In the U.S., the third Monday of January is the National Martin Luther King Jr. Day of Service (or MLK Day for short).
On MLK Day, most schools and businesses are given the day off—but not for a day of rest.
Instead, citizens are expected to use this time to serve others either by volunteering in their communities, or helping out in other ways.
Need inspiration for civil rights focused nonprofits you can donate to or volunteer with for this year’s Day of Service? Here are 5 we think you’ll be interested in.
What they do Amnesty International is the largest grassroots, global human rights organization of its kind with more than 7 million people serving as the voice for those whose fundamental human rights are denied or abused.
The nonprofit has successfully changed laws in many countries that involve free speech, the death penalty, refugees, reproductive rights, and LGBT equality.
How to help Amnesty International’s “Write for Rights” letter-writing campaign is an excellent way to participate in MLK Day of Service. You can change someone’s life with a simple letter, as well as get involved with petition signatures, emails, Tweets, and Facebook posts.
What they do Habitat for Humanity hosts many MLK Day of Service events nationwide where volunteers help build affordable, energy-efficient homes for a family in need.
You can also help construct a home without picking up a hammer—donate your time to Habitat ReStores—these independently-owned reuse stores accept physical donations (like sinks, wood, and tools) and sell home improvement items to the public at a fraction of retail cost.
Habitat for Humanity ReStores raise more than $1 million annually.
How to help Spend your MLK Day of Service helping out a ReStore team by processing donations, cleaning up the store, stocking items, organizing merchandise, or tackling a special project.
Got your own home improvement shopping to do? Use Giving Assistant to raise money for Habitat for Humanity while saving money at The Home Depot, and other big name home improvement brands.
What they do Youth Service America (or YSA) is a nonprofit that partners with thousands of organizations committed to enhancing the quantity and quality of opportunities available to young people, ages 5-25, who are interested in local, national, and global volunteerism.
YSA encourages youths to celebrate MLK Day of Service by empowering individuals, strengthening their communities, and helping to create solutions to social problems.
The organization’s “Be Fearless Be Kind” pledge inspires young people to make a difference through service projects and kind acts, like the following:
Organize a clothing drive or canned food drive
Join a youth-driven program that benefits the community
Help a low-income family connect to low-cost (or free) social services
Start a voter registration drive in your neighborhood and/or school
How to help Kids got Monday off from school? Kick off your 3-day weekend with a family brainstorm, gathering ideas for ways your family can serve the community (or each other) during their “day on,” using Youth Service America’s idea page as a starting point. Take it a step further by getting started early and volunteering to speak to your kids’ classes about the Day of Service, or encourage their teachers to. What matters most is getting kids talking, thinking, planning, and doing.
What they do The Salvation Army is an international charitable organization that creates local programs developed to address a community’s specific need for immediate support, short-term care, or long-term services—from addiction-recovery programs to housing and homeless assistance.
How to help The Salvation Army offers many volunteer opportunities and MLK Day activities, such as:
“Street Store” programs where students act as personal shoppers to the homeless and help them select and try on garments from a collection of free clothes.
Repainting the iconic red Salvation Army barrels and organizing the Angel Tree Toy Shop for the next holiday season.
Offering a safe space for children on their day off from school, which includes crafts centered on Martin Luther King Jr. and an “I am the Dream” essay contest.
Support your local chapter with your shopping by searching for them here.
5. Southern Poverty Law Center
The Southern Poverty Law Center (or SPLC) is a civil rights organization that uses education, litigation, and other forms of activism to advocate on behalf of the most vulnerable in society—such as children, domestic violence victims, the disabled, immigrants, and prisoners.
Just a few things this nonprofit is behind:
The Intelligence Project, which tracks and exposes the activities of hate groups
The Teaching Tolerance program, which produces and provides free anti-bias books, lesson plans, and other materials to schools nationwide
The construction and maintenance of the Civil Rights Memorial and Center in Montgomery, Alabama (located in the “birthplace” of the modern civil rights movement).
Interesting MLK Fact: The Memorial is found right around the corner from the very church Dr. King served as pastor during the Montgomery Bus Boycott.
How to help Talk. For inspiration, start here. Commit to a conversation with your kids about hate: what it means, and how to stand up to it. Learn about the role this nonprofit plays in your community, and consider supporting efforts to provide free legal help to local citizens, either by organizing events at your local library, or even providing some pro bono services yourself if you’re an attorney.
