I have met the most awesome individuals, groups and organizations since starting this campaign in 2010, especially during the "Across the USA" trip in May 2013. I thank those who have connected us to other people and groups/organizations that are doing something to make a difference. These are the people we want to have around, those who motivate and inspire us to accomplish our goals and dreams. Here are some of those who are already taking actions!
We endorse them and proudly introduce them to you.
We endorse them and proudly introduce them to you.
Quality CaresI met Richard Henegar Jr. during my "Across the USA" trip in Roanoke, VA. You may know Richard from his appearance in The Ellen DeGeneres Show; he was featured for helping a young man who was being bullied and harassed. Quality Cares' mission is to motivate individuals, groups and organizations to initiate kind acts for deserving recipients; they use education and advocacy to improve the community through unity, strength and character, and they empower and inspire people to stand up for what is right and to pay it forward. I support your efforts to end bullying and hate. Keep up the good work!
Website - Facebook - Click here to learn how you can help. Positive ImpactI met this awesome organization during my "Across the USA" trip while doing the "Love Action" in Atlanta, GA. Their mission is to eliminate the risk of HIV transmission and to empower those affected by HIV through culturally competent and inclusive prevention, education, mental health and substance abuse treatment services. Thank you Luis for inviting me to meet your group. I look forward to collaborating soon. Keep up the good work!
Website - Facebook - Click here to learn how you can help. Fair Trade Green & Rainbow Natural Grocery Co-opDuring my "Across the USA" trip in May 2013, I visited the Rainbow Plaza in the historic Fondren District while doing the "Environment Action" in Jackson, MS. There, I met Karen Parker from Fair Trade Green and Olivia Cote’ from Rainbow Natural Grocery Co-op. Karen and Olivia were willing to take our promotional items to give away in their stores. Fair Trade Green brings fair trade, green, and conscious living items from all over the world. Rainbow Natural Grocery Co-op provides natural and organic products and services that promote health awareness, a clean environment, and a strong community. Thank you Karen and Olivia for the support and for helping us raise awareness and distributing our goodies. Keep up the good work!
Fair Trade Green: Website - Facebook Rainbow Natural Grocery: Website - Facebook Peaceful Streets Project - HoustonDuring my "Across the USA" trip, we did a joint action with this group in Houston, TX. They seek to bring about a cultural shift where individuals understand their rights and hold law enforcement officials accountable, and communities protect and serve each other. Thank you guys for all you do. I look forward to collaborating again soon. Keep up the good work!
Website - Facebook - Click here to learn how you can help. Me Against Fear / Hope Rock anbd RollI met our friends Nicole Yori and Sarah McGrath Filer during my "Across the USA" trip while doing the "Love Action" in Las Vegas, NV. Nicole introduced me to Darick Reed from Me Against Fear. Darick walked 1264 miles in the Summer 2013 to raise awareness and funds for suicide prevention. Later in Spring 2014, he started Hope Rock and Roll to continue raising awareness about this important issue. He is a great guy who I have the honor to call friend. Darick turned his bad experiences to create The Hope Project and raise awareness. I am proud to be part of the Hope Army. Thank you Darick for what you are doing. You rock!
MAF Facebook - HRR Facebook Sasha Bruce Youthwork (SBY)During the Winter Holidays in 2013, I donated a Christmas tree to the Sasha Bruce House to bring the holiday spirit to homeless youth. SBY hosts children who are part of homeless families and/or unable to live at home. They may have been kicked out of the house by a parent who sees no other options and has limited parenting skills. They may have left voluntarily because they’re being abused or neglected. They may have left simply seeking more safety, independence, or opportunities. The Sasha Bruce House is the only open-access shelter for youth in the Washington, DC area. Their programs offer counseling and classes that can lead young people back to a more stable and supportive family situation, or on a path to true independence and self-sufficiency. I had the pleasure to meet George Burton, George Johnson and LaShelle Richmond from SBY; they are doing an excellent work helping the community. Thank you!
