Addiction (back)
Massachusetts Organization for Addiction Recovery
http://www.neaar.org/moar/index.htm
MOAR’s mission is to organize recovering individuals, families and friends into a collective
voice to educate the public about the value of recovery from alcohol and other addictions.
MOAR envisions a society where addiction is treated as a significant public health issue and recovery is recognized as valuable to all our communities. MOAR seeks to continue to build a
recovery-informed society where recovery becomes a societal "norm" and prevention a societal "given".
The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration
http://www.samhsa.gov/index.aspx
The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), an agency of the
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), was established by an act of Congress in
1992 under Public Law 102-321. It was created to focus attention, programs, and funding on
improving the lives of people with or at risk for mental and substance abuse disorders.
National Clearinghouse for Alcohol & Drug Information
http://ncadi.samhsa.gov
SAMHSA's National Clearinghouse for Alcohol and Drug Information (NCADI) is the Nation's
one-stop resource for information about substance abuse prevention and addiction treatment.
They staff both English and Spanish-speaking information specialists who are skilled at
recommending appropriate publications, posters, and videocassettes; conducting customized
searches; providing grant and funding information; and referring people to appropriate
organizations.
Association for Medical Education and Research in Substance Abuse
http://www.amersa.org/index.asp
AMERSA, founded in 1976, is a multidisciplinary organization of health care professionals
dedicated to improving education in the care of individuals with substance abuse problems.
AMERSA's mission is to provide leadership and improve training for all health care
professionals in the management of problems related to alcohol, tobacco and other drugs,
disseminate state-of-the-art scientific information about substance abuse education and research,
provide mentoring for health care professionals interested in becoming teachers, clinicians, and
researchers in the substance abuse field, and promote cultural competence and inclusiveness
among health care professionals in their work with individuals affected by alcohol, tobacco and
other drug problems.
National Institute on Drug Abuse
http://www.nida.nih.gov
NIDA supports over 85 percent of the world's research on the health aspects of drug abuse and
addiction. NIDA supported science addresses the most fundamental and essential questions
about drug abuse, ranging from the molecule to managed care, and from DNA to community
outreach research.
American Society of Addiction Medicine
http://www.asam.org
ASAM is the nation's medical specialty society dedicated to educating physicians and improving
the treatment of individuals suffering from alcoholism and other addictions. ASAM is an
association of physicians dedicated to improving the treatment of alcoholism and other
addictions, educating physicians and medical students, promoting research and prevention, and
enlightening and informing the medical community and the public about these issues.
The National Council on Problem Gambling
http://www.ncpgambling.org/
The Mission of the National Council on Problem Gambling is to increase public awareness of
pathological gambling, ensure the widespread availability of treatment for problem gamblers and
their families, and to encourage research and programs for prevention and education.
The Institute for Problem Gambling
http://www.gamblingproblem.net/
The Institute for Problem Gambling (IPG) seeks to reduce the impact of problem gambling on
individuals, families, business and society through education and training. IPG’s goal is to serve
as an important resource for science based information on the study, prevention and treatment of
problem gambling. The not-for-profit Institute was founded in 1997 by a group of leaders in the
field including four winners of the National Council on Problem Gambling's highest honor -- the
Herman Goldman Foundation Award.
Children and Families (back)
Child Welfare
http://www.childwelfare.com
A resource rich with information about all issues related to child welfare, including state-by-state
statistica lnformation, an adoption directory and related resources, child welfare law, a
mechanism to report child abuse, and links to a wide array of non-profit child welfare agencies.
Administration for Children & Families
http://www.acf.dhhs.gov
The ACF, within the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS,) is responsible for
federal programs that promote the economic and social well-being of families, children,
individuals, and communities. This web site contains resources related to child and family
welfare.
National Center for Children in Poverty
http://www.nccp.org
The NCCP is a non-profit, non-partisan research and policy organization at Columbia
University. Their mission is to identify and promote strategies that prevent child poverty in the
United States and that improve the lives of low-income children and families. They conduct
research of policies that promote three goals: 1. Economically secure families; 2. Children
entering school ready to succeed; 3. Stable, nurturing families. This site contains a wealth of
statistical information and reports on child and family welfare.
