Kristen McDonalds

In 2004, three youth, all under 9 years old, decided that they were going to help the United Nations meet the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs). They founded the non-profit Lil’ MDGs and began working to educate, engage, inspire, and empower other youth to help meet the Goals and rallying together to make the world a better place by 2015.
By leveraging the power of the Internet, digital, and social media, Lil’ MDGs has grown from a group of three friends to a network of over 20,000 children in 40 countries worldwide. Youth volunteers range in age from 4 – 19 and they all play an active role in service activities. To date, the organization has rallied youth from around the world to raise more than $780,000 for tsunami relief and over $10 million for hurricane relief. In addition, Lil’ MDGs has mobilized youth to raise funds and resources to build schools, dorms, libraries, playgrounds, community gardens, and more in several countries.
Lil’ MDGs hold awareness, educational, and service events throughout the world to educate and engage children in helping meet the MDGs. Together, they have made a tangible difference in the lives of over 1 million individuals worldwide! What began as a project for a group of friends has become the mission of a generation.
Founded by youth, managed by youth and run by youth, Lil’ MDGs has overcome the stigmata that youth cannot have an impact and is being noticed. The United Nations utilizes Lil’ MDGs as the best practice by youth for engaging youth to meet the MDGs. Lil’ MDGs is an exemplary example for the collective power and potential of youth when they work together for social good.