Today is Global Youth Service Day. Global Youth Service Day occurs annually in over 100 countries to celebrate and mobilize youth who improve their communities each day of the year through service and service-learning. Today's guest post is written by Rachel Ley who has made her mark on the world through service.

Rachel Ley is a member of generationOn’s Youth Advisory Council.  She is fourteen years old and attends PJ Jacobs Junior High School in Stevens Point, Wisconsin.  Two years ago on Global Youth Service Day she launched a project called, Literacy for Little Ones.  Literacy for Little Ones, now in its third year, encourages parents to read to their newborns by donating book packages for every baby that is born in her local hospital.

"As a youth volunteer, a key day for me is Global Youth Service Day (GYSD).  GYSD is an annual campaign that celebrates and mobilizes the millions of children and youth who improve their communities each day of the year through service and service-learning.  The wonderful part about this day is that it’s all about the youth - who will be the next generation of leaders in our world.  After participating in GYSD for the past two years, I am ready for another go!

This year for GYSD (April 15-17, 2011) I have teamed up with my fellow generationOn Youth Advisory Council members to create environmentally themed service projects in our communities across the US.  It’s inspiring to hear what the other members are doing for their projects.  For my part, I have created and organized a service project called “Sprinting for Service”.  On GYSD my friends, classmates, teammates, and I will be clearing part of a 30.5 mile trail that is used by a large portion of my community for recreational activities such as biking, hiking, and cross country skiing.  This will be followed by a half mile fun-run through the park.

In celebration of our public service, local businesses have been kind enough to donate some treats for us.  The local businesses are very supportive of public service, and they will usually give donations after receiving a letter with more information about the project. I’ve learned that you shouldn’t be afraid to ask! Although Saturday’s weather prediction looks dreary, everyone is excited to get out and volunteer!  My vision for “Sprinting for Service” is to spread my love of volunteering throughout my community.  Hopefully, this creates a ripple effect, and by next year’s GYSD other youth will be inspired to start their own projects.

If you or someone you know is interested in participating in GYSD, visit generationOn for project ideas.  Any public service project, no matter the size, has the potential to make a huge impact on our world.  If you know someone who already has made a positive difference, you can nominate that special volunteer for the Hasbro Community Action Hero Award.

Click here to nominate a youth volunteer who has made their mark on the world through service."