Philanthropy

Practicing karma yoga means living a life of action with the aim of serving others.  It is through action that we ultimately achieve unity.  Here at Lyric, we believe peace begins within the individual and then extends to one's family.  We begin to make a difference within our own personal universe and, like a ripple in the water, this difference will extend beyond our family into the world around us. We are all connected to all living things, and it is our responsibility to cultivate a greater awareness of others' needs and take action.  The following are just a few organizations (with links to their web sites), but we encourage everyone to explore on their own and find a few organizations they would like to support through donations or volunteer work.  

Parents, please include your children in your philanthropic efforts, talk to them about the importance of helping others, and encourage them to choose one or two causes of their own. They will learn by your example...

One: The campaign to make poverty history
An effort by Americans to rally Americans -- one by one -- to fight the emergency of global AIDS and extreme poverty.  www.one.org

Women for Women International
Supporting women in war-torn regions with financial and emotional aid, job skills training, rights education and small business assistance so they can rebuild lives. www.womenforwomen.org

Save Darfur
Everryday, the 2.5 million people chased from their homes in Darfur face the threat of disease, starvation and rape.  Support increased humanitarian aid and the end to genocide.  Also, if you are a teenager or have one, take a look at the High School Challenge, Dollars for Darfur. www.savedarfur.org

Amnesty International
A worldwide movement of people who campaign for internationally recognized human rights. www.amnesty.org

Human Rights Campaign
America's largest civil rights organization working to achieve gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender equality. www.hrc.org

The Smile Train
Focused on solving a single problem: cleft lip and palate.  Children in developing countries who suffer from cleft palate often are ostracized, are not allowed to go to school or hold a job.  A $250 corrective surgery can literally change a life.  100% of donations are used for the programs.  www.smiletrain.org

National Multiple Schlerosis Society
MS is a chronic, unpredictable neurological disease that affects the central nervous system. Approximately 400,000 Americans have MS; world-wide, MS affects about 2.5 million people.  The annual MS Walk is a great way to raise money for research and show your support! www.nationalmssociety.org

Foundation for Animals in Risk (FAIR)
A non-profit, no-kill animal rescue organization here in Tucson.  www.faircares.org

Arizona Beagle Rescue
Rescuing beagles from shelters and finding them loving homes; also focuses on educating the public about importance of spay and neuter. www.azbeaglerescue.org

People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA)
With more than 1.6 million members and supporters, the largest animal rights organization in the world.  www.peta.org

Gay and Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation
What people watch on TV or read in their newspaper shapes how they view and treat the gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender people around them. And we have a responsibility to make sure those images foster awareness, understanding and respect. www.glaad.org

American Red Cross
Providing disaster relief and educational programs across the globe, from New Orleans to Sri Lanka to Africa.  www.redcross.org

YouthAIDS
An education and prevention program, uses media, pop culture, music, theatre and sports to stop the spread of HIV/AIDS and reach 600 million young people in more than 60 countries with life-saving messages, products, services and care. www.youthAIDS.org

TeraMundi World Wellness
Dedicated to supporting the creation of wellness-based yoga programs for underserved communities.  www.teramundi.org

VH1 Save the Music Foundation
Dedicated to serving elementary school children by supporting music education programs. www.vh1.com/partners/save_the_music/who_we_are/foundation.html

Arizona Yoga Association
A non-profit organization for yoga instructors and practitioners throughout Tucson.
www.azyoga.com