The election of Donald Trump has had a chilling effect on many of our subscribers, our recommended charities, our Team at The Life You Can Save, and people throughout the United States and the World. Twenty-six percent of eligible voters did vote for Trump and certainly some of our supporters are among them. One thing we can all agree on is that one of the virtues of a democracy is that everyone is entitled to voice their opinion.
However, I recognize that there exists a strong desire among many of our supporters and potential donors to do something to mitigate the damage that a Trump presidency may have on the environment, the social safety net, and civil liberties. At a time when many people wanted to advance in these areas beyond what the Obama administration has done, there is concern that we are about to take a dramatic step backwards. How does this impact effective giving?
I have heard many people say things like, "I want to give to the American Civil Liberties Union or another domestic activist organization." This is completely understandable, but this movement of charitable donations could be very bad for the global poor.
If you are among those frightened by the Trump agenda and his newly appointed cabinet, I urge you to get involved in social movements which resonate with you. However, if you feel the desire to donate to political movements or organizations opposing or threatened by the incoming administration, then please consider increasing your overall giving during the next four years so that you don't diminish your gifts to combat global poverty. We certainly can afford to give more generously if we consume less, which has the added benefit of being good for the environment.
In conclusion, I encourage everyone to give as generously as possible to our 18 Recommended Charities (listed below), to take or renew your annual pledge and to help rally other donors by talking to your circles about effective giving. In addition, consider a donation to The Life You Can Save to support our continuing work raising awareness and money to combat extreme poverty.
Good living and good giving,
The Life You Can Save’s Best Charities for 2017
Listed in reverse alphabetical order
* denotes new 2017 addition
