Hennepin County Library - TeenLinks: Librarians' Blog for Get Involved

Make a difference -- Get Involved blog post for Apr 2, 2013

Jody W. — Tue, 02 Apr 2013 09:51:38 CDT

Looking for something to do this summer? Find a Volunteer Opportunity in your community. The library is one place among many who could use your support.

Want some BVO in that? -- Get Involved blog post for Feb 27, 2013

Susan W. — Wed, 27 Feb 2013 13:49:14 CDT

Fifteen year old Mississippi teen Erin Kavanagh collected 200,000 online signatures from people concerned about BVO (brominated vegetable oil) added to Gatorade. Some research indicates BVO increases risk of nuerological disorders and altered thyroid hormones; it's banned in the European Union. Do your favorite drinks still contain BVO? Want to sign a petition, get more people involved, or start a petition? See change.org.

Do something fun and important! -- Get Involved blog post for Jan 13, 2013

Susan W. — Sun, 13 Jan 2013 11:13:27 CDT

April is Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Month and National STDs Education and Awareness Month. June is Gay and Lesbian Pride Month and National Hunger Awareness Month. If you start now, you can organize a fun and important event in your school or community. For ideas, check the do something site. I wish someone was collecting jeans for homeless teens here in Minnesota! If you do that, please let us know.

Celebrate safely -- Get Involved blog post for Nov 29, 2012

Susan W. — Thu, 29 Nov 2012 10:59:39 CDT

Teens are powerful role models, influencing their friends and younger kids. (Adults too, but that's another topic.) Mothers Against Drunk Drivers (MADD) has an innovative program where teens teach grade school kids about how alcohol affects their brains. See MADD to learn more and consider getting your school district involved.

Start now to show some real love on Feb. 14 -- Get Involved blog post for Nov 28, 2012

Susan W. — Wed, 28 Nov 2012 14:57:34 CDT

Make this Valentine's Day special at your school with an event demonstrating love (aka food and hygiene supplies) for the homeless. Getting organized now will make all the difference, whether you simply collect donations or raise money selling flowers and candy, here's a soundtrack for your event.

School too hard? -- Get Involved blog post for Oct 28, 2012

Susan W. — Sun, 28 Oct 2012 10:33:40 CDT

When homework's piled high and you're tempted to take your education for granted, learn a little more about Malala Yousafzai, the Pakistani who was recently attacked because of her outspoken defense of education for girls. (Think twice about following the link to the two-part documentary, it's one thing to know that people are flogged and killed, another to watch it happen in color.) Human Rights Watch points out that Malala is just one of many school-age victims, and the attacks continue. To put the challenges of your life in perspective, learn what other young people around the world are doing at the International Childrens Peace Prize site. And if school really is too hard, talk to your teachers and parents.

160,000 kids stayed out of school today to avoid bullying -- Get Involved blog post for Sep 25, 2012

Susan W. — Tue, 25 Sep 2012 12:30:36 CDT

You can help by organizing an event at your school, wearing orange on October 10, Unity Day, or being inclusive on a daily basis. Need motivation? View this trailer for "Minnesota Nice?" . The movie "Bullied" can be shown without charge at any school.

Al Franken won by 312 votes in 2008 -- Get Involved blog post for Aug 20, 2012

Susan W. — Mon, 20 Aug 2012 11:45:43 CDT

Every vote counts! If you'll be 18 November 6, you may be eligible to vote. See the Hennepin County election site for voter registration and absentee ballot information. If you won't be 18, you can still impact the outcome by working on local campaigns and making sure your family and friends vote. For local info, see mngop.com and dfl.org, as well as Minnesotans for Marriage and Minnesotans United for All Families.

Act on gun violence now -- Get Involved blog post for Jul 31, 2012

Susan W. — Tue, 31 Jul 2012 16:12:09 CDT

If you've found recent stories about gun violence disturbing, this is an issue you can do something about. Find an organization that addresses the issues you care about, and make yourself heard. One organization working to end gun violence in Minnesota is protectmn.org. Another organization working on violence prevention is menaspeacemakers.org. If you believe that safeguarding the rights of gun owners is paramount, consider the nra. Leaders are talking about your future. Speak up!

Gaming virtual assault and verbal assault -- Get Involved blog post for Jun 25, 2012

Susan W. — Mon, 25 Jun 2012 11:23:21 CDT

Get Involved without leaving home! The gaming site Extra Credits posted a well-designed call to action about harassment, an important issue impacting teens. However, it includes multiple examples
of vile profane hate messages. Do not follow this link if you have any doubts about reading evil . If you feel like you can act without viewing explicit examples, go to to x-box directly with a request that they address harassment. Gamers everywhere will thank you!

