20 ways to be a hero
Heroes rescue people from danger, untangle dolphins from plastic debris, and invent crazy-cool technology that generates clean energy. But those aren’t the only ways to be a hero—anyone who tries to make the world a better place can be one! Get ready to save the day with these 20 ways you can be a hero today.
CHORE CHAMP
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If you have an older neighbor, offer to help that person shovel the driveway, rake leaves, or walk their dog. Chores like these can be hard or even dangerous for older folks, so you’ll be a hero by helping out.
GARDEN GROWER
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If your neighborhood has a community garden, volunteer to water plants or weed. A community garden provides healthy food for residents, can clean the air, attracts birds and butterflies, and even helps keep the block cool.
GORILLA GUARDIAN
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Many electronics contain coltan, a mineral extracted from gorilla habitat. You can be a gorilla guard by using your old devices as long as you can, then recycling the tech instead of throwing it away. Get more tips for preserving habitats.
NEWS KNOWER
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We can only fix the world’s problems if we understand the facts about them. But sometimes, people try to trick others into believing false information. Ask these questions to sniff out a phony story: Does it come from a well-known magazine or newspaper? Is it being reported by multiple publications? Does it include eyewitnesses and experts? By sharing only true information, you’re helping keep everyone smart and informed—that’s pretty heroic!
PET PROTECTOR
More than 6.5 million critters go into animal shelters every year. You can heroically help these pets find homes: Great at photography? Offer to take glamour shots of adoptable pets. Just want to play with pups? Volunteer with the animals to get them used to people so they’ll be ready for a forever family.
RAD READER
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Are you a proud bookworm? Ask your teacher if you can help younger kids at your school practice their reading skills. Take turns reading aloud from a book or magazine, or hop on a video call to talk to your new friend about the book you’re both reading.
KINDNESS SPREADER
Try a random act of kindness like complimenting a classmate, letting someone else have your turn, or leaving a note that says “You’re awesome!” You might inspire that person to pass the kindness along, making everyone feel better.
HUNGER FIGHTER
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About 10 million kids in the United States don’t get enough to eat—that’s about how many people live in the state of Georgia. Organize a bake sale, then donate the profits to your local food bank. You’ll make your customers happy with yummy treats and help feed your neighbors at the same time.
BULLY BUSTER
Sometimes groups of people are treated unfairly because of their race, religion, or gender. Other people are bullied for things like being supersmart or not wearing trendy clothes. If you see someone being picked on, find a way to safely do something. That might mean speaking to a teacher, coach, or parent, or just being a friend to the person who’s being mistreated.
SUPER SPEAKER
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Learn another of the more than 7,000 languages spoken on our planet. Whether you’re traveling to another country or meeting new neighbors from abroad, speaking their language is a quick way to make someone else feel comfortable, and it shows that you respect different cultures. Plus, if someone doesn’t speak the language where you live and needs help, you could save the day.
AWESOME ADOPTER
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Animal breeders sometimes raise purebred animals in dangerous and unhealthy conditions. Buying from breeders also encourages them to keep raising more animals—even though millions of pets still don’t have homes. If you want to add a new pet to your family, talk to your parents about adopting one from an animal shelter.
SKILL SHARER
Got something you’re great at? Showing off is fun, but you can be a hero by teaching someone else how to roller skate backward, draw a dragon, or solve an equation. Plus, you’ll feel great when you see people succeed because you showed them how.
POWER LIFTER
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See someone who’s juggling so many items that the person can’t open a door? Or who might slip on an icy patch? Offer to lend a hand. Older neighbors, people with babies, or folks with injuries could use your help.
SCHOOL SUPPORTER
When you’re shopping for new school supplies, ask your parents to purchase two of each item. Give the extras to your teacher and ask him or her to pass them along to a student who couldn’t afford the supplies.
THANKS GIVER
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Say “thank you” to everyone who helps make your life easier, like the people who deliver your packages, the folks who pick up your trash, and the person who drives your bus. Show you appreciate their heroics with a smile, a sign in your window, or by leaving treats like granola bars outside your door.
DISEASE FIGHTER
Help keep your friends, family, and neighbors safe by following your local COVID-19 health guidelines and carefully scrubbing your hands to the tune of two “Happy Birthday” songs. (Don’t forget to turn off the water while you lather!) By helping stop the spread of diseases, you’ll be a health hero—move over, Batman!
MIGHTY LISTENER
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When you’re talking to a friend, try to hear the words that person is saying instead of thinking about what you’ll say next. Being a good listener can lower your friend’s stress, help your pal make a decision, and even strengthen your friendship.
SPOT SAVER
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If you see someone at lunch who looks lonely, take a seat beside that person or ask the kid to join your table.
MEATLESS MAVERICK
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Parts of the Amazon rainforest are burned to create cattle pastures. The beef then goes to diners in countries that include the United States. You can be a hero to rainforest animals like sloths, anteaters, and toucans by eating meatless meals even just one day a week. Get more save-the-Earth tips.
TRASH FIGHTER
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Grab gloves, some leftover plastic bags, and a friend, then take out the trash in your neighborhood. The only rules: Share your plan with a grown-up first, and don’t pick up anything sharp, heavy, or hazardous. You’ll be a hero to the birds, fish, and frogs in your community. Get more ideas.