Organizations across the world have been actively trying to raise funds and awareness for military veterans who have returned from service with physical and mental injuries. Many of these servicemembers experience difficulty finding jobs and adapting to other aspects of civilian life. To lend them a helping hand, American Corporate Partners has started a new summer challenge that is aimed at pushing the country to realize the hardships these veterans endure and to do what they can to show their support.
New summer challenge focuses on veterans
Similar to the Ice Bucket Challenge that took the Internet by storm during the summer of 2014, the Give Them 20 challenge puts participants to the test by requesting that they do 20 push-ups and other actions, depending on how creative people decide to get. Participants then challenge two of their friends to do the same – or add a new task – and then post a video of it on social media.
ACP was founded in 2008 as a nonprofit centered on assisting veterans entering into the workforce during life after service. According to The Huffington Post, the organization provides an online community to volunteers who share their advice and career experiences, which veterans can then use as a helpful resource. ACP also offers a job board, which has attracted some of the country's major corporate leaders.
"Whether you're red or blue or left of center or right of center, it doesn't make a difference," Sidney Goodfriend, ACP's founder and chairman, told The Huffington Post. "We all should figure out a way to help these guys."
The news source noted that the need for awareness is pertinent, as many veterans, particularly female vets, continue to find it challenging to find a new career as civilians. Many of these retired servicemembers need to support their families and do not have the funds without a job.
Challenge catches fire
Syracuse.com explained that many of entertainment's most popular celebrities have already taken part in the challenge, including Jimmy Kimmel, Jon Stewart, Will Arnett, the Rockettes and the entirety of the New York Mets. Goodfriend mentioned that he still wants A-listers like Jay Z and Taylor Swift to participate and hopes they do before the challenge loses steam.
Like the Ice Bucket Challenge, the main goal behind the project is encouraging people to donate to the retired servicemembers who need their support. However, Goodfriend made it clear that all he asks is participants become aware of the situation these veterans are in.
"Almost every charity out there is trying to get you to write a check," Goodfriend told The Huffington Post. "But this is the only nonprofit, certainly for veterans, not looking to raise money. We're looking for peoples' time and we try to make it really easy for them to be able to contribute."
ACP has provided a website on which veterans can watch all of the new #GiveThem20 challenges and witness the country's acts of solidarity.