Do you love trying to save the world from post-election doom and also hate buying presents? Did you maybe forget that people might expect gifts from you for Hanukkah? Luckily, there's an inspiring amount of non-profits you can donate to in honor of your friends and loved ones who will hopefully applaud your generosity and think you made this great choice on purpose in advance. Also, what better way to fill yourself with the holiday spirit and maintain the joy of all eight nights of Hanukkah (which is honestly a challenge) than by making each one special with a new charity that could really use your support as we tumble headfirst into the next four dumpsterfire years of oppression? We've listed our suggestions here, and there are plenty more to choose from. Happy holidays, you giving soul!
8. American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU)
The ACLU is like the real-life Avengers dedicated to trying to protect our rights under the constitution. It's the nations largest public interest law firm with the motto "Because freedom can't protect itself," and it needs your help to keep protecting freedom, now more than ever. Donate here.
The Trevor Project is a confidential, free suicide hotline for LGBT youth, so it's clearly close to our hearts. They're also in the midst of a "Winter Challenge" to fund 500,000 minutes of crisis responses, and they're currently at 52% of their goal. Help that number rise and help save lives by donating here.
6. Natural Resources Defense Council
To quote this non-profit directly, "NRDC is gearing up to fight the Trump administration's disastrous anti-environmental agenda at every turn." Could anything possibly be more enticing? Throw down to this org fighting against, at this point, all odds to protect the literal planet by donating here.
5. Southern Poverty Law Center
A non-profit dedicated to fighting hate groups in the south? This holiday season, get on that. The SPLC lists Hate & Extremism, Child's Rights, Econonmic Justice, Immigrant Justice, LGBT Rights, and Criminal Justics Reform as its priorities, and as luck/human decency would have it, these are our priorities too. Donate here.
4. The National Immigration Law Center
This holiday season immigrants need legal help much more than your loved ones need new ear buds.The NILC is "dedicated to defending and advancing the rights of low-income immigrants," and in the next four years, they're going to need all the help they can get. You can be a part of the defense by donating here.
3. Rape, Abuse & Incest Network (RAINN)
RAINN is the largest anti-sexual violence organization in the nation, and they also run a hotline for people in crisis. In a climate where our president-elect is an advocate of sexual assault ('locker room talk' is not an excuse or, frankly, a thing) this organization is so incredibly vital. They intend to fight back against anything Donald Trump might throw at them and are fighting to end sexual violence for good. Help out by donating here.
Mike Pence hates it. Its life-or-death services for many women are under the threat of getting de-funded, or the process has already begun as in Texas. This election season, our pres-elect demonstrated that, apparently like a lot of men in government, he has no idea how a woman's body works or what an abortion actually is and has decided to crusade against the bizarre fantasy he made up that villainizes women and disreguards their right to a choice or, in many cases, their own survival. It's absolutely necessary we keep Planned Parenthood going strong. Donate here.
At first glance, "She Should Run" reads like 'she should flee this country immediately' (and girl, who could blame you?), but it's actually about the exact opposite, and rightly so. She Should Run is dedicated to supporting and encouraging woman to seek political careers, and they offer several ways to be a part of change in the future. Our next chance at a female president isn't going to fall from the skyl it's going to take a lot of hard work, passion, and support. Let's show ours by donating here.
