Advocacy Resources

Ability Issues

The Arc - Works to include all children and adults with cognitive, intellectual, and developmental disabilities in every community.

National Organization on Disability - Seeks to "expand the participation and contribution of America’s 54 million men, women and children with disabilities in all aspects of life".

Aging and Older Adults

Gray Panthers - Advocacy group organizing for the rights of older adults.

AARP - Dedicated to enhancing the experience of aging through advocacy, information, and services.

Children's Advocacy

Children's Defense Fund - Advocating for American children, particularly poor and minority children and those with disabilities. 

Child Welfare League of America - The nation's oldest and largest organization focusing entirely on the well-being of America's vulnerable children.

Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender Rights

Human Rights Campaign - The largest national lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender political organization.

National Gay and Lesbian Task Force - The first national lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender civil rights and advocacy organization.

National Black Justice Coalition - The nation's only Black gay civil rights organization.

Mental Health

National Alliance for the Mentally Ill (NAMI) - "Dedicated to the eradication of mental illnesses and to the improvement of the quality of life of all whose lives are affected by these diseases."

National Mental Health Association - The oldest and largest nonprofit organization in the U.S. focusing on mental health and mental illness.

Racial, Social, and Economic Justice 

Southern Poverty Law Center - Founded in 1971 as a small civil rights law firm, the Center is now known for its tolerance education programs, legal victories against white supremacists, and tracking of hate groups.

Urban League - The nation’s oldest and largest community-based movement empowering African Americans to enter the economic and social mainstream.