This is your summer to act! -- Get Involved blog post for May 6, 2012

Susan W. — Sun, 06 May 2012 10:43:10 CDT

If you need ideas, learn how Baltimore environmental activist Hannah Freedman a high school sophomore, discovered her passion or check out this title from the local Mill City Press, The Compassionate Rebel Revolution: How Ordinary People are Changing the World by Burt Berlowe.

May 31 is World No Tobacco Day -- Get Involved blog post for Apr 30, 2012

Susan W. — Mon, 30 Apr 2012 10:33:49 CDT

According to the World Health Organization, tobacco use is one of the leading preventable causes of death, killing nearly 6 million people each year, 600,000 of them people exposed to second-hand smoke. Learn more and get involved.

Chronic Couch Potatoism Warning -- Get Involved blog post for Apr 5, 2012

Susan W. — Thu, 05 Apr 2012 00:00:00 CDT

It’s not too early to start thinking about what you’ll do this summer. If a paid job doesn’t work out, or doesn’t have many hours, consider volunteering to gain experience and save yourself from too much reality TV. How can there be 100 channels and nothing to watch? Don’t forget your library and Free Arts Minnesota and these other great places to volunteer.

It's not all about the music -- Get Involved blog post for Mar 1, 2012

Susan W. — Thu, 01 Mar 2012 00:00:00 CDT

Lady Gaga has launched Born This Way, a new organization to empower youth and celebrate individuality, hoping to build a braver, kinder world. Check out their site for ideas and support. And, enjoy the music!

Super Tuesday is March 6 -- Get Involved blog post for Feb 6, 2012

Susan W. — Mon, 06 Feb 2012 00:00:00 CDT

On Super Tuesday ten states will select delegates to their national conventions where their presidential condidates will be officially nominated. For a national delegate count, see USA Today. For local info, see dfl.org and mngop.com

Feed hungry hearts! -- Get Involved blog post for Jan 2, 2012

Susan W. — Mon, 02 Jan 2012 00:00:00 CDT

Forget about getting roses!Be a leader in your school's definition of love on February 14. Start now to organize an un-VD event, or help your classmates demonstrate love for the hungry and homeless with a food or clothing drive.

Ready to make a difference? -- Get Involved blog post for Dec 1, 2011

Susan W. — Thu, 01 Dec 2011 00:00:00 CDT

Look for the need that calls to you at handsontwincities.org

Who benefits most from your favorite charity? -- Get Involved blog post for Nov 8, 2011

Susan W. — Tue, 08 Nov 2011 00:00:00 CDT

Before you volunteer or donate, check out what the Charities Review Council has to say.

Tonight an estimated 2500 youth will be on their own and homeless -- Get Involved blog post for Oct 24, 2011

Susan W. — Mon, 24 Oct 2011 00:00:00 CDT

To learn about the issue and a new program seeking volunteers to open their homes, see Suburban Host Home If you can’t host, maybe you have friend or relative who can, or you can support homeless youth in other ways, see Homeless Coalition.

Want to be on student council? -- Get Involved blog post for Apr 27, 2011

Jody W. — Wed, 27 Apr 2011 00:00:00 CDT

Read How to Win a High School Election by Jeff Marx online for free. He ended up Vice-President after coming from behind when some campaign promises he had made were sabotaged by well-meaining faculty. Do you want to run for office some day?

How can I help? -- Get Involved blog post for Mar 23, 2011

Jody W. — Wed, 23 Mar 2011 00:00:00 CDT

Don't have much time? Can't see yourself getting involved in a major initiative? Learn how to Pay It Forward by doing something nice for someone. If they ask what they can do for you, just ask them to pay it forward themselves.

Free the Internet! -- Get Involved blog post for Feb 15, 2011

Jody W. — Tue, 15 Feb 2011 00:00:00 CDT

Students for Free Culture has chapters at universities around the world to promote the public interest in intellectual property and telecommunications policy. Do you want to advocate for Free Culture?

Peace Corps Challenge -- Get Involved blog post for Feb 7, 2011

Alicia A. — Mon, 07 Feb 2011 00:00:00 CDT

Experience the Peace Corps virtually through this interactive game.

43.6 Million -- Get Involved blog post for Jan 20, 2011

Alicia A. — Thu, 20 Jan 2011 00:00:00 CDT

That's how many Americans live below the poverty line. January is Poverty in America Awareness Month: f ind ways you can help.

Top Ten New Year's Resolutions -- Get Involved blog post for Dec 14, 2010

Alicia A. — Tue, 14 Dec 2010 00:00:00 CDT

2011 is right around the corner! If you are a resolution maker, try these tips for success.

Giving for Thanksgiving -- Get Involved blog post for Nov 16, 2010

Alicia A. — Tue, 16 Nov 2010 00:00:00 CDT

Help your neighbors in need this Thanksgiving-- donate food, time, or money to a food shelf. Try the Emergency Food Shelf Network, PRISM, or find your nearest location.

