Wanna change the world but don’t know where to start? You might start by checking out these organizations — A preliminary list, to be updated obsessively –

Food and Justice!

Global Exchange. Global Exchange’s a membership-based international human rights organization promoting social, economic and environmental justice around the world — including promoting fair trade.

In the LA area: GEx’s the org behind the nifty fair trade chocolate campaign postcards! Though it’s based in San Francisco, since the groundbreaking Nestle, Cargill, and Archer Daniels-Midland lawsuit’s being heard in Los Angeles, Angelenos can look forward to more choco-action events :)

Memberships run from $25 up, but if you can’t commit just yet, join the email list free — You can even specify the exact topics you’re interested in.

Organic Consumers Association. OCA’s an online and grassroots non-profit public interest organization that’s “Campaigning for health, justice, and sustainability.”

In the LA area: OCA also throws some cool events (about 1 a quarter) with yum organic food and wine — superfun, unless you go there with lawyerboy2. Anyway, visit the OCA site to find out about, and how to bring more organic, fair trade, and non-GM products into your area.

Here are a list of current campaigns, an action center, and an active web forum. There’s also a GreenPeople directory for shoppers, but I find it a lil tough to navigate, and somewhat out of date :( But overall, a great resource.

Fair Trade LA. FTLA promotes fair trade products in the Los Angeles area! FTLA’s new, it’s exciting, and it’s what we Los Angeles fair trade activists decide to make it. The kick-off educational meeting’s on March 5, 1-4 pm at USC’s United University Church. All are welcome to join and / or participate — Check out the website and email fairtradela@gmail.com to get on the list! :)

De-Sprawl Los Angeles!

Los Angeles County Bicycle Coalition. LACBC’s a nonprofit org, with the goal to improve the bicycling environment and quality of life in Los Angeles County.

Memberships start at a mere $10 — which quickly pays for itself, cuz it gives you discounts at bike shops all over town. The organized website includes a calendar of fun bike events!

Art loving cyclers will love the Downtown Art Ride a monthly group bicycle ride that coincides with the Downtown Art Walk.

Cycle Santa Monica! This cycling advocacy group works to empower cyclists, skaters, and pedestrians in Santa Monica and the Westside — especially through improving cycling conditions in Santa Monica.

Santa Monika cyclers also love Santa Monica Critical Mass, a monthly bicycle ride to celebrate cycling and to assert cyclists’ right to the road. Next ride: March 3rd, 2006.

The CSM! website has bus maps, bike route maps, and even a Santa Monica Bicycle Master Plan! You can also join CSM!’s email list here.

Los Angeles Walks. This pedestrian advocacy group highlights walkable Los Angeles :) Don’t think they have a website yet, but I’m trying to get in touch with the organizers.

Pasadena Walks! This advocacy group works for a walkable, livable Pasadena. Membership’s free! The website’s rather bare bones (and, um, sorta ugly) but maybe that’ll change once a webguru gets walkin’ :P

2 Comments