MND Association

MND Association works to improve access to care for people living with Motor Neurone Disease in England, Northern Ireland and Wales, alongside campaigning for those living with MND and supporting research into the illness.

Formed in 1979, MND Association provides information and practical support for people living with Motor Neurone Disease, as well as their family, carers and healthcare professionals. It provides local support and hosts regional events. Its funds and supports clinical research into the disease, forms of treatment and standards of care.  

How You Can Help

Time: Various, typically 2-4 hours a week for volunteers

Volunteer for MND Association, with various volunteering opportunities available to view via the MND Association website. Alternatively, join campaigns such as ‘Act to Adapt’ or sign up to the Campaign Network. You can also get involved with various fundraising events.

Cost: Various, typically £10+ 

Join or set up a fundraising event, or make a single or regular donation.

Location: UK

Find out more: https://www.mndassociation.org/ 


(This information was updated 23/04/22 and will be checked regularly by the Do Something Directory team. If you notice any mistakes, please let us know.)

3 Bite-Sized Books About Women’s Rights & Feminism | Campaigning, Education & Activism

In our Campaigning, Education & Activism blogs, we share tools, tips and resources to help you help the causes you care about.

We love a good non fiction book! Unfortunately, we don’t always have time to get our teeth into those big, meaty books that explore issues in great detail. So we’ve compiled a list of three short books you can turn to if you’d like to learn more about women’s rights and feminism. Each book is short enough to read on the train or bus, or during your lunch break.

If you like our suggestions, you can find the books our affiliate profile on Bookshop.org.

We recommend you check content warnings before beginning these books – they cover some complex and difficult topics.

Misfits: a Personal Manifesto by Michaela Coel

Adapted from her 2018 James MacTaggart Lecture, Misfits explores Coel’s experiences in the television industry as a Black woman. While Coel predominately discusses race, we also think her book’s brilliant for learning about a female experience of the television industry. Only 14% of prime time TV in the UK is written by women, while only a third of Europe’s film directors are women. Whether you’re interested in feminism, intersectionality or the creative arts, this is a must read.

cover of 'Misfits: a Personal Manifesto' by Michaela Coel
Image from Waterstones

Women & Power by Mary Beard

Beard is a classicist and television presenter, and this is another book adapted from lectures, these ones given at the British Museum. With examples from ancient Greek and Roman mythology and history, Women & Power explores how history has treated powerful women… and how this treatment has changed – or not – moving into the modern day. It’s perfect for anyone interested in classics, mythology, storytelling and, of course, feminism.

We Should All Be Feminists by Chimamanda Ngozi Adiche

Adapted from a TED talk, Adiche discusses how toxic masculinity and patriarchal attitudes harm men as much as women. While Adiche does not discuss non-binary identities – she focusses on men and women and the binary divide we tend to see in society – we think she’s articulate, passionate and worth reading. It’s a great book to recommend to people who don’t think feminism is still required, and we like that she talks specifically about her experiences in the USA and in her home nation of Nigeria. Too many western feminist books focus on Western perspectives, so Adichie’s perspective is welcome.

What do you think of our list? Let us know in a comment – we’d love to hear any recommendations you have!

If you like the sound of the books we’ve suggested, you can find the books our affiliate profile on Bookshop.org.

Last updated on 22nd April 2022

Borne 

Borne is a UK charity dedicated to researching premature birth and improving frontline medical care.

Based in London, Borne supports and funds scientific research into premature birth and fosters interdisciplinary collaboration between medical teams, with the aim of improving front line medical care and ending premature birth. It works with obstetricians and midwives and runs its own initiatives, including Borne’s Uterine Mapping Project (BUMP).

How You Can Help

Time: Typically a few hours

You can get involved by sharing your story or becoming a ‘Borne Advocate’ and raising awareness of the charity. Alternatively, make a donation or fundraise for Borne.

