After the election, many are feeling an urgent desire to do good–to donate their time or money to communities they worry will be impacted by the policies Donald Trump advocated for over the course of his campaign. Area non-profits are worried, too. Not just about the increasing need of the communities they represent, but whether the federal grants many rely on will continue to exist.
Washingtonian has compiled this list of organizations that welcome your help.
If you want to fight racism…
Gandhi Brigade Youth Media offers media education to young people so they can tackle injustice through visual media. The program includes leadership development and multimedia training while encouraging students to explore social justice issues. You can donate here.
Black Lives Matter organizes throughout the U.S. to fight anti-blackness and racism. There is a DMV chapter and you can “fund the movement” here.
The Mexican American Legal Defense and Education Fund (MALDEF) works to protect Latino civil rights across the country including voting rights, employment discrimination, education, and immigrant rights. Its National Public Policy office is right here in the District. You can donate here.
If you want to help immigrants…
There are many organizations in Washington that help immigrants. The Central American Resource Center (CARECEN) helps immigrants with the citizenship process, ESL classes, counseling, and voter engagement. ASHA for Women supports immigrants from South Asia–many of whom do not speak English–who are survivors of domestic violence. The Asian Pacific American Legal Resource Center is a group of bilingual and bicultural attorneys and volunteers who provide legal services to low-income Asian Pacific Islander immigrants.
If you want to support LGBTQ…
Casa Ruby is a bilingual safe space for multicultural people who identify as LGBTQ+ in Northwest DC. They offer hot meals, support groups, legal services and more. Ruby is a transgender woman who moved to the U.S. from El Salvador and she’s dedicated her life to protecting the most vulnerable. You can donate here or apply to be a volunteer for the center here.
Supporting and Mentoring Youth Advocates and Leaders (SMYAL) works exclusively with youth on the LGBTQ+ spectrum to encourage leadership and advocacy, like leading Gay-Straight Alliances in school. Youth support groups address issues like self esteem, safe sex, and violence prevention while the organization also works with social workers and teachers on how to best help LGBTQ+ youth. You can volunteer here and donate here.
If you want to help women…
The Women’s Center in Vienna provides mental health services for women and children in DC and Virginia, particularly for those who cannot afford counseling services. The center opens its doors to those suffering from domestic abuse, sexual assault, and depression. The support goes beyond therapy; it also includes job training and financial advising. You can volunteer here and donate here.
Planned Parenthood is here to stay. The recently opened health center in Northeast DC is already providing health services for women including pap smears, IUDs, and breast exams, even for the uninsured. You can donate here and volunteer here.
If you want to help the poor…
The DC Law Students in Court Program gets students from local universities to provide legal defense to people facing evictions or other housing problems resulting from gentrification. You can donate here.
If you want to support refugees…
Empowered Women International supports entrepreneurial low-income refugees and immigrants with resources like micro-loans, skills training, and mentorship. Some of these women have experienced trauma. With EWI, they are starting their own small businesses and pursuing their goals in Maryland and Virginia. You can volunteer your skills or mentoring here or you can sponsor a class or individual here.
There are many other organizations that we could and maybe should include here. Email rcartagena@washingtonian.com if you have suggestions.
Rosa joined Washingtonian in 2016 after graduating from Mount Holyoke College. She covers arts and culture for the magazine. She’s written about anti-racism efforts at Woolly Mammoth Theatre, dinosaurs in the revamped fossil hall at the Smithsonian’s Natural History Museum, and the horrors of taking a digital detox. When she can, she performs with her family’s Puerto Rican folkloric music ensemble based in Jersey City. She lives in Adams Morgan.
