March 8th, International Women’s Day, is celebrated worldwide in recognition and support of women and their many contributions to society. Here at Lifeway, we know first-hand that institutions and companies thrive when women have opportunities to contribute their insights, perspectives, and compassion. We all reap the benefits when women participate and shine. Here’s a list of some organizations you can support that empower women and give them opportunities to accomplish amazing things.
National Organization of Women (NOW)
“The grassroots arm of the women’s movement, the National Organization for Women is dedicated to its multi-issue and multi-strategy approach to women’s rights, and is the largest organization of feminist grassroots activists in the United States.” Volunteer or donate to support NOW. You can also follow them on Twitter and Facebook to stay in the loop.
National Women’s Law Center
The National Women’s Law Center “has worked for more than 40 years to protect and promote equality and opportunity for women and families. [They] champion policies and laws that help women and girls achieve their potential at every stage of their lives — at school, at work, at home, and in retirement. [The Center’s] staff are committed advocates who take on the toughest challenges, especially for the most vulnerable women.” You can support the National Women’s Law Center by getting involved or donating. Follow them on Twitter and Facebook to stay up-to-date on their current issues.
Amy Poehler’s Smart Girls
“Change the World By Being Yourself” is the motto of Amy Poehler’s Smart Girls. “Founded by artist Amy Poehler and producer Meredith Walker, Amy Poehler’s Smart Girls organization is dedicated to helping young people cultivate their authentic selves. We emphasize intelligence and imagination over ‘fitting in.’ We celebrate curiosity over gossip. We are a place where people can truly be their weird and wonderful selves. We are funny first, and informative second, hosting the party you want to attend.” Support Amy Poehler’s Smart Girls by taking action. They also have a great section of Videos and Interviews featuring women and their myriad accomplishments. Follow them on Facebook.
Every Mother Counts (EMC)
Every Mother Counts “is a non-profit organization dedicated to making pregnancy and childbirth safe for every mother. [They] inform, engage, and mobilize new audiences to take actions and raise funds that support maternal health programs around the world. Together, we can make pregnancy and childbirth safe for every mother, everywhere.” Get involved, donate, and follow EMC on Facebook and Twitter.
Girl Up
Girl Up unites girls to change the world. They believe that “every girl no matter where she’s born, deserves to dream. You can make her dreams a reality.” “As the United Nations Foundation’s adolescent girl campaign, Girl Up engages girls to take action. Led by a community of nearly half a million passionate advocates raising awareness and funds, [their] efforts help the hardest to reach girls living in places where it is hardest to be a girl.” Get involved by Fundraising, Advocating for Change, or Becoming a Leader by starting a club in your community. Follow Girl Up on Twitter and Facebook.
The American Association of University Women (AAUW)
Founded in 1881, AAUW is a “national grassroots organization to improve the lives of millions of women and their families.” They have a multitude of programs designed to empower women:
- Research
- Analyze gender equity issues in education and the workplace.
- Campus Initiatives
- Help shape the lives of the next generation of women leaders.
- Stem Education
- Leveling the playing field for girls and women in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics.
- Public Policy
- Advocate for policies that advance equity for women and girls.
- Case Support
- Support challenges to sex discrimination in higher education and the workplace.
- Educational Funding
- Provide educational and lifelong learning opportunities for women.
- Global Connections
- Respond to the global development needs of women, helping them contribute to the economic and social development of their countries.
- Member Leadership
- Provide leadership development opportunities to AAUW members.
- Salary Negotiation
- Through AAUW Start Smart and AAUW Work Smart, they fight to close the pay gap, one workshop at a time.
You can also follow them on Twitter and Facebook to stay up-to-date on their current issues.
These are only a few organizations that help empower women. What are some of your favorite organizations to support? Tell us on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram!