On Tyranny - Lesson 15: Contribute to Good Causes

 Lesson 15 of 20 from the 20th Century On Tyranny; almost down to the final 5! Contribute to Good Causes

In the 20th Century, tyrannical governments required all charities and non-profits to be officially registered and then used those organizations to serve their fascist agendas. Today, in the US, there are requirements for registration that most of the time line up with solicitations and fundraising. This is to ensure they are following laws associated with non-profit fundraising and donations. Most states require this, but there are 11 states that don't require registration at all. Registration can still serve as a form of protection, separating the board from the debts of the non-profit, but you have to look at the laws in your state to know what the requirements are. In Illinois it is required for non-profits to register and jump through a few hoops to ensure they maintain their tax-exempt status. Snyder warns against a corporatist system in which the state designates and dictates what activities occur where and when. Regulations, while good and necessary in many or most cases, are not always benign. Sometimes, like in Eastern Europe in the 20th Century, regulations are used for control rather than oversight.

What Snyder is recommending, is to support non-profits that support causes that are important to you. If you care about homelessness in your area, set up regular payments to local shelters or organized services that align with your values. If independent media is important to you, make donations to independent media sources you enjoy or find valuable. If addiction rehabilitation is an issue that pulls your heart strings donate to local rehab centers or organizations providing services to addicted individuals.

Snyder's focus is monetary, which certainly has value (ha). But you can still support important causes if you can't afford a financial donation. Donate your time. Donate materials you might otherwise throw away. Promote them on your social media or with friends and family. Talk to the directors of the organizations and find out what you can do to help - they'll almost surely have something in mind. The point is to establish community support. If an organization is having trouble serving their cause because of new regulations which hinder their efforts, they'll need all the help they can get. Their needs might come in many shapes and sizes depending on the organization and issues at hand, so make sure you're in tune with local charities that matter to you.