As longtime readers will know, for the past two years I have worked for two different causes I am equally passionate about. People who aren’t my co-workers are often surprised by how much I love the work I do. I believe everyone should have the opportunity to pour themselves into doing what they love, and fighting for something they believe in, so with that in mind I’ve compiled a list of not-for-profit organizations, both in Austin and elsewhere, so that any of you, dear readers, who want to commit yourselves to working for change, can have a starting block from which to do so. Keep in mind a lot of non-profits or non-governmental organizations may only have volunteer positions or internships, but it’s a great way to gain experience and get your proverbial “foot in the door.” Don’t forget to check your local Craigslist and Idealist listings too. In no particular order, here’s a partial list (come back soon for more!) of organizations I have bookmarked on my computer to get you started:
Survival International– The global movement for tribal peoples’ rights
Native Planet– Preserving Cultures, Empowering People.
Minority Rights Group International– Working to secure the rights of minorities and indigenous peoples.
International Women’s Tribune Center– Connecting women globally for social change
Population Action International– Healthy Families, Healthy Planet
PeopleFund– Creating economic opportunity and financial stability for underserved people
Equality Texas– Envisioning a state where all Texans are treated equally, with dignity and respect
The Michael & Susan Dell Foundation– Transforming the lives of urban children living in poverty through better health and education
Foundation Communities– Creating housing where families succeed in Austin and North Texas
Guttmacher Institute– Advancing sexual and reproductive health worldwide through research, policy analysis and public education
Fellowship of Reconciliation– Working for peace, justice and nonviolence since 1915
CARE– A leading humanitarian organization fighting global poverty
Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) of Travis County– Speaking up for children who have been abused or neglected
Open Democracy– Free thinking for the world
Transcending Boundaries– Providing education, activism and support for persons whose sexuality, gender, sex, or relationship style do not fit within conventional categories
National Network to End Domestic Violence– Dedicated to creating a social, political and economic environment in which violence against women no longer exists
Colorlines– News for action
Women’s Information Network– Democratic. Pro-choice. Women.
World Pulse– Connecting women’s voices to transform our world
Mama Cash– Giving grants to women’s girls’ and trans rights groups that are working to change the world
The Peace & Collaborative Development Job Board– one of the premier sites in the world focused on international development, peacebuilding, humanitarian relief, social entrepreneurship, international affairs and more
The Center for Health and Gender Equality (CHANGE)
The Association for Women’s Rights in Development– an international, multi-generational, feminist, creative, future-orientated membership organization committed to achieving gender equality, sustainable development and women’s human rights
The Texas Association Against Sexual Assault– to create a Texas free from sexual violence
The National Domestic Violence Hotline– Over 17 years of advocacy, safety planning, resources, and hope
Feminist Activism 
November 26th, 2014 at 19:27
[…] National Domestic Violence Hotline has been highlighted here many times before. From their […]
October 1st, 2014 at 00:23
Feminist activism is spreading ourselves too thin. We should focus on equality, and abortion rights, then we can join all these other groups. MarilynFitterman@aol.com
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October 11th, 2014 at 11:35
Sorry for the delayed response Marilyn but I did want to address your concern. Many of the groups listed do focus on Reproductive Justice, including abortion rights, and ALL of them focus on equality. Just as we don’t live single issue lives there is no single issue in the fight for equality that trumps others. The intersectionality of us as human beings requires that while we fight for bodily autonomy and abortion on demand we also fight for racial equality and against trans/homophobia and so, so many other things. It definitely is easy to spread too thin if you’re trying to give 100% to every issue, but it’s all about balance and figuring out how much you can give and what causes are your priority. The hope of this post was to be a springboard for people who are not yet earning a living fighting for what they believe in to go out and start doing it. Thanks for contributing to the discussion!