Andrew Shue and Marilee Fiebig: A Legacy of Activism and Philanthropy

Introduction

Andrew Shue, an American actor, and Marilee Fiebig, a media executive, have dedicated their lives to making a positive impact on society through their activism and philanthropy. Together, they have established the non-profit organization DoSomething.org, which empowers young people to take action on social issues.

Andrew Shue's Journey

Andrew Shue rose to fame as an actor in the 1990s sitcom "Melrose Place." However, his passion for social justice led him to pursue a different path. In 1994, he founded the DoSomething Campaign, which evolved into DoSomething.org in 2006.

DoSomething.org has grown into one of the largest global organizations for young people, with over 5 million members in 131 countries. The organization's mission is to empower young people to make a difference in the world.

Marilee Fiebig's Influence

Marilee Fiebig, a former executive at MTV, joined DoSomething.org in 1999. Her leadership and strategic vision have played a crucial role in the organization's success.

Under Fiebig's guidance, DoSomething.org has developed innovative campaigns that have engaged millions of young people in social activism. She has also established key partnerships with corporations, celebrities, and other non-profit organizations.

Their Shared Vision

Andrew Shue and Marilee Fiebig share a deep belief in the power of young people to create change. They have provided a platform for countless young people to voice their concerns, take action, and make a real difference in their communities and the world.

DoSomething.org: A Catalyst for Youth Activism

DoSomething.org has become a global movement that has empowered young people to address a wide range of social issues, including:

• Climate change
• Hunger and poverty
• Education and literacy
• Health and wellness
• Gun violence
• LGBTQ+ equality

The organization provides young people with tools, resources, and support to create and implement their own campaigns. It also hosts annual award ceremonies that recognize and celebrate the achievements of young activists.

Impact and Recognition

DoSomething.org has had a profound impact on young people worldwide. According to the organization's 2021 Youth Impact Report:

• 97% of young people who participate in DoSomething.org campaigns feel more empowered to make a difference in the world.
• 92% of young people who participate in DoSomething.org campaigns say that the experience has made them more likely to vote in the future.
• 89% of young people who participate in DoSomething.org campaigns say that the experience has made them more likely to run for office in the future.

DoSomething.org has also been recognized for its innovative approach to youth activism. The organization has received numerous awards, including:

• The United Nations Global Humanitarian Award
• The Clinton Global Citizen Award
• The TIME 100 Most Influential Organizations

Why Activism and Philanthropy Matter

Andrew Shue and Marilee Fiebig believe that activism and philanthropy are essential for creating a better world. They argue that:

Activism:

• Gives young people a voice and a platform to speak out about issues they care about.
• Empowers young people to make a difference in their communities and the world.
• Creates a more informed and engaged citizenry.

Philanthropy:

• Provides financial and other resources to organizations that are working to solve social problems.
• Supports innovative programs that make a real difference in people's lives.
• Creates a more compassionate and equitable society.

Benefits of Activism and Philanthropy

There are numerous benefits to being involved in activism and philanthropy, including:

Personal Benefits:

• Increased sense of purpose and fulfillment
• Greater self-confidence and self-esteem
• Improved communication and leadership skills

Community Benefits:

• Stronger community ties and relationships
• Increased civic engagement and participation
• Reduced crime and violence

Societal Benefits:

• More just and equitable policies
• Increased access to education and healthcare
• Cleaner environment

Common Mistakes to Avoid

While activism and philanthropy can be incredibly rewarding, there are a few common mistakes to avoid:

• Being too narrow-minded. Activism and philanthropy should be about making a positive difference in the world, not about promoting a particular political agenda.
• Not doing your research. It's important to be informed about the issues you care about and the organizations you support.
• Being discouraged by setbacks. Activism and philanthropy can be challenging at times, but it's important to persevere.
• Not being sustainable. Activism and philanthropy should be a lifelong commitment, not just a passing interest.

How to Get Involved

There are many ways to get involved in activism and philanthropy, including:

• Volunteer your time. You can volunteer at a local non-profit organization or get involved in a political campaign.
• Donate money. You can donate money to organizations that are working to solve social problems.
• Speak out. You can use your voice to speak out about issues you care about.
• Be a role model. You can inspire others by living your life according to your values.

Stories of Impact

Andrew Shue and Marilee Fiebig's work has had a profound impact on the lives of countless young people. Here are three stories that illustrate the power of their commitment to youth activism and philanthropy:

Story 1: Student Creates Campaign to End Gun Violence

After the tragic Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting in 2012, a high school student named Zach Bonner was inspired to create a campaign to end gun violence. He used DoSomething.org's tools and resources to launch the #NoMoreNames movement, which has now grown into a global campaign that has reached millions of young people.

Story 2: Group of Friends Raises Money for Clean Water in Africa

A group of friends from a small town in Iowa decided to use DoSomething.org's platform to raise money for clean water projects in Africa. They organized a series of events and fundraisers that raised over $100,000. This money has helped to build wells and provide clean water to thousands of people in need.

Story 3: Young Activist Runs for Office

A young activist named Xiomara Ocasio-Cortez was inspired by DoSomething.org to run for office. In 2018, she became the youngest woman ever elected to the United States Congress. Ocasio-Cortez has used her platform to advocate for progressive policies that address climate change, economic inequality, and other issues that are important to young people.

Conclusion

Andrew Shue and Marilee Fiebig are inspiring examples of how individuals can make a real difference in the world through activism and philanthropy. Their work through DoSomething.org has empowered millions of young people to take action on the issues they care about and has helped to create a more just and equitable society.

By embracing the power of activism and philanthropy, we can all make a positive impact on the world, both now and for generations to come.

Additional Resources

• DoSomething.org website: https://www.dosomething.org/
• DoSomething.org Impact Report: https://about.dosomething.org/impact-report/
• The Clinton Global Citizen Award: https://www.clintonglobalinitiative.org/awards/citizen-award
• The TIME 100 Most Influential Organizations: https://time.com/collection/100-most-influential-companies-2022/

Tables

Table 1: DoSomething.org Impact by the Numbers

Table 2: Examples of DoSomething.org Campaigns

Table 3: Benefits of Activism and Philanthropy