Humanity Rising https://humanityrising.org/ What Cause Inspires You? Wed, 08 Mar 2023 15:45:57 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.8.3 https://humanityrising.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/cropped-humanity-rising512x512-32x32.png Humanity Rising https://humanityrising.org/ 32 32 Jaya Gupta throws birthday parties for kids https://humanityrising.org/jaya-gupta-throws-birthday-parties-for-kids/ https://humanityrising.org/jaya-gupta-throws-birthday-parties-for-kids/#respond Wed, 05 Sep 2018 18:29:39 +0000 https://hrplayground.wpengine.com/?p=245 I started a nonprofit that gives birthdays to children who live in unfortunate conditions. I chose this cause because it was do-able, realistic, as well as fun way to help kids from my high school learn about people in other areas and make them feel better about their situations. I have been able to throw

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]]> I started a nonprofit that gives birthdays to children who live in unfortunate conditions. I chose this cause because it was do-able, realistic, as well as fun way to help kids from my high school learn about people in other areas and make them feel better about their situations. I have been able to throw multiple parties, organized over 100 volunteers, and impact the community. I learned that it is important to start projects and give back to the community that made me who I am today.

— Jaya Gupta

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]]> https://humanityrising.org/jaya-gupta-throws-birthday-parties-for-kids/feed/ 0 Hanel Yu helps feed disadvantaged children https://humanityrising.org/hanel-yu-helps-feed-disadvantaged-children/ https://humanityrising.org/hanel-yu-helps-feed-disadvantaged-children/#respond Wed, 05 Sep 2018 18:26:34 +0000 https://hrplayground.wpengine.com/?p=243 All my life, I heard about hunger, thought about hunger, and discussed about hunger, but I never had a hand in the issue. Such serious issues seemed to be occurring far away lands. However, after observing a flyer in my school’s announcement board, I decided to fight hunger in my city and soon joined Kids

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]]> All my life, I heard about hunger, thought about hunger, and discussed about hunger, but I never had a hand in the issue. Such serious issues seemed to be occurring far away lands. However, after observing a flyer in my school’s announcement board, I decided to fight hunger in my city and soon joined Kids Food Basket, a local non-profit organization that seeks to eliminate hunger in Grand Rapids. They operate by packing nutrition-filled lunches for poverty-stricken children in public schools in order to sustain their developing brains. It was there that I learned that hunger and poverty was all around me, not beyond me, which lead me to vow to raise as much awareness and finances for these hungry children as possible. As a group, we raised approximately 45,000 dollars this year and I definitely didn’t regret the hard work. This challenge helped me to become aware that even high schoolers like me can be a small part in helping a society change for the benefit of a greater future.

— Hanel Yu

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]]> https://humanityrising.org/hanel-yu-helps-feed-disadvantaged-children/feed/ 0 CodeUCan uses coding to make a positive influence https://humanityrising.org/codeucan-uses-coding-to-make-a-positive-influence/ https://humanityrising.org/codeucan-uses-coding-to-make-a-positive-influence/#respond Wed, 05 Sep 2018 18:23:47 +0000 https://hrplayground.wpengine.com/?p=242 For my service challenge I founded a program called CodeUCan. The program teaches elementary and middle school students programming in HTML,CSS and Java at local Bay Area libraries. The program is free and motivates students to learn coding at a young age. I chose this cause because I am passionate about programming, I self taught

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]]> For my service challenge I founded a program called CodeUCan. The program teaches elementary and middle school students programming in HTML,CSS and Java at local Bay Area libraries. The program is free and motivates students to learn coding at a young age. I chose this cause because I am passionate about programming, I self taught myself coding due to lack of resources in my community and I wanted to give other children a chance to learn coding, see how powerful it is and be ready to meet the challenges of the 21st century. The program is running successfully at 7 local libraries and has reached 200+ students.  I received immense support and positive response from the library staff, parents and community. I learnt from my experience that you can be a positive influence and make a difference in the lives of so many students. Seeing the students who had never tried coding before, now code with confidence has been my biggest reward.

More information- www.CodeUCan.com

— Nikita Takru

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]]> https://humanityrising.org/codeucan-uses-coding-to-make-a-positive-influence/feed/ 0 Bonita Murphy was inspired to start a ballet camp https://humanityrising.org/bonita-murphy-was-inspired-to-start-a-ballet-camp/ https://humanityrising.org/bonita-murphy-was-inspired-to-start-a-ballet-camp/#respond Wed, 05 Sep 2018 18:16:47 +0000 https://hrplayground.wpengine.com/?p=240 As a young child, my parents took me to see a performance of the Nutcracker. As I sat there watching the ballerinas dance across the stage, I began to fall in love with ballet. However, at that moment, I could never have imagined that I would one day be a teacher and share my love

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]]> As a young child, my parents took me to see a performance of the Nutcracker. As I sat there watching the ballerinas dance across the stage, I began to fall in love with ballet. However, at that moment, I could never have imagined that I would one day be a teacher and share my love for ballet with little girls whose dreams and hopes were as big as mine were.

