Instead of contributing directly to Democrats, I'd like suggestions for effective advocacy groups.

[Sparkly]

Like many here, I've been reluctant to contribute directly to the DCCC or DNC or even individual Democratic candidates. YES, I will vote for them without a doubt -- I definitely do NOT want Republicans regaining power -- but I want to know that it actually makes a significant difference. I want to send a message, however I can, that the left is still out here.

So we'd like whatever meager amounts we can afford to give this year to go advocacy groups, 527s or other PACs whose work helps Democrats get elected, but who stand for liberal principles and policies. We're thinking of groups like NOW, NARAL, MoveOn, etc.

Issues important to us include women's rights, minority rights, GLBT rights, reproductive rights, healthcare (NOT insurance), poverty, arts, education, etc.

Suggestions?

[DBoon]

1. State-level ACORN organizations have regrouped

and should be supported:

The creation of the St. Louis-based Missourians Organizing for Reform Empowerment Inc. (MORE) brings to five the number of ACORN's state chapters that have shut down and incorporated themselves separately under new names.

...

The other four ACORN chapters that have shed the ACORN name are Alliance of Californians for Community Empowerment, New York Communities for Change, New England United for Justice (Massachusetts) and Arkansas Community Organizations.

from http://dailycaller.com/2010/03/19/from-little-acorns-new-state-level-organizations-grow/2/

I just recently gave $100 to the CA organization

[LynneSin]

2. Or perhaps donate to your local Democrat. That is still a choice for many of us

Knowing that my option could be a crazy mini-me Sarah Palin I think I'll help get Chris Coons elected.

[readmoreoften]

3. Underthehoodcafe.org, Courage to Resist, Equality Across America,

(DemocraticUnderground--plug!)

I don't really think NOW has done a very good job, but that's just me. I'd nix MoveOn. Maybe look at the October 2nd national march sponsors and pick from there. Those are organizations who are actually doing something.

On the LGBT front, I'd stay away from HRC.

I agree with your tactics. I think social movements are a better deal than blue dog democrats. If you've got a good democrat or democratic challenger, maybe do that. But how many of us are in that boat? Not many. Support the people doing the organizing on the ground.

[Hawkowl]

4. Grassroots' version of corporations

I agree. This could be our most powerful voice left. (pun intended). If we all gave say MoveOn a total of a couple of billion dollars, then we WOULD have a seat at the table. Big money seems to be the only thing that this administration listens to.

Also, traditionally, if you just JOIN one of these advocacy groups with a token donation of however much you can afford, then the organization gets to count you as a member. And numbers of citizens still do count. So when the lobbyist from NOW goes to lean on some fence sitting Senator, they can say Mr. Senator we have 200,000 members in your state and we won't support you if you don't support women's rights. This DOES work. I've seen it firsthand.

[Stinky The Clown]

5. kick