What is 20 for 20?
As I set up my new law practice I’m hopeful that my work will be of value to my clients and to the larger community. I’m particularly concerned about issues related to social justice, and pledge that 20% of my firm’s profits will support these 20 organizations in 2020-2021. Some of the groups we’ll support focus on the local community; others work on a national level, and a few have a direct impact around the world. Some have been around for decades; others are relatively new. They each do incredibly important work that I’m proud to support. I’m calling this effort ‘20 for 20,’ and I’m challenging other lawyers to do the same.
For each of the organizations below, I’m sharing brief descriptions of its mission that I found at its website, along with a link to the website so that you can read more about its work.
- Kelly Welsh Esq.
ACLU VT
The American Civil Liberties Union of Vermont is dedicated to advancing the civil rights and civil liberties of all Vermonters. Since its founding in 1967, the ACLU of Vermont has been the state’s premier guardian of liberty, working in the courts, the legislature, and in communities to preserve the individual rights and liberties guaranteed by our Constitution and the Bill of Rights.
Amnesty International
Amnesty International is a global movement of millions of people demanding human rights for all people – no matter who they are or where they are. We are the world’s largest grassroots human rights organization.
The Bail Project
The Bail Project is a non-profit organization designed to combat mass incarceration by disrupting the money bail system ‒ one person at a time.
Black Lives Matter
Black Lives Matter was founded in 2013 in response to the acquittal of Trayvon Martin’s murderer. Black Lives Matter Foundation, Inc is a global organization in the US, UK, and Canada, whose mission is to eradicate white supremacy and build local power to intervene in violence inflicted on Black communities by the state and vigilantes.
The Brennan Center For Justice
Inspired by Justice William J. Brennan Jr.’s devotion to core democratic freedoms, the Brennan Center for Justice works to strengthen democracy, end mass incarceration, and protect liberty and security.
Doctors Without Borders
Doctor’s Without Borders is an independent, global movement providing medical aid where it’s needed most.
Earthjustice
Earthjustice is the premier nonprofit environmental law organization. It the power of law to defend our right to a healthy environment. Earthjustice’s international Program works with organizations and communities around the world to establish, strengthen, and enforce national and international legal protections for the environment and public health.
Equal Justice Initiative
Equal Justice Initiative is committed to ending mass incarceration and excessive punishment in the United States, to challenging racial and economic injustice, and to protecting basic human rights for the most vulnerable people in American society.
Habitat for Humanity
(Upper Valley VT/NH)
Habitat for Humanity UV has been helping families in the Upper Valley area of Vermont and New Hampshire since 1986, and in that time, has built thirty five houses for families and individuals. Its mission is to build safe, affordable homes for those who could not otherwise afford to purchase a home. Its vision is a world in which everyone has a decent place to live.
Hartford Community Restorative Justice Center
Hartford Community Restorative Justice Center works in partnership with the community to provide programs and services aimed at reducing crime and resolving conflict in the greater Hartford VT area. Their programs are based on restorative principles : taking responsibility for one’s actions, repairing the harm done to victims and the community, and including all those effected by the crime or conflict in the resolution process.
The Human Rights Campaign
Earthjustice is the premier nonprofit environmental law organization. It the power of law to defend our right to a healthy environment. Earthjustice’s international Program works with organizations and communities around the world to establish, strengthen, and enforce national and international legal protections for the environment and public health.
Human Rights Watch
Human Rights Watch investigates and reports on abuses happening in all corners of the world. HRW is roughly 450 people of 70-plus nationalities who are country experts, lawyers, journalists, and others who work to protect the most at risk, from vulnerable minorities and civilians in wartime, to refugees and children in need. They direct their advocacy towards governments, armed groups and businesses, pushing them to change or enforce their laws, policies and practices.
NAACP’s Legal Defense and Educational Fund
The NAACP’s Legal Defense and Educational Fund is America’s premier legal organization fighting for racial justice. Through litigation, advocacy, and public education, LDF seeks structural changes to expand democracy, eliminate disparities, and achieve racial justice in a society that fulfills the promise of equality for all Americans. LDF also defends the gains and protections won over the past 75 years of civil rights struggle and works to improve the quality and diversity of judicial and executive appointments.
The National Center for Transgender Equality
The National Center for Transgender Equality was founded in 2003 and has since made it their mission to advocate and push for policy change that protects the freedom and liberties of transgender Americans.
National Immigration Law Center
Established in 1979, the National Immigration Law Center (NILC) is one of the leading organizations in the U.S. exclusively dedicated to defending and advancing the rights of immigrants with low income. NILC believes that all people who live in the U.S. should have the opportunity to achieve their full potential. Over the years, they’ve been at the forefront of many of the country’s greatest challenges when it comes to immigration issues, and they play a major leadership role in addressing the real-life impact of policies that affect the ability of low-income immigrants to prosper and thrive.
National Organization for Women
Since its founding in 1966, NOW’s purpose is to take action through intersectional grassroots activism to promote feminist ideals, lead societal change, eliminate discrimination, and achieve and protect the equal rights of all women and girls in all aspects of social, political, and economic life.
Planned Parenthood of Northern New England
Planned Parenthood is a trusted health care provider, an informed educator, a passionate advocate, and a global partner helping similar organizations around the world. Planned Parenthood delivers vital reproductive health care, sex education, and information to millions of women, men, and young people worldwide.
Southern Poverty Law Center
Southern Poverty Law Center is dedicated to fighting hate and bigotry and to seeking justice for the most vulnerable members of our society. Using litigation, education, and other forms of advocacy, the SPLC works toward the day when the ideals of equal justice and equal opportunity will be a reality.
Vermont Legal Aid
Vermont Legal Aid provides civil legal services for those living in poverty, with a disability, or over age 60. We also serve anyone who is discriminated against in housing decisions and all who face challenges related to health care insurance or services.
350.org
350.org is an international movement of ordinary people working to end the age of fossil fuels and build a world of community-led renewable energy for all.