UNICEF, or the United Nations Children’s Fund, is an internationally known organization that provides long-term aid and humanitarian services to children in struggling countries. The organization has just named singer Katy Perry the new 2013 Goodwill Ambassador as of December 3 2013.

Katy Perry is famous for her upbeat pop songs and wild dress style, but there is a serious empathetic and generous side to the artist that many of her fans may be unaware of. Katy has been supporting the fight against global poverty for many years, and in April of 2013 she visited the slums in Antananarivo, Madagascar to witness the situation firsthand.

UNICEF made it possible for her to travel to one of the poorest island nations in the world and learn how the organization works to help those in need. Providing educational programs for children, protecting women and children against rape and abuse, as well as integrating water and hygiene support into the community are some of the many ways UNICEF attempts to aid residents of the slums, and Katy Perry experienced the magic in person.

A strong online presence worked to UNICEF’s advantage when Katy Perry allowed them to use her most recent hit ‘Roar’ for their promotional video, which can be found on YouTube. Perry has more than forty-eight thousand followers on Twitter, and she uses this powerful social media influence to reach out on behalf of others. Recently she has tweeted to her mass following in a plea to generate funds for the victims of the typhoon that struck the Philippines in November. Follow this link to view Katy Perry’s twitter.

Perry is only one of the long line of celebrities offering their voice to the issue of global poverty in distressed nations. Brad Pitt, Angelina Jolie, Liam Neeson, and Matt Damon are a few of the most widely acknowledged contributors to disaster relief and foreign aid. Many of the aforementioned stars have founded their own charities and traveled, like Katy, to witness the execution of their programs in person.

Celebrity endorsement is one of the oldest tricks in the book in terms of creating awareness. Usually celebrities are used to glamorize products and increase sales, but UNICEF and other aid organizations have realized the enormous power celebrities have to change the lives of people struggling against poverty. Being a focus in the public eye gives celebrities real life power to influence the thoughts, beliefs, and attitudes of people around the world. Celebrities have begun using this spotlight to educate others on issues affecting mass amounts of people and inspiring audiences to make their own contributions. Spreading knowledge about the global situation in various countries is the first step to inspiring action, and a little effort from just one individual is enough to make a difference to the lives of many.

– Kaitlin Sutherby

Sources: Look to the Stars, Twitter, Fuse, UNICEF
Photo: Hollywood Reporter