Making a Difference Program
A Ripple that starts with you
Program Iniative
Beyond the Label’s Making a Difference Program aims to recognize young individuals by celebrating their kindness, efforts, and leadership. This program empowers them to continue making a difference, while also building their self-esteem and inspiring others to follow their example.
Initiatives like the Making a Difference program provide a valuable platform for recognizing these young changemakers. By highlighting their contributions, a culture of inclusivity, kindness, and community spirit is fostered that benefits everyone.
Anyone can participate by nominating a young person who has demonstrated exceptional commitment to promoting inclusion and positivity. Just email us at Fidgetpockets@gmail.com.
What is the Making a Difference Program?
The Making a Difference Program is at the core of the Junior Board’s mission at Beyond the Label. It’s a youth-led recognition initiative that uplifts young people who are quietly—or boldly—creating change, showing kindness, and building stronger, more inclusive communities.
Each month, Junior Board members nominate someone from their school or community who is going above and beyond to help others. These are the everyday leaders—the students who include others, speak up, lend a hand, or spread joy.
It’s not about popularity or perfection. It’s about seeing the good, celebrating it, and letting it grow
How It Works:
1. Find a Changemaker
Each Junior Board member selects one youth in their community who they
believe is making a difference. This could be someone lifting up others, standing up for inclusion, or simply leading with heart.
2. Share Their Story
During the monthly Junior Board meeting (held on the last Sunday of each month at Susie’s), members present their nominee’s story to the group.
3. Vote as a Team
After hearing each story, the board votes on who will be recognized as that month’s Making a Difference honoree. This decision is made by youth—for youth.
4. Surprise & Celebrate
The fun doesn’t stop at voting. Together, the board organizes a surprise
celebration for the honoree—often at school, in their community, or at a special event. The honoree receives a custom trophy and a few meaningful tokens of recognition from their community.
Why This Matters:
● It sparks empathy and awareness. Junior Board members learn to notice the everyday actions that build up community.
● It shifts the spotlight. This program shows that leadership doesn’t always look like being in charge—it often looks like kindness, courage, and quiet action.
● It creates moments that last. For the person being recognized, it’s more than an award—it’s a moment of being seen, valued, and celebrated.
● It inspires a ripple effect. Every time someone is honored, their story reaches others—and encourages more young people to lead with kindness, courage, and
compassion.
Who Can Be Nominated?
Anyone under 18 who is:
- Leading through kindness or advocacy
- Making a difference in their school, home, or community
- Creating welcoming, inclusive spaces
- Helping others feel seen, safe, or supported
A Ripple Effect of Goodness
This program is more than a monthly event—it’s a ripple effect. One act of kindness leads to another. One recognition leads to a culture shift. One young leader inspires many more.
And that ripple? It starts with you.