As time passed, my love for ballet grew and with it grew a longing to help those who were less fortunate than myself. I began volunteering at a crisis pregnancy center, where I played with and mentored the clients daughters. As I spent more time with these girls, I desired to introduce them to the joy which ballet offered. So this summer, I started a four-week ballet camp for the girls. Each day they come, put on a bright pink tutu, copy my every move and give me sweet little hugs as the leave, I see joy radiating from their faces. Their smiles remind me to appreciate the simple joys that life offers, and are my greatest reward.

— Bonita Murphy

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]]> https://humanityrising.org/bonita-murphy-was-inspired-to-start-a-ballet-camp/feed/ 0 C.A.M.P. counselor works with youths with disabilities https://humanityrising.org/c-a-m-p-counselor-works-with-youths-with-disabilities/ https://humanityrising.org/c-a-m-p-counselor-works-with-youths-with-disabilities/#respond Wed, 05 Sep 2018 18:13:36 +0000 https://hrplayground.wpengine.com/?p=237 At Camp C.A.M.P. I was a volunteer counselor for campers/people who have mental/intellectual/physical disabilities. At camp, we spend a week (sunday through friday) with our camper having fun and making lots of memories. We do stereotypical camp things like horseback riding, archery, nature, arts and crafts, campfire songs, canoeing, outdoor cooking…the list goes on and

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]]> At Camp C.A.M.P. I was a volunteer counselor for campers/people who have mental/intellectual/physical disabilities. At camp, we spend a week (sunday through friday) with our camper having fun and making lots of memories. We do stereotypical camp things like horseback riding, archery, nature, arts and crafts, campfire songs, canoeing, outdoor cooking…the list goes on and on. Our main goal at camp is for the campers to not feel different, we want them to feel like anyone else. We have a saying, that goes, “every disability is left at the camp gates.” This means that no matter what diagnosis or disability someone might have, it does not mean that they can’t enjoy camp or life in general. As a counselor, I have had several campers that needed total assistance with hygiene, daily activities, and feeding. Although it becomes challenging after 5-6 days, it is a very humbling experience and you learn so much from these kids. You learn to respect and appreciate those with disabilities.

— Katerina Tsvetkova

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]]> https://humanityrising.org/c-a-m-p-counselor-works-with-youths-with-disabilities/feed/ 0 The Sit With Us app helps students meet new friends https://humanityrising.org/the-sit-with-us-app-helps-students-meet-new-friends/ https://humanityrising.org/the-sit-with-us-app-helps-students-meet-new-friends/#respond Wed, 05 Sep 2018 18:08:38 +0000 https://hrplayground.wpengine.com/?p=235 At my old school [a private all-girls academy], I was severely bullied. I was ostracized by pretty much everyone. I ended up eating lunch alone for a big part of my high school career. And so, when I was very, very lucky to change schools, I saw people sitting alone, and I knew how that

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]]> At my old school [a private all-girls academy], I was severely bullied. I was ostracized by pretty much everyone. I ended up eating lunch alone for a big part of my high school career. And so, when I was very, very lucky to change schools, I saw people sitting alone, and I knew how that felt. I knew the feelings of embarrassment and rejection that went along with that. So I would always ask them to join our table. Some of these people have become some of my best friends. I know how much it really changes these people’s lives. And so I started doing some community service with underprivileged kids. But I realized that, as soon as they stepped out onto those school campuses, there was nothing I could do. So I thought that creating an app (the Sit with Us app) was the best way to help kids in their schools and their lunchrooms and help them meet new people.

— Natalie Hampton

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]]> https://humanityrising.org/the-sit-with-us-app-helps-students-meet-new-friends/feed/ 0 Tiernan’s Soles distributes shoes to charities https://humanityrising.org/tiernans-soles-distributes-shoes-to-charities/ https://humanityrising.org/tiernans-soles-distributes-shoes-to-charities/#respond Wed, 05 Sep 2018 18:01:27 +0000 https://hrplayground.wpengine.com/?p=233 WHAT I DID: My service story started for me in 7th grade after I overheard a group of girls saying they had a “shoe problem”, as in they couldn’t stop buying them. Whereas I knew that a true “shoe problem” was not having any shoes to wear. So, that week I scheduled a visit to

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]]> WHAT I DID:

My service story started for me in 7th grade after I overheard a group of girls saying they had a “shoe problem”, as in they couldn’t stop buying them. Whereas I knew that a true “shoe problem” was not having any shoes to wear. So, that week I scheduled a visit to a local nonprofit shoe charity and it was there that I learned that shoes show the first sign of poverty. That is when I started Tiernan’s Soles Shoe Drive and within a month reached my first goal of collecting 100 pairs.  Within these first 100 pairs was an adorable pair of girls boots with rainbow laces.  As my responsibility, I brought the collected shoes to my local charity where I was able to help clean, sanitize and refurbish them to a like new condition.