If you haven’t already, start supporting your favorite civil rights nonprofits every time you shop (and earn cash back) online with Giving Assistant. Download our Giving Assistant button to make it all 100% automatic, so you can help these critical causes do just a little more this year—and not just on the third Monday in January.
One woman is diagnosed with breast cancer every two minutes.
One in eight women in the U.S. will have invasive breast cancer in her lifetime.
Each year, about 40,000 American women die from the disease.
With breast cancer stats like these, it’s no wonder we dedicate an entire month to shine a light on the significance of early detection for the most common cancer affecting women worldwide.
But also to promote prevention and raise money to fund research and treatment options for all.
What is Breast Cancer Awareness Month?
Breast Cancer Awareness month is every year, between October 1st and October 31st. This awareness event happens worldwide during the month of October.
This awareness campaign is organized by many breast cancer charities with the intention of increasing awareness and educating people about the importance of early screening, testing, symptoms, and ways to help.
History of Breast Cancer Awareness Month
Breast Cancer Awareness Month was founded in 1985 as the American Cancer Society’s effort to promote mammography as the most effective way to combat breast cancer.
Presently one of the most recognizable health campaigns in existence, this larger-than-life health movement is now observed worldwide between October 1 and October 31 every year.
October sees an uptick in fundraising walks, runs, and other events that help fuel the goals of breast cancer charities and nonprofit organizations devoted to public education, supporting patients and their families, and funding projects seeking a cure.
History of the Pink Ribbon
The Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation was the first to adopt the color pink as a symbolic color for breast cancer.
They gifted pink ribbons and visors to every breast cancer survivor and participant in their 1991 Komen New York City Race for the Cure.
Interestingly, the Foundation isn’t responsible for the national and international recognition we see the color receive today.
It was actually a joint venture between a women’s magazine and an iconic cosmetic brand that brought pink ribbons into the mainstream.
In 1992, special ribbons were made and distributed at Estée Lauder cosmetic counters in NY to commemorate Self magazine’s second annual Breast Cancer Awareness Month issue.
Since color plays a tremendously important role in ribbon symbolism; a lot of thought went into choosing the “150 Pink” that colored the 1.5 million+ ribbons handed out that year.
The Power of Pink
The color pink (especially in ribbon form) plays a significant role during Breast Cancer Awareness Month; it no doubt captures the public’s attention to the disease, unlike any other.
In October, everything pink takes over—from pink-tinted bagels at the coffee shop to pastel pink cleats hitting football fields of schools across America.
The color has an undeniably unifying global effect that not only helps spread awareness but also has a way of effectively encouraging more people to support and donate to the cause.
Because of this, breast cancer survival rates continue to rise.
And to date, breast cancer is considered one of the most treatable forms of the disease.
Why We Wear Pink
Pink is a symbol of health, healing, and empowerment within the breast cancer community.
Pink has a soothing, comforting effect on people and is known to encourage a positive, optimistic outlook on life. Just as calming as it is playful, it also conveys female strength.
Pink also suggests:
Nurturing
Tenderness
Compassion
Understanding
It’s seen as the color of “universal love of oneself and of others.”
But most importantly, pink is a beacon of hope.
Ways to Support Breast Cancer Charities
We wear pink in October to show solidarity for the cause, but keep in mind that the breast cancer movement is so much more than merely embracing a single color.
Take Giving Assistant for instance; we are a shopping rewards platform that makes it easy for shoppers to both save money and give back to breast cancer-focused nonprofits with special offers from brands that are released on during October.
When you sign up for Giving Assistant you have the option to donate 1% to 100% of the cash back you earn to over 17,000 nonprofit organizations.
Where to Shop to Support Breast Cancer Awareness Month
Want to start shopping but need some suggestions? With 3,000+ Giving Assistant-partnered stores to shop and donate cash back at, that makes sense!
Since Breast Cancer Awareness month is as much about helping the women we love to feel supported and beautiful while battling cancer as it is about research, one idea might be to shop and save at some of our awesome beauty, fashion, or spa brands.
Avon
Whether it’s with Radiant Blush, Kiss of Hope lipstick, or a pink tutu, you can show any woman just how beautiful she really is—inside and out simply shopping with Avon.
Shop the Cause October 1 through the 31st at Avon! Fifteen percent of sale prices of Pink Hope fundraising products will go to the American Cancer Society’s breast cancer programs and services.
