His broad-based conservation campaign, which he calls "Environmental CPR" (Conserve, Preserve, Reserve), grew from his love of the land and his frustration with the widespread perception that  natural resources are not endangered. "We have opened a Pandora's Box releasing erosion, pollution and a 'throw away' mentality," says Mike. "That is not the legacy I want to leave my children." 

His efforts started with recycling projects to collect aluminum and plastic. As Mike’s ideas grew, he secured endorsements from local officials and began recycling Christmas trees, telephone books, greeting cards, and clothing, often with area businesses, schools and government agencies serving as collection sites. In addition, he has presented educational  programs to students and community groups, and promoted conservation awareness through newspaper articles, radio public service announcements, a recycling calendar and a newsletter. Mike estimates that nearly 470,000 people have been reached with his message of  environmental conservation, and over 22,000 pounds of landfill items have been recycled. 
 

More recently, she scripted a four-act reenactment called "Jenny — A Day inhe Life of a Teenage Addict,"which she presents to schools, youth conferences, treatment facilities and community groups in cooperation with the Wisconsin Association of Runaway Services. Jenny coordinates most of the logistics herself, from the writing of the script to securing props, distributing press materials, scheduling performances, and soliciting funds. Her presentations have elicited strong response from audiences, and she is now planning to expand her effort by putting together an entire troupe of former teenage addicts. "I learned that even I, who had once taken so much from the people I care about and from my community, could be a positive and productive citizen," Jenny says. 

The group maintains regular volunteer commitments with Children's Hospital and The Ronald McDonald House, a local women’s shelter thrift shop, and area homeless facilities. Becca recently received a state charter for GLOW Youth Volunteers and arranged for the group’s non-profit status. Now, her focus will be to train the members in raising funds to build GLOW's budget and therefore provide even more community outreach. "I have learned that there are many children and adults in the world who need help, and that there are many good teenagers who are very happy to provide that help," said Becca, who 
hopes to expand GLOW's reach to other states. 

At the age of 14, after years of studying ballet, Brooke was diagnosed with scoliosis and had to wear a body brace for 18 hours each day to improve her condition. Her search for information and support led only to frustration when she realized that there was no support group for scoliosis patients in her state. Brooke, determined to make the path easier for others than it was for her, worked with the National Scoliosis Association to develop a Connecticut chapter, which now includes 100 members. Brooke schedules meetings, secures guest speakers, reaches out to the community, handles media relations, educates school nurses on the importance of scoliosis screenings, and staffs a toll-free support hot line. 

She recently coordinated – and danced in – a performance of The Nutcracker Ballet, which raised $10,000 to benefit scoliosis research. The National Scoliosis Association has named Brooke its National Teen Spokesperson, and she will travel across the country to speak to teens about dealing with the illness. "The stories I've heard, the lives that I have touched, and the changes I have made all have left permanent imprints in my mind and in my heart," said Brooke. 

"There were no groups where I could talk to other kids who knew what it was like to have a real sick mom," Jon explains, so he created his own. 

Jon secured a grant in 1993 to operate a 24-hour hot line from his home, which soon led to the  creation of regular support groups, and by 1997, Kids Konnected was incorporated as a non-profit organization with 18 chapters in 12 states. Jon has raised over $400,000 to fund Kids Konnected programs, which include a summer camp, an Internet website, youth leadership training, grief workshops, and other cancer related services – all offered free of charge. 

Jon has begun to train a young member of the board of directors to take over as CEO when he leaves for college. "It's real important to continue Kids Konnected as a corporation that is run by kids, for kids," says Jon. 

By getting the word out through local newspapers and in her Girl Scouts and 4-H newsletters, Aubyn started small. The donations and the message grew, and soon Aubyn was speaking at state-wide conferences on her program, and passing out starter kits for other groups to launch Suitcases for Kids programs in their areas. Because nearly 4,500 suitcases have been donated so far, Aubyn is now enlisting support from trucking companies to transport the excess to areas in need. 

"Suitcases for Kids has the unique quality of being inspired by, organized by, and carried out by young people, says Aubyn. Aubyn will soon introduce her project in 19 states across the country and dreams that recycling luggage will one day become as common as recycling newspaper, glass and plastic. 

