Stand Up!: 75 Young Activists Who Rock the World - Softcover

"Stand Up! is a true testament to the power of youth. Young people like the ones included in this book have some brilliant ideas-not to mention a fresh perspective-and if we don't take the time to listen to them, we're doing children and our children's children a huge disservice. I am honored that Lindsey Eaton-a young woman with an intellectual disability-and Best Buddies are included." ~ Anthony K. Shriver, founder and chairman of Best Buddies International "The courage, compassion and vision of the young people featured in Stand Up! should inspire everyone, regardless of age, to champion for a world of equality, respect and inclusion for all. I am in awe of the ingenuity and bravery of today's youth leaders: many have stared down prejudice, bullying and stigma to change schools and communities for the better. My hope is that these stories will embolden bystanders to become up-standers. I am especially proud of those in this book who have advocated, in their own ways, for people with intellectual disabilities. Through Special Olympics programs such as Project UNIFY and Unified Sports, we seek to create a 'Unified Generation' where we will Play Unified to Live Unified. Lead on!" ~ Timothy P. Shriver, Ph.D., chairman and CEO of Special Olympics "Stand Up! is a groundbreaking call to action by young people who are championing the notion that each one of us has the unique power to change the world for the better. This book proves that the future is, indeed, very bright." ~ Amanda Hearst, founder and chair of The Humane Society of the United States' Friends of Finn and executive board member of Riverkeeper. "Stand Up! is refreshing proof of the impact one person can have when they advance a cause in which they believe. It is an inspirational read for activists young and old-those who are agents of positive change seeking the world in which they want to live." ~ The Right Honourable Paul Martin, Former Prime Minister of Canada "Wow! My faith in the future is restored by these young people and how they are trying to repair a broken world. Every reader, young or old, will be inspired to do more after reading Stand Up! " ~ Alan Dershowitz, Felix Frankfurter professor of law at Harvard Law School "Stand Up! reminds oldsters of how wrong we were when we used to say that youth is wasted on the young, especially when we read the extraordinary accomplishments of today's youngsters." ~ Shirley M. Hufstedler, the first United States Secretary of Education "Stand Up! is an inspiring book. John Schlimm has showcased different organizations, groups and foundations in a way that makes your heart feel good. As I read the many stories of people taking negatives and turning them into positives, it resonated with me, as that is why I created my foundation and our motto, "Just Ask Yourself to Care!" ~ Jaycee Dugard, founder of The JAYC Foundation and author of A Stolen Life "Stand Up! is a celebration of some of the most inspiring young minds working to make a difference in our world, but it also serves as a guide that empowers readers with the knowledge that their voices and actions can also make a difference. I applaud these young heroes for choosing to make this world a little better for all of us." ~ Dr. Lisa Masterson, co-host of CBS's The Doctors, founder of Maternal Fetal Care International and "Champion" for the UN Foundation's Girl Up "Stand Up! reminds us that young people are our greatest treasure. Delaitre Hollinger, the Little Brother to our 2012 Big Brother of the Year Brent Hartsfield, is a great example. We are honored that Stand Up! introduces Delaitre and Big Brothers Big Sisters to readers who are looking for ways to invest in children, families and communities." ~ Charles Pierson, president and CEO of Big Brothers Big Sisters of America