"Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful committed citizens can change the world.
Indeed it is the only thing that ever has." Margaret Meade
Programs
Environment
“We are part of the earth and it is part of us."Chief Seattle, North America, 1854.
We support organizations that work to protect our natural resources, through conservation and pollution
reduction. The environmental movement’s successes and its current work are constantly under attack.
By placing other interests above the environmental interests we are steadily decreasing the earth’s
capacity to support life and create a sustainable society.
Our focus in this area will be the immediate issues that will affect the planet
for generations, including the issues of global warming, pollution of our air and
water, reducing material consumption, and the destruction of open space.
Social Justice
“We must become the change we envision.”Mohandas K. Gandhi
We aid organizations that build community and work to assist those that empower communities in
disadvantaged areas. A strong sense of community gives us the ability to evolve into a power that
is sustainable for us all. All real lasting change takes place in the community. Even when communities
do realize their potential power, it often goes unutilized due to scarcity of resources.
Our focus is on communities that can be defined geographically (i.e. South Los Angeles, underserved
inner cities) as well as by distinctive populations (persons with disabilities; communities affected
by domestic violence; Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender; and Native Americans). Many
communities do not know the power of their vote, or the power of their collective action.
Health
“Keeping your body healthy is an expression of gratitude to the whole cosmos - the trees, the clouds, everything.”Thich Nhat Hanh
Diseases are caused by many reasons. Some are totally preventable. Particulate matter from diesel fuel
is a prime cause of asthma and lung cancer. Cigarette smoking causes lung cancer. Chemicals used in
every day life cause breast cancer. The risks of many diseases can be reduced by taking very specific,
often simple actions.
We seek to focus on raising the public’s awareness of health issues by increasing
knowledge and providing financial aid to support research.
Education
“My heart, which is so full to overflowing, has often been solaced and refreshed by music when sick and weary.”Martin Luther
The facts are that arts education: strengthens student problem-solving and critical thinking skills,
adding to overall academic achievement and school success; can help troubled youth, providing an
alternative to destructive behavior and another way for students to approach learning; helps stimulate
and develop the imagination and refine cognitive and creative skills as well as critical thinking and;
has a measurable impact on youth at risk in deterring delinquent behavior and truancy problems while
also increasing overall academic performance among those youth engaged in after-school and Summer arts
programs targeted toward delinquency prevention. “Americans for the Arts”
We seek to support organizations that raise the importance of arts in education. We
help organizations that educate and train children in all of the arts with a special
emphasis in music.
