Discover Worlds is a completely student-run global nonprofit organization founded in 2005 with the purpose of creating and raising awareness within youth about issues facing humanity. Discover Worlds is a 501(c)3 nonprofit whose main endeavors include fundraising to support relief efforts around the world, internal fundraising, presenting to businesses, student groups, educational administrators, classes, service organizations, and other nonprofits about problems of global proportion, and acting through service and funding to make a difference in the lives of people around the world. The issues covered by Discover Worlds presentations cover a wide range of subject matter, including Genocide in Darfur, Sudan and the Congo, Famine, Extreme Poverty, Global Warming, Gang Warfare, HIV/AIDS, Human Trafficking, how students can tangibly change the world, and even conquering the fear of public speaking. These presentations are given around the world and every year, thousands of students are given the tools they need to effect positive change in their family, their community, their country, and even the world.
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Mission statement
The mission of Discover Worlds is to solve community and global problems by inspiring youth to use their talents to spread awareness and knowledge on the issue. With knowledge comes power and leadership. By also inculcating compassion and global understanding in future generations, Discover Worlds is supplying tomorrow’s leaders with the knowledge, kindness, and motivation to make a positive impact. The best way to change the world and to make a difference is to motivate others to do the same. Spreading awareness is different from raising funds; it is instilling a sense of consciousness. Discover World's main purpose is to battle ignorance by heightening the impetus of the young.
History
Discover Worlds was founded in February 2005 by two high school students, Anjali Bhatia and Carissa Mueller, in New Jersey. What began as an after-school activity quickly took on a life of its own and expanded into a self-perpetuating nonprofit business enterprise. Based on the premise as a group for students, by students, the first Discover Worlds presentation was delivered in March 2005. Since then, hundreds of presentations have been delivered in over a dozen states and countries spanning three continents. In 2007, Discover Worlds expanded its efforts in active service by instituting a chapter in Rwanda called the Discover Worlds Team. What the Discover Worlds team does is match schools in the United States with schools in Rwanda so that both cultures might learn from one another. Students from Rwanda are paired with students from the US and these students then become pen pals. The students in the US then partner with their respective schools to raise money for school supplies used to benefit the Rwandan schools. A team in each country was also established to deliver presentations to schools about the culture and lifestyle of the other country. Discover Worlds is run by a Board of Directors consisting of a CEO and President, a Discover Worlds Team Director, an Event Coordinator, Head of Fundraising, Head of Public Relations, Graphic Designer, Head of Recruitment, Webmaster, and Head of Marketing.
Impact
Discover Worlds presentations have been given in Minnesota, Tennessee, Washington State, Washington D.C., Colorado, New Jersey, North Carolina, New York, Virginia, Florida, Nebraska, Massachusetts, India, and Rwanda. It is estimated that since Discover Worlds was founded, 15,000 students and adults have seen at least one presentation. The fundraising efforts of Discover Worlds have led to over $20,000 in funds raised that are almost completely directed to relief efforts, service projects, and presentations.
Organizational Goals
The first goal of Discover Worlds is to sponsor 200 orphans through donations and contribute significantly to at least ten of those students receiving a college education. Discover Worlds is also working to establish 10 sister schools between Rwanda and the US along with a complementary 10 teams in each country to present to their respective schools. Discover Worlds also hopes to expand into other countries including Sri Lanka, Kenya, and India in the near future.