Independent News MediaDemocracy Now
About: Democracy Now! is a national, daily, independent, award-winning news program hosted by journalists Amy Goodman and Juan Gonzalez. Democracy Now!’s War and Peace Report provides our audience with access to people and perspectives rarely heard in the U.S.corporate-sponsored media, including independent and international journalists, ordinary people from around the world who are directly affected by U.S. foreign policy, grassroots leaders and peace activists, artists, academics and independent analysts. * Toward Freedom About: Toward Freedom has been providing a progressive perspective on world events since 1952. Toward Freedom envisions a world ethic that honors the human spirit and the right of individuals to freedom of thought and creativity; advances movements for human rights, peace, justice, enlightenment, and freedom from oppression; and celebrates the contributions of the world’s diverse cultures. Truthout About: Our mission at Truthout is one of education aimed at perpetuating and strengthening our American democracy. We are committed to making available a broad range of political news and editorial analysis. This central theme is the driving force behind everything we do. And even though we acknowledge that not everyone will agree with all of the decisions we make, we have Jefferson’s faith that a citizenry well-informed by an independent and free press will be better able to make wise decisions for themselves in the support of our democratic institutions and principles. Truthout is a full-service news agency dedicated to establishing a powerful, stable voice for independent journalism. The core of our mission is educational, as we believe the biggest impediment to responsible decision-making is a lack of information. Our direction is one of social progress, as we attempt to shed light on issues of vital interest to the community such as health care, the environment, international relations and human rights. Alternet BBC Common Dreams Newswire CounterPunch Everyday Feminism Everyday Feminism strives to end the everyday violence, dominance, and silencing used against people due to their gender, sexual orientation, race, and class and make self-determination and loving communities a new norm. IndyMedia.org In These Times About: In These Times is a newsmagazine committed to political and economic democracy and opposed to the dominance of transnational corporations and the tyranny of marketplace values over human values. In These Times is dedicated to reporting the news with the highest journalistic standards; to informing and analyzing movements for social, environmental and economic justice; and to providing an accessible forum for debate about the policies that shape our future. Mother Jones About: Mother Jones is a nonprofit news organization that specializes in investigative, political, and social justice reporting. We currently have two main “channels”: an award-winning bimonthly national magazine (circulation 240,000), and a website featuring new, original reporting 24-7. Ms. Magazine Nation of Change The Nation About: The Nation will not be the organ of any party, sect, or body. It will, on the contrary, make an earnest effort to bring to the discussion of political and social questions a really critical spirit, and to wage war upon the vices of violence, exaggeration, and misrepresentation by which so much of the political writing of the day is marred – from The Nation‘s founding prospectus, 1865. The New Yorker The Real News About: The Real News Network is a television news and documentary network focused on providing independent and uncompromising journalism. Our staff, in collaboration with courageous journalists around the globe, will investigate, report and debate stories on the critical issues of our times. We are viewer supported and do not accept advertising, government or corporate funding. Salon Tikkun Upside Down World About: Upside Down World is an online magazine covering activism and politics in Latin America. Founded in 2003, it is made up of work from writers, activists, artists and regular citizens from around the globe who are interested in flipping the world upside down…or right side up. Note: Each description above is from its respective organization’s website. |
Civic ActionCivic Action* Note: The following is an evolving list of various organizations seeking to influence various policies in the public sphere. The listings do not necessarily constitute an endorsement on the part of the author.
LOCAL Occupy Together Occupy Together is a hub for all of the events springing up across the world in solidarity with the Occupy Wall St. movement. Space Coast Progressive Alliance A grassroots organization of concerned citizens who strive for domestic and international policies beneficial to the well-being and self-determination of Americans and all peoples of the world, for protection of civil and personal liberties, and for progressive environmental, economic, labor, health care, social welfare, education, foreign, and defense policies. Treasure Coast Progressive Alliance The Treasure Coast Progressive Alliance is a diverse, nonpartisan coalition seeking to promote social justice, legal fairness and environmental awareness in both our community and across the nation. Treasure Coast NOW Local chapter of the National Organization for Women (NOW), the largest organization of feminist activists in the United States. Since its founding in 1966, NOW’s goal has been to take action to bring about equality for all women. NOW works to eliminate discrimination and harassment in the workplace, schools, the justice system, and all other sectors of society; secure abortion, birth control and reproductive rights for all women; end all forms of violence against women; eradicate racism, sexism and homophobia; and promote equality and justice in our society. HUMAN RIGHTS ORGANIZATIONS ACLU Works to safeguard the individual rights and liberties that the Constitution and laws of the United States guarantee everyone in this country including: First Amendment rights, equal protection under the law, due process, and privacy. The ACLU also works to extend rights to segments of our population that have traditionally been denied their rights, including people of color; women; lesbians, gay men, bisexuals and transgender people; prisoners; and people with disabilities. Amnesty International A global movement of more than 3 million supporters, members and activists in more than 150 countries and territories who campaign to end grave abuses