See that ugly cement wall just before drivers enter the tunnel under a bridge? Let’s paint a mural!What comes first?

• Get a picture of your mural in your mind--visualize it;
• Ask permission from the building owner;
• Find friends who want to help--invite about everyone in your art class;
• Seek donations for paint and supplies from neighbors and local paint stores.

Sagen started the program because she worried that kids who used the free lunch program at her school didn't get enough to eat during the summer.

She got the support of a local food bank and church and found volunteers who donate food and money. She even plans the menus.

Click here to learn more about Sagen's Kids' Kitchen and how she did it.

Laruen baby-sat, scrubbed floors and took other odd jobs so she could pay for the things she donated.

She started her annual project after she heard a friend's mother talking about kids whose families didn't have the money for school supplies.

Melissa started Kids FACE in 1989 with six members.

Today, the club has more than 300,000 members all over the world.

Kids Face gives young people a way to help protect nature and connect with other children who care about environmental issues.

If organizing a group seems like a big job, remember all those kids who started organizations.

If they can do it, you can, too. Find others who support your ideas and are willing to help out.

When (not if--you can count on it!) people point out obstacles, be ready to plan how to overcome them.

If it is a group project, make sure you have names and phone numbers of people to contact in an emergency.

Bring along a first aid kit. Involve adults who have first aid training and can help with other emergencies.

You may need to collect permission slips, if appropriate, to be sure that parents approve of their children joining your effort.

Brittney Johnson, a young girl in Oregon, decided to raise money to buy a truck-load of canned food for her church’s food pantry.

With the support of her mother and her church, she created Christmas cards for local stores to sell and raised $5,400!

Raise money for an animal shelter by organizing a dog walk. Pet owners get pledges for how many miles they and their dog walk on the event day.

Ask local businesses to donate goodies and treats for the participants. At the end of the walk, have a picnic with fun events for the participants, or a demonstration of dogs’ talents.

Recognize those helpers who raise the most money or put in the most hours of work by giving them an award.