I appreciate the whole process of giving, beginning with the contemplation of values and identifying organizations that support those values. This year the need is so great everywhere. For every organization I thought of to support, there were dozens more that came to mind.

Here are the organizations I supported for end of year giving: @ebmc_oakland, offering Buddhist teachings and other wisdom traditions, rooted in social justice. Unlike any other dharma center I've encountered. I'm also a monthly donor; if you can, recurring gifts are so helpful.

I gave on top of my monthly donation to @Oaklandside. It is really nice to have a trusted source of local reporting, ie not just reprinting press releases, which happens far more often than it should! Especially appreciate @DarwinBondGraha @ChroniclesOfAzu and @ashleynmcb

The economic impact of the pandemic shows up daily in the Bay, nothing quite as a visible as food bank lines. I made a donation to @ACCFB, the first time I have donated here. People need to eat.

I miss visiting Maui with @greenkozi, especially swimming in warm, clear water with sea turtles and octopus friends. I made a gift to @MauiReefs to support their excellent work keeping Maui water and wildlife as healthy as possible.

I learned about @access_rj from @greenkozi too--and that even right here in the Bay area, there are significant barriers to people accessing abortion. A gift to Access helps remove those barriers.

In addition to appreciating local reporting, I value investigative reporting by @propublica bc ish was cray. Investigative journalism does not come cheaply so if we want to know about what the heck is going on, we gotta support it.

This year also saw multiple attacks on trans' ppls rights and a Supreme Court that is downright scary. @TransLifeline has a hotline for trans ppl, a hotline for family/friends and microgrants for trans people.

Finally, I learned about @SLHealthProject from reporting by @ChroniclesOfAzu, dedicated to improving the wellbeing of underinsured, uninsured, & recently arrived immigrants in Alameda Co. The people most impacted by the pandemic and least likely to receive support.