National Children’s Alliance
http://www.nca-online.org
The NCA is a nationwide not-for-profit membership organization whose mission is to promote
and support communities in providing a coordinated investigation and comprehensive response
to victims of severe child abuse. NCA is a membership organization providing services to
Children's Advocacy Centers, multi-disciplinary teams, and professionals across the country.
This site contains research publications, membership information, and links to state NCAchapters.
Child Abuse: Statistics, Research & Resources
http://www.jimhopper.com
Jim Hopper is a researcher and therapist with a doctorate in clinical psychology. He has studied
the long-lasting effects of child abuse and other traumatic experiences. This site contains
statistical research as well as other resources on child and sexual abuse.
The American Association of Open Adoption Agencies
http://www.openadoption.org
Contains comprehensive information on child adoption, such as state laws on child adoption, and
how individuals and families can begin the adoption process.
Children and Adults with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder
http://www.chadd.org
CHADD is the nation's leading non-profit organization serving individuals with AD/HD and
their families. CHADD has over 16,000 members in 200 local chapters throughout the U.S.
Chapters offer support for individuals, parents, teachers, and professionals. This site contains
recent research on AD/HD as well as resources for public policy issues regarding AD/HD, and
for individuals and families.
Civil & Human Rights (back)
Amnesty International USA
http://www.aiusa.org
The USA section of Amnesty International. AI's mission is to undertake research and action
focused on preventing and ending grave abuses of the rights to physical and mental integrity,
freedom of conscience and expression, and freedom from discrimination, within the context of
its work to promote all human rights. AI is independent of any government, political ideology, economic interest or religion. It does not support or oppose any government or political system, nor does it support or oppose the views of the victims whose rights it seeks to protect. It is concerned solely with the impartial protection of human rights.
American Civil Liberties Union
http://www.aclu.org
The mission of the ACLU is to defend and promote the civil rights enshrined in the U.S.
Constitution. This site contains information on a wide variety of domestic issues such as capital
punishment, privacy, disability rights, reproductive freedom, religious liberty, etc. An excellent
resource for those interested in research questions of civil liberties and the law, and for those
who want to participate in grassroots actions.
United States Institute for Peace
http://www.usip.org
The mandate of the United States Institute of Peace, as established by Congress, is to support the
development, transmission, and use of knowledge to promote peace and curb violent
international conflict. To this end, the United States Institute of Peace Act directs the Institute
to serve the American people and government through the "widest possible range of education
and training, basic and applied research opportunities, and peace information services on the
means to promote international peace and the resolution of conflicts among the nations and
peoples of the world without recourse to violence."
Human Rights Watch
http://www.hrw.org
HRW is the largest human rights organization based in the United States. HRW researchers
conduct fact-finding investigations into human rights abuses in all regions of the world. HRW
then publishes those findings in dozens of books and reports every year, generating extensive
coverage in local and international media.
OxFam
http://www.oxfam.org
Oxfam International is a confederation of 12 organizations working together with over 3,000
partners in more than 100 countries to find lasting solutions to poverty, suffering and injustice.
With many of the causes of poverty global in nature, the 12 affiliate members of Oxfam
International believe they can achieve greater impact through their collective efforts. Oxfam
International seeks increased worldwide public understanding that economic and social justice
are crucial to sustainable development. They strive to be a global campaigning force promoting
the awareness and motivation that comes with global citizenship while seeking to shift public
opinion in order to make equity the same priority as economic growth.
Women's Rights (back)
National Organization for Women
http://www.now.org
NOW is the largest organization of feminist activists in the United States. NOW has 500,000
contributing members and 550 chapters in all 50 states and the District of Columbia. Since its
founding in 1966, NOW's goal has been to take action to bring about equality for all women.
NOW works to eliminate discrimination and harassment in the workplace, schools, the justice
system, and all other sectors of society; secure abortion, birth control and reproductive rights for all women; end all forms of violence against women; eradicate racism, sexism and homophobia;
and promote equality and justice in our society.
