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The First Amendment Foundation believes that government openness and transparency is critical to citizen trust and involvement in our democratic society – without Government in the Sunshine, civic engagement cannot bloom. Through ongoing monitoring of the state’s public records and open meetings laws, and the education of government officials and the citizens they serve about those laws, the Foundation promotes the public’s constitutional right to oversee and to participate in the governance process.

Every child needs someone in their corner. For children and youth facing the complex foster care system, a trusted mentor can make all the difference in the world. Since 1987, Alameda County Court Appointed Special Advocates (ACCASA) has recruited, trained, and supported dedicated volunteers to be the constant in a foster child’s life—a person they can count on for compassion, guidance, advocacy, and information. The unique relationship expands the child’s world through enriching experiences and forges bonds that often last into successful adulthood

Jewish Family Service of Los Angeles is an extended family of compassionate social services that enriches the community and improves the lives of countless men, women and children of all religions, ethnicities and ages. For more than 150 years, JFS has counseled families, fed the hungry, sheltered the homeless and protected the vulnerable. As Los Angeles’ oldest and most dynamic charitable organization, JFS is a trusted source of care and support, meeting the diverse and changing needs of a diverse and changing city. As the leading Jewish social services agency in Los Angeles, Jewish Family Service LA is a trusted and critical source of support for the Jewish community. But our work does not stop there. Jewish values require – and the actions of JFSLA demonstrate – our commitment to serving everyone in the Los Angeles community, of all backgrounds and identities. The Jewish tradition teaches us to honor the dignity of every individual, to extend our practice of service and loving kindness for all, and to do our part to help heal the world. Every day, Jewish Family Service LA operates according to these values. It is clear in every service and program we offer for the people of Los Angeles. Rooted in history and tradition, we strive to build an inclusive, compassionate, and just society for all.

Together we advocate, educate, and provide exceptional health care supporting sexual health, wellness, and reproductive freedom — without judgment, without fear, without fail. Planned Parenthood has been a trusted provider of reproductive health care and comprehensive sexual health education for over 100 years. We believe that reproductive rights are basic human rights and that everyone should have access to quality health care. Our clinical care, advocacy, and education programs work hand-in-hand to create stronger, healthier, and more equitable communities.

The mission of the Young Center for Immigrant Children's Rights is to promote the best interests of unaccompanied immigrant children with due regard to the child's expressed wishes, according to the Convention on the Rights of the Child and state and federal law. The Young Center is a champion for the best interests of children who arrive in the United States on their own, from all corners of the world. We serve as trusted allies for these children by accompanying them through court proceedings, advocating for their best interests, and standing for the creation of a dedicated juvenile immigrant justice system that ensures the safety and well-being of every child.

Our mission is to provide support and advocacy to survivors of sexual assault and abuse within Central New Mexico and to serve as a community resource on issues regarding prevention and awareness of sexual violence. We recognize that sexual violence is a tool of oppression. We understand that sexual violence won't end until all forms or oppression end. We take action against sexual violence by challenging all forms of oppression and promoting social justice. We create a work culture that is supporting, caring, honest, safe, accessible, and which promotes trust and open communication. We promise self-renewal and healing for anyone affected by sexual assault.

Kartemquin Films is a home for independent filmmakers developing documentary as a vehicle to deepen our understanding of society through everyday human drama. Focusing on people whose lives are most directly affected by social and political change and who are often overlooked or misrepresented by the media, Kartemquin's films open up a dialogue, both in communities and between the general public and policymakers. Kartemquin documentaries are supported by civic engagement strategies that are developed with local and national partners to foster understanding, change thinking, and build support for social change. As a locally and nationally-recognized media arts organization, Kartemquin acts as a trusted bridge between communities and the media, fosters the growth of emerging filmmaking voices passionate about social issues and media policy, and encourages staff and stakeholders to play a role in advocating for a strong public media.

Heart and Hand for the Handicapped (HHH) is a not for profit 501(3) organization founded in 1971 run by volunteers. We raise funds to support organizations in India and the United States that empower differently able children with physical or mental challenges. "Funds have been donated to over 200 organizations in India and over 25 in the United States. Our expense ratio per IRS filing is less than 15% of the revenue. Organizations that receive our grants must meet or exceed our rigorous standard for qualification. It includes but not limited to frequent updates as to the use of grants. We raise funds through annual dinners, walk-a-thons, direct mail solicitations, United Way, matching gift programs. We also accept donations of stocks and bonds. Our Promise We will continue to conduct ourselves with the highest ethical and moral standards and prove worthy of your trust.

For more than 100 years, Planned Parenthood has promoted a common-sense approach to sexual and reproductive health and well-being based on respect for each individual's right to make informed, independent decisions about sex, health, and family planning. As a trusted health care provider and a passionate advocate, Planned Parenthood delivers vital health care, sex education and sexual health information to people of all ages, gender identities, national origins, races, and sexual orientations. Our mission is to promote healthy communities and the right of all individuals to manage their sexual health by providing health care and education and serving as a strong advocate for reproductive justice. Planned Parenthood of Michigan has health centers across the state. From Detroit to Grand Rapids and from Kalamazoo to Marquette, you can count on us for quality, compassionate care.

