Donald Trump’s presidential victory has left may progressives wondering what they can do to help. We see dark days ahead, and progressive groups need our time and our money to keep fighting the good fight. Below is a list of fantastic causes you should consider adding to your monthly donation list.
Yes, there are a lot of groups on this list. And yes, there are many, many more organizations we could have added, as well. Don’t think of this list as all-inclusive, but rather as a stepping stone for you to find the causes about which you are most passionate.
Most importantly, don’t just sit back and do nothing. Get involved.
1.The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU)
The ACLU, founded in the years following World War I, when the “red scare” was just beginning, is a champion for the constitutional rights and civil liberties of all. They’ve been at the forefront of such battles as Brown vs. Board of Education, Roe vs. Wade, and Lawrence vs. Texas. They remain one of the strongest and most vocal supporters of traditionally marginalized groups.
2.The Anti-Defamation League (ADL)
The ADL is at the forefront of the fight against anti-Semitism and bigotry in all forms. Formed in 1913 to “stop the defamation of Jewish people,” they work to protect people all over the globe from hate through legislation, advocacy, and education.
3.Border Angels
Border Angels’ work is in education & advocacy, migrant outreach, and immigration counseling. Their all-volunteer force focuses their work on the United States-Mexico border, and they are headquartered in San Diego, California.
4.The Boys & Girls Clubs of America
The Boys & Girls Clubs have been around for more than 150 years, and they serve children around the world with their after-school and out-of-school programs. Their work focuses mainly on underserved children, ensuring they have a place to go when school is not in session.
5. Campaign Zero
Campaign Zero is focused on bringing an end to police violence in America, and they advocate for legislation to that end. As of this writing, five states have enacted laws that cover at least three of Campaign Zero’s goals, and more than 60 laws have been signed that address police violence.
6. Center For Reproductive Rights
The Center for Reproductive Rights is “the only global legal advocacy organization dedicated to reproductive rights.” They have been fighting laws designed to restrict choice for over 20 years.
7. The Coalition For Humane Immigrant Rights Of Los Angeles (CHIRLA)
CHIRLA has worked for immigrant rights for 30 years in an effort “to achieve a just society fully inclusive of immigrants.” Their work is in education, advocacy, legal representation, community organization, and civic engagement.
8. Council On American-Islamic Relations (CAIR)
Established in 1994, CAIR is the largest organization focused on the eradication of negative Islamic stereotypes and the defense of the civil liberties of Muslims. They work to bring more understanding to Islam and to promote justice.
9. Disability Rights Education & Defense Fund (DREDF)
DREDF is a national civil rights organization dedicated to furthering the rights of people with disabilities. Their work is in education, legal advocacy, and legislation.
10. Earthjustice
Earthjustice’s slogan is “Because the earth needs a good lawyer.” They are a non-profit law organization with over 100 attorneys across the country. Earthjustice was formerly known as the Sierra Club Legal Defense Fund.
11. EMILY’s List
Founded in 1985, EMILY’s list is a political action committee whose sole purpose is to help elect pro-choice, Democratic women to office.
12. Lambda Legal
Lambda Legal’s focus is on the civil rights of the LGBT community and those living with HIV/AIDS. They were founded in 1973 and remain the oldest and largest legal organization dedicated to serving the above groups.
13. Mazzoni Center
The Mazzoni Center is in Philadelphia and provides health services to the LGBT population. In addition to counseling and transgender care services, Mazzoni Center also provides free walk-in HIV and STD testing.
14. NARAL Pro-Choice America
NARAL has been around since before Roe vs. Wade, fighting for reproductive rights through legislation, education, advocacy, and lobbying. They also work to elect pro-choice candidates to office.
15. National Association For The Advancement Of Colored People (NAACP)
For over 100 years, the NAACP has worked to eliminate race-based discrimination and to help ensure the civil liberties of people of color. They have local chapters across the country.
16. NAACP Legal Defense and Educational Fund (LDF)
LDF is the “premier legal organization fighting for racial justice.” They were founded in 1940, in part by Thurgood Marshall (who later became the first Black person to serve on the Supreme Court), and they served as the “legal arm of the civil rights movement.”