of human rights. Our vision is for every person to enjoy all the rights enshrined in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and other international human rights standards. We are independent of any government, political ideology, economic interest or religion and are funded mainly by our membership and public donations. Human Rights Watch One of the world’s leading independent organizations dedicated to defending and protecting human rights. By focusing international attention where human rights are violated, we give voice to the oppressed and hold oppressors accountable for their crimes. Our rigorous, objective investigations and strategic, targeted advocacy build intense pressure for action and raise the cost of human rights abuse. For more than 30 years, Human Rights Watch has worked tenaciously to lay the legal and moral groundwork for deep-rooted change and has fought to bring greater justice and security to people around the world. SOCIAL JUSTICE ORGANIZATIONS Color of Change ColorOfChange.org is comprised of Black folks from every economic class, as well as those of every color who seek to help our voices be heard. Our members are united behind a simple, powerful pledge: we will do all we can to make sure all Americans are represented, served, and protected – regardless of race or class. Consumer Choices Website about book on ethical consumption; has links to organizations monitoring ethical issues concerning businesses. Equality Florida The largest civil rights organization dedicated to securing full equality for Florida’s lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) community. Through lobbying, grassroots organizing, education, and coalition building, we are changing Florida so that no one suffers harassment or discrimination on the basis of their sexual orientation or gender identity Fair Trade Action Fair Trade helps ensure that farmers and artisans throughout the developing world receive a fair price for their products, have direct involvement in the marketplace, and uphold environmental and labor rights standards. The system builds real and lasting relationships between producers in developing countries and businesses and consumers around the world. Green America serves the Fair Trade community as public educators, encouraging people to support Fair Trade while providing them the means to do so. Fair World Project Fair World Project was launched…in 2010 to promote fair trade in commerce…and to protect the term “fair trade” from dilution and misuse for mere PR purposes, as conscious consumers expand the market for fairly traded products. We exist for the following reasons: Conscious consumers armed with informed purchasing power can create positive change and promote economic justice, sustainable development and meaningful exchange between the Global South and North; Family farmers and farm workers in North America and Europe are often confronted with unfair volatile prices, wages and working conditions like their counterparts in the Global South; we need to bring fair trade criteria home with “Domestic Fair Trade” Free Speech for People A national non-partisan campaign working to restore democracy to the people and to return corporations to their place as economic rather than political entities. Global Exchange Work to create a just and sustainable world. Global Exchange takes a holistic approach to creating change. With nearly twenty-five years of working for international human rights, we realize that in order to advance social, environmental and economic justice we must transform the global economy from profit-centered to people-centered, from currency to community. Human Rights Campaign Seeks to improve the lives of LGBT Americans by advocating for equal rights and benefits in the workplace, ensuring families are treated equally under the law and increasing public support among all Americans. Popular Resistance Seeks to aid in bringing movements for peace, justice, economic fairness and environmental protection together into an independent, nonviolent and diverse movement that can end the power of concentrated wealth, shift power to the people and put human needs before corporate greed. Mom’s Rising Aims to promote: Maternity/Paternity Leave, Open Flexible Work, TV We Choose and Other After-School Programs, Healthcare for All Kids, Excellent Childcare, Realistic and Fair Wages, and Sick Days, Paid Planned Parenthood Action Planned Parenthood organizations advocate for health care access, promote effective education and prevention policies, protect a woman’s right to choose, and challenge government interference in the most personal decisions of women and their families. Planned Parenthood advocacy efforts also extend to some of the poorest nations in the world, where PPFA and some PPFA affiliates partner with local organizations to advocate for policies that promote women’s health and improve their quality of life, including the provision of safe abortion. Roots Action An online initiative dedicated to galvanizing millions of Americans who are committed to economic fairness, equal rights, civil liberties, environmental protection — and defunding endless wars. WORKERS’ RIGHTS Coalition of Immokalee Workers (CIW) The CIW is a community-based organization of mainly Latino, Mayan Indian and Haitian immigrants working in low-wage jobs throughout the state of Florida fighting for, among other things: a fair wage for the work we do, more respect on the part of our bosses and the industries where we work, better and cheaper housing, stronger laws and stronger enforcement against those who would violate workers’ rights, the right to organize on our jobs without fear of retaliation, and an end to involuntary servitude in the fields. United Farm Workers Founded in 1962 by Cesar Chavez, the United Farm Workers of America is the nation’s first successful and largest farm workers union currently active in 10 states. ANIMAL RIGHTS PETA (People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals) Focuses its attention on the four areas in which the largest numbers of animals suffer the most intensely for the longest periods of time: on factory farms, in the clothing trade, in laboratories, and in the entertainment industry. We also work on a variety of other issues, including the cruel killing of beavers, birds, and other “pests” as well as cruelty to domesticated animals. PETA works through public education, cruelty investigations, research, animal rescue, legislation, special events, celebrity involvement, and protest campaigns. PEACE ORGANIZATIONS