Beware the barrenness of a busy life. ~ Socrates
While I’ve been pretty good at not crossing the line between “good busy” and “crazy busy” recently, this week—at least the beginning of it—veers ever so close to the latter due to a combination of appointments and deadlines and the start of a new term at the school where I teach. In one of my classes this week, we are beginning the theme of Happiness, so I thought that the quotation by Socrates is a good reminder for me, and maybe for some of you, that keeping crazy busy can fast drain the meaning from our days.
Meanwhile, those deadlines won’t go away, so today’s post is a roundup of three terrific sites and resources focused on young people for you to peruse and enjoy, while I get caught up. 
Speak Your Truth to Power
If you are 21 years old or younger, the United Nations Security Council wants to hear your thoughts on world peace and security. Thanks, Hoagies Gifted Education Page, for this tip! From the UN Security Council website:
Welcome to the home page of “Voices of a New Generation,” an interactive event that will incorporate the voices of young people into the chamber of one of the world’s most important decision-making bodies: the UN Security Council. On December 21st, the Security Council will discuss ideas submitted about international peace and security by people aged 21 or younger – maybe, even, by you.
From December 2 – 14, the U.S. Mission to the United Nations is accepting videos and written submissions from young people around the world who respond to the following question:
“What is the most vital challenge to international peace and security facing your generation? Tell the UN Security Council what issue you believe deserves more attention, and explain why it is important.”
Figment Website for Young Literature Enthusiasts
From a New York Times article about the site (thank you, Karen, for the Facebook share):
Figment.com will be unveiled on Monday as an experiment in online literature, a free platform for young people to read and write fiction, both on their computers and on their cellphones. Users are invited to write novels, short stories and poems, collaborate with other writers and give and receive feedback on the work posted on the site.
Boston Parents Magazine Features Hats for Hunger!
Finally, Andrew Castle, who began Hats for Hunger when he was only nine years old and who was one of our More Young People To Inspire You back in June, is featured in an online Boston Parents Magazine article about local children and teens helping others in need:
In 2008, his first year, the hat sales raised $1,500, and Hats for Hunger was officially born. This year, Andrew and his corps of more than 70 volunteer knitters nationwide – including his little brother, Charlie, who heads up sales and marketing – have raised more than $2,000. Yarn stores from around the country donate the materials. The company headquarters is the family’s organic farm in Montpelier, Vt., where they raise chicken and sheep. Wool from the sheep is turned into yarn for some of the hats. The website–www.hatsforhunger.com–offers a variety of colorful hats in different styles, with prices ranging from $10 to $20.
Congratulations, Andrew!
You can follow Hats for Hunger on Facebook and Twitter (and those delightful hats would make great holiday gifts).
Have a wonderful and good busy week, everyone!
