vInspired brings US Do Something movement to the UK
vInspired has long understood that sometimes young people need to dip their toes in volunteering and decide where they want go from there. Serial good deeds can lead to the habit of volunteering, and vInspired is always on the lookout for ways and means that will inspire young people to do good things, no matter what their circumstances.
So we’re very excited to announce our newest project, Do Something UK, which will help us get more young people than ever on the road to volunteering and social action. Do Something started in the US almost 20 years ago as a way get young people creating a mass impact on things they care about.
It uses online and mobile phone technology to provide a series of contemporary opportunities for the young to do good, and is very closely related to current affairs, which, contrary to popular belief, is something of great interest to the young. All campaigns are quick and simple, require no car, parental help or money, and contribute to a mass impact.
The Do Something brand
Over in the US, the movement has had massive success in using the power of celebrity to reach mass audiences. In the last year alone celebrities like Justin Beiber and Lady Gaga inspired more than 2.2 million American young people to take part in their campaigns.
The actions are fun and simple – and often come with great rewards. One of their biggest campaigns saw more than two million pairs of jeans donated to victims of Hurricane Katrina, with vouchers for 20% off the denim brand Aeropostal for everyone who donated.
The Do Something brand has a great dynamism and energy (it was recently named amongst the top 20 social brands in the world), which fits perfectly with the way we at vInspired like to work - it’s all about using creativity, innovation and the power of online to inspire offline action. So we really do believe we are the perfect organisation to introduce the movement to the UK.
First campaign: challenging negative stereotypes
We know that by helping young people to do good things, we help them to build their confidence, gain new skills and feel part of their community. Things are tough for young people at the moment. And we know that, now more than ever, they are looking for ways to make their voices heard.
Do Something, with its focus on simplicity and mass impact, is the perfect way to get young people feeling confident and motivated about changing the things that matter to them.
Do Something UK is set to launch its inaugural social change initiative, Reverse Riots, later this month, focused on challenging negative stereotypes of young people in the run up to the anniversary of last year’s summer riots.