting work and economic independence.

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Have you ever thought about what you could do to change the neighborhood or city you live in?

This past March, seven teams consisting of teens from Oakland, California, got seed funding of $1000 per team to start projects that would help address problems they found in their communities. The grants are from Youth Venture, an organization that supports young changemakers and leaders as they create and grow their own social ventures.

Each of the groups ideas are really impressive and unique, like one of the groups that creates positive hip hop music, two that are supporting the poor in other countries and another which will provide healthy food to the Oakland community. Congrats to all of the winning teams! Read about the groups and watch the videos below where each of the teen describe their projects.

The Winning Youth Venture Teams and Members

• Healthy Neighborhood Store Alliance, a service to make fresh produce more accessible in West Oakland: James, Ennis, Jamelah and Alshea.
• Grown Your Own Green, community gardening in West Oakland: Rachelle.
• Oakland Youth for Peace with Police, improving the relationship between Oakland youth and police: Tamara.
• O Zone Music Group Hip-hop with a purpose, youth empowering youth through music: Olondis.
• Youth Roots, Creating a positive-message t-shirt line, sold online and now also distributed through local school uniform programs: Diego, Mario, Hazel, Juan, and Isabel.
• Project Jatropha, supporting rural schools in Haiti and India: Adarsha, Apoorva, and Callie.
• Creating Hope for Future Leaders, sponsoring a school in Nicaragua: Miguel.

Youth Venture is an international community of young people who are powerful now, changemakers now. Youth Venture inspires and invests in teams of young people to create and launch their own sustainable, community-benefiting ventures. Youth Venture then connects them into a global movement of young changemakers who are together redefining the youth years as a time of leadership and positive social change. This is the foundation of an Everyone a Changemaker world – the key factor for success in every part of society. To learn more how you can get a grant to help your community visit www.GenV.net.

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Twenty-five years after Michael Jackson and Lionel Richie wrote and recorded the song “We Are the World”, celebrities gathered again recently to remake the song as a tribute for Haiti. Quincy Jones, Lionel Richie, Celine Dione, Wyclef Jean, Usher, the Jonas Brothers, Jordin Sparks, Jennifer Hudson, Justin Bieber, Miley Cyrus, and many others lent their voices to recreate the song, which is now available at Itunes.com/WeAretheWorld. Visit the official website at http://wearetheworldfoundation.org to learn more.

The proceeds of the song will benefit the victims of the devastating earthquake. It’s great that they came together for this cause, to help the people in Haiti, and the stars talked about the feeling of unity and compassion they felt throughout the event. Below is the official recording of the song that premiered on Friday, February 12, before the Opening Ceremony of the Vancouver Winter Olympics. You can also view behind the scenes clips of the recording below:

Click below for behind the scenes videos:

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Join in the action by entering The Battle of the Bands competition, and find out how you can support the campaign at your own school with this list of ideas. Also check out the teens who won the “Save Our Music” grant from Do Something and VH1 to support music education programs at their own schools.

Speaking of Nick Jonas and bands, be sure to check out the great new debut album, Who I Am, from his group Nick Jonas & The Administration.

From DoSomething.org
School music programs are being cut across the country and Nick Jonas is joining teens nationwide to do something about it! Nick, along with DoSomething.org and The VH1 Save the Music Foundation, is kicking off the Battle of the Bands campaign to save music education. Tune into VH1 on Thursday February 4th at 9pm ET to see the winners from this fall’s Save Our Music campaign and the debut of Nick’s PSA for Battle of the Bands. The spots are part of the Pepsi Fan Jam concert in Miami, Florida featuring Rihanna, Justin Bieber, Timbaland, and more!

The Battle of the Bands campaign will run from March 1st through April 16th. You’ll be able to submit your videos of your own musical performances with a testimonial telling us why music ed matters to you! Then, a panel of judges will evaluate the entries and the Grand Prize winner will be flown to NYC to perform at the Apollo Theater in front of major music execs! Other winners will be chosen to receive up to $5,000 for your school music program, and other prizes like concert tickets and Rock Band video games!

So what are you waiting for; join Nick and sign up for the mailing list on Save Our Music to stay informed on the upcoming campaign.

Got questions about the upcoming campaign? Email battleofthebands@dosomething.org

More about the VH1 Save the Music Foundation:

The VH1 Save The Music Foundation is a non-profit organization dedicated to restoring instrumental music education in American public schools, and raising awareness about the importance of music as part of each child’s complete education. Since 1997, the VH1 Save The Music Foundation has provided $45 million worth of new musical instruments to more than 1,700 public schools in more than 100 cities around the country, impacting the lives of more than 1.4 million public school students.

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“If you lose hope, somehow you lose the vitality that keeps life moving, you lose that courage to be, that quality that helps you go on in spite of it all. And so today I still have a dream.
— Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. lived and dedicated his life to a dream – a vision of unity, seeing people of every color and every creed living, walking and serving together. Let’s remember his legacy today, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day. You can carry on his dream today by spreading kindness, compassion and striving to live a life of helping others. Listen to Dr. King in the videos below, talking about his dream and passion for service:

Everybody can be great, because anybody can serve. You don’t have to have a college degree to serve. You don’t have to make your subject and verb agree to serve. You only need a heart full of grace. A soul generated by love.”
- Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

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Photo Credit: REUTERS/Eduardo Munoz

The world witnessed as on Tuesday evening a 7.0 earthquake devastated the capital city of the Caribbean country Haiti. The aftermath and aftershocks of the earthquake left children without food and comfort, many in need of aid, and families without homes in a country that was already crippled by poverty. In such a huge situation, there are ways you can help and make a difference.

How You Can Help?

If you’re able to donate financially or can ask your parents to do so, you can text “HAITI” to the number 90999 on a cell phone. A $10 donation will be charged to the cell phone bill that will go to the Red Cross. It’s quick and easy, and every bit helps. You can also visit www.redcross.org or http://www.unicefusa.org/ to find out how to donate online.

In the coming days and weeks Haiti will be needing much help, and you could start a fundraiser or collection drive to collect things like clothes and other items that may be needed. DoSomething.org suggests that “the most important step when donating materials is to contact an established, professional relief organization BEFORE you collect anything.” Be sure to listen to the news and visit the websites above to see what the people may need the most. Over all, keep the people of Haiti in your thoughts and prayers, and remember that helping others, even if they are miles away, is important, and something you can do even when you’re young.

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