Happy We Day! Here’s the deal with tonight’s rad, teen-driven TV event

In case you didn’t know, today is kind of a big deal. Yes, it’s Friday, but it’s also We Day! Tonight on ABC, you can catch the celebrity packed event kicking off another school year and another year of teens getting involved in causes that matter. I was lucky enough to attend the taping in Chicago this spring, and guys, We Day is something you won’t want to miss.

So what is We Day? It’s a celebration of all the good that teens can do and the incredible impact they can have on people around the world. The event on ABC tonight is just one part of a huge program that brings teens to the forefront of creating change. It’s put on by WE, an organization that includes Free The Children and Me to We, and is dedicated to giving teens the resources and empowerment they need to make a difference.

We Act and We Schools work with high schools around the US, UK and Canada to connect teachers and students to causes both in their own communities and around the world. By making a pledge and following through with actions, like fundraising and working in their community, teens earn a ticket to We Day in their state.

The impact these teens have is immense. Over 650,000 kids have earned their ticket to We Day, which has resulted in 14.6 million hours of volunteer time given back to communities, $45 million raised for causes, 5.6 million pounds of food collected for those in need, and 8.9 million hours of silence given to raise awareness of human rights around the world. What’s more, students who participate in We Schools report being more socially engaged, with 79% voting in national elections and 84% continuing charity work after graduation.

Founders Craig and Marc Kielburger like to say that teens aren’t a problem to be solved, but problem solvers. And that sentiment rings so true at We Day. Surrounded by cheering kids ranging from freshman to seniors, all of whom have given back to both local and international causes in the last year, it’s easy to see just how off base all the naysayers are about this generation. The thousands of teens who make a difference every year show that when you give young people the opportunity, they can be a huge force for good in the world.

And celebrating that is what We Day is all about. Hosted by Selena Gomez and featuring performances by The Band Perry, Jennifer Hudson, and Lupe Fiasco, the event brings together teens and celebrities who share a common aspiration: To make a difference in the lives of others. Stars like Tyrese Gibson, Paul Rudd, Jennifer Aniston, and Hannah Simone take the stage with teen activists like Ashley Rose Murphy, Abril Vela,  and Mustafa the Poet, with the focus firmly on how high school students can help manifest change.

The show is packed with incredible stories, including panels and talks with teens who have worked around the world to end bullying, help build homes, and overcome their own personal struggles to make a difference in the lives of others. Stars like Demi Lovato and Kid President make appearances to talk about the importance of taking a hands-on role in making a positive impact. Thrown into the mix will be musical performances and surprise appearances. It’s a high energy, fast-paced special that honors those teens who are changing the world.

One thing is for sure: We Day is unlike any other event you’ve seen on TV.  You can catch all the action and inspiration tonight on ABC at 8 pm EST.

(Image via We Day)