Donatery 2011

It's end-of-the-year donations time. Here's who I'm giving money to, with their mission statement or info from their about page:

• ABC No Rio
  "ABC No Rio is a collectively-run center for art and activism. We are known internationally as a venue for oppositional culture. ABC No Rio was founded in 1980 by artists committed to political and social engagement and we retain these values to the present."
• Alzheimer's Association (chosen by Eric since they're the only Alz group still fighting for embryonic stem cell research)
  "To eliminate Alzheimer's disease through the advancement of research; to provide and enhance care and support for all affected; and to reduce the risk of dementia through the promotion of brain health."
• Haven Coalition
  "The Haven Coalition is a network of volunteers who provide a meal and a safe place to sleep for women who are forced to travel to New York City for second-trimester abortions. Since our inception in June of 2001, Haven has hosted close to 700 women for over 800 nights."
• National War Tax Resistance Coordinating Committee
  "It is impossible to conduct modern warfare without soldiers and weapons. But before governments can buy weapons and hire soldiers, they must first raise the necessary money. That’s where our taxes come in. 'The two decisive powers of the government with respect war are the power to conscript and the power to tax,' A.J. Muste once observed. In this era of high-priced weapons systems and military aid to regional wars, taxation is the closest war-making link between the government and most citizens. War tax resistance is a direct way to say 'No!' to military programs, which cost U.S. taxpayers about a trillion dollars every year. War tax resistance is a powerful way to say 'no!' to wars and occupation, nuclear weapons and weapons testing, military aid and arms sales, covert CIA violence and torture — to say no to the militarization of the U.S. federal budget. Through war tax resistance you take control over how your money is spent.
• Women on the Rise Telling HerStory
  "WORTH is an association of currently and formerly incarcerated women who have been empowered by our own experiences. Through leadership development, organizing, mentoring, mutual support and telling our stories. WORTH transforms the lives of women affected by incarceration and changes public perception and policy."

A few of them are a bit of a pain to donate to because there's no online form and/or no tax break, which is all the more reason to write a physical check and put a stamp on an envelope--other people will hesitate, so you have to make up for them.