I have a lot of opinions…Ahem. I use my energy to support a lot of causes, so on this Giving Tuesday, I’ll share some organizations that I’m supporting with my time, my voice, and my wallet.
By the way, did I ever tell you that I was there, in the room where it happened, when Giving Tuesday was launched eight years ago? I was attending the Social Good Summit with colleagues from the United Nations Foundation so we got a sneak peek to learn about the movement, and we were all cheering from its inception. It’s been quite a ride to see how this movement has gained momentum.
Shot@Life – This is where I volunteer with a program under the UN Foundation. We advocate for access to life-saving vaccines in the developing world. In light of the pandemic we’re living in, it’s easy to forget that there are other vaccine preventable diseases so let’s ensure we keep distributing those to world’s most vulnerable populations. $25 vaccinates a child against polio, measles, pneumonia, rotavirus. All donations made by December 31 will be matched $1 for every $1.
Dix Park Conservancy – Yes, I work here. But y’all know I would never work at a place that doesn’t align with my sensibilities. This is poised to be one of the greatest public park projects of our lifetime. No hyperbole. We have 308 acres of rolling hills and vast green space right in the city of Raleigh. Parks have been our saviors during the pandemic so let’s do our part to protect and save this incredible public land (an anonymous donor means your contribution is matched 2:1 to triple your gift!). Even buying our awesome shirts and hats supports the creation of this park, and trust me, you’re going to live in those T-shirts (free shipping through the end of the year!).
Cecilia Rawlins Fund – I helped found this small but nimble organization 10 years ago to help provide weekend meals to kids in need. We’ve consistently helped about 30 kids a week, but just since August, we have seen this number leap to a whopping 80. We’re hoping for a holiday miracle. We’re trying to give each child a $100 grocery gift card to help provide food over the long winter break as well as an additional $100 to help families get gifts and clothes to make the holidays a little brighter.
VAE – I get to serve on the board of this arts organization, and it’s some of the most rewarding work I do. VAE is the intersection of art and activism to bring forth all the tough, important issues to the forefront in a creative, meaningful way. We believe in the power of art and we believe that creators of art should be paid so we have worked tirelessly this year to provide grants to artists. And most importantly, VAE believes in the power and beauty of representation. You’ll see voices here that are sorely lacking elsewhere. Your donation helps support artists, create programming, and offer exhibits.
Prevent Child Abuse NC – I serve on the board of this organization and co-chair the philanthropy committee. You know that I have a soft spot for children and families. The work we do at PCANC is all about mitigation and nipping those roots causes before children are harmed. We know our work works. We know that positive connections in a child’s life tees her up for healthy relationships and success. Making a donation is making a positive connection. We are here to push envelopes, change systems, and make lasting differences.
LGBT Center of Raleigh – Y’all means all is more than a jaunty tagline people like to toss around in North Carolina. The LGBT Center showed up for our community during our summer of discontent in ways others didn’t. This is an organization that truly believes in the value of people and the power of community. The center is a safe space that is actively fighting prejudice and championing pride. Being a donor is being an ally.
Each of these organizations has a mission and leadership I believe in. Every little bit helps. And giving isn’t just for Tuesdays.