Donate Your Cash Back to Breast Cancer Nonprofits
Below are some of the nonprofits that support Breast Cancer that you can make a donation.
1. Mothers Supporting Daughters with Breast Cancer
Mothers Supporting Daughters with Breast Cancer is a nonprofit that makes every effort to connect women affected by breast cancer to an individualized support system. Including access to help from those familiar with specific types of treatment, such as, bone marrow or stem cell transplants.
Mothers Supporting Daughters with Breast Cancer has already connected more than 10,000 women to a “mother volunteer” who has already experienced the breast cancer fight with their daughter.
2. Breast Treatment Task Force
Breast Treatment Task Force is a New York City-based grassroots organization that assists residents without health insurance to find breast cancer support.
They also educate patients and assist them in finding adequate care through a variety of prevention programs, community referrals, and free mammogram screenings.
3. Keep A Breast
Keep A Breast concentrates on helping young people from around the world reach a healthy level of confidence, physical self-awareness, and knowledge related to proactive prevention against breast cancer.
This breast cancer awareness non-profit is behind the global initiative that brings us the “I love boobies!” campaign, breast cast art exhibitions, and the “Check Yourself!” app.
4. Carol M Baldwin Breast Cancer Research Fund Inc.
Did you know – 40% of diagnosed breast cancers are self-detected!
Spread the word about the importance of self-exams and mammograms.
Motivate family and friends to get checked out; create quirky appointment reminders and then offer to drive them to the doctor’s office and provide moral support.
Summary
Hopefully you have a better understanding of Breast Cancer Awareness month and how you can help to support the campaign.
You can also help donate to breast cancer nonprofits all year round by using Giving Assistant with your everyday online shopping.
Download our Giving Assistant button to keep track of the latest online deals and promo codes that’ll help you automatically save money when shopping online and allow you to donate more to your favorite breast cancer non-profits throughout the year.
Free People, a specialty women’s clothing brand, is all about apparel, shoes, beauty, wellness, accessories, and other fabulous goods that embody the bohemian spirit.
Shop the brand’s performance-ready activewear line, Free People Movement, and save on FP Movement items that do more than just look good and feel good.
Free People Movement offers activewear designed for the gym and beyond the gym with staples like leggings, bras, tops, hoodies and more. This line was designed with the power of community and supporting and lifting each other up by always #movingtogether.
And now, your purchases also do good.
Free People did donate 100% of proceeds of this sale to Girls Inc.
You can even help Free People continue to support Girls Inc. with your purchases through Giving Assistant: Find out how!
Dance, Run, Walk, Meditate, and Work It in Style!
Free People is on a mission to encourage women to “live free through fashion” as seen in the following spirited, laidback, and playfully feminine pieces:
1. Leggings for Days
Stretch without worry. Jog with confidence. Crush your goals in style.
Free People leggings provide supreme comfort and protection for all of your active pursuits.
The Good Karma Legging offers cooling cutouts and a waistband that “holds it all in.”
The high-rise Econyl Legging is comprised of a 100% recycled fiber made from waste collected from oceans and landfills.
The super-soft You’re A Peach Legging is made with never-see-through material.
Pair your leggings with a Free People Performance Cami—fresh, cropped workout tanks available in a rainbow of colors and styles—from crocheted-inspired laser cuts to strappy backs.
This puffer folds into itself and doubles as an on-the-go pillow for active travelers.
Other reasons to fall in love:
PrimaLoft insulation delivers lightweight warmth that doesn’t weigh you down.
A funnel collar helps you brave the cold and keeps freezing temps at bay.
It’s made with a water-resistant material that never wrinkles.
Make a bold statement: The Pippa Packable Puffer comes in colors that let you stand out in a crowd; think Atomic Orange, Arctic White, and Highlighter Yellow.
3. Take Notice of the November Collection
Free People tantalizes your fashion senses with textured fabrics, tapestry-inspired prints, and on-point accessories that effortlessly brings together the best of outfits.
The soft faux fur of the Zuri Parka gives off Old World vibes with a modern twist.
The vintage-inspired, trucker-style denim 80s Sherpa Jacketelevates the look of jeans and dresses with the added bonus of an ultra-soft, warm interior.
The pleated, semi-sheer Tutu Much Half Slip adds a uniquely flirty element to outfits.
