Resources

I am aware that some of you lilies, who are most in need of this information for your quality of life and education, are still under 18 years of age.  Herein lie some ideas for ways to overcome age barriers to learning what we share here.  I also do not automatically assume that the trusted adult in your life will necessarily be a parent or guardian.

 

Electronics:

You will need a device to access the internet to view these resources.  Computer, phone, tablet, etc.  Having your own device if possible would be preferable for your privacy and developing independence.  You may ask a trusted adult to buy you a device with their money, or if you have your own part-time job or allowance, you may purchase a device with your own cash.

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Once you have access to an electronic device, it's a great place to start to set up your own personal email account.  You can do this for free with providers such as Outlook or Gmail.

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A Debit Card:

Youth are some of the most tech savvy people around and can have access to practically unlimited information online once they have a device, yet without a virtual method of payment, they are online shopping without a wallet.  With Copper, people as young as 6 can have their own card with a trusted adult inviting them, and people as young as 13 can signup before consulting a trusted adult.  This is how you can begin collecting the things you need for self-care routines and begin making other enjoyable purchases.  There is a small subscription fee for this account of less than $5/month to cover the educational resources included and possible ATM fees.  The Green Dot Network of deposit locations requires a minimum of $25 deposit for a $5 fee, so you will want to plan ahead for that.  If you happen to also have a local bank branch, you could deposit at their ATM and transfer online to your Copper card without the $5 deposit fee.  Again you can ask a trusted adult to help you set up and pay for this, or if you have a part-time job or allowance, you may pay these fees yourself.

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Get Copper Debit here.

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Find a Green Dot Network location here.

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*Do not share your banking information with anyone you do not trust.

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Mail Privacy:

Are you living in a home where your privacy is respected?  Are you able to read your mail in privacy?  And receive packages that you can now order with your debit card in privacy?  If so, you may continue to use your family's mailing address.  However, if you do not feel that your privacy is being respected you may apply for your own mailbox through the United States Postal Service USPS or a virtual mailbox service such as iPostal1, if asked you may choose a trusted adult to help you set up these accounts.  Again you can ask a trusted adult to help you pay for this, or if you have a part-time job or allowance, you may pay for these yourself.

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iPostal1 virtual mailbox service here.

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*USPS P.O. Box usually has more locations so will probably be closer to you than an iPostal1 location in most cases and therefore easier to walk or ride a bicycle or tricycle to pick up.  iPostal1 can scan your paper mail and send it to you digitally, but for packages, you would still need to go to their nearest facility to pick those up.  A P.O. Box is also usually cheaper than a virtual mailbox.

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USPS P.O. Box (United States Postal Service Post Office Box)

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Find your closest Post Office here.

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USPS PO Box The Basics here.

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USPS Manage PO Boxes here.

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USPS Form PS 1093 for PO Box here.

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*You will need two forms of ID for a PO Box; passport and non-driver ID for 10+

 

USPS US Passports The Basics here.

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USPS International Passports here.

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*You will need your birth certificate and driver or non-driver ID to get a minor passport.  You can go alone to get your passport at 16-17 as long as you have your own ID.  You would need parents present with you to get passport 15 or younger. Passports are private personal documents that should only need to be shared at an airport when traveling or to the post office for setting up the P.O. Box.

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Non-driver IDs are issued by the state you live in.  Look up your state's Driver and Vehicle Services website.  It should have a .gov extension to be real.  Driver or non-driver IDs are private personal documents that should only need to be shared to financial institutions and employment agencies that you are trading money with or transportation officials such as TSA security at the airport or police officers on the highway.

 

*To get your non-driver ID, you will need to bring your Social Security card and birth certificate.

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Request Your Birth Certificate from Vital Records by State here.

Call your State Vital Records office if you need help requesting your birth certificate.

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*It is not recommended to share your exact birth date on the internet or with strangers or anyone whom you do not trust.  Be very careful who you share it with because if the wrong person gets it, then they can steal your identity. They could steal or commit other crimes while pretending to be you.

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Social Security Customer Support below.

 1-800-772-1213

 8:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m.

Monday through Friday

Call for help requesting your Social Security card.

Wait times to speak to a representative are typically shorter early in the day (between 8 a.m. and 10 a.m. local time) or later in the afternoon (between 4 p.m. and 7 p.m. local time).

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*Only financial institutions or employment agencies that you have reached out to first and are ready to trade money with should ever ask you for your Social Security number.  Be very careful who you share it with because if the wrong person gets it, then they can steal your identity. They could steal or commit other crimes while pretending to be you.

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Transportation:

If you are under 16 in the United States, your options for transportation are limited.  If you live in a town or urban area, depending on distance you can walk or take public transportation such as buses (usually 13+ alone check your local age limit), trains (usually children under 8 accompanied by trusted person 12+, and 12+ alone check your local age limit), or Uber for teens if you have an account with a trusted adult.  If you live in a rural area in the countryside, it may be a further distance for you to travel to destinations you want to visit independently.  In this situation, it is a good idea to have a multi-speed pedal bike or tricycle with a carrying basket and  helmet and visible clothing.  Again you can ask a trusted adult to help you pay for public transportation or for a multi-speed pedal bicycle or tricycle, or if you have a part-time job or allowance, you may pay for these yourself.  We will be offering tricycles for sale with Vevor in our website resources.  With transportation independence, you can now deposit cash into your Copper debit account at Green Dot Network locations or other ATMs near you, and independently pick up your mail at the closest pickup location for your service of choice.

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Vevor Tricycle Options:

1. 7-Speed 3 Wheel Adult Tricycle 24'' Yellow Trike Bicycle Bike with Large Basket for Riding

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