Website - Facebook - Click here to learn how you can help. Timber HawkeyeI read the book Buddhist Boot Camp during my annual retreat in 2014. Right after, I contacted the author, Timber Hawkeye, and I told him how inspiring his book was, and I how much I identify with it. While I was planning my exhibit for Capital Pride Festival in June 2015, I contacted Timber as I was trying to get ideas of what prizes to give away that could be meaningful and align with our mission, and he gracefully donated copies of his book. Timber offers a secular and non-sectarian approach to being at peace with the world (both within and around us), with the intention to awaken, enlighten, enrich and inspire. He prints and distributes a limited paperback edition of his book to inmates in correctional facilities, schools, and juvenile centers, across the globe. Timber's second book, Faithfully Religionless, came out in January 2016. As part of his book tour, I contacted local bookstores, and I was able to help him have an event in the Washington Metropolitan area (DMV). I had the privilege to host him at my place, and we had a great time. It's like we knew each other already. Being with him pushed me to start making changes that I have been thinking for a long time, starting a new chapter in my life. Thank you, Timber! I am forever grateful.
Website - Facebook - Click here to learn how you can help. |
Human Beans TogetherI met this awesome organization during my "Across the USA" trip while doing the "Kindness Action" in Raleigh, NC. They are a group of people interested in alleviating hunger, homelessness, and hopelessness by sharing resources with those in need. Thank you Carmen & Donald Zepp for starting such a great group; you are touching hundreds of lives and helping the community. Keep up the good work!
Website - Facebook - Click here to learn how you can help. Animal Service Center of the Mesilla Valley (ASCMV)During my "Across the USA" trip, we did our "Kindness Action" volunteering at this shelter during my visit in Las Cruces, NM. This center provide safe shelter for all lost, mistreated, and abandoned animals of the Mesilla Valley and surrounding communities; they utilize all avenues available to it in placing each animal into a safe, loving, and permanent home whenever possible. Thank you Janice for the opportunity to help in the shelter, and thank you to all the volunteers who helped us during our visit. Keep up the good work!
Website - Facebook - Click here to learn how you can help. New Mexico GLBTQ CentersI visited the Las Cruces GLBTQ Center during my "Across the USA" trip in Las Cruces, NM. The center is part of the New Mexico GLBTQ Centers; they use education, advocacy, support, example, and collaboration to reduce homophobia and enrich the lives of individuals living in New Mexico who identify as gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender and questioning. Thank you Teresa (JT), Cassandra and Nicole for what you are doing, and for welcoming us to the center. I look forward to collaborating soon. Keep up the good work!
UPDATE: The centers closed in September 2013. East Side Social Center (ESSC)I was invited to attend the Houston Community Coalition III at ESSC during my "Across the USA" trip in Houston, TX. There I met awesome people and other groups that are doing great things. ESSC is a collectively operated community center located in Houston’s East End; they host a variety of events, ranging from book groups and skill shares to shows and performances by local and touring artists. They also house a small library, bookstore, and internet cafe which are open to the public. Thank you Taylor for inviting me to the ESSC. Keep up the good work!
UPDATE: ESSC has closed, but shares collective members with Solidarity Houston. ESSC's Facebook Street Poets, Inc.I met my friend Brandon Elliott during my "Across the USA" trip while doing the "Equality Action" in Los Angeles, CA. Brandon told me about the Street Poets, Inc. Their main mission is to inspire at-risk youth in the juvenile detention facilities, schools and streets of Los Angeles County to discover and develop their voices as writers, artists and human beings. I am very proud of Brandon and what he has been able to accomplish; he is a great guy and an inspiration.
Website - Facebook Poplar Spring Animal Sanctuary
For my 1st year anniversary as a vegan I decided to visit the Poplar Spring Animal Sanctuary in Poolesville, MD. They offer care, rehabilitation, and permanent sanctuary for neglected, abandoned or unwanted farm animals. I had an awesome time with all the rescued animals (pigs, horses, cows, chickens, rabbits, sheep, and goats) in this 400 acre non-profit refuge for farm animals and wildlife. The staff is amazing. This has become the place to celebrate my vegan anniversary every year ever since. Check out their website to learn about animal sponsorship.
Website - Facebook - Click here to learn how you can help. The Peace HouseDuring my time with the Occupy Movement I met several activists who after the occupation eviction started this great project in Washington, DC. The Peace House is a vehicle to transform individual lives and communities for those working for positive social change and a world free from oppression. They foster learning and activist excellence through the People’s Library and Research Center, which assists and/or facilitates various individual, community, and world betterment projects.
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Beside these great groups and organizations, we cannot forget our amazing Taking Actions volunteers who have been a very important part of our success. Meet Our Volunteers!
Are you taking actions? Do you know someone or an organization that is making a difference? Please contact us and tell us about it, and you or someone else might got a shout out here. You can also nominate your favorite organization to receive a donation from us as part of our Taking Actions Day celebration.