Few award shows leave viewers wanting to get up and change the world moments after they end, much less as soon as they begin, but then again, the Do Something Awards aren’t a typical award show. The organization that engages young people in social good aired its annual awards last night on Vh1 to honor some of the best young world-changers. Upon seeing the show, it’s safe to say we’re inspired to do something and we imagine millions of viewers are too!
The five finalists who were up for the Do Something Award stole the show, as they should because they are the reason for the awards, and they exemplify the power of young people to make a difference! Under 25-year-olds are the largest generation, so it’s determined Millennials like these who we’re counting on to create change.
We laughed, cheered, and cried (many times) while watching the Do Something Awards — it taught us about some of the biggest problems around the world today and how they can be combated. Throughout the presentation of awards to celebrities who are involved in social good, footage of the five finalists was shown and the inspirational individuals themselves spoke out to educate the audience about the issues that matter most to them. It was these moments, which stood out, creating a powerful tone for the entire show and leaving many teary-eyed and moved, taking to Twitter to express their emotions or re-tweeting positive messages. The awards even became a trending topic, reflecting just how much youth care about social change. As co-host Jason Dundas astutely pointed out, “These kids aren’t waiting on the world to change, they’re changing it.”
From assisting youth in foster care to providing clean drinking water, these five finalists were each influenced by issues around the world and decided to take action. As young twenty-somethings, they’ve each created an organization to pursue their passion and to provide change. But it was Katia Gomez who won the grand prize of $100,000 for her organization Educate2Envision, which provides education for youth in Honduras and shows the opportunities that it can bring. She, like her fellow finalists, is a true role model. Katia has helped enable many first generation high school students in Honduras and contributed to the decline in teen pregnancy because young girls no longer feel that having a child at that age is their only option. Most of all, she is providing future generations with hope.
In fact, fostering a better future was a theme of the night. All five finalists and numerous celebrity do-gooders (including Will.i.am, Cory Monteith of “Glee”, and celeb couple Mariah Carey and Nick Cannon) are behind causes that aim to enhance kids’ lives so they can actually have a future. By giving children a creative outlet and a way to heal through art, or helping them through foster care and offering reliable resources, these Millennials are touching thousands of lives and making meaningful contributions. For a generation living with so much uncertainty about their own futures, it’s inspiring to see them give back and help ensure other kids’ success too.
The Do Something Awards were exciting and entertaining featuring countless celebrities who are involved in social causes and performances by Millennial favorites Fun. and Flo Rida. However, the most important part of the show was that it sparked a conversation — in an accessible way — about how anyone can get involved and have an impact, no matter how big or small!
