How to make a difference in the world?

[ella]

I'm a 16 year old girl living in the US and I've always wanted to do something to help as cliche as that sounds. I always get bits of ideas but can never formulate an entire idea that makes sense. Right now I have some ideas but I don't know what I could do with it. That's what I need help with. I was thinking of starting some sort of fundraiser for something, but on a global scale. The method I was thinking of doing it is very "old-fashioned" in a way and I know I'm missing some details...which is why I'm asking on here. My plan was to get people from around the US, Canada, and Europe (I can find people online very easily through forums and stuff. I've met so many people that way) and get them to join in with me. Then after I get some people, we can communicate with each other and create a poster like thing which I was thinking each of us could stick onto those wooden electric poles. The poster would have a website on it(I'd make it before hand) with information about the thing and then there'd be more people joined in with the "movement". I have a couple questions:
1. Would this work? *Answer follow questions if it's possible to work*
2. How many people should I get at the beginning?
3. What should be on the posters?
4. What should be on the website?
5. What should the movement/fundraiser be for?

Any other tips or suggestions?

Thanks in advance!

[James K]

You might take a look at the article in Forbes magazine listed below. Whilst not all the items would apply to you, the list of things in the article give a good idea of how to formulate an idea, a mission, and a plan to achieve charitable goals.

[Katiekat]

1) This could work, but only if you have a clear goal which will appeal to people all over the world. Also, you may have to find trustworthy and well known references or people may think it's a scam.

2) Get as many people as you can.

3) That depends on what your goal is. I would suggest coming up with a slogan, an eye catching logo, and some basic information to put on the poster along with the website address.

4) The website should include information (where the money goes, where the idea came from, why people should help, etc.), a "money raised" tracker, and pictures (of people or animals or environments or whatever you raise money for that will be helped). This sounds weird, but these pictures should be cute like adorable baby animals, sad like the abused animal commercials or the ads to help starving children, guilt inducing like people walking by and ignoring homeless people, really cool like a cheetah running or people working together on something or achieving something, etc. They should cause some sort of strong emotion which will influence people to contribute. You should also include any references that you have to prove it is trustworthy, some way for people to contribute money (like PayPal), a link to a printable poster so more people will find out about the website, and contact info (maybe make a new email account just for the fundraiser). There's probably more things you could put on there, so look at other websites that are trying to raise money to see what they have.

5) I don't know. It depends on what you are passionate about. Do you like music? Raise money for music programs in schools or for musical instruments for people around the world who can't afford them. Do you want to help kids? Raise money for the typical starving kids cause or for orphans or kids in foster care to get toys for Christmas or their birthday. One organization I know of would definitely appreciate donations.
Check out www. radooga. com. You don't have to limit donations to one group either. Find several who support whatever you want to help with and give some money to each of them. Make sure any group you send money to or any people you give money to aren't trying to cheat you.

Other tips: Be prepared for people who will criticize your goal and be aware that no matter how well planned this is you will likely not get much support until it really starts spreading. Also, if you aren't getting a lot of support right away, don't get discouraged. Keep reaching out and spreading the word about your fundraiser. Use social media and get the word out there as often as possible. Before putting up posters, know where you are and are not allowed to place them in your city. Ask if local businesses will put a poster in a window or on the wall, or even if they'll put a stack on their counter (maybe of mini flyers) for people to take. I know Starbucks usually has a board where people can put flyers and posters. Don't limit yourself to those wooden electric poles.

[jusjokin12]

Check with your school as many high schools have programs that promote volunteering. I put one such club link below that is really set in volunteering. But you can check into others at your school as well. Why do something that is already being done in your community? What you want to do is great but think of it this way find out what is needed first by contacting those who work in those areas. That way you are not repeating the same thing over. One thing you have to remember your ideas may have been thought of already but now you have to find out what barriers have kept those ideas from becoming a reality already. You may find that society may not want to accept the change or fixing especially governments, and communities. You will need to see what you are up against first. Check the second video below as a point.