On my 13th birthday, I was invited to attend a back to school event as a personal shoe shopper for kids in need. After helping many wonderful families, I was assigned to help an eight-year-old girl who fell in love with the rainbow-laced boots. To see a pair of shoes that I collected make someone so happy was the most satisfying feeling I’ve ever experienced.

After that my appetite for helping others was insatiable.  By the time I started high school, I had collected over 1000 pairs and was awarded the Mattel Top 5 Young Philanthropists in the United States Award. As a result, my local charity received a donation of $1000 in my name. I have since placed donation receptacles in local hair salons, doctor’s offices, daycares and gyms. I have worked alongside my local athletic sports clubs, retirement communities, police stations and schools.

Through volunteering I’ve learned that there are just as many people willing to help as there are needing it, the key is to connect them. With the entire community by my side, I have collected over 5,400 pairs.  Donating shoes might sound simple but there’s so much more that goes with it. Shoes are the key to walking with confidence. Shoes also have the power to unlock opportunities some kids may never have such as playing sports, having a successful job interview, or even just going to prom.

In summation, I can confidently say that my service story has not only made a difference today, but will also change tomorrow and every day following.

HOW I DID IT:

I figured out early that the key to collecting shoes was networking and reaching out to key members of my community. There are as many people wanting to help as there are needing it, the key was connecting them. As far as shoes are concerned I focused on places where “mom’s” would frequent, like daycares, schools, salons and Dr. Offices and I tried to make donating/dropping shoes off as easy and accessible as possible. I also recognized that even though people say they don’t do it for the recognition, people do in fact like to be recognized and thanked for their efforts, so I would take a pic of each donation and thank each donor personally on my facebook page.

— Tiernan Ramer

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]]> https://humanityrising.org/tiernans-soles-distributes-shoes-to-charities/feed/ 0 Best Buddies promotes inclusion for people with disabilities https://humanityrising.org/best-buddies-promotes-inclusion-for-people-with-disabilities/ https://humanityrising.org/best-buddies-promotes-inclusion-for-people-with-disabilities/#respond Wed, 05 Sep 2018 17:53:38 +0000 https://hrplayground.wpengine.com/?p=232 WHAT I DID: The cause that inspires me is inclusion for people with disabilities. Sadly, these students are at higher risk of being bullied or outcasted but that can all change if we make the effort to get to know them. I’ve gotten to know many of our Students, and they are honestly amazing. Over

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]]> WHAT I DID:

The cause that inspires me is inclusion for people with disabilities.

Sadly, these students are at higher risk of being bullied or outcasted but that can all change if we
make the effort to get to know them. I’ve gotten to know many of our Students, and they are
honestly amazing. Over the years I’ve made connections with students who are non verbal and
wheelchair bound. However I have learned to communicate in other ways, such as working on
art projects or just simply having a conversation.

Our club’s goal is to create more awareness surrounding this topic, encourage respect, and
develop friendships between people with / without disabilities. Our student body has already
began to make a difference for this cause by pledging to refrain from using the R word!

I challenge students everywhere to join the Humanity Rising Movement, make a
difference, and share your story – together, we will change our world!

HOW I DID IT:

I am the current Best Buddies Chapter President at my high school. I have been involved with Best Buddies my entire high school career and it has become one of the highlights of my high school experience.

— Kayla Lambert

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]]> https://humanityrising.org/best-buddies-promotes-inclusion-for-people-with-disabilities/feed/ 0 Frequently Asked Questions https://humanityrising.org/frequently-asked-questions/ https://humanityrising.org/frequently-asked-questions/#respond Sun, 19 Aug 2018 16:01:06 +0000 https://hrplayground.wpengine.com/?p=350 What must I do to win a college scholarship? Tell us your service story! There are no minimum hours required and no specific activity that is more or less compelling in the eyes of our judges. We’re looking for service that was impactful and meaningful to you and those who benefitted from your volunteerism or

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]]>

What must I do to win a college scholarship?

Tell us your service story! There are no minimum hours required and no specific activity that is more or less compelling in the eyes of our judges. We’re looking for service that was impactful and meaningful to you and those who benefitted from your volunteerism or innovative service project. A good rule of thumb is at least ten (10) hours of overall engagement. ​

How do I choose a service project?

This is entirely up to you. We want you to find your service passion under any of our ten major cause categories. Your project could be volunteering at a local animal shelter (Animal Welfare), mentoring a younger student (Education), or organizing a beach / park clean-up project (Environment). Just ask “What Cause Inspires You?” then follow that lead.

