It’s easy to get caught up in the commercialized Christmas utopia of coziness, but upholding the value of giving back during the holidays is something that shouldn’t be overlooked. In anticipation of what the new year may hold, it’s important to keep those who will struggle even more than yourself in mind. Here are 5 charitable campaigns and organizations in need of support this season:
1. Dressember 2017
“To many people a dresses represent fragility, weakness, and inequality… Dressember is an opportunity to reclaim and reappropriate the dress as a symbol of freedom and power; a flag for the inherent dignity of all people.” – WHY A DRESS
It’s not too late to participate in the annual campaign against modern day slavery by becoming an advocate and/or donating towards the rescue of people enslaved across the world. The Dressember Foundation seamlessly incorporates style into a serious battle for freedom and they are a little less than halfway through reaching their goal of $2 million! Whether it be an individual/team donation, or advocacy by creating a page and promoting the hashtags #Dressember and #ItsBiggerThanADress, any contribution to the end of human trafficking is worth whatever is spent.
2. Autism Candles
Since 2006, the organization Autism Candles has had the goal of promoting inclusion, new opportunities and advocacy for autism needs while providing candle-making jobs. Part of Autism Speaks’ “Shop a Little, Help a Lot” program, proceeds from the candles available on Amazon go directly to funding benefit job training and creating economic equality. Instead of shopping with a big brand for good deals, a high quality product that supports a legitimate cause is an even better option for stocking fillers this Christmas.
3. WE Are Holiday Rafikis
Started by the ME to WE organization, rafiki bracelets were handcrafted to be a part of the WE Schools program, which empowers the youth to take action in local and global issues, while providing adequate resources for educators. A purchase of a rafiki allows you to contribute to this cause and shopping their #GirlLove section to specifically help girls in Kenya go to school.
“Living ME to WE means working together to create sustainable change, and making a difference with everything you do—from choosing travel that leaves a positive footprint not he planted, to making purchases that give back.”
4. #Fight4BirthControl
You can also get flu shots, diabetes screening, vaccinations, rape counseling, cancer screenings, and even INfertility. The list is extensive really. PP is a vital source of affordable healthcare for so many. https://t.co/QA2Pjv11NN
— entreé 3000 ✨ (@shanialovexo) December 10, 2017
This one isn’t necessarily holiday related, but its urgency is real. The defunding of Planned Parenthood would rip healthcare away from 13 million people and raise premiums for others. You can take action by texting “BC” to to 22422 to sign the petition, calling 888-701-0964 to contact your senators and donating here.
5. The Nature Conservancy’s Green Holiday Season
Sign a pledge and follow through to make small choices in seasonal festivities that can add up to a significant impact for the betterment of our planet. They suggest reusing alternatives to wrapping paper, opting for a real Christmas tree (as most artificial ones are not biodegradable), limiting potential food waste and more! Everyone is affected by the environment and each action genuinely does make a difference.
There is so much more to be done on a local scale for the holidays as well; for more donation opportunities, check your local news sources for families/causes in need of contribution. Regardless of what you celebrate, keeping empathy for others alive should always be in mind—and these were only a few steps you can take right now, hopefully sparking a realization for more intersectional advocacy year round.
