Non-profit organizations are one of the greatest contributions to our world. They consist of selfless people who solely care about the world and want to see it change. I've had previous knowledge of some non-profit organizations, but over the last year I've learned of three new ones in particular that I thought would be important to bring to the attention of others.
1. The Red Tab Foundation
As a recently hired Levi Strauss & Co. employee, I've had the pleasure of being introduced to this unique and incredible organization. The Red Tab Foundation is inspired by Levi's, but is actually mainly supported by donations from individuals and not from Levi's. The Red Tab Foundation emphasizes an idea of community; their mission is to help give peace of mind financially to Levi employees, decedents of Levi employees and shareholders as well. The Red Tab Foundation also assists these people in times of crisis or natural disaster, striving to help them regain their lives and get them back on their feet. I was amazed to learn how involved Levi Strauss & Co. was in the communities in which they are located as well as the greater world. The company does not just simply make jeans. Learning about this non-profit that is a branch of the company made me that much happier to work for them.
2. The White Ribbon Campaign
This non-profit is also incredible in its mission. The White Ribbon Campaign is a movement consisting of men who are working to end violence against women, as well as promote gender equality and healthy relationships. Beginning in 1991, men were asked to wear white ribbons as a pledge to never commit an act of violence toward a woman. This organization provides talks, workshops and presentations that examine the roots of violence of men towards women and encourage the prevention of it. They strive to educate our world about this issue and change this problem for the better. I was so happy to recently discover this non-profit. This issue is still prevalent today, and it gives me faith in humanity to see men standing up for women and their rights.
3. Family Theater Productions
I learned about this unique non-profit with a Hollywood twist in a class I took called American Catholicism. I actually did a report on them, and had the pleasure of visiting the studio and interviewing their Hollywood Outreach Coordinator and one of the producers. Family Theater Productions is a not-for-profit television and film studio located on Sunset Boulevard in Hollywood. They create family-friendly films, TV and web series that incorporate themes from the Catholic Faith. This organization began with Father Patrick Peyton, who said the rosary over the radio so that people could pray along with him. This then grew to his own radio show, in which he had guest stars including Bing Cosby, Shirley Temple and Lucille Ball, read the rosary along with him. Today, they produce films and TV shows that contain themes and ideas many Catholic families may encounter. The sole purpose of this studio is to create art with meaning, and not to be in the Hollywood business for money.
