So the election is over and you’re thinking, “I’ve voted, but how can I make real change?” Or perhaps you didn’t vote, but you’re looking for a more tangible way to get involved with your country’s political process. And quite possibly, you’re looking for a way to get that sweet, sweet tax deduction for giving money to 501(c)(3) organizations. Well I’m here to help. Below are a list of organizations that are working toward creating a better place for all of us. Consider it my wish list for this holiday season. I’ve added the mission statements/about pages of each organization below.
The Institute for Women’s Policy Research
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“The Institute for Women’s Policy Research conducts and communicates research to inspire public dialogue, shape policy, and improve the lives and opportunities of women of diverse backgrounds, circumstances, and experiences. IWPR works with policymakers, scholars, and public interest groups to design, execute, and disseminate research that illuminates economic and social policy issues affecting women and families and to build a network of individuals and organizations that conduct and use women-oriented policy research.
It is the leading think tank in the United States focusing on the quantitative and qualitative analysis of public policy through a gendered lens. Founded in 1987, IWPR’s reports and other informational resources have informed policies and programs across the country and internationally, in each of its key program areas.”
National Council of La Raza
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“Every day Latinos work to make America stronger. They energize the economy and strive to make better lives for themselves, their families, and their communities. Our mission is to improve their opportunities for success in achieving the American Dream.
Since 1968, the National Council of La Raza has remained a trusted, nonpartisan voice for Latinos. This is the community we serve through our research, policy analysis, and state and national advocacy efforts, as well as in our programs work in communities nationwide.
We partner with Affiliates across the country to serve millions of Latinos in the areas of civic engagement, civil rights and immigration, education, workforce and the economy, health, and housing. We believe in fighting for our community and for an America where economic, political, and social advancement is a reality for all Latinos.”
Planned Parenthood
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“Planned Parenthood believes in the fundamental right of each individual, throughout the world, to manage his or her fertility, regardless of the individual’s income, marital status, race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, age, national origin, or residence. We believe that respect and value for diversity in all aspects of our organization are essential to our well-being. We believe that reproductive self-determination must be voluntary and preserve the individual’s right to privacy. We further believe that such self-determination will contribute to an enhancement of the quality of life and strong family relationships.”
Center on Budget and Policy Priorities
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“We are a nonpartisan research and policy institute. We pursue federal and state policies designed both to reduce poverty and inequality and to restore fiscal responsibility in equitable and effective ways. We apply our deep expertise in budget and tax issues and in programs and policies that help low-income people, in order to help inform debates and achieve better policy outcomes.
The Center on Budget and Policy Priorities (CBPP) was founded in 1981 to analyze federal budget priorities, with a particular focus on how budget choices affect low-income Americans. We have broadened our work considerably over the years as we responded to new developments and entered new areas of research.
Most notably, we began extensive work on budget priorities and low-income programs at the state level in the 1990s as Washington was shifting responsibility over many areas of low-income policy to the states. In the states, we also collaborate with non-profits — including the more than 40 members of the State Priorities Partnership — to build their capacity to conduct sound budget and policy analysis and participate effectively in policy debates. Learn more about our State Policy Work.”
End Rape on Campus
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“End Rape on Campus (EROC) works to end campus sexual violence through direct support for survivors and their communities; prevention through education; and policy reform at the campus, local, state, and federal levels.
EROC directly assists student survivors and their communities. Our work includes, but is not limited to, establishing support networks, filing federal complaints, and mentoring student activists. We help students organize for change on campus as well as work with administrators to ensure best practices are in place and enforced. Though we are not mental health or legal professionals, we are able to connect survivors to our growing network of mental health professionals and lawyers as needed.”
Collective Action for Safe Spaces (DC)
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“Founded in 2009 as Holla Back DC!, Collective Action for Safe Spaces (CASS) has evolved from a blog to a dynamic organization that mobilizes the community to end public sexual harassment and assault in the DC metropolitan area. It does this through both online and offline activism, including workshops, innovative direct services, policy advocacy, and community outreach. Currently volunteer-led and -run, CASS utilizes the creativity and energy of the DC community to further its mission and vision.”
And for those of you interested in more international work, I highly suggest the following:
Bridges To Community
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“Bridges to Community engages in sustainable community development that has lasting impact for some of the most impoverished people in the Western Hemisphere by forming long-term relationships with communities and bringing volunteers to help work on meaningful projects in housing, health, education and economic development alongside community members.
Bridges’ Housing Program addresses the dire need for safe and secure housing in the Dominican Republic and Nicaragua. By constructing sturdy cinderblock homes and repairing existing homes, we provide permanent housing solutions for families. Our program also engages beneficiary families in sustainable community development by contributing to reforestation efforts or a community fund that can be used for future projects, small loans, and more, allowing communities to fulfill their goals and reach their potential.”
I hope this shortlist may help you in your search to make change for people of color, women, and those suffering from poverty. These are a few of the folks that are in dire need of help in the coming years. These organizations all work in different ways, whether it be through activism, economic research, providing direct services, or advocating to the legislature. All of these approaches necessary and essential to creating the change we want to see in the future. Thank you for considering these when thinking about what you want to do for #GivingTuesday.
NICOLAS MARTINEZ 
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