Giving Thanks and Giving Back

In advance of ‘Giving Tuesday’ on November 22nd, and with Thanksgiving, Christmas, and more looming, this is the time of year we typically increase donations. And fam - whew - it’s been a rough few years around the world, from the pandemic, to political, climate and economic upheaval, human rights, war, layoffs, and beyond. It can feel overwhelming, but I think a lot of people could use some help, time, connection, joy, funds, toys, or just simple act of kindness. A little goes a long way, so this season and beyond, here is a round up of some (vetted) places to find volunteer opportunities, give back and donate.

–> Find opportunities to volunteer in your community on Volunteer Match , Great Non Profits, Idealist, HandsOn, Catchafire

–> Some previous Giving Tuesday top charitable suggestions from GiveWell, Charity Navigator, Vox, NY Times, USA Today,

–> For those with social media reach, please consider conscious posting and/or starting a fundraising campaign beyond the regular shopping posts . If you are passionate about something meaningful, I want to hear about it. You have the platform, use it well.

Fighting The Good Fight (Alphabetical order by topic)

*Again, some top charitable suggestions from GiveWell, Charity Navigator, Vox, NY Times, USA Today before the big ones below…

Animal Welfare: World Wildlife Fund, National Wildlife Federation, Global Wildlife Conservation, and your local ASPCA who will gladly take warm blankets & volunteer animal socialization or walk time too

Girls Education: Malala Fund, Girls Opportunity Alliance,

Food: World Central Kitchen, World Food Programme

Homes: Habitat For Humanity, They also offer a  Global Village volunteer program

Human Rights: Amnesty International, Human Rights Campaign, RAICES

Refugees: The NY Times did a great article about how to help refugees around the world. Organizations like Rescue and UNHCR

Women’s Health & Reproductive Rights: Planned Parenthood, NARAL, OHCHR

Medical: Doctors Without Borders, St. Judes

Health/Poverty:  Red Cross , The Rotary Foundation , Direct Relief

Education: Peace Jam, Global Education Fund, Girls Opportunity Alliance,

Environmental:  Sierra Club, Greenpeace, National Resources Defense Council

Racial Justice: ACLU – Renew that membership every year!

Women & Children: UN Women, UNICEF, Every Mother Counts, Save the Children, CARE International

Water Access: Charity Water, Water.org, Water Is Life

*I will continue to add to this list with your recommendations, so please feel free to contact me with other favorite organizations doing good in the world. Feel free to share this and spread the word. With thanks, Carrie x