After the devasting earthquake, Usher made a public call for youth involvement in the relief for Haiti. Now, other notable adults are stepping up and taking a lead the youth to join the efforts to help Haiti.

In support of the youth efforts to raise funds for the United Nations Foundation Central Emergency Response Fund(CERF), and Usher’s New Look’s efforts, Will Smith, NFL star athlete with the New Orleans Saints is calling on his fans—especially young people in New Orleans to answer Usher’s call to action. “As our own Katrina recovery continues, the plight of Haiti today is too familiar for those of us in New Orleans to ignore. All of us should be compelled to help. That's why I've joined Usher to help raise money for Haiti's recovery efforts,” said Smith.

“We are specifically asking for young people to raise small donations for the United Nations Foundation relief efforts. As 50% of the world population, youth have the power to collectively make a huge impact on the relief efforts. I feel it is especially  important for youth in our community to support Haiti due to the history we share and the estimated 5,000 Haitian families residing in New Orleans today,” Smith continued.

He has also agreed to match $20,000 of those youth raised funds. Raising a possible $150 million may seem to be a daunting task, but with tools such as the One Economy toolkit www.pic.tv/willsmith, located on Will Smith’s website, www.thewillsmith.com youth can inspire adults and peers alike to become involved!

Together Will Smith and Usher are challenging young person to raise at least one dollar, and mobilize their peers to raise at least a dollar and send their donations to CERF. With just 1% participation of the world’s youth, an overwhelming $150 million could be collected.  Youth can donate online, by check or by texting CERF t o 90999.

So, if you are under 25, or know someone under 25 spread the word about raising funds for the UN Foundation’s relief efforts in Haiti.

You can also help track the youth impact by following Will Smith, the UN Foundation, and Powered By Service on twitter and for every dollar raised through youth efforts, tag “@powerbyservice” on twitter. Watch how many other youth from around the globe flood the Powered By Service twitter page everyday and imagine the impact all those dollars will have!

Postscript:  Smith has not only asked his fans to join the effort, but he has personally contributed $20,000 to send a mobile health clinic to Haiti on behalf of the world's youth.  Read more about it, and check out the youth response to Usher's call to help Haiti (17 countries and counting) at Usher's New Look website.

Usher Raymond IV Mobilizes Youth around the World to Raise Money for UN Relief Efforts.  New York (January 18, 2010) --  

In a global, grassroots initiative, music legend and humanitarian Usher Raymond IV is announcing a partnership with the United Nations Foundation to help the victims of the Haiti earthquake. Through Usher’s non-profit, Usher’s New Look, Usher is challenging young people worldwide to raise $5 to help the United Nations' emergency response in Haiti.

 
Usher's New Look and the UN Foundation teamed up because they know youth have the power to make a difference and can help the United Nations help Haiti. 

“If only 1% of the world’s youth population raised $5 each, we could raise $150 million to support the UN’s relief efforts,” said Usher. 

“The United Nations plays a key role in humanitarian response and coordination,” said Ted Turner, UN Foundation founder and chairman.  “The coming days are critical to saving lives.  Contributions big or small can have a huge impact.”  

Youth can raise funds and awareness through the ‘Powered By Service’ initiative, launched by Usher’s New Look. Young people can use their talents and creativity to raise dollars and cents from their peers and others to support emergency relief efforts in Haiti such as critical medical care.

Initial news reports indicate that one of Haiti’s biggest needs both now and in the long term is medical aid and support. Disaster relief that is ‘Powered By Service’ can unite young people around the world in a joint effort to assist their peers and families who need help. Usher’s charity, Usher’s New Look is partnering with global youth and international service organizations to give young people the opportunity to help Haiti.

“Disaster relief is an effort that can be ‘Powered By Service’ and young people can be key players in the effort,” continued Usher. “I’m challenging youth around the world to prove they have the power to have an impact on a humanitarian crisis.  I know that young people have the talent, creativity and energy to assist in supporting Haiti’s needs.” 

Once youth raise dollars they can send donations of $5 or more directly to the UN Foundation for the United Nations Central Emergency Response Fund (CERF) website or by check. Youth can also text CERF to 90999 to donate $5, up to five times. The Usher’s New Look website  www.ushersnewlook.org is also linking directly to the CERF donation page.

Young people can log on to twitter and Facebook and share their fundraising activities and successes with pictures, videos and statements. The ‘Powered By Service’ twitter page will be used to recognize and track efforts. For each dollar raised, youth are being encouraged to tweet their efforts @powerbyservice to demonstrate their commitment.

Usher’s New Look Foundation and the United Nations Foundation previously partnered through the United Nations Foundation’s Nothing But Nets campaign for malaria awareness. 
 For information on fundraising for Haiti, please log ushersnewlook.org or poweredbyservice.org.  To view photos and video from UN Foundation staff in Haiti, visit www.unfoundaiton.org/haiti.

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Media Contacts:
United Nations Foundation- Amy DiElsi, adielsi@unfoundation.org; 202-419-3230
Usher’s New Look- Tanya Hayre, thayre@mww.com

About Usher's New Look Foundation Founded in 1999, Usher’s New Look (UNL) empowers youth from under-served communities to use their unique talents to become corporate and community leaders. UNL hopes to make service more diverse, relevant and accessible to all young people. As a result, young people can find their power in their ability to create change in their lives, their communities and the world. For more information about Usher’s New Look visit "http://www.ushersnewlook.org"www.ushersnewlook.org

About the United Nations Foundation The United Nations Foundation, a public charity, was created in 1998 with entrepreneur and philanthropist Ted Turner’s historic $1 billion gift to support UN causes and activities.  We build and implement public/private partnerships to address the world’s most pressing problems, and work to broaden support for the UN through advocacy and public outreach.  Through our campaigns and partnerships, we connect people, ideas, and resources to help the UN solve global problems.  The campaigns we conduct reduce child mortality, empower women and girls, create a new energy future, secure peace and human rights, and promote technology innovation to improve health outcomes.  For more information, visit www.unfoundation.org. 
 

December 10-14, 2009, Shawn H. Wilson, President of Usher's New Look, will travel to Manila, Philippines with newly elected Youth Board member, James Harris, to join global leaders at the Global Peace Festival where young people from diverse cultures and even enemy nations can serve together to address common challenges and promote peace.

At the Global Peace Festival, Shawn Wilson will announce an International Call to Service and introduce Powered By Service to leading voices from around the world, social entrepreneurs, interfaith leaders, and prominent representatives from civl society, the private sector, government, academia, the performing arts, and religion.  Powered By Service is designed to get young people the world over involved in changing the most pressing problems facing them and their communities--whether it be preventing malaria, stopping the spread of HIV/AIDS, ending gang violence or increasing access to clean water.

Click here for more information.

Usher joins the cast of Extreme Makeover Home Edition on Sunday, December 6 at 8:00pm (on ABC) to share his POWERED BY SERVICE campaign.  See a broadcast preview on the "What's Your POWER" community at http://www.ammado.com/community/110021. 

James Harris, 20, was officially elected into the Board of Directors for his exemplary leadership as a young artist, community change agent, and his commitment to personal academic and career success.  As a former New Look camper, current "Mogul in Training," member of the Youth Philanthropy and Advisory Board, and one of the first young people to execute a Powered By Service project, James has been engaged in every program Usher's New Look offers.  Read all about James's project to benefit "Nothing But Nets" - malaria prevention in the November 20 news item below.

In February 2009, James put his power to the ultimate test by testifying with Usher in front of Congress on the importance of service and the Service America Act, a bill passed to expand opportunities for service.

Congratulations and well done, James, on your Board appointment.