Giving Back
I've been a student for many, many years. Though I've been entitled to concessions from the government, and managed to score myself a well paying one-day-per-week job, I've learned to live simply and not spend my money on crap. Early on I had a lot of trouble not going over budget on food even though I was buying the cheapest vegan food available, because I just didn't have enough income. But now I'm able to buy almost all of my food from ethical sources - I heart food cooperatives - and still have quite a considerable surplus at the end of the week to enable me to study, and support a few rescue mice.
My problem is this: now I have money I want to do something positive with it, but I'm having a lot of trouble deciding what I feel would be a good, ethical organisation (or two, or three) to donate to.
I would prefer not to support medical research because of the likely ties to animal testing, and the seeming avoidance of suggesting lifestyle changes as a preventative for particular health problems rather than curing them once they are prevalent.
I would prefer not to support religious organisations, unless they do positive work without preaching a religious message.
I would prefer not to give money to an organisation where a large portion of their fees go into administration rather than the actual cause (or paying those people on the street who harass me!) but I do understand the need for minimal administration costs.
I think I would only assist an organisation who is conscious of animal rights, whether this is a primary focus or not. (eg. I would not be comfortable buying a goat for a struggling community.)
I'd probably be happiest supporting local Australian organisations, but this is definitely not a requirement.
Does anyone have a good suggestion or two? I just want to support an organisation (or individuals) who I believe are doing the right thing, and who will make good use of contributions to their cause. Opportunities for donations keep presenting themselves to me, but I rarely give away money because I keep recognising conflicts of values. I need to get off of my ass, make an effort and do some research or my money is just going to stay in my savings account forever and the world will be no better for it.
Also, while I'm here, does anyone have experience with Australian Ethical Investment?
Cross posted to a few places - sorry for the spam.
My problem is this: now I have money I want to do something positive with it, but I'm having a lot of trouble deciding what I feel would be a good, ethical organisation (or two, or three) to donate to.
I would prefer not to support medical research because of the likely ties to animal testing, and the seeming avoidance of suggesting lifestyle changes as a preventative for particular health problems rather than curing them once they are prevalent.
I would prefer not to support religious organisations, unless they do positive work without preaching a religious message.
I would prefer not to give money to an organisation where a large portion of their fees go into administration rather than the actual cause (or paying those people on the street who harass me!) but I do understand the need for minimal administration costs.
I think I would only assist an organisation who is conscious of animal rights, whether this is a primary focus or not. (eg. I would not be comfortable buying a goat for a struggling community.)
I'd probably be happiest supporting local Australian organisations, but this is definitely not a requirement.
Does anyone have a good suggestion or two? I just want to support an organisation (or individuals) who I believe are doing the right thing, and who will make good use of contributions to their cause. Opportunities for donations keep presenting themselves to me, but I rarely give away money because I keep recognising conflicts of values. I need to get off of my ass, make an effort and do some research or my money is just going to stay in my savings account forever and the world will be no better for it.
Also, while I'm here, does anyone have experience with Australian Ethical Investment?
Cross posted to a few places - sorry for the spam.