American Friends Service Committee The American Friends Service Committee carries out service, development, social justice, and peace programs throughout the world. Founded by Quakers in 1917 to provide conscientious objectors with an opportunity to aid civilian war victims, AFSC’s work attracts the support and partnership of people of many races, religions, and cultures. AFSC’s work is based on the Quaker belief in the worth of every person and faith in the power of love to overcome violence and injustice. The organization’s mission and achievements won worldwide recognition in 1947 when it accepted the Nobel Peace Prize with the British Friends Service Council on behalf of all Quakers. From website. Christian Peace Witness for Iraq Christian Peace Witness for Iraqis an ecumenical, ad hoc group of Partnerswho are called and committed to raising a Christian voice for peace. Our staff is volunteer (although often staff of Partner peace organizations) and our budget is based on donations. We witness to the power of God’s Spirit in bringing us together and enabling this work. From website. CODEPINK CODEPINK is a women-initiated grassroots peace and social justice movement working to end the wars in Iraqand Afghanistan, stop new wars, and redirect our resources into healthcare, education, green jobs and other life-affirming activities. CODEPINK rejects foreign policies based on domination and aggression, and instead calls for policies based on diplomacy, compassion and a commitment to international law. With an emphasis on joy and humor, CODEPINK women and men seek to activate, amplify and inspire a community of peacemakers through creative campaigns and a commitment to non-violence. From website. Courage to Resist Courage to Resist is a group of concerned community members, veterans, and military families. Our office, and most of our decision-making “organizing collective” members are based in the San Francisco Bay Area, with other members mostly on the West Coast. However, we do not limit our efforts to service members only within our geographic area. Courage to Resist is motivated by a “people power” strategy that we believe can weaken the pillars that maintain war and occupation in Iraq, Afghanistan, and elsewhere. By supporting GI resistance, counter-recruitment, and draft resistance, we hope to diminish the number of troops available for unjust war and occupation.From website. Jewish Voice for Peace Works to achieve a lasting peace that recognizes the rights of both Israelis and Palestinians for security and self-determination through grassroots organizing, education, advocacy, and media. Join us in our efforts to promote a U.S.foreign policy based on peace, democracy, human rights, and respect for international law. Just Foreign Policy Just Foreign Policy is an independent and non-partisan membership organization dedicated to reforming U.S. foreign policy by mobilizing and organizing the broad majority of Americans who want a foreign policy based on diplomacy, law and cooperation Partnership for Civil Justice Fund A charitable and educational organization dedicated to the defense of human and civil rights secured by law, the protection of free speech and dissent, and the elimination of prejudice and discrimination. The Partnership for Civil Justice Fund is based in Washington, D.C.Its attorneys have served as lead counsel or co-counsel or consulted in support of constitutional rights lawsuits across the U.S.From website. Progressive Secretary Aids citizens in speaking out on issues such as economic justice, humane treatment of prisoners, preservation of the environment, peace, civil rights, and a sane and just world. From website. Rethink Afghanistan A project of Brave New Foundation, which champions social justice issues by using a model of media, education, and grassroots volunteer involvement that inspires, empowers, motivates and teaches civic participation and makes a difference. From website. School of the Americas Watch (SOA Watch) On Nov. 16, 1989, six Jesuit priests, their co-worker and her teenage daughter were massacred in El Salvador. A U.S. Congressional Task Force reported that those responsible were trained at the U.S. Army School of the Americas (SOA) at Ft. Benning, Georgia. SOA Watch is an independent organization seeking to close the US Army School of the Americas through vigils and fasts, nonviolent protest, as well as media and legislative work. United for Peace and Justice A coalition of more than 1400 local and national groups throughout the United States who have joined together to protest the immoral and disastrous Iraq War and oppose our government’s policy of permanent warfare and empire-building. We welcome the participation of any and all national, regional and local groups who share our goals and wish to work with others. From website. Veterans for Peace A national organization founded in 1985. It is structured around a national office in Saint Louis, MOand comprised of members across the country organized in chapters or as at-large members. There is an annual convention each year attended by our members, families and supporters from across the nation. The organization includes men and women veterans of all eras and duty stations from the Spanish Civil War (1936-39), World War II, the Korean, Vietnam, Gulf and current Iraqwars as well as other conflicts. Our collective experience tells us wars are easy to start and hard to stop and that those hurt are often the innocent. Thus, other means of problem solving are necessary.From website. Voters for Peace VotersForPeace is educating, organizing and activating voters to end the occupation of Iraqand prevent future wars of aggression. Our mission is to mobilize anti-war voters into a visible and effective political force that cannot be ignored. We provide voters with the information and tools they need to be effective peace advocates; this includes educating their friends and family on the occupation, writing letters to the media, and holding congressional and presidential candidates accountable. From website. WarisaCrime.org A nonpartisan coalition of over 200 veterans groups, peace groups, and political activist groups that has worked since May 2005 to pressure both Congress and the media in order to hold Bush, Cheney, and their aides accountable for crimes and abuses of power. The coalition takes its name from the emergence in May and June of 2005 of several documents that quickly came to be known as the Downing Street Memos. From website. World Can’t Wait Addresses U.S.militarism and human rights. |