Boost Up a friend -- Get Involved blog post for Sep 7, 2010

Alicia A. — Tue, 07 Sep 2010 00:00:00 CDT

Know someone who needs encouragement? Send an email, txt, or even an automatic wake-up call through BoostUp.org.

Back to School Supply Drive -- Get Involved blog post for Aug 3, 2010

Alicia A. — Tue, 03 Aug 2010 00:00:00 CDT

Help families in need by buying a few extra school supplies. Hard Rock Cafe/United Way are collecting Aug. 1-27, or Google "school supply drive twin cities" for other locations.

Adopt a Highway -- Get Involved blog post for Jul 1, 2010

Alicia A. — Thu, 01 Jul 2010 00:00:00 CDT

Keep your roads beautiful! Sign up with your family, friends, or other group to Adopt a Highway.

Oil Spill: how you can help -- Get Involved blog post for Jun 9, 2010

Alicia A. — Wed, 09 Jun 2010 00:00:00 CDT

The Do's and Don't's of how to help with the Gulf oil spill disaster, posted by Mother Nature Network.

Thumb Wars -- Get Involved blog post for May 3, 2010

Alicia A. — Mon, 03 May 2010 00:00:00 CDT

How can you help prevent the leading killer of teens? Order free thumb socks!

Rights on the Web -- Get Involved blog post for Mar 19, 2010

Jody W. — Fri, 19 Mar 2010 00:00:00 CDT

The Electronic Frontier Foundation defends your civil liberty in the digital world. Have you ever thought about how your private information can be taken from the Internet and your "digital footprint," and used in ways you don't want it to be? Explore this site to find out what's being done to protect you.

Want to change the world by working for the government? -- Get Involved blog post for Feb 24, 2010

Jody W. — Wed, 24 Feb 2010 00:00:00 CDT

Future State, the U.S. Department of State for Youth, provides opportunities and information for teens who want to make a difference, and maybe even become diplomats.

Inspire Inform Involve -- Get Involved blog post for Dec 16, 2009

Jody W. — Wed, 16 Dec 2009 00:00:00 CDT

TakingITGlobal provides youth with access to global opportunities, cross-cultural connections and meaningful participation in decision-making for people who consider themselves citizens of the world, not just their countries.

Volunteer Opportunities over the Holidays -- Get Involved blog post for Nov 20, 2009

Jody W. — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 00:00:00 CDT

Check out HandsOn Twin Cities, Catholic Charities, and other organizations to find ways to give back to your community as the year 2009 winds down.

Looking for Inspiration? -- Get Involved blog post for Oct 16, 2009

Jody W. — Fri, 16 Oct 2009 00:00:00 CDT

Check out Serve.gov's YouTube Channel to find out what people are doing to serve in existing volunteer programs or how they're creating their own opportunities to help out.

My First Recession -- Get Involved blog post for Sep 15, 2009

Jody W. — Tue, 15 Sep 2009 00:00:00 CDT

Share your story about living in a recession on Minnesota Public Radio and learn how people in other generations survived their own tough financial times. Stories can be submitted as short essays, songs, videos or in any format of their choosing.

Obama's New Initiative -- Get Involved blog post for Jun 15, 2009

Jody W. — Mon, 15 Jun 2009 00:00:00 CDT

The President's Organizing for America encourages all citizens to take action and work for the ideals they believe in, giving them a starting point at this website.

Free Summer Journalism Workshop -- Get Involved blog post for Mar 24, 2009

Jody W. — Tue, 24 Mar 2009 00:00:00 CDT

ThreeSixty is a youth journalism program that offers a free summer journalism workshop from June 14-26, 2009. Applications are due April 24. Based at the College of St. Thomas in St. Paul, the program helps youth - particularly minority youth - tell the stories of their lives and their communities, practice the skills of active citizenship, learn the basics of good reporting and strong writing, and pursue careers in journalism and communication.

What do you know about censorship? -- Get Involved blog post for Oct 8, 2008

Jody W. — Wed, 08 Oct 2008 00:00:00 CDT

We just celebrated Banned Books Week, a chance for libraries to make public their constant fight to preserve the public's First Amendment right to read the books on library shelves. Your librarians take a stand. How about you? Want to explore some ways to explore Teen Activism?

Where, o where, to volunteer? -- Get Involved blog post for Aug 21, 2008

Jody W. — Thu, 21 Aug 2008 00:00:00 CDT

Trying to find a volunteer gig near your house? Volunteer Match lets you find opportunities close to home based on your zip code. And there's always the library! Check out our Volunteers! page for a list of what we need where, or fill out a Volunteer Online Application form. What other kind of information about Getting Involved would you like to see on this page?