Jackson Free Press

Mississippians are passionate about many issues. From women's rights to immigration, the Jackson metro is home to a spectrum of organizations that strive to make a difference. Because there are more organizations than JFP interns, each of us chose an organization we are passionate about and stand behind. Here are our selections.

Jackson Area National Organization for Women

by Mary Kate McGowan

Women matter, and women are men's equals. The Jackson Area National Organization for Women strives for equality and respect on all forums such as gender and sexual orientation. Founded in 1966, NOW is the largest feminist group in the United States. Their priorities of equality, opportunity, justice, respect, empowerment and freedom make up the ultimate goal of a world free from oppression. NOW educates the public on its priority issues including recognizing oppression and that racism, sexism and homophobia are connected. NOW organizes rallies and demonstrations and lobbies for gender equality. For more information, visit jackson.nowms.org.

Idea: Become a member to help fight for women's rights. Call yourself a feminist.

Mustard Seed

by Emma McNeel

On its website, Mustard Seed (1085 Luckney Road, Brandon, 601-992-3556) is a nonprofit group that seeks "to meet the spiritual, physical, emotional and intellectual needs of adults with developmental disabilities." It started a handbell choir, Bells of Faith, for its "seedsters," the beneficiaries, in 1981. The choir performs for churches and other groups in the South, and it allows members to showcase their faith and abilities. In 1986, Mustard Seed opened the campus to residents who wished to live there full time, and it currently houses 18 seedsters. The organization began its ceramics studio and art-therapy program in 1989. Items made by the seedsters, such as ornaments, figurines and tableware, are for sale at the Mustard Seed Gift Shop.

Idea: Apply to volunteer. Volunteers might read to or play with seedsters, clean the campus or organize the gift shop.

The City of Jackson's Mayor's Youth Council

by Bria Paige

The City of Jackson's Mayor's Youth Council is a group of young people, grades 9-12, who work actively in and around the community as young leaders. Members of the council work with the mayor and council adviser, Bridget Townsend, to participate in service projects, leadership conferences and many other opportunities. The Mayor's Youth Council meets bi-monthly and works together as a group to represent the voices of young people in the city of Jackson.  Call Bridget Townsend at 601-960- 6434 for applications for the fall.

Idea: Apply to the council for the opportunity to volunteer and work with municipal leaders. Bring your ideas and questions.

Grace House: "A Place for Living"

by Deja Harris

Mississippi has limited funds and resources for those who have been diagnosed with HIV and AIDS. Many of them are unsure of what to do next and do not have a support system. Grace House is the largest and longest-running transitional home for people living with the condition. Grace House (236 Millsaps Ave.) provides the support and care people with HIV/AIDS need to survive once they've been diagnosed. It is a nonprofit organization and runs off prayer, donations, volunteer services and dedication. Support group meetings are held at Grace House on Tuesdays at 7 p.m. For more information, call Executive Director Catherine Sullivan at 601-353-1038.

Idea: Check out their needs list on the website at gracehousems.org and donate items or volunteer for fundraising projects or to drive residents to appointments.

Habitat for Humanity

by Achaia Moore

Habitat for Humanity is a Christian organization that focuses on those who are not able to afford housing. Volunteers from the surrounding areas help build houses for people they don't even know. Habitat for Humanity's goal is to exemplify the love of Christ, help those who are in need and create safe communities. It is a nonprofit organization that receives donations from individuals, corporations and other groups. It is also a nondiscriminatory organization where race or religion is not a factor. Its stand against poverty has been consistent since 1976, and the organization has provided 4 million people with houses. In order for the group to keep going, it needs people who are willing to help them provide citizens with affordable housing. Call Habitat for Humanity's Jackson office at 601-353-6060.

Idea: Volunteer to help build a house or to landscape a home's yard.

Mississippi Immigrants Rights Alliance

by Adria Walker

The Mississippi Immigrants Rights Alliance was formed in the fall of 2000 to serve a large influx of mostly Latino immigrants. Since 2000, MIRA managed to educate the state Legislature and help pass a bill to uphold Plyler v. Doe that guarantees that all immigrant children, regardless of their status, can enroll in public schools. In addition, MIRA has held meetings with local law-enforcement agencies to educate them on the treatment of immigrants and securing bilingual court reporters and support personnel. MIRA volunteers also assist domestic-violence survivors in communicating with police, hosting house meetings to inform their neighbors and helping them get involved. MIRA volunteers can translate documents and conversations to or from English, Spanish or Vietnamese.

MIRA's address is 612 N. State St., Suite B, in Jackson, and its phone number is 601-968-5182.

Idea: Volunteer for staff conferences, work in the office or translate documents.

Unity Mississippi

by Maya Miller

Founded in 2004, Unity Mississippi is a nonprofit organization created to promote unity and awareness for Mississippi's lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer and intersex community and its heterosexual allies. The purpose of Unity Mississippi is to educate Mississippians on issues that affect the LGBT community, along with opening channels of communication for resolutions and bridging the gap within LGBT and heterosexual communities within the state. Unity Mississippi advocates for acceptance of sexual minorities and offers workshops and community events through donations and support from sponsors. For more information on this organization or to donate, visit unityms.org.

Idea: Donate to its website, unityms.org, or call 601-376-9688 to get involved.

Add your own volunteer ideas under this story at jfp.ms/actnow.

To Do List

by JFP Interns

Not having enough time to help others is an excuse, and you don't want to make excuses. Here are a few easy ideas to help you get on your way to helping others and your community. From holding a door open for an elderly citizen to donating that dollar to the organization the cashier tells you about, you do have the time and power to help better the world.
 Set up recycling bins at home, work and school—and get others to use them, too!

Donate what you don't want or need anymore—every little bit counts.

Volunteer whenever you can, if just for an hour. Your time, no matter how little, is appreciated.

Be a good citizen. Random, small acts of kindness help others immensely.

Join as many clubs and organizations as you can handle. This will help you network.

Engage in self-care: exercise, eat fruits and veggies, don't smoke and take time to breathe.