Countdown to the Apocalypse Day 72

 Last night I was sitting at my desk, sorting through bills and all the requests I get for donations.  When we don't have the time or energy to march, protest or volunteer we may open our wallets.  I have to admit that pictures of endangered hungry creatures whether they are children, pets or wild animals in Africa can move me to write a check and hope that it will make a difference.  

Now, I am thinking the same about how my dollars can make a difference to the democratic future of this country.  When the candidates I supported with my money did not prevail at the polls, it can feel like wasted effort. Was it?  With our economic future uncertain, how can I make my donations have the biggest impact and in the ways I want it to?

For quite awhile I have been consulting Charity Navigator before I make a contribution.  It is a website that rates charities on their financial health and stability, program expense ratio, leadership compensation, transparency, etc.  You can also use their site to directly donate to the charities you support without sending out multiple envelopes and can maintain a record of your giving for tax purposes. 

I choose generally not to contribute to organizations on the phone, so I can check them out before I give.  All those "law enforcement legal defense fund" callers get a quick "good-bye" from me.  The scams and cheaters are plentiful.  I am now adding another website to consult, Charity Watch, because I've become aware that charities may not all be forthcoming with accurate data given Charity Navigator and might not deserve their star ratings.

I'm closer to doing the best I can with the money I can give, but is there more to know at a time when there is so much at stake? Yes, and again I turn to Clearer Thinking that I cited yesterday and a mini course they offer called "Leaving Your Mark:  

There's a lot to think about, but if you have the time, it's very worthwhile; in fact it could help you save lives and make a real difference.  This has led me to yet another charity evaluation site: Give Well that they cite in the course and is closer to effective altruism.

Effective Altruism (capitalized) is about doing good better. It is a research field and a practical community that aims to find the best ways to help others, and put them in practice.  Doing Good Better is also the title of a book that I just ordered from eBay for $3.85.  

These strategies are good for any time, but at the moment, I'm thinking the greatest needs will be in effective legal defense of programs and people that will be targeted by Trump.  

I'm going to be looking at the ACLU and other human rights groups, environmental groups that have track records of defending wildlife and public land.  We know that social welfare programs will be negatively impacted and we can research those that have a good track record of doing the most good for the most people.  

Perhaps your concern will be for attacks on reproductive rights, or the free press and public broadcasting.  We'll have to cautiously investigate lobbying groups and other advocacy groups.  As a lifelong reader, librarian and bookseller, I am going to consider support for intellectual freedom.

STEP THREE:

• Learn more about effective altruism and charitable giving that can contribute to maintaining our democracy.  
• Publicize your concerns (in ways that work for you) about the issues that you select to support and why you feel support is needed.  Encourage others to join you.  Include publicly stated or documented threats from the president or Project 2025 as evidence.  
• This could include writing to your legislative representatives, both state and national, about your concerns and fears.  I plan to make all those making decisions that impact our future recognize my name.