Sent every Tuesday

Jacob Blake, a 29-year-old Black man, was shot in the back seven times by police as he got into his car with three of his children on Sunday evening, according to his family and their attorney. Blake was in stable condition Monday after surgery, though his father, also named Jacob, told the Chicago Sun-Times his son is currently paralyzed from the waist down.

The National Guard was deployed in response to hundreds of protestors in Kenosha, Wisconsin who took to the streets for a second night on Monday, after a video of the shooting went viral on social media. Meanwhile, others protested in New York, Minneapolis, Los Angeles, Madison, and elsewhere.

Young people like you have catalyzed enormous progress in the fight for racial justice and to end police brutality, especially in the wake of the murders of George Floyd and Breonna Taylor. Jacob Blake’s story fuels our fight. Here are some things you can right now.

• Demand the immediate firing and arrest of the officer who attempted to murder Jacob Blake. Take JAKE to 55156.
• Take 2 minutes and register to vote. Elected officials in your city or state can determine funding for police and social programs as well as punishments or protections for police misconduct.
• Start conversations about dismantling white supremacy and supporting Black lives with your friends and family. Use our step-by-step guides.

Let’s Do This,
Ben, Editor-in-chief

The DoSomething Community Has Made 10,000+ Masks (And Counting) to Stop the Spread of COVID

You can too.

As everyone knows by now, COVID is the worst. But the good news is, the US could get the pandemic under control in one to two months if every American wore a mask. That’s why DoSomething members have used our easy step-by-step guide to make over 10,000 masks for themselves and their communities.

“When COVID-19 first started affecting the US, and PPE [personal protective equipment] was in dire need, especially masks, I knew in my heart that I needed to do something,” said DoSomething member Sanaa, 15, who made over 60 masks for local hospitals.

Meanwhile, because many folks don’t have access to masks, DoSomething member Diya, 14, made 50 masks (and counting) to distribute to those experiencing homelessness.

Learn how you can make a mask (no sewing required) and, as a bonus, earn a verified volunteer credit certificate.

Young people are dismantling white supremacy and fighting for racial justice in the streets, at the voting booths, and in schools. DoSomething members like (from left to right), Josinique (20), Ricardo (20), and Camila (17) are also starting conversations about anti-racism and pledging to support Black lives with their friends and family. Our Disrupt Racism guides have been viewed over 70,000 times. Find out how to disrupt racism starting in your relationships.

The DoSomething Summer Ambassadors collected over 1,000 boxes of period products in just four weeks… and made this stellar video to thank everyone who donated.

Here’s some beautiful art about beautifying the planet… from DoSomething member Sashara, 14 who took our 5 Cans Challenge to the next level.

This week in Black joy… 11-year-old Nigerian ballet dancer in a viral video earns a scholarship from the American Ballet Theatre.

Meanwhile in London… a 17-year-old is trying to save free public transportation for teens.

Learn more about DICCE (diversity, inclusion, cultural competency, and equity)... a virtual diversity, inclusion, and anti-racism training developed by and for Generation Z.

Nominate an amazing older adult in your life… to be honored by Wish of a Lifetime. (Email elija@wishofalifetime.org.)

This week in Cats of DoSomething… a very ominous picture of Bri’s cat Nomi and Parker has a new kitten named Artemis!

More Amazing Impact From the DoSomething Community!

We asked you to brag about the amazing stuff you’re doing, and you did not disappoint. Here are some of our favorite answers from the DoSomething community. (Psst...submit yours here!)

“I founded an organization called Generation Z Media! I directed a 25-minute documentary on youth poverty in my community that was featured in my local newspaper! The team has now expanded to 20 members in 5 cities!”

- DoSomething member Ananda, 16, Florida

“I hosted a large donation drive for my local homeless shelter and outreach center! It was all safe and socially distanced, and donations were collected on my front porch. My mom and I posted on social media about it and our friends and family supported!!”

- DoSomething member Makenna, 17, Texas

“I make YouTube videos! I try to stay on the topic of helping people with their emotions but I add a splash of color! I’m actually uploading a new video on Monday!”

- DoSomething member Kiara, 15, Arizona

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