In my humble opinion, the bars here in Washington, D.C. are unlike any other bars in the country. Where else can you consistently find CNN always on, the conversation unusually wonkish, and the majority of clientele in suits? It is a different world to be sure.
In these uncommon environments, there hasn't been a single time that I have met someone without the subject of social action and activism coming up. DC residents are passionate. Whether it is the environment, the economy, the deficit, abortion, marriage, or any number of issues, the common thread of spirits in DC is a passion for doing.
As a young person though, it can be difficult to find an outlet for that passion. If you are reading this, and you have dedication to an issue, but lack an outlet for it, I have a solution.
The organization is called "DoSomething" and it is an amazing place. DoSomething's mission is to "inspire, support and celebrate a generation of doers: people who see the need to do something, believe in their ability to get it done, and then take action."And not just in DC, but all across the country.
To accomplish their goals, one of the things they do is conduct"Social Action Bootcamps." These are one day trainings, free to anyone, that walk participants through the steps of starting a non-profit organization. I attended one in DC last year, and it was amazingly helpful. Over the course of the day I learned about non-profit law, marketing, website design, staff recruitment and budgeting. Not only that, but I gained a plethora of contacts in the non-profit world.
And bootcamps are not all that DoSomething does. They also dole out weekly grants, provide online resources free of charge, and highlight young social entrepreneurs.
So, if you are looking for a jump start to pursuing your passion for social activism, I highly recommend that you DoSomething.
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