explore volunteer opportunities, visit their website. homeboyindustries.org. CLEAN UP T H E L.A. R I V E R
> Since its inception in 1986, Friends of the L.A. River hosts an annual river cleanup that has drawn over 50,000 volunteers who have filled hundreds of dumpsters with waste. Become a docent and help with political advocacy and tours, or teach children about the historic importance of this waterway. folar.org. CITY YEAR
GAR DE N FOR G O OD
GROWGOOD
generations will have a healthy planet to roam. patagonia.com/actionworks. SU PP ORT T H E L GBT Q C OM M U N I T Y
> Established in 1969, the Los Angeles LGBT Center is dedicated to providing health services, housing, social services, education, and advocacy for the queer community. During the pandemic, the center has launched a phone service called the Hello Club, where volunteers check in with community members who may feel isolated. There are also opportunities to volunteer as a mentor to an LGBTQ young person or donate money to support initiatives. lalgbtcenter.org.
28 L A M AG . C O M/G I V E L O SA NG E L E S
T EAC H YOU R C H I L DR E N W E L L
> Founded in 1988, City Year is on a mission to get young adults amped about national service. The nonprofit works with AmeriCorps members who are passionate about social justice through educational equality, leadership skills, mentorship, and supporting the social emotional needs of students. Throughout their year of service in L.A., corps members are placed in one of 25 elementary, middle, and high schools in Inglewood and Los Angeles. cityyear.org/los-angeles.
H E L P W I T H L E GAL AI D
T RAV E L E T H ICAL LY
> Legal Aid Foundation of Los Angeles (LAFLA) is a nonprofit law firm that provides free services to more than 100,000 people across L.A. County. LAFLA’s team of attorneys and paralegals offer counsel on issues such as domestic violence, employment, eviction defense, housing, homelessness, and immigration. To help the organization continue to provide these pro bono services, visit LAFLA’s website. lafla.org.
> L.A.-based leather travel accessories company Velé is committed to ethical production, and also donates ten percent of their earnings to a nonprofit partner that fights human trafficking. thisisvele.com.
H E L P SAV E T H E PLANE T
> Humanity is facing a climate change catastrophe. L.A.-based clothing and accessories brand Patagonia has a tool on its website called Patagonia Action Works that helps folks find local environmental organizations—such as SoCal 350 Climate Action, California Wildlife Center, Heal the Bay, or Friends of the Los Angeles River— where they can volunteer, sign petitions, or donate money to ensure future
models such as Gigi Hadid and Alessandra Ambrossio. Celebs use the hashtag on social media to spread the word. nphilanthropy.com.
BE FAS H ION C ONS C IOUS
> The founder of the L.A.-based women’s wear brand n:Philanthropy, Yvonne Niami, gives ten percent of net proceeds to a variety of local charities like Children’s Hospital L.A. and the ASPCA. Niami’s line of tees, bodysuits, and dresses—along with her #giveadamn program—have earned her a solid following among actresses like Gal Gadot and Zoe Saldana, and
C R EAT E OPP ORT U NI T ES FOR O T H E RS
> Raan and Shea Parton, the brothers behind the menswear brand Apolis, are using their business to create social change. Their model, which they call “advocacy through industry,” is based on sourcing products from companies who use Fair Trade practices and who are enriching the lives of the artisans they employ—for instance, providing literary and nutrition classes in Bangladesh and offering job placement for women in Ethiopia. Through their Local + Global Projects, each item tells a story. apolisglobal.com.
G R OWG O O D : YA S M I N A L I S H AV; C I T Y Y E A R LO S A N G E L E S
> Sustainability meets charity at this urban farm located at Bell Shelter, a homeless care facility. Flex your green thumb and help feed those in need. If getting your hands dirty isn’t for you, GrowGood is always looking for people to run outreach, provide program support, and help fundraise. 5600 Mansfield Way, Bell, grow-good.org.