Healthy Teens sends a huge knuckle bump to everyone at generationOn! This global youth service organization is putting massive amounts of power in the hands of teens- and we sure love that! In a nutshell, generationOn allows teens to choose causes and service within their communities, and to implement action. The wonderful part about this organization is that the service and events are run by youth. Although adults are behind the scenes, they act as the drivers to make these ideas possible, and to provide the tools to success. Teens formulate ideas, create teams, delegate jobs, and take inspiring action. Not only are members of generationOn making a difference in their communities, but they are also gaining some serious experience as leaders and coworkers. The events allow for opportunities to work in the fields of business management, public relations, accounting, and human resources. A recent bowling event to raise money for kids with disabilities took place in 2014, as you can see in the clip below.
Since its start in October 2010, generationOn has spread nation-wide. A great tool for expansion is the online community that allows teens to work with one another across the country for ideas that will impact wherever they call home. By exploring the teens tab, you will find various noble tools and visions for change that teens can get involved with today. There is also a tab for kids, parents and families, educators, and organizations. The education zone is of particular interest to us at Healthy Teens as we feel schools have such a profound ability to encourage change. Opportunities for professional development are available for teachers, and include webinars, workshops, and readings. GenerationOn has partnered with Learning to Give, a leading developer of lessons and resources that teach lifelong skills through service-learning. Over 1,700 lesson plans are shared in their Philanthropy Education Lessons. This curriculum is aligned with Common Core Standards, and the standards of all fifty states, not to mention Bermuda, Canada, Australia, India, the United Kingdom, and the International Philanthropy Standards. Learning to Give believes that all youth should be given the education and equipment to engage in lifelong philanthropic service to better their communities.
GenerationOn is working hard and so are its members. They offer educators the tools to teach, and teens the empowerment to choose a rightful cause and take action. Talk about democracy! The energy they emit is definitely worth getting hooked on, so keep up with their site and their blog– who knows where it may lead you.