I’d say that anyone who’s paid attention to the news in the last few years, has been on social media—or has just conversed with other human beings—has probably gotten the sense now and then that the world seems on edge.

Still, many of us parents can get so inspired by our own kids that we get the sense that they’re going to change the world—or at least their own corner of it.

And a lot of kids might feel like they want to do exactly that.

But how to start? How to take the desire to do good and turn it into something real, something that can truly help people?

That’s the aim of my guest in this episode and the amazing organization she manages. I got to geek out a bit in this conversation because Katie Bowers is the managing director of the Harry Potter Alliance. No, it’s not some sort of group where people talk about how awesome Harry Potter is. No, the HPA takes the passion that fans of Harry Potter and other books and movies have, and helps them turn that passion into action.

As Katie says in our conversation:

“When people truly become passionate about a book or a character, it’s because they see themselves in that hero.”

And the HPA has turned fans’ passion into amazing results. With hundreds of thousands of members spanning 35 countries and six continents, the HPA has helped kids and adults create meaningful change around the world.

They’re pretty freaking awesome if you ask me!

In our conversation, we talk about:

The work of the HPA and how they “turn fans into heroes”
Why Harry Potter and other fictional characters inspire fans to make social change
How to decide what to do if you know you want to do something, but don’t know what or how
The power of “unironic enthusiasm”—the best way to foster your child’s eagerness to help
How to help your kids develop leadership qualities needed to bring about change
Why it’s okay to be Neville Longbottom instead of Harry or Hermione
Specific projects for preschoolers vs. elementary school aged kids vs. high schoolers
Tips for when your child’s project fails
The importance of building a good team around you
How to help kids handle the risks of the spotlight when they stand up for what they believe
Why kids might have a better opportunity to build bridges with those with opposing viewpoints than adults
How to teach kids to handle tough conversations with friends and loved ones with opposing views
And the value of “time, patience, love, and a willingness to keep at it.”

Guys, I got fired up by this conversation—it’s a great launchpad for you and your kids to make the world a better place.

If you get inspired by this episode, please take a screenshot of your podcast app as you listen, post it to your Instagram Story, and tag me @zendocsteve. You can also share this episode on Facebook and elsewhere by sharing the link www.drstevesilvestro.com/106

O.J. Miss-him (with Langston Kerman and David Gborie)