Thanksgiving is here again, and in addition to making my grocery list, I’m making a list of organizations and causes that I’m committing to expressing my gratitude for all year long. One of the best perks of our work here at LightBox Collaborative is the privilege of collaborating with so many organizations and leaders who strive each day to make the world a better place. Each and every day, we count this among our blessings.
And while it might be not possible to give monetary support to every worthy cause, I’m thinking of other ways to show my thanks. Whether it’s participating in social media campaigns, calling or emailing my state representative on behalf of the organization’s issue, or volunteering my time, the important thing to me is to do my small part to help amazing organizations and leaders move our communities forward.
Below are just a few of the groups I am so grateful for – including several of our clients and some of my personal favorites:
- 100% Campaign: striving to see that all California’s children get the health care they need, regardless of race, immigration status or income.
- California Convergence: linking communities in action to improve the environment for health throughout California.
- charity:water: bringing clean, safe drinking water to people in developing countries.
- Demos: offering ideas and action to promote the Common Good.
- Ella Baker Center for Human Rights: named for an unsung hero of the civil rights movement who inspired and guided emerging leaders, they build on her legacy by giving people opportunities and skills to work together to strengthen our communities so that all of us can thrive.
- Evelyn and Walter Haas Jr. Fund: advancing rights and creating opportunities so that all people can live, work and raise their families with dignity.
- Family Equality Council: changing attitudes and policies to ensure that all families are respected, loved, and celebrated.
- Greenbelt Alliance: building a Bay Area where natural and agricultural landscapes are protected and everyone can live in a neighborhood they are proud to call home.
- GSA Network: supporting young people to start, strengthen and sustain efforts fight discrimination, harassment, and violence in their schools.
- Ms. Foundation for Women: building women’s collective power to ignite policy and culture change.
- PICO California: unlocking the power of people to increase healthcare access, improve education, reduce violence, increase opportunities for youth, and keep people in their homes.
- EARN: giving low-income working families the power to create prosperity for generations.
- Strong Families: a 10-year national initiative to change the way people think, feel and act in support of families.
- Transgender Law Center: changing laws, policies and attitudes so that all people can live safely, authentically, and free from discrimination.
So on Black Friday, take a cue from our friends at The Story of Stuff Project and a reserve a few moments to create your own list.
And then look ahead to Giving Tuesday, and decide how you’ll give back to the organizations whose efforts you are grateful for all year long.
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Photo courtesy of internalGPS via Ghost Factory.
Holly Minch is LightBox’s founder and hopes you and your family have a great Thanksgiving.