Ask The Stubborn Optimist

Want to help support our mental health advocacy work and be part of our ATSO community? Head over to our ATSO Shop to check out our mental health products, with more coming soon!

NAMI, the National Alliance on Mental Illness, is the nation’s largest grassroots organization dedicated to building better lives for the millions of Americans affected by mental illness.

Mental Health Innovations (MHI) uses digital innovation, data-driven analysis, and the experience of clinical experts to improve mental health in the United Kingdom.

To Write Love on Her Arms (TWLOHA) is a non-profit movement dedicated to presenting hope and finding help for people struggling with depression, addiction, self-injury, and suicide.

The Jed Foundation (JED) is a nonprofit that protects emotional health and prevents suicide for our nation’s teens and young adults, giving them the skills and support they need to thrive today…and tomorrow.

The mission of Women’s March is to harness the political power of diverse women and their communities to create transformative social change.

Women’s March is committed to dismantling systems of oppression through nonviolent resistance and building inclusive structures guided by self-determination, dignity and respect. They also organize many events and marches for abortion rights.

When you support Feeding America, you are helping their nationwide network of food banks deliver food directly to those most in need. $1 provides 10 meals for the hungry!

You can also fundraise and volunteer for Feeding America, and they provide more resources on their website.

For more than 30 years, the Rainforest Trust has demonstrated that safeguarding critical habitat is the most effective way to protect species. They work with local partners to develop projects aimed at securing vital habitat.

When you support the Rainforest Trust, you are helping protect the 38 million acres of nature and 2,277 endangered and vulnerable species they protect. Check out their website to learn more!

The Great Barrier Reef Foundation focuses on saving our Great Barrier Reef and all its living diversity for future generations. They focus on protecting wildlife, improving water quality, plus protecting the reef and coral itself.

Our waters and oceans are so important, and the Great Barrier Reef is one of the major backbones of our ocean. Check out their website to learn more about what they do, and how you can help!

St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital consistently makes breakthroughs in scientific discoveries regarding children’s cancer. Families never have to pay a bill for treatment, travel, housing, or food, and they really are one of my absolute favorite charities.

Check out their website for more ways to help!

BCRF is dedicated to ending breast cancer by actively researching and advancing cures and treatments around the world. They help people with breast cancer live longer and happier lives. Additionally, they are the highest rated breast cancer organization in the US.

GEM specializes in providing relief and help to those in need. GEM focuses on those most affected by disasters and crises around the world.

They’ve been on the ground since day two of the Ukrainian invasion, supplying aid to those in Ukraine and the neighboring countries. They also have a relocation program to assist those trying to leave.

Check out their website to see more of the amazing work they are doing in Ukraine and around the world.

ASPCA is dedicated to preventing cruelty against animals. They help with shelter intake, surrenders, hoarding situations, medical care needs, and improving laws for animals. ASPCA also works to put an end to puppy mills, plus an additional array of services.

Check out their website for more information on how you can help, donate, and even volunteer!

Grassroots Law Project combines the best of grassroots organizations with legal expertise to make real positive change in our world. Their focus is criminal justice reform.

Visit their website for more information on how to donate, get involved, and see some of their recent accomplishments!

One Simple Wish is an amazing organization that allows children and young people in foster care to post their wishes, and caring donors like yourself can help them out!

Let’s say a child wants a new bike for their birthday, but they can’t afford one, they can post to One Simple Wish, and you can make their wish come true! One Simple Wish also throws parties for children in foster care, gives bags, and even provides scholarships.

Greenpeace International works towards a greener and more peaceful world by holding accountable the systems that threaten our environment. Their website is a great resource for climate news, petitions that make a real difference, and more information on how to get involved.

Change.org connects you to people and causes all around the world. You can browse petitions by category, and can even start your own petition. Change.org also has a team of petition experts to help give you advice on how to get started!

Have some old towels and sheets that you don’t use anymore, but are still in fair condition? Donate them to your local animal shelter for the animals to use! Ask about their volunteering options, or if there are any supplies they currently need that you could buy. Anything helps!

Buy some extra groceries you don’t need? See a great deal on non-perishables you can buy? Donate them to your local food bank! They may also need your help with restocking and reorganizing all of the product.

Plogging is when you go on a jog or walk, but bring a bag for trash with you. Pick up any trash plus recyclables you see along the way, and throw them all out at the end of your jog or walk.

You get some sunshine serotonin, and can feel great knowing you are helping the environment! Just make sure to thoroughly rinse off and clean yourself afterwards.