During this trying time, it can be easy to feel overwhelmed with the state of the world, unsure of how best to respond. Not everyone is capable of taking to the streets to protest during the pandemic, but fortunately there are other ways to be an activist for local communities: donations.
The Atlanta Journal Constitution reported on May 1 that pandemic-related budget cuts could amount in a $1.6 billion reduction in education funding. For many public schools, unequal resource allocation already exacerbates school achievement gaps and social inequalities, so these new cuts could prove costly to the students and educators who need funds the most.
Likewise, COVID-19 has hurt so many people beyond the health risk. As is well documented, millions of Americans have become jobless or filed for unemployment benefits, making it difficult for their needs to be met.
Lastly but certainly not of any less importance, protests have risen both nationwide and in the Atlanta area over the deaths of George Floyd, Ahmaud Arbery and Breonna Taylor — not to mention the countless others whose lives have been irreparably altered by police brutality, institutional racism and an unfair criminal justice system.
Between the pandemic and the unending injustice on black lives, it can be hard to know how to participate in change and make voices heard, because not all are able to protest. Thus, the Technique has put together a list of local and national organizations that can accept donations or petitions for anyone looking to get involved from afar.
Schools
The Fulton Education Foundation and the Atlanta Partners for Education both accept donations for their respective districts: Fulton County and Atlanta Public Schools.
Food Services
Serving the homeless and impoverished, the Atlanta Community Food Bank and Food For Lives each provide essential needs for vulnerable members of the local community.
Civic Action
Numerous organizations have been taking action in supporting the protests around the country, as well as in Atlanta. The American Civil Liberties Union and Black Lives Matter each have petitions on their websites in addition to donation funds to support communities and protestors; Colin Kaepernick’s Know Your Rights Camp does the same. Likewise, The Action Network has created a fund specifically for Atlanta protestors. And the New York City-based Paper Magazine recently published an article with a list of ways to support and care for the black transgender community.
Nonprofits
If nothing else, donating to local nonprofit organizations can go a long way. Places like the United Way of Greater Atlanta, the Community Foundation for Greater Atlanta and the Georgia Center for Nonprofits have partnered with local agencies and each other to raise funds and financial support for the services Atlanta needs.