17. National Coalition Against Domestic Violence (NCADV)
NCADV focuses its work on the impact of domestic violence and attempts to affect policy change regarding domestic violence. They want to see a society with zero tolerance for domestic violence.
18. The National Immigration Law Center (NILC)
Since 1979, NILC has been fighting for the rights of low-income immigrants, and they are one of the only organizations dedicated exclusively to that goal. Their work is in advocacy, litigation, communications, education, legal counsel, and education.
19. The National Immigration Forum
The National Immigration Forum is an advocacy organization for immigrants. They focus on ensuring that immigrants have the skills and opportunities required to succeed in the workforce.
20. National Organization For Women (NOW)
With local chapters around the country, NOW focuses its work on ensuring equal rights for all women. They serve as a political action committee and an advocacy organization.
21. The National Women’s Law Center (NWLC)
Founded in 1972 by four secretaries at a law firm who advocated for better working conditions, the NWLC now has a staff of 60 that advocates for laws that benefit women and families.
22. The Native American Rights Fund
For nearly 50 years, the Native American Rights Fund has been fighting on behalf of “Indian tribes, organizations, and individuals” who may, without the Fund, go without representation.
23. The New York City Alliance Against Sexual Assault
Using education, advocacy, and research, the NYC Alliance Against Sexual Assault works toward a city free from such violence. Their website lists several ways you can get involved in addition to making a donation.
24. NextGen Climate Action
NextGen’s sole focus is to prevent “climate disaster.” They have full campus programs in some states, get out the vote efforts in others, and ways for everyone to get involved listed on their site.
25. PEN America
PEN America works to promote free expression throughout the country. It is the largest branch of PEN International.
26. Planned Parenthood
Planned Parenthood is the largest provider of vital reproductive and sexual health care in the nation. For 100 years, they have helped women with access to such services. Their website provides many ways you can help, and local chapter websites offer even more extensive information on how you can get involved in your own community. Planned Parenthood always needs clinic escorts; please consider signing up.
27. Rape, Abuse, And Incest National Network (RAINN)
RAINN is “the nation’s largest anti-sexual violence organization.” They created and operate the National Sexual Assault Hotline (800.656.HOPE, online.rainn.org y rainn.org/es). RAINN also offers victim services, public education, public policy, consulting, and training.
28. The Reporters Committee For Freedom Of The Press
The Reporters Committee for Freedom of the Press has been providing free legal services to protect the First Amendment for over 45 years. They operate completely on contributions.
29. The Reproductive Health Access Project
The Reproductive Health Access Project is a non-profit organization that works with healthcare providers to help integrate abortion, contraceptive, and miscarriage services into their facilities.
30. Running Start
RunningStart is a nonpartisan group that aims to bring more young women into politics.
31. She Should Run
Founded in 2008, She Should Run is a non-profit aimed at getting more women into elected office. They hope to inspire women to consider public leadership, and you can “nominate” yourself or a woman you know through their website (it’s non-binding, but it serves to spark the interest).
32. The Sierra Club
Founded in 1892, the Sierra Club is the “largest and most influential grassroots environmental organization.” The group was influential in helping to pass the Clean Air Act, the Clean Water Act, and the Endangered Species Act.
33. The Southern Poverty Law Center (SPLC)
The SPLC is dedicated to fighting hate and bigotry through education and advocacy. The group was founded in 1971 by civil rights attorneys who were determined to see civil rights for all. 45 years later, their work is still ongoing.
34. Sylvia Rivera Law Project (SRLP)
SRLP is a legal organization founded in 2002 and dedicated exclusively to providing representation for transgender, gender non-confirming, and intersex individuals, regardless of income or race.
35. The Young Center For Immigrant Children’s Rights
The Young Center for Immigrant Children’s Rights is dedicated to protecting the rights of children who enter the country unaccompanied. Their belief is that children need “an advocate, not an adversary.” You can help by making a donation or volunteering to be a Child Advocate in one of several metropolitan areas.
Featured Image by DonkeyHotey via Flickr under a CC By 2.0 license
