Celebrities are often viewed as self-centered individuals who accumulate their wealth for themselves. Even when they do try to speak out for what they believe in, they are told to stick with what they know and stay out of politics. Thankfully, many refuse to sit down. Many celebrities choose to use their platforms to make a difference in the world. Here are 10 celebrities who are using their platform to make a difference.
As if we could not love actor Ashton Kutcher more than we did before, he has been working with children who have been victims of human trafficking. He co-founded Thorn, an organization that uses technology to help kids who experience trafficking and helps law enforcement track down suspects.
In 2003, Alicia Keys teamed up with Leigh Blake to co-found Keep Child Alive. The organization’s original mission was to make HIV medicine readily available for children in need in Africa, but they have expanded to provide clinical and psychological care and other services to children in several countries in Africa as well as in India. The organization is committed to helping to find a cure for HIV/AIDS.
Actor Matt Damon has always had a passion for providing safe drinking water for those in need around the world, but he always supported other organizations. However, in 2009, he joined forces with fellow water activist Gary White to co-found Water.org. The organization works towards providing safe water and sanitary conditions to communities around the world in order to break the cycle of poverty.
When he is not rocking out with Queen + Adam Lambert or studying astrophysics, Queen guitarist Brian May is involved with activism. As many people know, Queen frontman Freddie Mercury passed away due to complications from AIDS. May responded to this by starting the Mercury Phoenix Trust, which teams up with organizations around the world to help fund research and projects that help those who are battling HIV/AIDS. May is also an activist for Save Me, an organization that seeks to have laws in place to help animals who are being hunted merely for sport.
When Bono is not rocking out as the lead singer of U2, he is raising awareness of and funds for HIV/AIDS through (Red). He co-founded the organization in 2006 with Bobby Shiver. The organization has raised over $500 million through donations and product sales to support organizations fighting HIV/AIDS as well as grants that help those affected by HIV/AIDS in several countries in Africa.
Emma Watson, known for her role as Hermione Granger in the Harry Potter series, is working her magic off the screen. She has used her platform to speak out for women’s rights and equality as a part of the HeForShe campaign that she helped to launch as a UN Women Goodwill Ambassador. She has advocated for education for girls and launched a feminist book club on Goodreads called “Our Shared Shelf,” where the club reads and discusses a feminist book each month. It’s great to see young celebrities who are using their platform to make a difference.
Broadway sensation Lin-Manuel Miranda has been involved with various charitable organizations through music and fundraising efforts. He has helped with raising funds for Puerto Rico through sales of “Almost like Praying,” a song he teamed up with Artists for Puerto Rico to perform. Miranda most recently recorded a mashup, “Found/Tonight” with Ben Platt of Dear Evan Hansen to raise money for March for Our Lives. He has also helped fundraise for Planned Parenthood and for organizations combatting climate change.
Actress and singer Zendaya proves that you are never too young or too famous to make a huge difference in a variety of capacities. Her causes of choice include PETA, UNICEF, and organizations that support hunger relief and body positivity. She has also contributed to hurricane relief efforts.
Lady Gaga is fierce, both as a performer and as an activist. She constantly speaks out for LGBT rights and is constantly standing up against any and all forms of bullying. Lady Gaga also has her Love Bravery clothing line, which has helped raise money for the Elton John AIDS Foundation. Born This Way Foundation, an organization Lady Gaga started with her mom, works to help stop bullying. She is also a voice and advocate for those suffering from chronic illness. Celebrities who are using their platform to make a difference have chosen many great causes to support.
Madonna is more than a powerhouse performer on stage. She has devoted her life to help the children of Malawi, a country in Africa, in any way she can. She has adopted numerous children from the country and established Raising Malawi in 2006. The organization helps provide healthcare and education to the children of Malawi. It has also opened schools and children’s hospitals in the country.
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