Sarah Guerrero
Sarah Guerrero is a freelance writer and contributor to Slow North. She has a degree in international business from St. Mary’s University in San Antonio, Texas, and writes about sustainable business practices and ethical living.
3 Unique Non-Profits Changing the World
One of the biggest misconceptions about supporting non-profits and causes we care about is this:
I can’t give enough to make a difference!
The truth is, your involvement does matter. Small amounts add up, especially over time (just ask your investment advisor or mortgage broker). While I don’t have a lot of money to give financially, I love intentionally choosing 1-2 causes that mean a lot to me, and finding creative ways to learn from and get involved in the work they’re already doing.
Want to pick a few non-profits to become involved with? I’m sharing three really phenomenal non-profits below, with ideas for getting involved, even if you don’t have money to give right now!
1. Black Mamas Matter Alliance
The maternal mortality rate (the number of women who die pregnancy-related deaths) in the US is shocking--worse than some developed countries--but it’s even more abominable for black women. The Black Mamas Matter Alliance envisions “a world where Black mamas have the rights, respect, and resources to thrive before, during, and after pregnancy.”
The non-profit elevates black-woman-led leadership and alliances across public sectors to promote human rights, reproductive justice, birth justice, and maternity care.
How to get involved:
- Set up a monthly recurring donation
- Follow @blackmamasmatter on Instagram, and share posts, stats, or articles about maternal mortality rates with your followers
- Learn more about becoming a doula! @mamaglow on Instagram is a great place to start!
In 2010, Reshma Saujani became the first Indian American woman to run for US Congress. She lost the race, but in the process of running, she learned about the growing gender gap between men and women computer scientists. Today, only 24% of people in tech identify as women, and Saujani created Girls Who Code to change that by working to “change the image of what a programmer looks like and does.”
Girls Who Code hosts clubs for girls in elementary school, summer immersion programs, and college loops, building “the world’s largest pipeline of future female engineers.”
How to get involved:
- Ask your company to sponsor a Girls Who Code program or initiative
- Use your birthday or other special event as an excuse to fundraise--find easy-to-use tools right here
You (like me) probably know at least a handful of people who have been impacted by breast cancer--which is how Keep a Breast got its start. KAB’s founder created the organization after her own close friend developed breast cancer. You’ll love the really incredible Breast Cast Gallery (inspired by Frida Kahlo), the fun and super-easy-to-use new Keep a Breast App, and KAB’s mission to “empower young people around the world with breast health education and support.”
How to get involved:
- Host a Fit 4 Prevention fitness class during the month of October
- Join the #checkyourselfie movement by posting online
- Buy a bundle of I Love Boobies! bracelets + education kits to hand out to friends!
