There are many organizations at work to make positive changes for various social and economic causes. This week we heard from four organizations with vastly different missions, but all seeking the same common goal for people in our community. Joining us were Veteran Rites, AIDS Research Foundation (amfAR), Yoga Behind Bars and FairVote Washington Foundation. Watch the recording to learn more. From the Employee Giving Program website, you can find more organizations and make donations and pledges, set payroll deduction, or volunteer time. Remember – the PeopleSoft payroll and time donation options close on 11/18/22.

Veteran Rites       EGP# 10078

Veteran Rites initiates Veterans into true identity, purpose, and belonging after military service. In neighborhoods, they convene Circles of Return that get to the heart of what Veterans carry so they don’t have to shoulder it alone. At the Rite of Return, they answer the soul’s call for deep healing in the wilderness, separated from society, in order to cross the line to who they are truly called to be once they’ve hung up their uniform. Veteran Rites’ warrior-led ceremony has proven to drastically reduce the symptoms of PTS, compassion fatigue, moral injury, and suicidal thoughts by embracing all aspects of our human nature, identity, and experience.

AIDS Research Foundation (amfAR)     EGP# 4078

amfAR, The Foundation for AIDS Research, is one of the world’s leading nonprofit organizations dedicated to the support of AIDS research, HIV prevention, treatment education, and advocacy. Since 1985, amfAR has invested nearly $617 million in its programs and has awarded more than 3,500 grants to research teams worldwide.  amfAR’s top research priority is the pursuit of a cure for HIV/AIDS. From 2015 to 2020, they invested close to $53 million in 109 cure-focused research projects in 15 countries. Informed by thorough research and analysis, amfAR is a highly respected advocate of rational and compassionate HIV/AIDS-related public policy. The Foundation is engaged in efforts to secure necessary increases in funding for HIV/AIDS research and global HIV/AIDS programs, expand access to treatment and care for marginalized populations, advocate harm reduction policies aimed at reducing the spread of HIV and hepatitis C (HCV) among people who inject drugs, and protect the civil rights of all people affected by or vulnerable to HIV/AIDS.

Yoga Behind Bars     EGP# 10945

Yoga Behind Bars envisions a world where all communities are healthy and thriving, and where all people feel safe, connected, and valued. Through their programs, they open doors to self-understanding and transformation. They advocate for restorative justice solutions, holistic re-entry services, and the removal of other barriers that often prevent formerly incarcerated people from rebuilding their lives upon release. They work with the WA State corrections leadership to create opportunities within the system, including yoga classes for prison staff and yoga teacher trainings for incarcerated people.

FairVote Washington Foundation    EGP# 10012

FairVote Washington is a non-partisan, non-profit, volunteer-driven champion of electoral reforms like ranked-choice voting that give voters greater choice, a stronger voice, and a more civil, representative democracy that works for all Americans. FairVote Washington Foundation raises awareness and grows support for ranked-choice voting in Washington through public education and outreach. They work with hundreds of volunteers and thousands of supporters across the state who are advocating for RCV in their communities.