Get fearless with fashion accessories: Set your sights on the brightly-colored Aviatrix Pom Trapper, weatherproof Fall Line 3 Finger Gloves, or chunky Moon Walk Platform Boots.
The Dance Floor Topis just one example of a blouse with sequins and other sparkly energy that rivals any disco ball.
The Crystal Visions Mini Dress combines eye-catching bead and sequin embroidery, as seen in its floral accent details and bottom hemline.
TheJust Dance Babydoll Slip is a metallic mini that features a sweetheart neckline, keyhole back cutout, and flowy A-line skirt.
Other eveningwear and weekend unwind-wear trends to keep an eye out for include bodycon dresses, kimono-style tops, handmade Boho dusters, and velvet mini dresses and capes.
Free People is donating 100% of the proceeds from this sale to Girls Inc.
Become a part of the Free People Movement and shop ’til you drop.
Because when you do, your purchasing power supports Girls Inc., a nonprofit organization that’s been inspiring girls nationwide to be their strongest, smartest, boldest self ever since 1864.
It’s a win-win!
For the most up-to-date promo codes and 2% cash back from your purchase, be sure to visit Free People on Giving Assistant to save the most!
International Women’s Day is an amazing awareness campaign day to be reminded of the struggles have endured in the past and still in the present.
Women have achieved so much in so many fields, but might not have had the recognition they deserve.
This needs to stop and all women need to be supported to be able to feel even more empowered.
When is International Women’s Day
International Women’s Day occurs each year on March 8th. This is the day dedicated to celebrating the achievements of women and encouraging female empowerment across the globe.
History
The roots of International Women’s Day dates back to the early 1900s, and the fight for equal rights and gender equality is far from over.
Theme
International Women’s Day takes on a different theme every year.
Advancing women’s rights means that mothers, sisters, daughters, wives, and best friends enjoy increased access to the same opportunities as their counterparts and for future generations.
For 2018, it was time to #PressforProgress. This wass a call for family, friends, school peers, colleagues and communities to make a stronger effort to unite and embrace a more gender-inclusive attitude towards the way we think, act, and exist.
Ways to Support
Brands That Support Women
One way to participate in International Women’s Day is to support brands that support female empowerment all year round.
Amplifying the voices of the superwomen responsible for organizing the national Women’s March is just one of the ways Rebecca Minkoff uses her fashion clout to advocate for female empowerment.
With a heavily-involved social media presence, the millennial designer has built an online space bursting with positive energy for women to thrive. She encourages followers (referred to as ‘RM Superwomen’) to be bold and courageous, as well as stay fearless as they accomplish challenging goals.
In addition to providing daily encouragement and sharing the inspirational tales of women leaders and female entrepreneurs, Rebecca Minkoff also contributes to the fight for women’s rights, equality, and diversity through clothing designs and accessories that incorporate the words ‘feminism’ and ‘GRL*PWR.’
In addition to supplying skincare and beauty solutions that create a more radiant appearance, FOREO also encourages us to share snapshots of inspirational women in celebration of International Women’s Day.
Those who upload photos to Instagram of their favorite ladies (and use the hashtag #FOREOForHer) will have a chance to win one of five FOREO gift sets. That’s a lot of pampering for you and the special lady in your life!
You also still have a chance to snag FOREO’s anti-aging Luna 2 facial cleansing brush and Iris illuminating eye massager for less during their 20% Off Facial Cleansing Products sale (until 3/11).
You may know Ann Taylor for their classy suits, sharp-looking dresses, shoes, and accessories, but were you aware that their dedication to female fashions also includes supporting causes that strive to enhance the health and livelihood of women?
‘Ann Cares’ is fully engaged in the breast cancer battle, spreading awareness and supporting the Breast Cancer Research Foundation®.
Since 2005, over $38 million has been raised, where their annual contribution is currently funding nearly 20 grants that support groundbreaking research across the world.
The giving continues with HERlead Fellowships, which are given to the next wave of female leaders and fund social impact projects that help young women find their voice within the business world. They also provide mentorship opportunities, leadership training, and skill-building with the assistance of influential role models.
Through the HERproject (with ‘HER’ standing for Health Enables Returns), Ann Taylor touches the lives of women within their international supply chain with programs that oversee in-factory women’s health education and/or financial literacy training in locales such as the Philippines and Indian Himalayas.
In a world where women of color crave a broader representation in the beauty industry, Sephora answers their calls by maintaining a unique beauty presence on the market.