Non-profit social entrepreneurial venture harnessing the power of technology for social benefit. Benetech has adopted a core set of principles to guide our vision and decision making. We refer to these concepts daily in evaluating our work and our plans for the future. 1. Social Change Through Technology—Benetech is about creating positive social change at scale, and we use technology as the vehicle to drive it. Technology is a great way to get to scale and to reinvent the way people are doing business throughout the social sector. We’re not about profit; we’re about impact. 2. We Get Stuff Done—Benetechies are intensely results focused. We aim high, and then try to exceed our commitments. This means that we fully commit to the fields where we operate, learning as much as we can and following through on our promises. And we measure what we do so that we know we’re getting stuff done. 3. Right Stuff Right—Just three words that convey so much. We ensure that our work is up to world-class standards, focus on doing the right thing where we can make the maximum impact, and conduct business in an ethical way. When we’re trying to make a decision about something, the way forward is just so much clearer when someone asks, “Yes, but are we doing the right thing right?” 4. Open Over Proprietary—We’re an open-source organization. Not only our software but also the content we create is almost always available under Creative Commons licenses. And we value transparency. What’s really important is the mission, and we trust that being clear and open will lead to the best possible outcomes. There is information that we do consider highly proprietary: the information shared with us by our users and partners. We’re pragmatic enough to adopt a proprietary approach when we think it’s the best way to accomplish our mission goals, but we always lean toward being open. 5. Partnership Over Going Alone—Benetech’s strength is in developing technology responsive to real-world needs, but we can’t do it alone. In so many areas, we have chosen the partners who have deep knowledge and deep trust networks. Benetech provides what they are missing—the technology development expertise and the connections with top tech communities and companies. Our partnerships result in better ultimate social impact when we’ve built trust with the people with whom we’re working. 6. Value Flexibility—We respect our team and their commitment to do what it takes for social change. As part of that commitment, we prioritize flexibility both for and from our team members. This allows us to do more with less, without sacrificing teamwork and spirit. Our entrepreneurial approach also requires flexibility. When you’re creating something new, it never goes according to plan. We are always alert to better ways to accomplish the social objectives. 7. Personal and Professional Development—We care about the professional development of our staff and foster personal learning, growth and service—whether that’s helping a team member pursue graduate studies, become a better public speaker or deeply understand the challenges our users face. Benetech builds the careers of our team members while we benefit from their service to our mission. Ultimately, we’re helping to lead a movement to have technology fully serve humanity. We speak regularly to students and to professionals, sharing our love for our work and hoping to inspire a fresh crop of social entrepreneurs and innovators.

With the goal of helping under-served communities in India, Nepal, and Tibet receive the vital services they need, Karuna-Shechen was founded in 2000 by Matthieu Ricard (www.matthieuricard.org), renown TED speaker, author, and humanitarian. We strive to reduce inequalities and work toward a fairer and more compassionate world. We trust that communities can be lifted out of poverty, that change is possible, and that the well-being of every individual, regardless of race, gender, class, or caste, is essential. We believe that building on local strengths and knowledge is the most efficient way to respond to the specific needs and aspirations of our beneficiaries. Rooted in the ideal of "compassion in action", we serve others with joy and determination by cultivating altruism in our hearts and actions. We provide vulnerable and disadvantaged populations access to health care, education and vocational training, clean water, solar electricity, and other sustainable solutions that offer options to find a livelihood and a better life. We work with a grassroots network of local partners, and give special attention to the education and empowerment of girls and women. Karuna-Shechen's name expresses its mission while paying homage to its roots: Karuna means "compassion" in Sanskrit, and Shechen is the name of a major monastery in Tibet.

The Arkansas Sheriffs' Youth Ranches' mission is to address, remedy, and prevent child abuse and neglect by creating safe, healthy, and permanent homes for children. Our philosophy has always been that it is better to build a child rather than repair an adult. Founded in 1976 by a group of sheriffs and concerned citizens, the Ranch began as a single cottage (mobile home) that served as shelter to three young boys. The Ranch now consists of three campuses across Arkansas with eight cottages for boys and girls. During its history, the Ranch has been "a place to call home" to more than 1,200 children and touched the lives of many more. Many of the children who come to the Ranch are often the product of a broken home of abuse and neglect, lacking the nurturing relationship of a loving family. The Ranch provides a healthy home environment filled with emotional support to help each child learn to trust those around them and cope with their emotions, all the while learning responsibility and building self-confidence. When children enter the Ranch, they are surrounded with individuals who care about their immediate needs and their future aspirations. It is the Ranch’s commitment to every child – a commitment that extends from the Board of Directors to management personnel, administrative staff, house parents, support staff and volunteers – to help them believe in themselves and lead fulfilling, meaningful lives. Residents may stay at the Ranch through post-secondary education until they are socially and financially prepared for independence and have stable employment. More than 900 children have experienced life at the Ranch, and for those and many in the future, the Ranch will always be a place to call home.