There are many ways to encourage young people to effectively participate in their communities. Families, schools, peers, media figures, and mentors can inspire children to engage in socially responsible activities, and to contribute to the betterment of their neighborhood or to become excited about helping others, and caring about the “common good.” 

The latest brain and social research on how children develop emotional intelligence, empathy, and intrinsic motivation shows that including children in family or community efforts from an early age and modeling caring behavior are essential aspects for socialization.
Global Youth Coalition on HIV/AIDS
GYCA is a youth-led global network of over 7,252 young leaders and adult allies working on youth and HIV/AIDS in over 170 countries world-wide. GYCA's mission is to empower young leaders with the skills, knowledge, resources and opportunities they need to scale up HIV/AIDS interventions amongst their peers.
United Association of Youth Organizations
We are a group of youth organizations attempting to create a singular powerful voice for young people around the world on the issues that really matter! We plan to collaborate on ideas, projects, events, websites, and more to show the true potential of the world's youth.
The World Student Community for Sustainable Development A multi-disciplinary network of motivated students with the ability to think and act both locally and globally, and who share the vision to make a difference. Our purpose is to be a leading international student organization that carries out meaningful projects which result in positive and enduring changes that improve lives and communities around the world.
Changemakers
Changemakers is a community of action where we all collaborate on solutions. [check out their competitions and stories]

Ashoka
Ashoka is leading a profound transformation in society. In the past three decades, the global citizen sector, led by social entrepreneurs, has grown exponentially. Just as the business sector experienced a tremendous spurt in productivity over the last century, the citizen sector is experiencing a similar revolution, with the number and sophistication of citizen organizations increasing dramatically.

WiserEarth
A project of the Natural Capital Institute 2005-2010
WiserEarth helps the global movement of people and organizations working toward social justice, indigenous rights, and environmental stewardship connect, collaborate, share knowledge, and build alliances. It is a community directory and networking forum that maps and connects non-governmental organizations (NGOs), businesses, governments, and individuals addressing the central issues of our day: climate change, poverty, the environment, peace, water, hunger, social justice, conservation, human rights and more.    

Social Earth

Kids Care Clubs
Dedicated to developing compassion and the spirit of charity in children. This organization provides children, families, schools, and religious groups with meaningful opportunities to help others in their local and global communities. You can set up an affiliated club in your elementary school.

Do Something
Using the power of online to get teens to do good stuff offline.

The Random Acts of Kindness Foundation
The Random Acts of Kindness™ Foundation inspires people to practice kindness and to "pass it on" to others. We provide free educational and community ideas, guidance, and other resources to kindness participants through our website.

Learning To Give (K-12)
Teaching the importance of voluntary action for the common good in a democratic society. Lesson plans and much much more.

Changents
We are the leading site that connects people who are changing the world with those who want to help them. Hundreds of Change Agents working across six continents are using Changents to tell their ongoing stories, connect with supporters around the world and rally assistance.

generationOn
A new movement igniting the power and potential of all young people to create more good in their lives and the lives of others.

JustGive.org's Kids Corner

DailyGood 
Born in 1998, when one college student started sharing inspiration with a half a dozen of his friends by sending them an enriching quote every day. Today, DailyGood leverages the internet to promote positive and uplifting news around the world to more than 100,000 subscribers through the daily and weekly newsletters. Readers receive a news story, an inspiring quote, and a suggested action that each person can take to make a difference in their own lives and the world around them.

Environmental and Social Responsibility Amendment (ESRA) Articulates a clear call for a much-needed type of education – one that prepares youth to live as socially and environmentally responsible citizens of the world. It defines the kind of education required to provide them with “the appropriate scientific, ethical, and behavioral knowledge and skills required to assure the long-term environmental sustainability of the planet Earth.”

Global Village School. An accredited, non-profit, international K-8 and high school distance-learning diploma program, embodies the vision the ESRA articulates for education. Founded in 1999, Global Village School (GVS) prepares young activists by incorporating peace, justice, diversity, and sustainability education into the core curriculum. A typical Global Village School high school course poses the kinds of questions that provoke dialogue on issues of environmental and social justice.

Youth for Change International (YFCI)"To Inspire youth to make a difference in their communities"
A youth-led organization, campaign and online community that gets youth involved in making a difference and spreads the word about global issues. We are a united group of youth from around the world demanding that youth are given opportunities to express ourselves. We currently have over 800 members from over 85 countries from around the globe representing a wide variety of cultures, identities, religions, and perspectives.