Activism

I have studied from and been supported by women who were involved in the late 60s-70s human rights movements. Women who have marched the streets of DC and picketed through their universities, all so that women now could get an education equal to men and (theoretically) hold similar jobs, among other things. Interestingly though, it seemed to me that this spirit of activism died down a bit in our generation. Perhaps the view of "those" women as militant and aggressive turned us away from trying anything at all. Clearly, things were still far from equal (women still earned less than men, women were still prisoners of men-appointed rules on how we should look and act, women were still questioned about our abilities to have a career and a family, etc etc.), and I was getting really frustrated with the lack of enthusiasm regarding these issues from my fellow sisters.

Then I realized that maybe activism has simply taken a different form. Maybe marching the streets is at this point an archaic activity, and people now communicate via tweets and facebook updates, and well, things like this blog. There are still plenty of organizations out there advocating and changing the system. So I guess the best way to be an activist today is by getting involved with these opportunities and also publicizing them for others.

So here are a few things I have found so far on various issues I find important, both local and otherwise. And please feel free to comment below or email me if you have other activism ideas or suggestions as well.

Women's Rights:

Ms. Magazine : News stories, campaign updates, and useful opinion pieces on various feminist issues are published here.
Violence Unsilenced : Of course, violence against anyone is never ever ok. But unfortunately, women, being the powerless underdogs, get the bulk of it, and this must be stopped.
Stop Rape Now : Join UN initiatives to stop rape now.
Angela Shelton : Angela is helping women piece together their lives post-abuse.
Health At Every Size : Dieting, counting calories, feeling guilty for what you eat is unhealthy. Please, take care of yourself and your body. You are beautiful.
About Face : This organization is changing the face of women in the world, how we are portrayed, and how we end up perceiving ourselves. Because women are more than just a face.
iHollaBack : Put an end to street harassment.
Diva Cup : Ok, this may not be an "issue" per se, but I think the Diva Cup is a breakthrough in the area of reproductive health. It's easy, comfortable, eco-friendly, and all-around great!

LGBT Equality:

Equality California : After the appalling results on Prop 8 following the 2008 election, some people are trying to change a few things here in CA. You can be part of the movement.
Marriage Equality : This is a national effort of what I'd consider our generation's human rights campaign. Find out what you can do on a national level.
Courage Campaign : Find various grassroots campaigns for equality, including LGBT issues and beyond, in the state of California.

Environment and Animal Rights:

Save SF Bay : This includes individual and family activities throughout the Bay to help clean it up and save the habitat.
Pacific Environment : This organization works to protect the Pacific Rim. They need Russian and Chinese speakers, too.
Yggdrasil Urban Wildlife Rescue Center : Find out how to help save Bay Area wildlife.
Nation Resource Defense Counsel : Keep yourself updated on national and international environmental efforts.
350 : Join an international campaign to address the climate crisis.
Humane Society : If you are thinking of getting a pet, please consider adopting from your local shelter, and please avoid puppy mills and mall pet stores!
Meat Industry : This, of course, is a personal issue, but I vowed to myself not to eat meat until the animals we eat are treated ethically. Here is why.
Compost : Please find out if your city can help you compost. And if not, here are some tips on how to do it yourself. Less landfill = happier planet!

Mental Health:

Lifeline / Hopeline : If you are feeling suicidal or need support, please call: 1-800-273-TALK or 1-800-SUICIDE. You will be redirected to your county's crisis hotline where you can talk with trained and caring counselors.
Barrier Now : Without a safety barrier, the Golden Gate Bridge is one of the most accessible means for committing suicide in the world. The only thing delaying barrier construction is money. Please consider contributing to this very worthy, effective, and relevant cause.