Sacramento Nonprofits and Charities

While I appreciate the mission of Truthout, I watched a writer friend of mine get stuck in their exploitative cogwheel. I have major issues with their business model for working writers under their submission guidelines, in which they expect writers to do the following: <br> <br>1. Submit their work for free. <br>2. Submissions cannot be simultaneously pitched to other publications (did I mention they're demanding writers work *for free*?) <br>3. Meanwhile, they can take up to a month to decide whether to publish, holding the *unpaid content* hostage from consideration from other publications. <br>4. This practice is in direct violation of the National Writers Union which has actively campaigned against unpaid writing, particularly for online publications, arguing that professional writers should not be expected to work for free. <br> <br>This is exploitation without compensation wrapped in flowery words about "revealing systemic social, racial, economic and environmental injustice and providing a platform for progressive and transformative ideas, through in-depth investigative reporting and critical analysis." <br> <br>Listen. I'm all for a free and open press and I like their work. What I object to is *free labor* and the continued diminishment and devaluing of writers' hard work - who deserve fair compensation, rather than the empty and cynical promise of "exposure." <br> <br>Pay fair wages for content. Then I might donate. Otherwise, you're just taking advantage of people, which is in direct opposition to your stated mission.

The leadership, staff and volunteer work force at KVIE is unparalleled in professionalism. These folks are passionate about their jobs, many times doing very specialized work under pressing circumstances with far less assistance and compensation than their colleagues in the for-profit world. As a volunteer for many years, I've seen the talent and labor behind the scenes, and it is impressive. The KVIE culture is collegial, thoughtful, kind, friendly and fair. Kudos to KVIE for giving back to its community. I support PBS.

Absolutely incredible family ministry. Our church has been blessed by these ambassadors of Christ!

My daughter Jaime is a client of DDSO and has grown tremendously, but mostly she's become a very happy woman that is excited to attend each day to see her friends and participate in her classes. My husband and I are happy because she's happy, and my interactions with the staff have been very positive. I feel blessed to have found such a great program for Jaime.

I am impressed with Capital Stage. They are a young theatre company but one that has mastered its product-providing quality theatre. They are professional yet personal. They believe in providing edgy and bold works but also promoting new works with their annual playwright's festival. They embrace theatre and embrace it with their audience members by providing an opportunity to go with them to the Oregon Shakespeare Festival. This is just another example of their high level of "community". They periodically give "talk back" sessions after shows that promote this too. I've had the opportunity to introduce a coworker of mine to the theatre experience recently and took her to Capital Stage. Her first play with Capital Stage won't be her last. So looking forward to seeing more productions with Capital Stage and introducing them to more people in the future.

I am so grateful that there is a program out like this. Thank you Terry Moore and Rick Jennings for allyou do for the community. If it were not for your programs my son would be in a much different place!!!

NTLP has pivotally changed my life in every major stage in my life. When I was a High School student, this program introduced me to a completely new way of thinking and perspective on myself and society. NTLP challenged me to redefine what a true "leader" was and that it was based on more of a perspective of trust and buy-in rather than title. This was monumental to me and changed the trajectory of how I saw myself in different group settings as well as how I learned to motivate others and build trust by building relationships with people. After college, I decided to join the Board of Directors and even during my role as the past Chair of the Board, I had to truly utilize all my skills to help redo and improve our own board of directors. I didn't realize that many of the workshops that I took, developed and lead, would eventually help me learn how to excel in my everyday work, but also on our own Board of Directors. NTLP has constantly reminded me that most people in leadership roles never get this type of training anywhere in their career development. By being able to get started in learning about many of these social dynamics, I feel like it was a blessing to have learned it at such a young age. I am forever grateful and feel obligated to always return the favor to help train the next generation of future leaders who are open minded, accepting of all and open to criticism. Without NTLP, I don't know where I would be and I owe much of my career and community success to the skills that I had learned and am constantly honing even today. NTLP is a phenomenal organization, and one of a kind. That is why we have so many dedicated alumni who still volunteer their personal time for a 3 day camp that they attended in high school. That says a lot.

CVHEN to me, is a life changing and life affirming organization. With the backing and support of Liz and CVHEN, I am fulfilling my mission in life, to help educate others on the horrors of the Holocaust. This organization teaches teachers how to overcome their concerns about teaching the topic, and it allows for growth and a safe learning environment. It is also a venue to allow descendants of Holocaust survivors to come together and learn and share and heal. This is the cornerstone for all of us to build on in the Central Valley, and without it we would not have our guiding star to light the way.

Sacramento Youth Symphony is dedicated to Educating and advancing the musical skills of youth within the community. Their program effectively bridges music and academic subjects and orchestra ethics and appropriate social behavior. We are honored to support this terrific organization through our Cars 4 Causes Vehicle Donation Program. Their dedication to music education is inspiring! <br>

I have volunteered with 916 Ink for going on three years and am also a proud donor. As a writer myself, I am honored to be part of an organization that has helped thousands of young people find their "voice" and become published authors, an accomplishment that is empowering beyond belief and that opens many doors in terms of their future educational, personal and professional accomplishments. The Friday mornings that I get to spend around the table writing and sharing with these inspired and inspiring authors is the highlight of my week, showing me time and time again the power of a safe, nurturing environment to unleash the talent and creative potential within all of us. I have also been so impressed by the caliber, heart and commitment of the teachers and staff that work so hard to deliver the 916 Ink mission and vision.

Iu Mien Community Services does so much for the Iu Mien community in Sacramento and surrounding cities. They are a huge asset to the Iu Mien elderly and disabled seniors. Thank you for helping to bridge the gap for our communities to resources. They also run the Iu Mien student conference every year and help empower the youth to pursue higher education and provide mentorship.

The Arts and Business Council of Sacramento offers an invaluable level of service to both the business and arts communities in the California Capitol region. For little to no cost, the ABCS can connect artists and arts non-profits to experts in their business field for a variety of services that range from legal to financial advice, marketing and business development and much more. This creates a synergy between art and business, as well as cross connecting local professionals for the development of mutually beneficial relationships.

The Sacramento Civil War Round Table (SCWRT) meets 12 times each year on the second Wednesday of each month. Please visit www.SacramentoCWRT.com for more information. <br> <br>The Sacramento Civil War Round Table (SCWRT) was established in 1961 to provide a forum for local residents to learn about, share information and discuss topics, tactics, and philosophies concerning the U.S. Civil War (1861-1865).

My membership with the Junior League of Sacramento has given me so much more confidence in my leadership abilities. I also have developed a greater sense of the importance of giving back to my community. I keep finding that the more that I give, the fuller my life becomes! I am forever grateful for the training, friendships and opportunities to give back that the Junior League of Sacramento has given me.

I just discovered California Lectures this season (2010-2011). Attending the events in the fall was an incredible experience for me, especially Michelle Norris. She was very open and honest with the audience and I really felt like I was able to understand the words in her book so much better because of her lecture. There were many high school kids in attendance who I am sure develop a deeper appreciation for literature as an art form because of the service California Lectures provides for them. The events are a great way to keep the art of literature alive in California. I cannot wait for the rest of the season!

I had a great visit to the California Automobile Museum (I think the Foundation is the actual nonprofit entity, but the Museum is what you actually experience). There are cars from the early 1900s like a REO and a Dodge Brothers car to the beautiful Art Deco vehicles of the 1930s to the muscle cars of the 60s & 70s and even some electric and fuel cell cars! The gift shop and the walls have quite a bit of automotive-related art.

I have very fond memories of Fairytale Town as I spent a lot of fun times there with my children. I wish i had a similar place to play, explore and imagine where I grew up.