Social justice and climate activism.
The world needs all hands on deck to address our humanitarian and environmental crises; happily, all humans have a profound need to feel useful. But sometimes it can be hard to find the right place to plug in for maximum impact on the issues that matter most to us. We've put together a list of opportunities that we hope will help you find a way to act on your passion.
Why this list?
This list of issue-specific opportunities to volunteer is meant to help you find the niche(s) where you most want to make a difference. Although hundreds of nonprofits exist to address most issues, our aim is to highlight, for each issue area, up to five organizations that meet these criteria:
A great way to think about effective activism is outlined in this New York Times op-ed from December 16, 2019 by Hahrie Han: "When Does Activism Become Powerful?" (Thank you, Mike Abkin, Elders Action Network leadership council, for pointing it out.)
Use and improve the list.
The topic areas are listed in alphabetical order, as are the organizations within each list. We use the organizations’ own words to describe them, without further comment. If you find one of these organizations unsatisfactory, or think another should be listed, please let us know. Whatever you do, don’t start a new nonprofit! The thousands already existing need our help, not more competition.
Opportunities not on our list.
Elder community.
If you’re an elder and are looking for support from peers for your social justice and environmental work, you’ll find it among the good people in Elders Action Network.
For anti-ageism activism, go here.
ISSUES:
Why this list?
This list of issue-specific opportunities to volunteer is meant to help you find the niche(s) where you most want to make a difference. Although hundreds of nonprofits exist to address most issues, our aim is to highlight, for each issue area, up to five organizations that meet these criteria:
- They’re demonstrably effective.
- They’re national or international in scope, but provide opportunities for local engagement.
- They need volunteers, not just financial support.
- They support volunteers by offering training, resources, community, and recognition.
A great way to think about effective activism is outlined in this New York Times op-ed from December 16, 2019 by Hahrie Han: "When Does Activism Become Powerful?" (Thank you, Mike Abkin, Elders Action Network leadership council, for pointing it out.)
Use and improve the list.
The topic areas are listed in alphabetical order, as are the organizations within each list. We use the organizations’ own words to describe them, without further comment. If you find one of these organizations unsatisfactory, or think another should be listed, please let us know. Whatever you do, don’t start a new nonprofit! The thousands already existing need our help, not more competition.
Opportunities not on our list.
- Wherever you are, you can find volunteer opportunities at Volunteer Match, a brilliant tool for matching volunteers with passion by zip code.
- Most faith communities offer opportunities for voluntarism in local communities and afar.
- An ever-growing number of towns, cities, and states are seeking citizen engagement in fighting climate change.
- Many superb organizations are doing essential work and deserve your financial support. Check out Charity Navigator to find effectiveness information about organizations addressing the causes that move you most.
Elder community.
If you’re an elder and are looking for support from peers for your social justice and environmental work, you’ll find it among the good people in Elders Action Network.
For anti-ageism activism, go here.
ISSUES:
