How do you bring together, for the first time, four of TV’s hottest new stars? Give them a chance to talk about this week’s hottest topic: volunteering.

Starting Monday, four major broadcast networks — ABC, CBS, NBC and Fox — will slip messages about service into more than 60 of your favorite shows: dramas, comedies and reality alike. It’s the centerpiece of I Participate, a multiyear effort to encourage Americans to volunteer led by the Entertainment Industry Foundation — Hollywood’s leading charity.

Millions will turn this TV inspiration into real-life action next Saturday on Make A Difference Day. For nearly two decades, on the fourth Saturday of October, USA WEEKEND’s Make A Difference Day has inspired millions worldwide to feed, clothe, house, teach and soothe their neighbors.

“There’s strength in numbers,” says actress Eliza Dushku, star of Fox’s Dollhouse. “People can band together on Make A Difference Day and say ‘together we can.’ ” She’s one of four stars who gathered in Los Angeles to represent their shows, their networks and their own commitment to helping others. Joining her: Nathan Fillion of ABC’s “Castle,” Hayden Panettiere of NBC’s “Heroes” and Hill Harper of “CSI: NY” on CBS.

Dushku, 28, is just back from Uganda, where she met with the founder of THARCE-Gulu, a trauma healing and reflection center for former child soldiers. She used Twitter to spread the word about what she was doing there, hoping to get others to help, too.

That embodies the simple, powerful idea behind I Participate and Make A Difference Day: Studies show that nearly half of all people who volunteer started because they were asked to by someone they know.

Source: USA Weekend