Actor and activist Ian Somerhalder has joined the advisory board of interactive news website, RYOT, the actor's charity announced Tuesday.
RYOT, a media outlet encouraging readers to "become the news," bridges the gap between learning about things happening in the world and actually making a difference in it.
See photos: '50 Shades of Grey': 20 of the Internet's Buzziest Casting Choices
Each news story on the site is paired with a "RYOT note" explaining the social value of the story, while suggesting a charity or organization dedicated to a related cause.
If RYOT readers do not wish to give the organizations financial support, the site encourages them to simply stay informed, or better yet, volunteer their time to the charity.
"We started the Ian Somerhalder Foundation (ISF) because we didn’t like the feeling of helplessness that came with environmental catastrophes such as the BP oil spill," Somerhalder said in a statement. “The news media serves a very useful purpose in communicating things that are happening in the world around us, but traditionally it doesn’t allow the opportunity for people to really get involved and generate positive change. That’s what is so appealing to me about RYOT. Every story gives you the option to get involved, to give, to reach down inside yourself and find what touches your heart and to react right that very second.”
"RYOT is a disruptive, young news source that combines news with action. Ian is an inspiration to us, the way he uses his voice to continually push forward important social issues," RYOT's co-founder, Bryn Mooser, said. "He's bringing young people back to the news. Old news has made us depressed for so long, with RYOT we want to empower readers with every story. By taking action you can become part of the solution."