"Besides earning money for a cure for cancer, I wanted my paper to give kids a chance to see their stories and drawings published because I thought this would build their self-esteem," says Jason. 

With his parents' help, Jason wrote and designed a prototype, knocked on doors and wrote countless letters to solicit stories and sell subscriptions. Jason now has subscribers in 17 states and 3 foreign countries, and  one of his articles – about a cellist in Sarajevo – has become part of a full-fledged campaign to publicize an inspirational example of individual heroism. 

After writing about the cellist, who courageously opposed the war in Bosnia through his music, Jason organized a tribute concert by the Evansville Philharmonic Orchestra and is now working to have statue of the cellist built and sent to the people of Bosnia, to "tell the world that one person can make a difference."

"I was so scared, I thought she was going to die," said Richie. With that added dose of inspiration, Richie mobilized several Boy and Girl Scout Troops, his school and other local organizations to help plan the walk-a-thon, and solicited pledges from businesses and individuals throughout his community. Richie’s 7-year-old sister, Laci, kicked off the walk and led 200 walkers to the music from the movie, Rocky. 

His initial goal of $1,000 was surpassed when he collected nearly $15,000, which Richie then donated to the Children's Cancer Center at the Long Beach Memorial Medical Center. The money he raised is being used to help pay for important medications, check-ups, and transportation to hospitals and clinics for patients who do not have cars. 

"If you really believe in yourself and your cause, others will too," says Richie. 

"I was surrounded by unsupervised children playing around trash, people with problems, and a lack of hospitality and spirit in the park," says "Jay." So he approached the park manager for support and then started a monthly neighborhood clean-up. The success of that campaign led to a food drive for needy families, a hospitality get-together to improve community spirit, free tutorial services for younger children living in the park, and a child-care service. 

Although Jay’s efforts, which require at least two hours of his time each day, have encouraged adults to become more involved in their community, most of his volunteers are other concerned children. 

"By reaching the children, I have indirectly touched the adults," says Jay.
 

Read about one of the amazing state finalists from California on the Christian Science Monitor website:
 

Since he first started back in 1993, Brandon has collected and distributed over 10,000 books and has organized 11 book drives!  He and his mother have started a non-profit organization called "Book Ends" that will teach other kids about community service and how it can really help make the world a better place for all of us. 

Way to go, Brandon!  Keep up the good work! 

To read more about Brandon and his amazing community service work, visit the Christian Science Monitor website at:  http://www.csmonitor.com/durable/1998/09/10/fp53s1-csm.shtml

What Do Young People Think About Community Service?

Prudential recently commissioned an interview of 1,000 young people about volunteering and community service. Here are some of the questions they asked, and the answers they found:
 

• 95 percent of those interviewed support volunteering.
• Almost two-thirds of those respondents said that individual responsibility is the best way to solve community problems. 
• Sixty-seven percent indicated that they devote some of their time to volunteer   activities.  

    Because they want to: 

• make a difference  
• develop new skills
• explore career paths
• have fun working with friends 
• feel good about themselves  

It's no secret...every person has the potential to be amazing in their own way.  Sometimes we just need a little help in finding out what our special talents are! 

If you are doing some amazing things too, we want to hear about it!  Send us your stories about your amazing accomplishments, so we can tell the world just how amazing you are!  We are always looking for new stories.  And don't be shy!  We'd love to hear from you!
Here's an idea you might want to try:

WHY NOT HELP OTHERS SEE THEIR OWN POTENTIAL?

If you know someone who needs a little encouragement, why not tell them what you think is special about them?  Maybe you can be the one to help them uncover their own special talents! 

Amazing Kids! is looking for teens like you to be Amazing Teen Volunteers and Ambassadors. If you'd like to join Amazing Kids! in helping to spread the word, please email us at:  info@amazing-kids.org. 

HELP US SPREAD THE WORD:

Send us your stories, so we might be able to feature you too someday!   Please be patient, and we will do our best to tell your story some day -- hopefully soon!