In a world full of complex social issues — with human rights violations among the most dire, even in wealthy nations like the US — it’s easy to feel powerless. Many people perceive the enormity and number of these problems and become overwhelmed, feeling that they can’t do anything to fix them.
But the truth is, we are not powerless. We can be an important part of solutions, and one of the most effective ways of giving back to your community is to support organizations dedicated to social justice and human rights issues in America. When you give to these causes, you empower yourself and others, creating lasting change. Wondering where and when to start? Giving Tuesday and the holiday giving season is almost here, and you can boost your mental health significantly in just a few clicks. Here’s the why and how you need to get started.
Why Giving Is Empowering
Contributing to nonprofit organizations isn’t just about donating money, cryptocurrency, or assets — it’s about taking a stand. When you give your time, resources, or financial support, you take control of your ability to make the world a better place.
Research shows that giving also has surprisingly meaningful physical and mental health benefits. Generosity boosts mental health by fostering feelings of happiness and accomplishment, which help in reducing stress. This in turn supports good heart and cardiovascular health as well as longevity, among other things.
In short, giving creates a powerful cycle of positivity. The more you give, the more you help others, and the more powerful, uplifted, and fulfilled you feel. This means you’ll feel strong, not helpless, when you’re taking in local, national, and world news.
Giving to Human Rights Organizations
One of the most popular and effective ways to make an impact is by supporting human rights advocacy organizations. These nonprofits focus on creating justice, equality, and safety for vulnerable populations, including those facing discrimination, abuse, or violence. By partnering with these organizations, you help raise awareness, provide services to those in need, and push for systemic changes that protect human rights globally. Charities have identified social justice and human rights — including domestic and intimate partner violence — as top causes for 2024 and 2025.
Supporting Domestic Violence Nonprofits Is Supporting Human Rights
Domestic violence is a human rights issue, whether it takes place abroad or right here in the US. Survivors of partner abuse often face long-lasting consequences that affect every aspect of their lives — physically, emotionally, and financially.
Organizations that fight domestic violence, like the National Network to End Domestic Violence (NNEDV) and Connections for Abused Women and their Children (CAWC), work tirelessly to provide resources such as safe housing, legal assistance, and mental health support for survivors. CAWC is among the oldest of these organizations; it established the first-ever American domestic violence hotline and opened the first shelter for battered women and their children, Greenhouse Shelter, in 1979.
Supporting nonprofit organizations for domestic violence is about more than helping abuse survivors escape dangerous situations; it’s about advocating for their basic human rights, and the rights of their children, to live free from fear and violence.
Domestic violence shelters play a crucial role in this fight. These shelters provide essential services like counseling, safety planning, temporary housing, and helping survivors rebuild their lives. By supporting organizations like CAWC, you contribute to a safer and more just community, as these shelters not only serve survivors, but also work to educate the public and prevent further violence.
Ways You Can Help to End Domestic Violence
If you’re inspired to support domestic violence nonprofits, there are many ways to give back this holiday season:
- • Financial donations. The most straightforward way to help is by donating money. Whether it’s a one-time gift or a recurring donation, your contribution ensures that nonprofits have the resources they need to continue offering life-saving services.
- • In-kind donations. Domestic violence shelters often have immediate needs for items like toiletries, clothing, household goods, and gift cards, which offer more flexibility to use your gift where it’s most needed. Donating these goods can make a big difference to survivors who arrive at shelters with little more than the clothes on their backs.
- • Volunteering. Time is another valuable resource. Many organizations rely on volunteers to staff shelters, provide legal advocacy, or offer professional services like therapy. If you’re unable to give financially, offering your time can be just as impactful.
- • Increasing awareness. One of the most powerful ways to support domestic violence nonprofits is by expanding awareness in your sphere of influence. Share information on social media, talk to people in your social and professional networks, and encourage others to get involved. Sometimes, the simple act of starting a conversation can inspire significant change.
- • Advocacy. Consider joining advocacy efforts to push for stronger laws that protect survivors and hold abusers accountable. Supporting legislation that improves access to safe housing, healthcare, and legal resources for survivors is another important way to contribute to the cause.
Supporting human rights advocacy, including organizations fighting to end domestic violence, is a way for each of us to take action and be part of the solution. In doing so, we empower ourselves and the communities we serve. This Giving Tuesday and throughout the holiday season, your contributions can make a real difference in the lives of survivors and help create a future where everyone can live free from fear and violence.
Help End Domestic Violence This Giving Tuesday With CAWC
At CAWC, we believe that everyone has a right to a life free of violence. Our mission to end domestic violence in all demographics is rooted in education, service, and advocacy. In addition to working toward broader social change, we provide empowerment-based and trauma-informed support in the form of shelter, counseling, and advocacy for individuals and their children affected by intimate partner violence.
You can impact the life of a domestic violence survivor, or a child who witnessed domestic violence, by donating to CAWC.
You can also support our work in other ways. Consider purchasing items on our wish list or volunteering in any of the many roles we have available. Stay connected with CAWC as we create awareness for domestic violence and build support for its victims by signing up for our newsletter. Join us today!