In addition to the following organizations where you may volunteer, visit these websites for more information on political action and advocacy:
· www.firstgov.gov The U.S. Government Official Web Portal – information on services for citizens, issues and political agendas, and more.
· www.students.gov - information on service opportunities, education, career, and government.
· www.kimsoft.com/kimpol.htm - an independent, non-partisan site with political activism resources.
· www.serviceleader.org - information on all aspects of volunteerism.
· www.house.gov U.S. House of Representatives – information on how to contact your representative and legislative issues.

American Civil Liberties Union
Washington, DC (202) 675-2315
Contact: Sharon Kissel, skissel@dcaclu.org
http://www.aclu.org
There are four different types of unpaid internships, based in research and legislation. Duties involve attending congressional hearings, researching civil liberties implications and office duties.

American Humane Association
Arlington, VA (703) 294-6690
Contact: Amy Ridings, DC@americanhumane.org
http://www.americanhumane.org
Works to prevent cruelty, abuse, neglect and exploitation of children and animals and to assure that their interests and well-being are being guaranteed by an aware and caring society.

Amnesty International
Washington, DC (202) 544-0200 ext. 245 and University of Maryland Chapter
Contact: Megan Brady, mbrady@wam.umd.edu
http://www.amnestyusa.org
A worldwide human rights organization whose letter-writing campaigns work to peacefully secure the freedom of political prisoners. Also works on other programs designed to raise awareness about issues of injustice.

Center for Policy Alternatives
Washington, DC (202) 387-6030
Contact: Sarada Peri, speri@cfpa.org
http://www.stateaction.org
A non-profit public policy think tank specializing in policy at the state level in the areas of governance, women’s economic justice, sustainable development and public capital.

Children’s Defense Fund
Washington, DC (202) 628-8787
http://www.childrensdefense.org
Provides a strong, effective voice for all the children of America who cannot vote, lobby, or speak for themselves. Focused on the needs of poor and minority children and children with disabilities.

Citizenship Education Fund
Washington, DC (202) 547-3235
Contact: Cathy Gass, cgass@rainbowpush.org
http://www.rainbowpush.org
Promotes participation in the electoral process and provides research and information about the electoral process. Facilitates youth involvement in the public policy debate.

Feminist Majority Foundation
Arlington, VA (703) 522-2214
http://www.feminist.org/home.html
Works to educate the public about feminism. Some projects involve RU486 research, campaigns against violence against women, clinic defense and campaign to end gender apartheid in Afghanistan.

Food Research and Action Center
Washington, DC (202) 986-2200 ext 3013
Contact: Ellen Teller, eteller@frac.org
http://www.frac.org
FRAC is a non-profit public interest law firm and advocacy center seeking lasting solutions to hunger, malnutrition, and poverty in the USA.

Gray Panthers
Washington, DC (202) 737-6637
Contact: info@graypanthers.org
http://www.graypanthers.org
Works to end discrimination in all forms and promotes justice for all people. Emphasis is placed on being an intergenerational organization.

Greenpeace
Washington, DC (202) 462-1177
Contact: Toni Wright, toni.wright@wdc.greenpeace.org
http://www.greenpeaceusa.org
An international non-profit, environmental organization that works to preserve and protect the earth through non-violent direct action, grassroots, lobbying, public ed., and research.

Health Care for All!
Baltimore, MD (410) 235-9000
Contact: Matt Celentano, Matt@healthcareforall.com
http://www.healthcareforall.com/
Organization that advocates universal healthcare for all Marylanders. Summer program is educating voters about Health Care for All! legislative agenda. Good for pre-med and political science majors.

Human Rights Campaign
Washington, DC (202) 572-8094
Contact: Alicia Boykons, hrc@hrc.org
http://www.hrc.org/
The US’s largest lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender political group, HRC works for the health and safety of all lesbian and gay Americans by educating the public and members of Congress. Works on HIV/AIDS, lesbian health, anti-gay and workplace issues. Gay and ally volunteers are welcome.

Institute for Women’s Policy Research
Washington, DC (202) 785-1921 ext 21
Contact: Vanessa Melamede, Vanessa@iwpr.org
http://www.iwpr.org
Works on issues relating to equal opportunity and economic and social justice for women. Provides women’s perspective on national policy debates.

Joint Center for Political and Economic Studies
Washington, DC (202) 789-3500
Contact: Luther Elliott, lelliott@jointcenter.org
http://www.jointcenter.org
Informs and illuminates the nation’s major public policy debates through research, analysis and information dissemination in order to improve the socio economic status of Black Americans and other minorities.

MaryPIRG (Maryland Public Interest Research Group)
South Campus Dining Hall, on campus (301) 314-8353
Contact: marypirg@yahoo.com
http://www.pirg.org/marypirg
Advocates societal concerns including consumer rights, hunger and homelessness, and environmental issues. Projects include voter registration, trips to shelters, and stream walks.

National Organization for Women
Washington, DC (202) 628-8669 x103
Contact: volunteer@now.org
http://www.now.org
A multi-issue, multi-strategy advocacy group that addresses the needs of many equity-related problems. Volunteers help with office duties, mailings, and phone banks.

National Taxpayers Union Foundation
Alexandria, VA (703) 683-5700
Contact: ntu@ntu.org
http://www.ntu.org
NTUF is a nonpartisan research and education organization working for lower taxes, prudent spending and government accountability.

Social Action and Leadership School for Activists
Washington, D.C. (202) 234-9383 ext. 229
Contact: netfa@hotsalsa.org
http://www.hotsalsa.org
SALSA helps organizations and individuals develop the skills, analytical framework, and networks to promote progressive social change. Offers skills training and policy seminars.
pertaining to Africa, Middle East,
Latin America, Asia, and the Pacific.
Community Service-Learning
1120 Stamp Student Union, University of Maryland, College Park 20742
301-314-CARE—http://www.csl.umd.edu—terpservice@umd.edu

Please Note: Inclusion in Community Service-Learning (CSL) resources is not to be interpreted as an endorsement for any agency or organization listed here. As with any off-campus opportunity, the University is not responsible for any personal injury or loss that might result from your participation. Participants are strongly encouraged to read and implement the Good Questions to Ask and PARE handouts available through CSL. Lastly, be aware of any special requirements or skills necessary to perform the service requested (i.e. construction, carpentry, landscaping) and do not feel compelled to execute tasks which are beyond your capabilities. 8/05