What strategies helped these children succeed? What ideas can other families borrow from this experience?

1. Engage school support. As soon as the three students decided to organize a fundraising project, the parents made sure that both schools were on board with the idea. "Without the support of the adults in their lives, kids cannot make as great of an impact," Jodie says. Schools were out on holiday recess when the idea took shape, but the mothers tracked down the principals at home. The school leaders were immediately supportive. The kids followed up after vacation by engaging their student councils and explaining their idea to the principals in more detail. As the project grew and more schools joined the fundraising effort, the organizers provided an informational packet to answer questions about Room to Read and facilitate school involvement.
2. Let kids take the lead. From the start, this fundraiser was conceived "by kids, for kids." Parents helped where needed, such as negotiating with a manufacturing company to produce the wristbands and answering the flood of emails from schools that wanted to get involved. But when it came to making community presentations, designing a slide show to advertise the project, or giving media interviews, that was the kids' responsibility. "This was their project," Beth says. "We just gave them the tools."
3. Don't say no. As soon as the project attracted media attention, it began to grow larger than anyone imagined. The initial order for 5,000 wristbands grew to 50,000, and eventually to 70,000. That meant bigger financial risks and a bigger investment of time. But the adults never said it couldn't be done. "Nobody ever told us no," Jacob says. "As parents, we learned that even if something seems difficult or overwhelming, you just go for it," adds his mother.
4. Recognize success. For Danielle and David, the wristband project also became the focus of their Bat and Bar Mitzvah. Before a gathering of 300 family members and friends, these two young people spoke about what they had accomplished-and, more importantly, what the experience meant to them. Their parents listened in awe. "They spoke from their hearts. They realized that you can accomplish anything you want in life, if you work hard, have heart, work with other people. They were so eloquent. As I was sitting there," says Beth, "I watched my two babies grow up that day."

Help From Home

If your son or daughter has an idea to make the world a better place, what can you do to help realize the dream? Here are more suggestions for raising a child who cares enough to act:

• Encourage problem solving. Help your children look for their own solutions to everyday problems.
• Be a role model. As your child's first teacher, show that you care for others.
• Teach them that change can start small. Small steps can add up to a big difference.
• Help your children learn from setbacks and challenges. That's part of problem solving, too.
• Follow their lead. Get involved in the projects and causes that your children care about.
• Have fun working as a team. Take time to celebrate your success as a family.

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