Secular Charities for the Krismas Season
From Tetrakatus Productions - The Art of Jacob Walker
Krismas and Christmas share the major tenet of love and giving. And while, of course, it is good to give to loved ones and family, we have such bounty in the United States and other rich countries that we have the opportunity to give gifts that will truly help humankind.
For example, the amount of money spent on candy alone during the holiday season is greater than the annual budgets of the American Cancer Society, The American Heart Association and Habitat for Humanity combined.[1]
Further, giving is an investment in the human race. We are all on this planet together as the Hairy Nosed Wombat states so concisely. But some investments pay more dividends than others, and I believe that, in general, secular charities are a better investment for the good of humankind, as they don't promote a religious dogma that may be contrary to the beliefs of the donor, nor favor anyone based upon religious (or lack there-of) reasons.
The following are some secular charities that I personally feel are a good investment for humankind. You can even make a better investment by giving the gift of a gift. By donating to a charity in the name of your friends and family, you are both giving a gift to those in need, and giving the gift of awareness of the need to those you love.
Contents |
Secular Organizations Benefiting the World
Children International
The poor and needy are far too often susceptible to believing non-logical things such as what most religions promote. Children are especially vulnerable. Because of this, I think it is especially important to not support religious charities for children.
I support Children International, because it supports children regardless of the religion of the parents, and supports teaching important skills for the family to come out of poverty, while at the same time providing the necessities for life.
They also are very transparent in their budgeting process, and use the money wisely. Further, because you sponsor a specific child, you get to directly touch a person's life, and be touched by their life.
Visit my Lift One Project to see how you can become a Child's sponsor.
Good Will
There are many thrift stores throughout the United States, most of which are religiously affiliated. I generally support Good Will with my donations of items, and my shopping because they do not have a religious agenda like the Salvation Army or Deseret Industries. And while Good Will's primary work occurs in the United States, they are starting to have more of a global presence.
Effective Education Project
The Effective Education Project is developing an improved school system whose content will be freely shared with the world.
Isra-Peace
Isra-Peace is an organization whose primary purpose is to build an environmentally friendly rental community somewhere outside Nazareth where people of all four religions; Jewish, Muslim, Druze and Christian – not only live together in peace but experience life and social situations together, communicate, develop friendships, and experience a world that is not divided by religious beliefs, but enriched by them. A rental community – as opposed to a more-permanent living situation - allows a maximum number of people to experience, and add to, this peaceful co-existence. An environmentally friendly community , contributes to a cleaner world, while educating the community and surrounding communities on the importance of recycling and being environmentally efficient. The many structures on this government-permitted land will include a church, a synagogue, a temple and a mosque; a non-denominational Elementary and High School that all Isra-Peace children and teens would attend together; a supermarket; a pool, a playground, a Movie Theater and a community bomb shelter. Other structures under consideration for this project in the making are a hotel, and an International-Menued restaurant.
Other Charities
I recommend using the Redefine Christmas website to find other charities. You can also send greeting cards directly from their site.
