4 Nonprofit Organizations Tackling Current Social Justice Issues

Nonprofit organizations often rise out of necessity when social justice issues go ignored by big businesses and government. They range from protecting animal rights, to working to establish the importance of renewable energy, to everything in between.

Nonprofits also work to help those in society who really need it. Today’s social issues are very different or, at least, greatly exaggerated from those we’ve had less than a decade ago and need addressing now more than ever.

In today’s political climate, a lot of people have begun to stand against blatant injustice and start organizations meant to power important issues more than any one person could. For those looking for ways to take a stand, local nonprofit organizations are the best ways to get a lone voice heard.

Here is a look at four nonprofit organizations that are standing up to various social issues.

1. American Immigration Council

The American Immigration Council fights against the government for unjust immigration laws, holding them accountable for their actions, while educating the public about immigrants and the laws surrounding them. All they ask is for everyone to have a chance to present their case, no matter their status as an individual.

A fair trial is legally allowed for everyone, yet immigrants have to fight for justice and fairness.

The council also educates the public on contributions immigrants make to America, challenging the misinformation that is churned out daily and dominates political debates. If anything, they reflect American values right back at the court system and government to ensure everyone gets a chance. Right now, under the current political climate, this is a feat of excellence.

2. National Immigration Law Center

Much like the American Immigration Council, the National Immigration Law Center, or NILC, defends the rights of low-income immigrants and assures fairness in the court system.

The NILC has helped prevent millions of workers from losing their jobs, while advancing immigrant’s rights. Through impact litigation and working with local civil rights organizations, it has stopped unconstitutional attempts to regulate immigration law leading to racial profiling.

NILC puts a lot of value into the workforce, particularly low-income immigrants and their families. So long as an individual gets a work permit, the NILC will defend their right to keep their job—no matter their status. The organization advocates for worker’s rights, access to health care and immigration enforcement reforms.

3. Greenpeace

Founded in 1971, Greenpeace has become an international organization spanning over 50 countries.

They vow to fight for environmental justice, regularly staging peaceful protests to bring awareness to important causes regarding the environment. Greenpeace also has a devotion to a completely renewable energy future, pushing for investment in solar and wind energy, while fighting against fossil fuels.

With climate change denial going all the way to the White House, Greenpeace has become much more politically active during the current administration.

Focusing particularly on the U.S. as of late, they’ve staged non-violent acts of protest against the government. Worldwide, Greenpeace protects forests, oceans and the Arctic, and promotes sustainable agriculture.

4. Earthjustice

Earthjustice has a team of over 100 environmental lawyers all over the country fighting for a healthier future.

Earthjustice represents clients for free in the fight against climate change and the denial surrounding the notion in
current politics.

The achievements made by Earthjustice’s legal team creates a ripple effect on other organizations.

They’re actively working on more than 600 cases across the U.S., enforcing the nation’s laws that are already in place and trying to help keep them from being torn down for profit.

The end goal for Earthjustice, and many similar organizations, is the total switch to clean, renewable energy and the removal of our reliance on fossil fuels.

Fighting for Social Justice

Current social and political issues span further than the environment, immigration and upholding the law.

There’s also inequality against race and gender, sexual violence and misconduct, discrimination within government organizations and so on. Nonprofits that fight for these causes are found all over the world.

Even better, they’re actually making a difference in society by simply holding people accountable any way they can. Drawing attention to these issues can begin with just an action.

Greenpeace, for example, began as a group of people who leased a fishing vessel and sailed to a nuclear testing site off the coast of Alaska, getting in harm’s way to prevent further testing.

Actions like these can grab media attention to the issue at large and create a strong voice against injustice in the world. Simply taking a stand and getting involved in some way can make a large difference in the good fight.