I fight poverty because I realize, in everyday life, how blessed we all are as Americans in all that we have.

Kayte C., Champion High School, 15

I fight poverty because every day 30,000 innocent children die needlessly because they are too poor to live and that's something I just cannot ignore.

- Matt V.,  Mexico Senior High School, 17

I fight poverty because there is enough food on this planet to feed every man, woman, and child on earth, and yet millions of people still go to bed hungry. I fight because innocent children are dying every day in wars that they have nothing to do with. I fight because too many people die needlessly. I fight because everyone should have the right to food, shelter, clothing, and education. Everyone should have the right to survive. Everyone.

- Harleen G., Aliso Niguel High School, 13

I fight global poverty because my generation is the first that can eradicate it. Our generation alone controls $211 billion. We spend it on movies, music, clothing . . . but imagine if we put it toward creating a better world. We are the first generation that has the financial and technological capacity to end global poverty, and if we can, then we should, and if we should, then we will.

VyVy T., The Harker School, Age 17

I fight poverty for the simple reason that it's the right thing to do. We are always so caught up in our own lives—why not take some time and make a difference in someone else's life?

- Natassia M., Park Vista Community High School, 16

Freedom from poverty shouldn't be distributed on the basis of race, culture, country of origin or social affiliation. It is a cultural universal that should be ascribed to everyone. The time for ethnocentric views to dominate is over. We need to be the change today. That is why we fight.

- Ana L., Morley Stanwood High School, 16