Cost: Various 

Support Borne’s research in various ways, including donation, fundraising and ‘give while you shop’ initiatives. 

Location: UK

Find out more: https://www.borne.org.uk

(This information was updated 30/03/22 and will be checked regularly by the Do Something Directory team. If you notice any mistakes, please let us know.)

Blue Boy Foundation

Blue Boy Foundation raises awareness of mental health issues, and raises funds for various global mental health charities and initiatives.

Blue Boy Foundation was founded in 2018 by the musician Lauv (Ari Leff), to destigmatise asking for help with mental health issues and raise awareness of mental illnesses. It also raises funds for international mental health initiatives and organisations, such as Teen Line, Beyond Blue and Mind HK. Blue Boy Foundation partnered with Microsoft to create My Blue Thoughts, an anonymous platform for sharing thoughts and feelings (the platform exists online and in physical booths during Lauv’s tours). Blue Boy Foundation also hosts ‘Breaking Modern Loneliness,’ a series of online and in-person discussions about mental health.

How You Can Help

Time: Under five minutes

Blue Boy Foundation does not at present accept volunteers.

Cost: Various 

Donate to the Blue Boy Foundation via Kindest. All proceeds from Lauv’s song Sad Forever are donated to the Blue Boy Foundation’s partner organisations.

Location: Global (based in the United States)

Find out more: https://www.blueboyfoundation.org/ 

(This information was updated 15/03/22 and will be checked regularly by the Do Something Directory team. If you notice any mistakes, please let us know.)

Save Vietnam’s Wildlife

Save Vietnam’s Wildlife is a Vietnamese non-profit organisation dedicated to wildlife conservation, animal rescue and wildlife-related education.

Founded in 2014 and based in Ninh Bình, Save Vietnam’s Wildlife works with government agencies to rescue animals that have been confiscated from the illegal wildlife trade. The organisation works to combat illegal poaching, advocates for law improvement and site protection, and works with local communities providing educational outreach. It also works on conservation research and breeding for engendered animals including the Chinese pangolin and the Owston’s civet.

How You Can Help

Time: various (volunteering: at least one week; donations just a few minutes)

Volunteer with Save Vietnam’s Wildlife at the Cuc Phuong National Park in Ninh Bình province for a week, two weeks or several weeks. Note that these positions are paid, and volunteers must be aged 16 or over, have basic English skills and be physically fit. Vaccinations are required. Save Vietnam’s Wildlife sometimes also accepts ‘skilled professional’ volunteers, with a waived volunteer fee. You can also get involved with fundraising and campaigns.

Alternatively, donate to Save Vietnam’s Wildlife via its website, or adopt an animal (see below).

Cost: Various 

Donate to Save Vietnam’s Wildlife, or purchase equipment for its veterinary or anti-poaching teams. You can also symbolically ‘adopt’ an animal, such as a pangolin, otter or leopard cat, to provide rescued animals with fresh food, veterinary supplies and shelter. Note that volunteer placements cost a minimum of $400 USD (approximately £300) for accommodation and food.

Location: Ninh Bình, Vietnam

Find out more: https://svw.vn/

(This information was updated 08/03/22 and will be checked regularly by the Do Something Directory team. If you notice any mistakes, please let us know.)

The Folklore Society

The Folklore Society (FLS) is a UK charity dedicated to the study of folklore and traditional culture.

Established in 1878 and based in London, the Folklore Society studies all aspects of folklore and popular religion, including music, arts and crafts, folk medicine, children’s folklore and food. Its library and archives, held at University College London, comprises around 12,000 texts on British and global folklore. The Folklore Society has published the academic journal Folklore since 1890, and has also published a variety of books. The FLS website provides resources including articles, podcasts and selected journal entries. FLS also hosts regular talks from academics on different folklore-related topics (note: all events are online at the time of writing).

