Sent every Tuesday

Hey y’all. Jackie here!

As you probably already know, tomorrow’s a big day for the country as we transition to a new presidency. There’s still a lot of uncertainty and anxiety regarding the Inauguration after the violent Pro-Trump attacks of Jan. 6, and it’s understandably stressful for a lot of folks. If you want a little more context ahead of tomorrow, here’s an explainer on what to know and expect. And remember to practice self-care and step back from the news if you feel yourself getting overwhelmed by it all.

If you’d like to stay updated on current events with headlines and actions straight to your inbox, subscribe to The Breakdown (written by yours truly). We’ll send you a weekly email with the latest news and what you can do about it. Here’s our latest newsletter all about the fallout of the Capitol riots.

Let’s Do This,

Jackie

The DoSomething Community Has Saved Over 30,000 Pounds of CO2, One Ride at a Time

There’s a lot to reflect on from 2020, including the fact that it was the earth’s hottest year on record and saw a record number of costly climate disasters. It’s going to take effort from everyone to address the climate crisis -- lawmakers, businesses, and, yes, even individuals. We can start by making small changes in our daily lives that add up to make a huge difference for the planet.

That’s what DoSomething members are doing through our Go There Greener campaign. Choosing a greener form of transportation for just one day can save several pounds of CO2, and together the DoSomething community has already kept 31,376 pounds of harmful emissions out of the atmosphere by carpooling, biking, walking, and taking public transportation.

“While the most harm to the environment may be done at the corporation level, that doesn't mean that there's nothing we can do to help. Traveling greener is one of those things,” says DoSomething member Hannah, 17. “We can save the future generations with very little harm to us now, and that's worth it.”

“I have made it my goal to become an environmental justice warrior for rural and low-income communities of color… [which] are more likely to be affected by environmental pollution, like unhealthy air quality,” says DoSomething member Sally, 24. “I believe we can all do our part to reverse the negative effects of climate change in our ecosystem by lessening our carbon emissions each day.”

If you’re still working on your New Year’s resolutions, consider incorporating climate action into 2021. Switch up your ride and help us reach our goal of saving 35,000 pounds of CO2.

DoSomething members Madison, Tiffany, and Tyler went above and beyond in their respective communities to collect and recycle hundreds of aluminum cans -- 574 cans all together. You can join them in cutting down landfill waste and energy costs through our national 5 Cans Challenge.

Time to update your Spotify playlists… because Tony-nominated Hamilton actor Joshua Henry is supporting our Strength Through Service initiative with his new release “Stand Up” (a portion of the song’s proceeds will go to DoSomething!).

The DoSomething Club of the week is… Elkin DoSomething Club, led by Joylin, which partnered with other groups at their school to collect 1,000 school supplies for children in foster care.

This week in Pets of DoSomething... Eduardo’s dog, Lauren’s dog, Nicole’s dog, and Jillian’s cat!

ICYMI… here’s an explainer on the history behind Martin Luther King Jr. Day, and what you can do to (belatedly) celebrate it.

This week in Black joy… tomorrow, 22-year-old Youth Poet Laureate Amanda Gordon will be the youngest poet ever to recite at a presidential inauguration.

Write Like a Girl… is a publication by and for women, with writing that touches on everything from shaving to friendships to body image.

Last call for a life-changing scholarship program… January 20 is the final day to submit your application for the Taco Bell Foundation’s Live Más Scholarship -- which gives you funding and mentorship to pursue your passion.

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 did a fundraiser where I sold cookies and gave out pamphlets to raise money and awareness about climate change! I raised 570 dollars!”

- DoSomething member Maria, 14, Massachusetts

“I got the opportunity to participate in my school's donation challenge and so far the school as a whole has donated many pounds of non-perishable food items to shelters near us.”

- DoSomething member Abbey, 17, Wisconsin

“I started researching and advocating for disability issues, and learning about my own.”

- DoSomething member Lucy, 17, Texas

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