Partners in Health (PIH) provides a preferential option for the poor in health care. By establishing long-term relationships with sister organizations based in settings of poverty, PIH strives to achieve two overarching goals: to bring the benefits of modern medical science to those most in need of them and to serve as an antidote to despair.  When patients are ill and have no access to care, the PIH team of professionals, scholars, and activists “does whatever it takes to make them well.”  The organization operates around the world and is led by the legendary physician, Paul Farmer.  If you’d like to learn more about his work, the book, “Mountains Beyond Mountains” is a terrific read.

Girls on the Run

Girls on the Run is a transformational physical activity based positive youth development program for girls in 3rd-8th grade. The organization teaches life skills through dynamic, interactive lessons and running games. The program culminates with the girls being physically and emotionally prepared to complete a celebratory 5k running event. The goal of the program is to unleash confidence through accomplishment while establishing a lifetime appreciation of health and fitness.  Beyond donating money, Girls on the Run is a great organization to partner with as a volunteer.

Sughar Empowerment Society

Sughar is a non profit social enterprise organization based in Pakistan. Operating in the most tribal and rural areas of Pakistan, Sughar provides socio-economic opportunities and empowerment to women by giving them trainings, resources and opportunities for to use grow as leaders within their communities. I heard the Sughar’s founder, Khalida Brohi, speak a few months ago and was blown away.  At just 16 years old, she launched this organization to change women’s lives, and thereby, change the world.

Doctors Without Borders

Doctors Without Borders helps people worldwide where the need is greatest, delivering emergency medical aid to people affected by conflict, epidemics, disasters or exclusion from health care.  The organization is hugely involved both on the ground and in the media as the Ebola crisis continues to unfold.

Feeding America

Feeding America is a nationwide network of food banks focused on feed America’s hungry.  Hunger isn’t an abstract issue — it’s something that lives in our communities, our schools, and on our playgrounds.  If you’re interested in learning more about the hunger issue, check out this post.

Hope this list inspires you to give a little or learn a little about someone living in a situation vastly different from your own.  And remember, today and every day, there are tons of ways to give — time, help, support advice, hugs, and kisses all go a long way.

For some inspiration about everything you can give, check out this 1-minute video from #GIVINGTUESDAY.