How You Can Help

Time: less than five minutes

While the Folklore Society does not accept volunteers, you can get involved with the society via donations or membership (see below) or interact with its Facebook, Instagram and Twitter accounts.

Cost: various, typically between £5 and £50

Donate to the Folklore Society online, or become a member of the society (annual subscription fees, which include a subscription to the Folklore journal, range from £28 to £50). The society charges a small fee to attend its academic talks (£5 for non-members, with concessions for members).

Location: London, UK

Find out more: https://folklore-society.com/ 

(This information was updated 07/03/22 and will be checked regularly by the Do Something Directory team. If you notice any mistakes, please let us know.)

Nova Ukraine

Nova Ukraine provides emergency and humanitarian aid to vulnerable people in Ukraine. It aims to raise awareness about Ukraine in the USA and to support Ukraine’s civil society.

Founded in 2013 and based in America, Nova Ukraine currently focuses on providing an emergency response to the 2022 Russian invasion of Ukraine. It works with EU partners to provide food, essentials and medical supplies, as well as supporting Ukrainian refugees in Europe and the USA. Prior to this, it provided humanitarian aid to vulnerable groups and individuals in Ukraine. The organisation also works to raise awareness of Ukraine in America, through cultural and educational projects. Prior to the 2022 Russian invasion, it also worked to support Ukraine’s civil society, to eliminate corruption and reform its education system.

How You Can Help

Time: Various

Get involved with Nova Ukraine by organising fundraisers and events or lectures and presentations. There is also a volunteer group on Facebook that users can join.

Cost: Various

Donate to Nova Ukraine via cheque, PayPal, bank transfer or crypto currency.

Location: Ukraine and USA

Find out more: https://novaukraine.org

(This information was updated 08/03/22 and will be checked regularly by the Do Something Directory team. If you notice any mistakes, please let us know.)

The Nature Conservancy

The Nature Conservancy is a global environmental non-profit working to create a world where people and nature can thrive.

Founded in the U.S. through grassroots action in 1951, The Nature Conservancy is one of the largest international environmental organisations. The Nature Conservancy has over a million members and works with over 400 scientists around the world on their projects, which tackle the dual threats of accelerated climate change and biodiversity loss. They work in 76 countries and territories: 37 by direct conservation impact and 39 through partners.

How You Can Help

Time: Various (typically a few hours for in-person volunteering)

In just a few minutes, sign one of the Nature Conservancy’s petitions or pledges to show your support (please note – some petitions are only for those based in the US with elected representatives in Congress). 

You can volunteer with the Nature Conservancy across the United States – visit this page for more information on events and opportunities near you.

Volunteer opportunities may be available with projects in countries outside of the US – please contact your regional Nature Conservancy office for more information.

You can also sign up for the monthly Nature News e-newsletter, for personalised conservation news, special event opportunities and local stories.

Cost: Various

Donate to the Nature Conservancy with a one off gift, or become a member with a monthly gift.  

Location: Global – Based in the United States with operations in 76 countries.

Find out more: https://www.nature.org/en-us/ 

(This information was updated 23/2/22 and will be checked regularly by the Do Something Directory team. If you notice any mistakes, please let us know.)

DePaul International

DePaul International is a charity working to combat homelessness in several nations.

Founded in London in 1989, DePaul International is the parent charity of DePaul Group, a group of charities working in Europe and the USA. DePaul offers services including emergency housing, support for children and young people, ‘night stops,’ day centres, hot meals, community hosting and mobile showers.

Note that each national organisation offers slightly different services and has its own website, which you can view here.

How You Can Help

Time: various (typically a few hours at a time)

Volunteer with DePaul to help with administration, fundraising, social media and research. Alternatively, fundraise through events and challenges. Please check individual websites for opportunities to volunteer with local projects.

Cost: various

Donate to DePaul through single or monthly donations.

