In honor of #GivingTuesday, I wanted to re-share this post about the organizations that are important to me, with new additions. After all of the challenges brought by 2020, our neighbors and friends need our help. If you’re in a position to help, please give what you can on Giving Tuesday or any day. Socially Professional will be making donations to local organizations in lieu of holiday gifts this year. Stay well!
As Socially Professional’s founder, it is my mission to give businesses and the people within them a voice using social and digital media.
This mission fuels my dedication to supporting the organizations in our community which also give a voice to those who might not have one, or whose voices are not always heard. The following organizations receive our support, and I hope that you’ll consider supporting them, too – or, that you’ll be inspired to explore your own mission and worthy causes. – Luann Edwards
The Providence Animal Rescue League has been helping animals and their humans since 1913, when it was founded as a non-profit in Providence, Rhode Island. In addition to animal sheltering, they provide programming to help keep animals in homes, fed and healthy. For those animals who need to find a new place to live, PARL provides them with medical care, behavioral support and shelter until they find their forever home. PARL gives a voice to homeless animals, and I’m proud to support them as a Trustee as well as through event sponsorship.
Women United is an initiative of the United Way of Rhode Island, whose mission is to improve childhood literacy in Rhode Island. This group is comprised of passionate, talented women who work together to advocate for programs that support this mission. Participating in the Young Minds In Motion program was one of the most fulfilling contributions I have made to this cause, and I am proud to offer my time and financial support to amplify voices working on behalf of education in RI.
Higher Ground International provides community and workforce development for the West African communities in the form of “basic support, economic and educational opportunities in these communities, with an emphasis on empowering women, youth, and young adults as agents of change and self-determination.” HGI has also been a community partner for those who have been impacted by the Covid-19 pandemic by providing provisions and services. Their work and commitment to the community are an inspiration.
The Women’s Fund of Rhode Island does amazing work investing in “women and girls through research, advocacy, grant-making and strategic partnerships designed to advance gender equity through systemic change.” The Women’s Fund is at the leading edge of this work and I am proud to support them.
Leadership Rhode Island is a community leadership organization with programs that help local leaders “refine and enhance their commitment to Rhode Island throughout their lives. Participation opens the door to ongoing personal growth, professional development, and community leadership.” Especially in 2020, Leadership Rhode Island created and facilitated opportunities for their members to come together virtually when we needed it most. I am proud to be an alumna of their 2019 Omicron II class.
DESIGNxRI is the only statewide organization for design in Rhode Island. They add huge value in the RI design community by “investing in design talent, increasing strategic assets in the field, and connecting this talent to key opportunities.” They recognize that design in Rhode Island is an economic driver and work to make these connections year-round. I have led a few marketing and social media workshops in partnership with DxRI and remain impressed and inspired by the work they do and by the members of the design community I’ve been fortunate enough to meet through their programming.