Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world; indeed, it's the only thing that ever has .
Margaret Mead
Part of the joy I experience in the fiber arts is sharing that joy with the community at large. I teach knitting and spinning to various individuals, and also at our children's Waldorf~ based school.
It is an amazing experience to see small hands take up knitting needles and learn the art and joy of creating something new and original. To see young minds broaden, young hands grow more dexterous, imagination and creativity bloom. It is so exciting to participate in helping a child realize that anything is possible, when they realize that they really can do this thing that previously looked so daunting, and to see this confidence bloom into other facets of that child's life.
We are all part of this world and environmental community and, as members of it, I believe it is the responsibility of each of us to be involved ~ in our own communities, our own country, and the world at large, in whatever manner we are able. Even small acts reverberate with positive affect. No act of kindness, no good thought, is too small or ineffectual.
Here are some great organizations doing incredible work in their communities and the world. If you know of any good links, please send them to me at info(at)spirit-trail(dot)net:
Heifer International ~ started in 1994, this group provides animals and supplies to poor families throughout the world, believing that it is better to provide the a source of food and means of self-support than just short-term relief aid. Each
family receiving a heifer agrees to “pass on the gift” and donate the female offspring to another family, so that the gift of food is never-ending.
Gear that Gives ~ a site with several different "stores" where gifts and other items may be purchased. Purchasing through the different stores sends donations to these charitable activities.
Cultural Survival, Inc. ~ promotes the rights, voices and visions of indigenous peoples throughout the world.
Dine be'iina, Inc. (The Navaho Lifeway) ~
a community-based nonprofit Navajo organization founded in 1991 to provide leadership, economic development, and support for traditional lifeways of Navajo sheep producers and weavers.
Black Mesa Weavers ~ a special project of Cultural Survival, Inc., an organization founded in 1972 , advocating for the rights, voices, and visions of indigenous peoples worldwide, which supports the life and land activities of the Navaho of Black Mesa.
The Native American Rights Fund ~
NARF is a non-profit organization that provides legal representation and technical assistance to Indian tribes, organizations and individuals nationwide. Their mission is: preservation of tribal existence, protection of tribal natural resources, promotion of Native American human rights, accountability of governments to Native Americans and development of Indian law and educating the public about Indian rights, laws, and issues.
National Relief Charities (a charitable organization providing assistance to Native Peoples in various western states)
Pine Ridge Reservation, South Dakota (ways to help the people living in the two poorest Counties in the United States)
Rosebud Reservation, South Dakota
The Wilderness Society ~ Since 1935, TWS has helped protect more than 105 million acres of America's wildest places.
The Ocean Conservancy ~ TOC strives to change the way people think about the oceans, in order to turn the tide of failing ocean health.
Friends of the Earth ~ Friends of the Earth is the U.S. voice of an influential, international network of grassroots groups in 70 countries. Founded in San Francisco in 1969, Friends of the Earth has for decades been at the forefront of high-profile efforts to create a more healthy, just world.
The Center for a New American Dream ~
helps Americans consume responsibly to protect the environment, enhance quality of life, and promote social justice.
Families for Natural Living ~
a 501(c)3 non-profit educational organization, FNL provides resources, education, support and camaraderie to parents who wish to make conscious, compassionate, informed choices for their children and themselves.
The Eco-Local Green Directory ~
a comprehensive, ever-expanding green directory and information resource for local and national
environmentally friendly and socially conscious businesses and organizations
.
Community Supported Agriculture ~
an excellent resource for healthy, nutritious food, with listings of local CSA farms throughout the United States and Canada.
City Worm ~ a great site that shows you don't need alot of space to compost successfully
Farm Aid ~
The mission of Farm Aid is to keep family farmers on their land. Family farmers are the only guarantee for fresh, local food. FA's goal is to bring together family farmers and citizens to restore family farm-centered agriculture. Family farmers ensure safe, healthful food, protect natural resources, and strengthen local economies
Straw Bale Construction/Sustainable Building Links ~ links to straw bale and other environmentally focused methods of home construction.
Association of Waldorf Schools of North America ~ Waldorf Education is a developmentally appropriate, balanced education that integrates the arts and academics for children from preschool through twelfth grade, and encourages the development of each child's sense of truth, beauty, and goodness. It is an educatin of the Head, Hands and Heart. AWSNA provides a list of accredited Waldorf Schools throughout North America and information on Waldorf Education.
Waldorf Answers ~ an informative website which addresses common questions and misconceptions about the Waldorf Method of Education.
The Weston A. Price Foundation ~ a nonprofit, tax-exempt charity founded in 1999. The Foundation is dedicated to restoring nutrient-dense foods to the human diet through education, research and activism. It supports a number of movements that contribute to this objective including accurate nutrition instruction, organic and biodynamic farming, pasture-feeding of livestock, community-supported farms and honest and informative labeling.
The Rudolf Steiner Foundation ~ a non-profit organization which provides a broad range of services, including lending, borrowing, giving, and receiving financial resources in order to support the work of Rudolf Steiner and compatible initiatives. RSF developed a new mission statement in 1997, which allowed RSF to make loans and donations to any project compatible with Rudolf Steiner's goals and ideals.
The Anthroposophical Society in America ~
Anthroposophy is a way of life that embraces a spiritual view of the human being and the cosmos.
In every community, there is work to be done. In every nation, there are wounds to heal. In every heart, there is the power to do it.
Marianne Williamson
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