I am dedicating this post to nonprofits. A small amount of participation from a large number of people can work miracles, whether that support is financial, volunteering your time or other resources. Here are the reasons I support these five nonprofits.
THE RED TAIL SQUADRON: This little-known organization is a spin-off of a larger nonprofit group that seeks to keep the sacrifices of American airmen from World War II alive. Red Tail is named after the famous Tuskegee Airmen, the first all-black fighter squadron in America. Their goal is to keep this extraordinary story of overcoming and success alive and to present and encourage participation in aviation by young people throughout this country.
DUCKS UNLIMITED: This is one of America’s premier conservation organizations. Their mission is the conservation of wetlands and honoring America’s hunting traditions. Unlike many groups who profess conservation, DU does its work without criticizing lifestyle or being critical of other’s beliefs. Their mission is built on a century of American sportsmen taxing themselves and volunteering their time and money to protecting wild places.
NATIONAL RIFLE ASSOCIATION: The NRA has allowed itself to become controversial. It’s primary mission is the preservation of THE SECOND AMMENDMENT of the CONSTITUTION, the right to keep and bear arms. That right is critical to sportsmen, to those who may need to defend themselves, and as a guarantee that the public can defend itself from government overreach. Much of the NRA’s bad press comes from those who fear firearms, an inanimate object, but much of it was self-inflicted by a governing administration that had become very self-serving. But there is new leadership at the NRA now, and I, like many, am pleased.
COMMUNITY FOUNDATIONS: My wife and I are strong believers in the power of community centered foundations to make the country and the world a better place. These foundations help individuals, families, and corporations channel financial support into needed local non-profits, scholarships, and public works; almost all with far less bureaucracy and overhead expense than government, with the ability to act and react faster to needs.
THE AMERICAN RED CROSS: This is my favorite non-profit, perhaps because it is so well vetted with decades of successful support, making the country a better place. They have the capacity to help even in the most catastrophic events, but also reach out to individuals in need. I must admit that another reason for my love of the RED CROSS, is that my mother was deeply involved with them and in fact died working for an institution she loved.