One way that the cosmetics powerhouse celebrates diversity is through marketing campaigns, such as the recent casting of their own employees to model for a more inclusive holiday print ad.
Rihanna’s Fenty line that they carry boasts an overwhelming 40 shades of foundation that accommodates skin colors and undertones of women representing all ethnicities and countries.
Sephora also has programs in place that give back to the community. Sephora’s Classes for Confidence has already empowered tens of thousands of women with specialized beauty training, while the Sephora Accelerate program aims to increase the number of female entrepreneurs in the beauty industry.
And lastly, whenever you purchase the FEARLESS shade of Sephora Stands lipsticks, the company donates $10 towards the above programs.
Just as empowering as a pair of black and gold ballet flats or a sleek designer dress, Tory Burch is a motivating force for women looking to take a risk and make their grand entrance in the business industry.
As a strong advocate for female entrepreneurship, the Tory Burch Foundation benefits an ever-growing network of diverse women through three distinct programs:
The Fellows Program helps female entrepreneurs overcome common obstacles of business ownership during a one-year fellowship and $10,000 grant that advances their business education.
A partnership between Bank of America and the Tory Burch Foundation led to the Capital Program, which connects women entrepreneurs in the U.S. to affordable loan options through Community Lenders.
The Education Program equips eligible, small business-owning New Yorkers with the tools, resources, and support needed to catapult their enterprises to the next level (with the help of Babson College and Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses).
Nonprofits That Support Women
Celebrating International Women’s Day doesn’t have to be a one-time occurrence.
Every time you shop with any partnered brand through Giving Assistant, you can show your support all year long by contributing to nonprofits that empower females.
Simply select the nonprofit of your choice to donate all or a percentage of the cash back you earn with Giving Assistant.
All of the nonprofit organizations listed below benefit women and have proven to be effective in more ways than one.
Tostan
Tostan is a Senegal-based organization that works directly with rural locals through their Community Empowerment Program. Their human rights-based education agenda has elevated the lives of tens of thousands of women.
For example, Tostan has improved health conditions for females by lowering the overall acceptance level of genital cutting. The organization also fights to lower the incidence of child marriage.
And, with Tostan’s help, 20,000 women and counting have been chosen to assume leadership positions within their communities.
Keep A Breast
Support the Keep a Breast Foundation, and you’ll donate to a cause that’s on a global mission to empower females with the knowledge of breast health education at an early age. They also provide the kind of support that youths need in order to become their own health advocates.
From healing art projects to prevention programs (such as the Non-Toxic Revolution), Keep a Breast has been spreading awareness and changing lives since 2000.
Freely in Hope
Your contribution to Freely in Hope helps fund a holistic and educational approach towards healing survivors of sexual violence. This faith-based nonprofit organization empowers women and girls from rural villages and urban slums in Africa with the tools to heal and harness a healthy future.
Donations go towards funding academic scholarships, health care, counseling, and safe shelter for survivors, who also benefit from the art therapy, violence prevention workshops, and training for HIV prevention that the nonprofit provides.
She Should Run
Despite the name, this isn’t a charity for marathon runners. She Should Run is a non-partisan organization dedicated to empowering women with the knowledge, inspiration, and community support needed to pursue a public leadership role in politics.
Since the 2016 election, this nonprofit has played a role in inspiring over 18,000 women to run for office, and has a goal of encouraging and assisting at least 250,000 women to make their mark in an election by 2030.
Girls Who Code
Girls Who Code is a national movement responsible for setting up after school clubs and free summer programs with the goal of closing the gender gap in technology.
The tech world is captivating, but many girls miss out on all the excitement because they lack the exposure, encouragement, and support needed to turn a spark of interest into a flame.
Lotus Outreach
Lotus Outreach is a nonprofit devoted to helping at-risk and exploited women in India and Cambodia lead a healthier, safer, and more prosperous life through education and economic empowerment.
Your donation will help support improving the lives of residents by establishing grassroots projects in vulnerable communities. The organization successfully increases the number of females gaining an education, as well as provides safe transportation for schoolgirls.
Summary
We hope you feel as excited to celebrate International Women’s Day as we do.
Feel good in knowing you can do everyday online shopping that also supports nonprofits that support mothers and women all around the world in different ways.
To keep up with the best deals and opportunities for saving money on purchases from companies and brands that empower women, don’t forget to download our Giving Assistant Button to receive the latest updates and alerts.
