Welcome to #iwillchooselove, my little corner of the internet devoted to the good in the world, and positive responses to all the bad. Below, I have curated a list of resources that I’ve found useful and will be updating it from time to time.
See the video for my song that inspired this idea: Music Is Enough
GOOD NEWS
RANDOM ACTS OF KINDNESS LISTS
GENERAL INFO/SEARCH FOR CHARITIES OR VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES
- See how efficient and transparent a charity is before donating: Charity Navigator
- See if there’s a local Hands On Network service center near you (for example, there is Jersey Cares and New York Cares near me): Points of Light Global Network
- Search a wide range of volunteer opportunities (and also get info on service-related careers and graduate programs): Idealist
- Another good volunteer opportunity search: Volunteer Match
- Usually a good place to get started if you’re looking to help alleviate poverty in your community: United Way
- US government-sponsored service options (i.e. AmeriCorps for young people and SeniorCorps for seniors): Corporation for National & Community Service
- Best comprehensive site for teens and young adults 25 and under: DoSomething.org
- AARP volunteer/altruism site, but has some good “DIY” suggestions for anyone: Create the Good
- For those particularly interested in donating to small charities in developing countries: GlobalGiving
ORGANIZATIONS I LIKE
(in no way meant to be exhaustive of all issues; if others are more important to you, please try some of the above search sites and/or a search engine, and vet using a site like Charity Navigator!)
Health and Illness-related charities
- For donating hair (which I have a lot of): Locks of Love
- Join the marrow donor registry: DKMS
- Ronald McDonald House: supports families of sick children
Poverty/Disaster Relief (better alternatives to the Red Cross)
- All Hands Volunteers
- Direct Relief
- Doctors without Borders
- International Rescue Committee
- charity: water
Donating gently used goods (finding alternatives to The Salvation Army and Goodwill)
-This varies by location. Local charities who utilize or resell goods might run their own pick-up services or drop-off locations, or there might be regional services. Ask around, look for local, independent charity shops, and try a search engine.
- Mid-Atlantic service (limited to a few charities including the Red Cross): GreenDrop
- (National) For high-quality women’s and children’s clothing which you can opt to donate or get paid for: Thred Up Clean Out
Animals
- Petfinder Foundation: recommended for helping animals get adopted from shelters
- Farm Sanctuary