What to do this week of December 3, 2019

by Dec 3, 2019Opinion, What To Do This Week0 comments

This time of year, numerous traditions celebrate the return of light—a powerful symbol of hope, guidance, courage shining against the odds.

Our AoCC team offers these suggestions to spread more light in the world. You might even consider bucking the commercial holiday pressure by donating instead of buying stuff.

No matter which holidays you celebrate, we wish you blessings. May you find light and warm your spirit in its glow.

Give the gift of democracy.

Spread the Vote, Los Angeles, CA

Over 21 million Americans lack the ID they need to live full lives. StV assists members of our communities obtain the IDs they need for jobs, housing, health care, and, most importantly, identity. Spread the Vote works to ensure that people have what they need to vote. AoCC fans have already raised $15,942 in 2019; help us reach our goal of 400 IDs before December 31.
Donate: https://www.spreadthevote.org/donate

Quality journalism

A 2017 study found that viewers of FOX News are less informed than those who watch no news at all. Give the gift of trustworthy journalism. Consider:

Give the gift of equality.

Americans belong to every religion, race, ethnicity, culture, gender, sexual orientation, economic status, age, and ability. Out of many, we are one.

Prison Book Program

Prison Book Program mails books to people in prison to support their educational, vocational, and personal development and to help them avoid returning to prison after their release. They also introduce citizens to issues surrounding the American prison system and the role of education in reforming it. Nominated by Jen H., AoCC creator.
Donate: Cash or donate requested books.

Project Home, Philadelphia, PA

The mission of the Project HOME community is to empower adults, children, and families to break the cycle of homelessness and poverty, to alleviate the underlying causes of poverty, and to enable all of us to attain our fullest potential as individuals and as members of the broader society. Nominated by Lisa, AoCC Equality Team.
Donate: https://www.projecthome.org/donate
Purchase resident-made gifts: https://home-made-gifts-from-project-home.myshopify.com

Four Directions

Four Directions, Inc. is committed to advancing equality at the ballot box across Indian Country and full enfranchisement as a crucial way to navigate a stronger future for Native communities. Nominated by Anne, AoCC Voting Team.
Donate: http://www.fourdirectionsvote.com/donation/

Street Sense Media, Washington D.C.

Our mission is to end homelessness in the Washington, D.C. area by empowering people in need with the skills, tools and confidence to succeed. Together we use a range of media platforms to raise awareness and spotlight solutions to homelessness in our community. Nominated by Elizabeth, AoCC Equality Team.
Donate: https://streetsensemedia.networkforgood.com/projects/68459-primary-donation-form

Give the gift of fair, free, and secure voting.

All citizens should be able to easily cast a ballot without fees or fear.

1-866-OUR-VOTE Election Protection

Election Protection, administered by Lawyers’ Committee for Civil Rights Under Law, is a non-partisan coalition of over 100 local, state, and national partners working to defend the right to vote. Volunteers provide information and support from registration to polling booth, including voter helplines, voter protection field programs, and online resource guides. Nominated by Sarah, AoCC Voting Team.
Donate: https://lawyerscommittee.org

Give the gift of support to aspiring Americans.

People who immigrate are fellow human beings whom we treat with respect and decency. We oppose government-funded vilification and inhumane treatment of people seeking citizenship.

Miles for Migrants

Miles4Migrants uses donated frequent flyer miles and money to book flights to bring refugees to their new homes and reunite families separated by conflict and persecution. Nominated by Lisa, AoCC Immigration Team.
Donate miles: https://www.miles4migrants.org/donate.php

Inland Coalition for Immigrant Justice

ICIJ engages in policy advocacy, community organizing, and education, and rapid response to ICE and border patrol operations. They provide food, clothing, and transportation to ICE detainees. They also work to close the Adelanto concentration camp and exposing ICE’s attempts to circumvent California’s private prison ban. Nominated by Wendy, AoCC Voting Team.
Donate: https://www.gofundme.com/f/ICIJdeportationdefense
Support asylum seekers: https://www.gofundme.com/f/support-asylum-seekers-in-san-bernardino-urgent

New Sanctuary Coalition, New York, NY

Founded and run by and for immigrants, New Sanctuary makes a difference in the lives of hundreds of immigrants to change the immigration system while giving direct emotional and spiritual support, legal help, training in legal rights and protection to people targeted by ICE. Nominated by Emily, AoCC Immigration Team.
Donate: https://www.newsanctuarynyc.org/onetimegift

Two requests from the AoCC team

  1. If you donate to any of the organizations above, will you let us know in the comments below? Thank you!
  2. Will you please share on social media:
    Spread light this holiday season with this hand-picked list of pro-democracy groups for https://americansofconscience.com/spread-light-holiday-list-2019/