Changing the world can involve a small thing and only involve those around us. Doing whatever we can do within our own circle of friends and acquaintances is enough, and will be a contribution to society. Somehow it seems, communicating an idea or giving kindness to ONE other person can create a ripple effect that can forever change things. One small act of kindness can spread like wildfire and create an example to last forever.

Here's a few quote's to get you started thinking about what special purpose and worthwhile meaning you can bring to your life.

"The main business is not to see what lies dimly at a distance but to do what lies clearly at hand."
- Thomas Carlyle

"Now is the time. Needs are great, but your possibilities are greater."
- Bill Blackman

"Never doubt that a small, group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has"
-Margaret Mead

"Be the Change, You want to see in the world"
-Ghandi

Many great awards are given to youth and children for their efforts and projects they have started. All it takes is a good idea. Maybe you can see something in your community, neighborhood, or the world that needs attention. Perhaps their is a dirty waterway, or a historic property that needs saving, or maybe you could organize a group to help other kids accomplish and achieve positive goals.

With Earth Day coming up in April maybe you can find a way to celebrate nature and raise awareness for environmental responsibilty. Maybe you can learn about building a website to promote your cause and reach out to other kids?

Here's a brief list of award winning kids that may help you get excitied about being a world changing individual. But remember, changing the world doesn't have to be a huge thing. Everything can be changed by one small step and a committment to doing what needs to be done.

These energetic kids developed a variety of environmental programs for their high school and community. This science club started with ten students and now has over 70. They worked on water quality issues, injured bird rescue and raising concerns and awareness about environmental situations near their homes and neyond. They won the Presidents Environmental Youth Award in 2004.

Andrew Azman, 22, of Boulder, Colorado,is committed to promoting that diesel engines were designed to run on vegetable oil and that his work to bring back vegetable-oil-based biodiesel helps fulfill Rudolph Diesel's original vision of farmers being able to grow food and fuel for the world. Andrew convinced the University and the City of Boulder to run their diesel buses and trucks on biodiesel fuel which dramatically reduces carcinogenic soot and other air pollutants. He won the Bower Youth Award.

Zander Srodes, 15, Placidia, Fla.
2005 Winner Bower Youth Award

"When I was 11, I applied for a local youth grant. With that money, I started going to schools, libraries, and special events, speaking to kids and adults about sea-turtle conservation, because the sea turtles that nest along the beaches on the west coast of Florida are extremely threatened.

"I do a PowerPoint presentation and have a young person put on a turtle costume I made. I also have a biodegradability chart explaining how long trash takes to break down in the ocean. I bring a sandbox and have kids bury a Ping-Pong ball in the sand, just like a mother turtle would do to make her nest on the beach. The newest addition to my presentation is an activity book I recently wrote. I raised money through grants to pay for the printing.

"My thought on the future of the environmental movement is that it will take more environmentally sensitive politicians in order to make a difference and have long-range effects on protecting our natural resources.

"The role that I intend to play in the future is either as an environmental lawyer or a politician."

Often times we here from adults that you can't fight progress, or that something is "too big" to change. This is nonsense. Many adults can't understand that young people have fresh outlooks and tons of energy and enthusiasm and that they can see answers where adults cannot. Don't ever let anyone tell you can't do something. Nothing is beyond the realm of your possibilites.

All you have to do is DO IT! You have gifts and talents that only you possess and these gifts will allow you to accomplish things that only you can do. Start small with love in your heart and a smile on your face, and you will be amazed how things around you begin to change

Awards For Kids Websites (Made By and For Kids)

United Nation Environment Program
UNEP is inviting children all over the world to participate in a wide range of exciting environmental activities in 2006. Beyond the environmental and cultural value of these activities, the Children and Youth programme promises prizes worth more than US$3000 in total and travel to exotic locations to promote the environment.

Complete Five Challenges and Win The John Muir Youth Award
DISCOVER - A Wild Place
EXPLORE - Landscape and Wildlife
CONSERVE and Protect it
SHARE Your Discoveries
LEARN About John Muir

Bower Youth Award
One girl in Texas founded an organization to protest a nuclear waste facility at the age of 13. Another, at the age of 17, started a wetlands rehabilitation project in her neighborhood in San Francisco. And a 15 year old boy from Florida is on a mission to save the loggerhead sea turtles from extinction. These are just three of the seven incredible young activists from around the country who will receive a 2005 Brower Youth Award – the most prestigious award in the country for leaders of tomorrow’s environmental and social justice movements.

For Parents to Award Their Own Kids Awards ~ Printable Awards

Vision:A clear, detailed picture of what should be achieved. An image seen in the imagination or in a dream – an ideal plan, a conception of the future based on a wish or aspiration. A sight, an image, the power to see - - a revelation, an apparition - - a fantasy, an ideal.