Entertainment
9 Disney Channel Actresses Who're Activists In Addition To Being Famous Celebs
Most actors and actresses are definitely more well-known for their work in Hollywood — or, depending on who they are, their personal lives — more than they are than their work in charity, Disney Channel stars included. This, of course, shouldn't be the case: Not every charitable act by a celebrity needs recognition, but taking the focus away from petty gossip and focusing it on what matters — social activism and bettering the world — would definitely be a good change of pace. So, that in mind, let's take a look at a few of those Disney stars who are making changes in the world, on and off camera. From Miley Cyrus to Demi Lovato, many former and current Disney Channel actresses are also activists, and are using their individual experiences and their stories to inspire those around them, as well as to make a positive change in their lives.
Hilary Duff
Over the years, Duff has been highly involved with USA Harvest which helps feed the hungry. During one of her tours, Duff encouraged fans to bring canned good donations and with their help raised more than 4 million pounds of food for charity.
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Demi Lovato
Amongst many other causes, Lovato is a strong advocate for mental health. Just this year Lovato held her first annual fundraiser for her organization, The Lovato Treatment Scholarship which helps to fund mental health treatment for those who can’t afford it.
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Selena Gomez
Aside from promoting self love, Gomez is an Ambassador for the non-profit organization UNICEF, where she helps bring aid to underprivileged children living in poverty.
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Miley Cyrus
She may be known for her wild behavior on the stage, but offstage, Cyrus is a strong advocate for homeless youth. She even expressed her concerns in a heartfelt letter to New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo asking him to increase funding for the homeless in their state budget.
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Debby Ryan
After coming out about an abusive relationship from her past, Ryan is partnering with Mary Kay and Love Is Respect’s Don’t Look Away campaign to off anonymous counseling services for anyone in need.
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Zendaya
This year at the 2015 unite4:humanity gala, Zendaya accepted the Young Luminary Award. Aside from being a super sweet person in general, Zendaya also handled the Fashion Police controversy earlier this year with an enormous amount of grace and class.
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Bella Thorne
Thorne’s own struggles with dyslexia helped mold her character on the hit show Shake It Up, encouraging kids you can do anything you set your mind to.
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Bridgit Mendler
As an ambassador for several different organizations, Mendler hosted the 2013 event We Day of Free The Children Foundation, to help raise money to build schools for underprivileged children in Canadian and the United States.
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Emily Osment
Along with her role in the ABC Family movie, Cyberbully, Osment partnered with Seventeen Magazine in their campaign Delete Digital Drama to raise awareness of cyber bullying.
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