Location: Croatia, France, Ireland, Slovakia, Ukraine, the United Kingdom and the United States of America

Find out more: https://int.depaulcharity.org/

(This information was updated 24/02/22 and will be checked regularly by the Do Something Directory team. If you notice any mistakes, please let us know.)

3SG BaNES (Bath and North East Somerset 3rd Sector Group)

Based in Bath and North East Somerset, 3SG is a membership network that supports the local charity, faith, volunteer and social enterprise sector (also known as the ‘third sector).

A registered charity, 3SG promotes and runs events supporting local community organisations in Bath and North East Somerset (BaNES). It facilitates communication between different groups and offers strategic, one-to-one support for its members. It also works directly with the people of Bath and North East Somerset with its Compassionate Community initiative, which mobilises volunteers to help residents with things like grocery shopping, prescription pick ups and by providing online and offline resources for residents struggling with issues such as housing and mental health.

Note: we have taken the decision to list 3SG under the categories of the charities and organisations it supports and promotes; predominately social topics including Culture, Children and Young People, Elderly & Older People, Everyday Life, Mental Health, Physical Health and Poverty & Homelessness. The list of charities 3SG supports is ever-growing so please let us know if we have omitted a category! You are welcome to submit individual organisations to the Directory.

How You Can Help

Time: typically a few hours to several days

Check the 3SG website for current volunteering opportunities, such as helping with the local vaccine roll out.

Money: various

Donate to 3SG via Local Giving (note donation amounts are set at a £2 minimum).

Location: Bath and North East Somerset, United Kingdom

Find out more: https://www.3sg.org.uk/

(This information was updated 21/02/22 and will be checked regularly by the Do Something Directory team. If you notice any mistakes, please let us know.)

Roald Dahl’s Marvellous Children’s Charity

Roald Dahl’s Marvellous Children’s Charity provides specialist nurses and support for seriously ill children living with complex, lifelong conditions.

The charity works in partnership with the NHS to help ensure that children and families have the care and support they need. This includes improving the healthcare outcomes and resilience of children and families, with a focus on complex, lifelong conditions that are underfunded and under resourced. The charity’s specialist nurses support children and their families clinically and emotionally, coordinating care often through to adulthood.

Roald Dahl’s Marvellous Children’s Charity is the sister charity of the Roald Dahl Museum and Story Centre, which celebrates the stories and legacy of Roald Dahl. See its Directory entry here for more information.

How You Can Help

Time: Various

Volunteers are able to join ‘Team Marvellous’ in a number of virtual office-based roles supporting the charity with data, mailings, research and events, as well as in fundraising, programmes, communications and finance. Visit this page for details on how to apply.

You can also sign up to the charity newsletter in just a few minutes, for their latest news and updates such as details of upcoming events.

Cost: Various 

Donate to the charity with a single, monthly or annual gift of your choice.

Alternatively, take part in challenge fundraising events, such as marathons, in support of the charity, or explore other ways to give such as Facebook Fundraising or via AmazonSmile. 

Location: United Kingdom 

Find out more: https://www.roalddahlcharity.org/ 

(This information was updated 07/02/22 and will be checked regularly by the Do Something Directory team. If you notice any mistakes, please let us know.)

ZaCLEANthos

ZaCLEANthos is a community project on the Greek island of Zakynthos, dedicated to beach and road cleaning.

Established in 2017, ZaCLEANthos is a volunteer group that organises regular beach and road cleans around the island of Zakynthos (Zante). Its social media feeds raise awareness of littering and plastic waste.

How You Can Help

Time: A few hours

Volunteer with the group for one of its clean up events, which typically run for around two hours. 

Cost: Various 

Contact ZaCLEANthos via Facebook or Instagram to discuss sponsoring a clean up.

Location: Zakynthos, Greece

Find out more: https://www.instagram.com/zacleanthos/, https://www.facebook.com/zacleanthos 

(This information was updated 07/02/22 and will be checked regularly by the Do Something Directory team. If you notice any mistakes, please let us know.)