Civic Engagement
Child Slavery in Your Chocolate
www.radicalthought.org
explores the horrific practice of child slavery in the cocoa fields of Ivory Coast. Developed and operated by Steven Millman of the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, the site lists chocolate companies by likelihood that child slaves are involved in their chocolate production. Also linking visitors to a large swath of media coverage on the subject, Millman has created an excellent reference.
Education
First Book National Book Bank
http://bookbank.firstbook.org/nbb/get/nbbhome.asp%20
donates books to nonprofits that help children in low-income families, particularly by enhancing preschool and after-school programs. The site helps visitors get involved in distribution programs and promotes program growth. It is especially helpful to youth agencies looking for books or to link their youths to kids in need around the world. First Book is a nonprofit supported by corporate, government and other nonprofit contributions.
Mental Helath
Teen Central
www.teencentral.net
is an online summit for youth that seeks to answer the question, “What’s it like being a teen today?” with “Who knows better than other teens!” Resources and links for teens vary from fact-based research to message boards where youth can post their thoughts and tell stories about anything or respond to others. Celebrity spotlights focus on overcoming adversity. Teen Central is powered by Kids Peace, an Orefield, Pa.-based independent organization dedicated to helping children in crisis.
Recreation
Geena Takes Aim
www.geenatakesaim.com
is powered by the Women’s Sports Foundation and encourages girls and their parents to act against gender discrimination in sports. Sponsored by award-winning archer and actress Geena Davis, the site champions female athleticism and provides helpful links on coaching, parental involvement and information on federal Title IX rules concerning gender equity in sports.
Sexual Behavior
Advocates for Youth
www.advocatesforyouth.org
promotes comprehensive approaches to safe sex and disease prevention dialogue. The site vehemently dismisses abstinence-until-marriage approaches, but focuses its attention on well-presented research and statistics. Sections like ”For Teens,” “Facts and Figures,” and “Topics and Issues” allow visitors to find the information they want quickly. Advocates for Youth is a Washington, D.C.-based nonprofit.
Youth Development
Texas Five Promises Checklist
www.texasonline.com
is an excellent feature of the state government website that could serve as a model for other states. Through a link on the bottom of the home page, visitors provide information about youth whom they want to help, their location and which of the promises in America’s Promise (caring adults, safe places, healthy start, marketable skills and opportunities) they want to focus on. Searches yield web connections and contact information for relevant local organizations.