Where can I get ideas for a service project?

Visit our Service Stories page, which features stories from our Humanity Rising Service Scholarship Winners and finalists – perhaps you’ll find a service story that inspires you to do the same in your community. If you need help, reach out to your family, teachers / counselors, or others about your desire to perform service and interest in finding your service passion. You can also check our students page for additional ideas and opportunities.

What are the chances of me winning a college scholarship?

We have thousands of students taking part in the Humanity Rising Movement, but we also have a growing list of donors and supporters who want to provide scholarships as a reward for the good work of students. Our focus will always be on keeping the pipeline filled with scholarship opportunities. Hopefully you’ll focus on finding your service passion, telling us your story, and becoming a recipient of a Humanity Rising Service Scholarship!

How often do you award college scholarships?

Humanity Rising awards scholarships on an ongoing basis. Awards range in size from $500 to $2,000 and up. As our program continues to grow, we will be expanding the number of awards (and the size of some awards).

How will I know if I win?

You will be contacted by a member of the Humanity Rising team via email if you are a finalist. As a finalist, you’ll be asked to provide additional information regarding your service project AND the contact information of a teacher or other adult who can provide additional insight regarding the service you’ve performed. That information will then be reviewed and a final winner(s) chosen. If you are selected by our judges to receive a college scholarship, you will be notified again via email.

If I win a college scholarship, when will I get the money?

Humanity Rising uses a third party scholarship administrator. After notifying you of your award, Humanity Rising will contact our scholarship administrator and provide them with your award amount, the timeframe you should be starting college, and your mailing address. You will then be contacted directly by the scholarship administrator and provided additional paperwork related to the disbursement of your scholarship. The award will be issued directly to the school you attend once you’ve started your program with that institution.

What is the deadline for submitting my service story?

Our programs TYPICALLY run on what is known as a “rolling” scholarship schedule. This means we’ll review service stories as submitted and announce scholarship winners at different times throughout the year. So, unless you see a specific service challenge posted with a submission deadline, feel free to submit your service story at any time for college scholarship consideration!

Can I do a service project with a group of friends?

Of course…and we encourage you do so if that is part of your service passion. Please note that Humanity Rising currently does not issue “group” scholarship awards. So, you and other members of your group project must individually submit your service story to Humanity Rising for scholarship consideration. We’ll announce via our newsletter and web site when group awards become available.

I have several service passions and multiple stories to share. Can I submit more than one story?

Absolutely! Each will be considered on its own merits. Also, if you submit a service story but do not earn a scholarship…feel free to submit that story again after a few months if you have continued that specific volunteer / service project endeavor and have achieved additional, positive outcomes.

I have a question that wasn’t answered here…who can I contact?

Send your question to us via email at info@humanityrising.org.  A member of our team will get back to you (typically within 72 hours).

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]]> https://humanityrising.org/frequently-asked-questions/feed/ 0 Sara Gibson volunteered to help veterans https://humanityrising.org/sara-gibson-volunteered-to-help-veterans/ https://humanityrising.org/sara-gibson-volunteered-to-help-veterans/#respond Sat, 18 Aug 2018 20:05:35 +0000 https://hrplayground.wpengine.com/?p=347 After volunteering at a holiday party for veterans and their families near a veteran's hospital in Los Angeles, it struck me how many veterans were living. As I was walking around, I discovered many lack some of the most basic necessities that I cannot even imagine living without. Some were living daily with no deodorant

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]]> After volunteering at a holiday party for veterans and their families near a veteran’s hospital in Los Angeles, it struck me how many veterans were living.

As I was walking around, I discovered many lack some of the most basic necessities that I cannot even imagine living without. Some were living daily with no deodorant and others were preserving a toothbrush they had for over a year. As a granddaughter of a Korean War veteran and frequent volunteer at Operation Gratitude, I could not imagine seeing the kind of neglect I did without trying to make some type of change. Without much hesitation, I decided to lead a schoolwide drive where I collected thousands of personal care items for veterans.

I had the help of my school club, Red Cross, and its members, who spread the word of the drive to their loved ones and friends. Luckily, many people were as enthusiastic about it as me and donated as much as they could. My dad, who runs a large grocery store, had many kind employees and customers donate to the cause. After the two week long drive, I had some friends sort out everything we got. We put all the soap in one pile, the deodorant in another, the socks in another pile, and so on.

After, we made care kits to hand out to veterans in a local veteran hospital using the supplies we had. Moreover, while some may presume that things as inexpensive as soap and shampoo are widely available to everyone, it certainly was not the case for many veterans I came across. And while my drive may have been small on the scale of the necessity of all people who fight for our country, I felt it touched and helped a sizable group of veterans and I hope that I can bring more change in the future to even more veterans.

— Sara Gibson, 19, California

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