Ray Holroyd promotes the following charities. Please take a few moments to read about their work and also to find out about why their work is vital to the world.
Charities are in alphabetical order:
Amnesty International promoting respect for all human rights
Animal Aid promoting a cruelty-free lifestyle
DEC launches and coordinates responses to major disasters overseas
Dr Hadwen Trust replacing animals in medical research
International Zen Association facilitating and promoting the practice of zazen
PETA people for the ethical treatment of animals
PETA2 question authority
Survival International supporting tribal peoples and their human rights
UNICEF for all the world's children. health, education, equality, protection
Vegan Society for the benefit of people, animals and the environment
Vegfam feeding the hungry without exploiting animals
WaterAid the path out of poverty begins with clean water and sanitation
Please also take a few moments to look at the following websites:
Brad Warner articles by a punk-rock zen monk
Hardcore Zen blog by brad warner
Indymedia grassroots, non-corporate, non-commercial coverage of important social and political issues
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THREE EASY WAYS TO MAKE A DIFFERENCE
by Peter Singer
Want to do something to make the world a better place? Here are three easy ways to do it:
1. DO SOMETHING FOR THE WORLD'S POOREST PEOPLE
Donate some of your spare income to help those in great need. I support Oxfam, an organization that works directly with local grass roots organizations in developing countries, and supervises the way its money is used to prevent corruption and waste.
2. DO SOMETHING FOR ANIMALS
No single human practice causes as much suffering to nonhuman animals as factory farming. Right now, billions of animals are locked in small cages so that they can't even stretch their limbs, or turn around, or are crowded into large sheds, tens of thousands of them in each shed, unable ever to go outside or enjoy fresh air and sunshine. Boycott this inhumane system of production. Don't buy factory farmed meat, eggs or dairy products. Better still, go vegetarian or vegan.
3. DO SOMETHING FOR OUR PLANET'S ENVIRONMENT
Reduce your greenhouse gas emissions. Use public transport, walk or ride a bike whenever you can. If you must drive, get a fuel-efficient one, perhaps a hybrid. And remember, factory farming is a wasteful form of production that requires a lot of fossil fuel, so eating fewer - or no - animal products will cut the amount of emissions for which you are responsible.
These three points are all about living in a way that is ethically responsible. Try it - you'll find it gives more meaning to your life and it's a great antidote to boredom. There is always so much to be done. And talk to others about what you are doing. Don't preach or be self-righteous, or fanatical about it, that just puts people off, but at the same time, don't be shy about setting an example, and use opportunities that arise to let others know what you are doing.
