Do Something.org is one of the largest organizations in the United States that helps young people take action to promote causes they care about and motivates them with realistic, creative inspiration to establish a culture of volunteerism. By tapping into the web, television, mobile devices, and popular media, Do Something.org empowers and celebrates today's youth as the "Do Something" generation: teenagers who recognize the need to do something, believe in their ability to get it done, and then take action. Explore this site for ideas for starting your own project and browse the many causes and volunteer opportunities already in your own area and beyond. Help students discover ways to make a difference. The rules are simple: No Money, No Car, and No Adults permitted for putting your plans into action.

There are suggestions, resources, and support to empower young people and give them the energy to take action and make a difference. Whether their passion is to feed the homeless, end bullying, help even the playing field of educational inequalities, or many more needy causes, this website is chock full of easy to access information and strategies that encourage teenagers to decide for themselves how they can contribute their time and desire to make a difference.

tag(s): character education (77), Project Based Learning (26), service projects (17)

Explore the Humane Society Career page to learn all about animal protection issues like puppy mills, fighting animal cruelty, the fur trade, factory farms, pet homelessness, cosmetics animal testing, and other sensitive topics and what you can do to stop these tragedies. If you don't see your topic on this main page, type it in the search bar. This site features a FREE online webinar, printable PDF pages on HOT topics, and a podcast section cleverly titled Humane Voices. Other resouces interesting for teachers and students are from Nose to Tail, which has 5 lesson plans, a Farm Disaster Kit, and the Puppy Mills issue has a terrivic resource "7 ways to stop them." There is also an abundance of information in the category for animals, from alligators to zebras, including why they are important to our environment. Be sure to investigate the blog for current issues.

tag(s): animals (289), careers (141), service projects (17)

This site highlights a campaign to get magazines into the hands of all children, helping them learn to read and building their self-esteem. A clearinghouse for many organizations with that same goal, this website connects those in need of literacy with those who can give reading materials and support. Numerous sponsors who have come forward to help children hungry for literacy. Teachers who know of disadvantaged students can find literacy resources here. Links to multiple literacy organizations and an extensive list of children's magazine websites make this site a treasure trove of information.

tag(s): literacy (116)

This website provides a lesson plan with detailed instructions, objectives, standards and more. Students are asked to make a haunted house carrier for their delicious Halloween candy. Treat your students to this "yummy" lesson.

tag(s): halloween (32)

National Runaway Safeline's tagline is "Keeping America's runaway, homeless, and at-risk youth safe and off the streets." Find important information for students, parents, counselors, and anyone else who works with young people who have run away (or might be thinking about doing so) and their families. In addition to location and confidential contact services, the site offers a wealth of resources for both families and young people. For teachers and counselors, there is an evidenced-based, interactive, 14-module curriculum "intended to educate young people about alternatives to running away as well as to build life skills... "Runaways are a quiet problem whose dimensions are far more significant than many realize. The site includes resources for homelessness, as well.

tag(s): behavior (46), character education (77), safety (69)

Based at the University of North Carolina, this center offers information, strategies, and tools for educators who must meet the needs of students who are homeless. While much of the content is geared to those who are specifically responsible for working with these populations, there is a good deal of content for teachers as well. It's hard to access, however. We found the "site index" link the most efficient way to navigate.

This website introduces students to the homeless children in Russia. Learn how some of the children live and why they are homeless. There are videos, quizzes, articles written by students, and more. Though the videos and quizzes require Flash, there is plenty to learn and discuss at this site.

tag(s): russia (35)