Do Good
 
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  Things we care about... and hope you will, too.
    (We'll add a new one each update starting with Migrations 14)
 
26 Surfrider Straws Suck Campaign
In the U.S.A., 500 million (MILLION!) straws are thrown away every day. You can help stop all of this plastic from ending up in our rivers, oceans, and bodies. Start by specifying "no straw" when ordering a drink (including water). Read more here.
   
25 Orangutan Foundation International
You can help protect orangutans from extinction.
   
24 Natural Resources Defense Council
I cannot put into words the devastation I felt on November 8th, 2106. Alene and I see, nearly every day, the injurious effects of humankind on our ocean and planet. We have met people whose homes will likely be gone in a decade due to climate change and sea levels rising. And now the United States has a president that is rolling back environmental protections and reversing decades of progress. You may disagree with my views on taxes, or healthcare, or education, but PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE, whether you support this president or not, I beg you to oppose his environmental policies. Donate to NRDC. They are one of the finest organizations out there and they will be working hard to protect our world. No matter who you voted for in the last election (or didn't vote for), support NRDC. Our world depends on it. Really.
   
23 WildAid
WildAid’s mission is to end the illegal wildlife trade in our lifetimes. Shark Savers (see bottom of page) merged with WildAid in 2013. WildAid is working in many countries to change people's perception of the products that create the illegal wildlife trade (for example, their shark fin soup campaign in Asia). They work with governments to strengthen conservation programs, create legal protection for endangered species and implement anti-trafficking laws. They are awesome. Support them.
 
22 Greenpeace
Japan has started whaling again in the Southern Ocean. It is a travesty to continue to kill whales... especially under the despicable deceit of scientific research. Support Greenpeace to help stop the whaling.
 
21 Story of Stuff Project
A great project that works to bring the truth about our relationship with 'stuff', and therefore, our planet. Annie Leonard's work is easy to undertstand. It makes you think, and perhaps, change. Watch some of the movies and see what you think. And, if you like what Annie's doing, donate.
 
20 Marine Megafauna Foundation
We went to a presentation by Dr. Andrea Marshall while we were in California in January 2013. She's doing great work to protect threatened marine species; most notably, manta rays and whale sharks. She's obviously a very cool person dedicated to accomplishing something important. Please support her. We do.
   
19  Authors & Illustrators for Children
In 2008, over 1,000 children's book authors and illustrators came together to help elect Barack Obama. They are at it again. Check out the video, their website, and their Facebook page. Support them if you can. And vote!
   
19 Jean & Robert Blakey Memorial Endowed Scholarship Award
Created by the community in memory of my parents, this scholarship fund provides financial aid to Jewish Studies students at California State University, Long Beach.

Contributions may be sent to the
       Jewish Community Foundation – Blakey Jewish Studies Scholarship
3801 E. Willow Street
Long Beach, CA 90815

   
18 Animal Vegetable Miracle
This entry isn't a non-profit. It's a book by Barbara Kingsolver. Buy it and read it. It's an interesting, humorous, and exceptionally well-written read; it just might change the way you think about food. It did for me.
   
17 Charity Navigator
We need to give to non-profits. But there are so many, how do you know if your money is being used properly? Charity Navigator is a great tool. Check out over 5,000 charities before you donate. If you like their service, consider supporting Charity Navigator as well.
   
16 Natural Resources Defense Council
Who stands between corporate greed and the destruction of the environment? The NRDC, that's who. They also work to stop our government from destroying our own country's precious wildlife and resources. An incredibly effective organization that uses the law, science and members' actions to keep the bad guys at bay. I've been a member for over 20 years. You could be a member, too.
   
15 Heifer International
When he was about 8, Elliot Jensen, my best friends Steve and Shirley's son, bought a goat with the money he got from the tooth fairy (the tooth fairy was very generous). I had never heard of Heifer before. I like that they have recipients "pass on" the gift of the animals' offspring. I often give Heifer gifts at the holidays.
   
14 Shark Savers
100 million (that's 100,000,000) sharks are killed every year. Every single year. During that year, about 60 people are bitten, and about five of them die. So why are so many sharks killed? It can't be to keep us safe from shark attacks. The main reason is shark fin soup. Sharks will soon be extinct. As you know, we love diving with sharks. They are magnificent and beautiful creatures, and a crucial element of the marine ecology. At the Shark Savers site you can download brochures to give to restaurant owners who serve shark fin soup. You can sign petitions to ban shark fishing. You can also donate to a great campaign in China -- featuring Yao Ming -- to reduce the demand for shark fin soup.

 

This site was last updated 11/22/17