On Sept. 5, 17-year-old Golden Triangle resident Russell Lyons embarked on his “Do Good Adventure” — a 10,000-mile coast-to-coast road trip to promote teen volunteerism and meet other teens who are problem-solvers in their communities. During the next six months, Lyons will volunteer with more than 20 nonprofit organizations across the United States — from San Diego to New York — for three to five days at a time. Lyons launched his volunteer adventure tour right in his own backyard with Kids Korps — a national nonprofit organization based in San Diego where Lyons helped feed homeless families, mentor at-risk middle school students in City Heights and explored artistic ambitions with children at the Lux Art Institute. “We hope that by showcasing some of the incredible teens who volunteer and talking about the volunteer opportunities available to teens in different communities, Do Good Adventure will inspire other teens — and some adults — to do good,” he said. “Teens are four times more likely to volunteer if asked. So we’re asking.” To help encourage volunteer efforts by teens, Lyons is offering the chance for teens to explain their volunteer work on his website. One teen will be selected randomly each month to win $500 for the organization of his or her choice. Individuals must be 13 to 21 years old and all winning organizations must have held a 501(c)(3) status for a minimum of one year. “Teens who volunteer learn how to solve community problems and understand about good citizenship at a young age — knowledge they carry forward into adulthood,” he said, adding that teenagers who volunteer do better in school, develop new career goals and are twice as likely to volunteer as adults. “Plus, volunteering is fun, helps others and allows you to meet great people.” Lyons has been involved in community service for more than a decade and logs more than 200 hours of community service each year. He said he has met some amazing people through his volunteer efforts and looks forward to meeting more throughout his journey. “I can’t imagine a better way to spend a gap year between high school and college than traveling our beautiful country and working alongside teens who are bringing about social change in their communities,” he said. “Today’s community-involved teen is tomorrow’s leader.” Through his Do Good Adventure tour, this community-involved teen hopes to raise the profile of teen volunteerism and shatter preconceived notions that all teenagers are bullies, starlets in trouble or drug-addicted couch potatoes. “Yes, that is all out there, but everywhere I look, I also see teens who are working hard to solve the problems instead of being a problem,” he said. To follow Lyons’ adventure, visit his website www.dogoodadventure.com, Facebook or Twitter.
