How a 10-Year-Old Can Change the World

What You Need to Know

Across America, children are learning that one person can make a difference. Some are only hearing that they can. Others are actually being one such person themselves.

• 10-year-old Talia Leman launched an online campaign to convince kids to give up candy for Halloween, and collect money door-to-door instead, in order to donate money to support Katrina victims and recover the devastation. The campaign lasted long past Halloween – within three months, children across America had raised $3 million, inspired by the words on her website that read, “You don't have to be a grown up or have money to help. All you have to do is want to help.” So far, the site, now called RandomKid.org, has raised over $10 million for hurricane relief.
• Volunteering has hit a 30-year high – adult participation is up 32%, teenage participation has more than doubled, and kids volunteering through youth service organizations (e.g. Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts, 4-H) is up 63%.

Anne Ginther, RandomKid's adult advisor and president says that children are naturally attuned to what's unfair in the world. They notice big problems, but may simply need an adult's encouragement to figure out how they can make a difference.

How You Can Help

Take advantage of everyday opportunities to encourage your child to lend a helping hand by being a role model. Tell him why you're dropping money into the Salvation Army bucket. Discuss the people you see living on the side of the freeway. Ask your child if he can think of ways to help – and emphasize that it doesn't take being rich or powerful to make a difference. 

As Talia and RandomKid have proven, lots of “littles” can equal a great big impact. Show your child what others are doing to make the truth of such impact more tangible than mere words.

For more on this topic, please see the full article:

http://www.education.com/magazine/article/Ed_Can_Ten_Year_Change/