The 50 Yard Challenge – Lawn Mowing Challenge Encourages Youth to Help Neighbors

MADISON, Ala.—Rodney Smith Jr. started mowing yards for free in 2015 to help people in his community, including senior citizens, single parents, veterans, and individuals with disabilities.

The idea came to him when he drove past an elderly neighbor struggling to mow his lawn. Rodney pulled over and offered to finish the job for his neighbor. He soon set a goal of mowing 40 lawns by the end of that winter, but increased that goal to 100 lawns as he quickly surpassed his first target.

“I'm capable of cutting grass because I'm young. I'm able. A lot of elderly people are unable,” explained Rodney.

Once he reached his 100-lawn goal, he realized he could serve more neighbors by creating a program that included youth as volunteers. He founded the Raising Men Lawn Care Service shortly thereafter and began recruiting local youth ages 7-17 to, as he said, “show them the importance of giving back to their community.”

Rodney started the non-profit lawn program while still in college. He now holds a master's degree in social work and manages his non-profit organization full time. He has since expanded the group’s mission to include girls and young women as volunteers, and its new name – Raising Men & Women Lawn Service’ – reflects that broader impact.

Rodney has traveled to all 50 states to help inspire a nationwide movement. Individual donors and sponsor companies help supply mowers, t-shirts and travel expenses.

Children nationwide can get involved by sending in a snapshot of themselves holding a sign that reads, “I accept the 50 Yard Challenge.” The child must agree to offer the service for free and for a neighbor or neighbors in need. In return for participation, the organization will send the child a shirt, safety glasses and ear protection. The child then earns a different colored T-shirt for every 10 yards mowed.

Participating youths document their progress by having a family member photograph them mowing their neighbors’ lawns. Once the child completes the challenge, the organization delivers them a brand-new lawn mower, weed eater and blower.

The Raising Men & Women Lawn Care Service 50 Yard Challenge offers youths a tangible way to get involved in their community. It provides a valuable service for community members who have difficulty physically mowing their own yards or who cannot afford to pay for a lawn service. The lawn challenge also provides an opportunity for youths to get to know their neighbors. The service is a win-win for the youth volunteers and community members.

“I feel like I have changed,” said a boy named Ryan who recently took the challenge. “It helps me talk to other people that I'm not really comfortable with or haven't met before.”

Since the program began, more than 4,400 kids have mowed more than 23,000 lawns. Children and teens from all 50 states have participated. The organization’s motto is, “Let’s make a difference together by mowing one yard at a time.”

The organization also offers year-round services, such as raking leaves and shoveling snow, so youth can give back all year long.

“I hope it teaches youth that it is good to give back,” said Rodney. “And that it teaches them good morals and how to be a good citizen.”

PassItOn and The Foundation For A Better Life believe that Rodney Smith and the youth involved in his movement are heroes. Their action is a perfect example of the value helping others in your community. Help us celebrate Rodney and his movement by sharing this inspiring story.

If you would like to learn more, sign up or donate, go to https://weareraisingmen.com.

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