6 Activist Groups Fighting Against Injustice In America
With all the problems facing our society, it's tough to ignore the feeling that casting your vote on election day simply isn't enough. For those who want to do more and really get involved, each of these organizations tackles specific issues through advocacy, grassroots organizing, and strategic partnerships that have a concrete effect on the community and the world at large. This video was made with Ezvid Wikimaker.
6 Important American Activist Organizations
| Name | Headquarters | Focus |
|---|---|---|
| MomsRising | Bellevue, WA | Acts as a news media outlet and advocates for fair policies on issues facing women and families such as paid family leave, affordable childcare, and an end to wage and hiring discrimination |
| Center for Constitutional Rights | New York, NY | Uses the law as a tool for social change through litigation, training programs, and public education campaigns |
| GSA Network | Oakland, CA | Network of student-run clubs that offer safe spaces in schools, along with leadership courses that teach young people how to harness the power of the collective to create meaningful change at educational institutions |
| Human Rights First | New York, NY | Works toward bipartisan solutions to global problems in areas like ending torture, combating extremism, and the humane treatment of refugees |
| Working Partnerships USA | San Jose, CA | Tackles the root causes of inequality and poverty through free professional training, research and policy development, and community organizing |
| American Friends Service Committee | Philadelphia, PA | Promotes peace, immigrant rights, and nonviolence in accordance with Quaker values |
Center for Constitutional Rights Attorney on the Release of Prisoners from Guantanamo
Paid Parental Leave Around the World
| Country | Paid Leave Available to Mothers (in weeks, full-rate equivalent) | Paid Leave Available to Fathers (in weeks, full-rate equivalent) |
|---|---|---|
| Australia | 8 | 0 |
| Austria | 51 | 6 |
| Bulgaria | 65 | 1 |
| Canada | 27 | 0 |
| Denmark | 27 | 1 |
| Finland | 41 | 5 |
| France | 19 | 5 |
| Germany | 43 | 5 |
| Greece | 23 | 0 |
| Hungary | 72 | 1 |
| Iceland | 16 | 7 |
| Ireland | 9 | 0 |
| Italy | 25 | 0 |
| Japan | 36 | 30 |
| Lithuania | 62 | 4 |
| Mexico | 12 | 1 |
| Netherlands | 16 | 0 |
| Norway | 45 | 9 |
| Spain | 16 | 2 |
| Sweden | 35 | 10 |
| Switzerland | 8 | 0 |
| United Kingdom | 12 | 0 |
| United States | 0 | 0 |
A Refugee's Story from Human Rights First
In Depth
The promotion of a just society is a core tenet of America's values. Despite the country's foundation on liberty and justice, the fight for equal rights and fair treatment persists. Wage inequity, racism, civil rights violations, and discriminatory practices are still faced by many people. Here, in no particular order, are six organizations advocating for dramatic social and policy changes.
#1 on the list is MomsRising, which tackles issues facing women, mothers, and families. This nonprofit educates the public and mobilizes large grassroots actions to bring the experiences of women and mothers directly to government leaders. Its workplace justice campaign works to advance equal pay, paid leave, and breastfeeding rights for working mothers. This group is fighting for equity in pregnancy, childbirth, and post-partum health care.
By amplifying women's voices across all platforms, MomsRising is bringing relevant issues into the national dialogue. It focuses on improving public policy that affects women and their families. To support the work this organization is doing, you can make a donation on their website. There are also numerous ways to take action, including signing petitions and writing letters to Congress.
To support the work this organization is doing, you can make a donation on their website.
Next, in the #2 spot, is Center For Constitutional Rights. CCR is dedicated to protecting the rights guaranteed by the United States Constitution and the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. It combines innovative litigation and strategic communication as a positive force for social change. This group is advancing a broad range of civil and human rights issues, including discriminatory policing, abusive immigration practices, and government surveillance.
It is also training the next generation of human rights advocates and extends its reach beyond the courtroom by organizing events. The CCR website offers tools and resources for those interested in joining their cause. Freedom Flicks is a film series showcasing stories of struggle and courage; this provides an engaging way for the organization to raise awareness and funds. Getting involved also includes attending events or starting a social media campaign.
Coming in at #3 is GSA Network, a non-profit organization that empowers LGBTQ and allied youth. Through leadership development and activism, it trains students to prioritize building alliances across identity lines. Its network of student-run GSA clubs leads deep social change, and provides safe spaces in middle and high schools across the country. Anti-slur campaigns, sensitivity and awareness days, and teacher trainings are all ways this group is directly impacting youth.
Anti-slur campaigns, sensitivity and awareness days, and teacher trainings are all ways this group is directly impacting youth.
Leadership courses, conferences, and activist camps are held to teach kids to build collective power and transform educational institutions. You can start a local club at your school to support students and build community, or join an already existing one. Fundraising efforts support the mission of the organization and donations can be made in your name or in honor of someone else.
At #4 is the international nonprofit Human Rights First. It is building bipartisan coalitions and offering pragmatic solutions to pressing challenges. Issues related to refugee protection, national security, and foreign policy are included in this group's campaigns. It goes beyond exposing and protesting injustice, and creates the political environment necessary for equality and respect.
Top-rated on Charity Watch, this organization believes that America has a moral obligation and a vital national interest in upholding human rights. By teaming up with prominent activists and lawyers, it works to ensure America's policies and actions align with the country's values. Take action to help this group's work by calling your Representative, writing a letter to members of Congress, signing petitions, or sharing important issues on social media.
Top-rated on Charity Watch, this organization believes that America has a moral obligation and a vital national interest in upholding human rights.
#5 is Working Partnerships USA. It is tackling the root causes of inequality and poverty, and creating a model of inclusive economic growth. Its approach to addressing these issues has increased the collective power of people to impact social change. It operates a Trades Orientation Program that offers free training in skilled construction fields. This group improves opportunities for working people, low-income neighborhoods, and communities of color.
It was a driving force behind victories like the minimum wage increase in San Jose, California, and the Children's Health Initiative, which provides coverage to all local children regardless of documentation status. You can sign up for email alerts to stay informed of important updates. Donations can be made to help sustain the work this organization is doing.
#6 on the list is American Friends Service Committee, a Quaker nonprofit operating across the world to promote lasting peace. Drawing on spiritual insights, it defends immigrant rights, champions nonviolent systems, and works to end mass incarceration. AFSC has been given a top rating by Charity Watch and spends more than 75% of annual expenses on its programs.
Drawing on spiritual insights, it defends immigrant rights, champions nonviolent systems, and works to end mass incarceration.
It coordinates protests, provides information on the do's and don'ts of bystander intervention, and advocates for policy reform. It also offers an e-course to inform individuals and groups on how to act for social change. You can show support for the cause by printing and displaying one of the posters available on the group's website. There is also a merchandise store where all the proceeds support the AFSC.
