The musician calls on young people to organize local fundraisers to help their Haitian peers. By Mark Dagostino, January 13, Tonic.com:   In the wake of the devastating earthquake in Haiti, music superstar and philanthropist Usher Raymond IV is calling on youth worldwide to help.

"I am devastated by the news in Haiti and am calling for youth worldwide to support and offer assistance to the millions of people in that area that are in dire need," he said in a statement Wednesday afternoon. "I am currently working with Usher's New Look, my non-profit organization, to figure out the most effective means of help. I also know that young men and women have asked the same question — 'How can I help?'"

"With Haiti in a state of emergency right now, young people do have the power to save lives. I am asking young people of all ages to mobilize by organizing local fundraisers with the proceeds going to their peers in Haiti. This is one way we all can make a difference."

Usher is the founder of Usher's New Look and Powered by Service — the latter of which offers a toolkit on its website for generating fundraising ideas.

Also check out the article in OK! Magazine here and see the video below of how one youth, Ivan, responded to the call and raised $1000 for the UN Foundation.