Do Something

Young people share their views with Jack McConnell, the first minister for Scotland, during MPH Children's Day during C8.
UNICEF UK/NickMcGowan-Lowe/C8/2005

UNICEF UK is challenging you to spread the word about children's rights and UNICEF's work for children everywhere. Who you tell is up to you - your mates, your teachers, your mum - YOU can help UNICEF change the world for children.

Speak out in your own style - in conversation, in class, or online. Get a spot in assembly, write some lyrics or add a link to TAGD to your blog. Buy a pin badge or wristband from our Gift Shop and wear them proudly to school. Whatever you decide to do, remember every action counts!

Why not try doing a 'walk and talk' in your local area to raise awareness about a particular issue? Watch our handy video tutorial to find out how.

Getting started

All around the world, young people are joining the fight against violation of children's rights. Be it the lack of access to medical care, poor education or child trafficking, UNICEF is calling on the world to unite for children. Here are some ways that you can help.

1. Download our peer education packs related to UNICEF's campaigns, full of fun activities to get you and your friends thinking about the issues:
   • Climate change peer education pack
   • HIV and sexual health peer education pack
2. Organise an assembly or a class presentation and educate your friends on the global issues affecting children around the world. You can download this ready-to-use presentation:
   • Children's Rights presentation (Powerpoint file)
3. Join our social network pages, invite your friends to join and spread awareness all over the world! Another great facebook application is Causes which lets you create your own charitable project or campaign. You can also take our Facebook HIV quiz and compare your scores with your friends.
4. Why not create your own campaign? Get some top tips on how to get started and present your ideas to your school assembly, local sports club and so on.
5. Are you a Brownie or a Guide? Take part in the Changing the World project.
6. Raise money. Check out our fundraising pages for ideas. Every penny counts, for example:
   • Raise £20 and we could buy mosquito nets to protect six families from malaria.
   • Raise £75 and we could help ten families collect and store clean, safe water with our family water kits. Each kit contains buckets, collapsible water containers, soap and water-purification tablets.
   • Raise £200 and we could buy enough HIV test kits for 400 mothers-to-be. This basic screening test can help more babies be born free from HIV.
   • Raise £1250 and we could supply a health worker with a motorbike to reach children living in remote communities.

Got any more tips for raising awareness about issues? Why not post your ideas below.