NARAL Pro-Choice America
http://www.naral.org
NARAL believes in a culture of freedom and responsibility, that women have the intelligence
and thoughtfulness to make decisions about their health with their families, their physicians, and
their faith, that government and politicians should not interfere in our personal lives – and that
people should be empowered to make the right decisions for themselves. NARAL Pro-Choice
America is committed to advancing these values. They are committed to protecting the right to
choose and electing candidates who will promote policies to prevent unintended pregnancy.
Center for the American Woman and Politics
http://www.rci.rutgers.edu/~cawp/
CAWP is a university-based research, education and public service center. Its mission is to
promote greater knowledge and understanding about women's participation in politics and
government and to enhance women's influence and leadership in public life. CAWP provides up to-the-minute information and analysis on the women's political movement.
The Family Violence Prevention Fund
http://www.fvpf.org
For more than two decades, the FVPF has worked to end violence against women and children
around the world. Instrumental in developing the landmark Violence Against Women Act passed
by Congress in 1994, the FVPF has continued to break new ground by reaching new audiences
including men and youth, promoting leadership within communities to ensure that violence
prevention efforts become self-sustaining, and transforming the way health care providers,
police, judges, employers and others address violence.
The Feminist Majority Foundation
http://www.feminist.org
The FMF, which was founded in 1987, is a cutting edge organization dedicated to women's
equality, reproductive health, and non-violence. In all spheres, FMF utilizes research and action
to empower women economically, socially, and politically. Our organization believes that
feminists - both women and men, girls and boys - are the majority, but this majority must be
empowered.
Planned Parenthood
www.plannedparenthood.org
Planned Parenthood is the nation's leading sexual and reproductive health care advocate and
provider. Planned Parenthood offers high-quality health care, including birth control and family
planning, gynecological care, STI/STD testing and treatment, pregnancy testing, and abortion
services. They advocate for expanded access to these services, drawing on a base of 3.5 million
activists and supporters. They also work with allies worldwide to ensure that all women and
men have the right and the means to meet their sexual and reproductive health care needs.
Our Bodies Ourselves/The Boston Women’s Health Book Collective
http://www.ourbodiesourselves.org/
Our Bodies Ourselves (OBOS), also known as the Boston Women’s Health Book Collective
(BWHBC), is a non-profit, public interest women’s health education, advocacy, and consulting
organization. Beginning in 1970 with the publication of the first edition of Our Bodies,Ourselves and continuing for over 35 years, OBOS has inspired the women’s health movement
by producing a book that makes accurate health and medical information accessible to a broad
audience by weaving women’s stories into a framework of practical, clearly written text. OBOS
provides clear, truthful information about health, sexuality and reproduction from a feminist and
consumer perspective. They vigorously advocate for women's health by challenging the
institutions and systems that block women from full control over their bodies and devalue their
lives. They remain one of the few women’s health groups in the U.S. that doesn’t accept funds
from pharmaceutical companies and that tries to be scrupulous about conflict of interest. They
believe their work should reflect a global perspective, recognizing that there are no borders to
the problems of women’s health and well being.
Cultural Diversity (back)
International Institute
http://www.iiri.org
The International Institute is an independent non-profit; serving immigrants and refugees, one
family at a time, since 1921. They serve as a first-stop, full-service immigration referral center
providing educational, legal, and social services to immigrants and refugees throughout Rhode
Island and southeastern New England. They also provide interpreting and translating services
and community education and training programs to local businesses, health care providers,
lawyers, government agencies, social service providers, academic organizations and individuals.
The National Association for the Advanced of Colored People
http://www.naacp.org
The mission of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) is to
ensure the political, educational, social and economic equality of rights of all persons and to
eliminate racial hatred and racial discrimination.
The National Urban League
http://www.nul.org
Established in 1910, The Urban League is the nation's oldest and largest community- based
movement devoted to empowering African Americans to enter the economic and social
mainstream. Today, the National Urban League, headquartered in New York City, spearheads
the non-partisan efforts of its local affiliates. There are over 100 local affiliates of the National
Urban League located in 35 states and the District of Columbia providing direct services to more
than 2 million people nationwide through programs, advocacy and research. The mission of the
Urban League movement is to enable African Americans to secure economic self-reliance,
parity, power and civil rights.
National Black Child Development Institute
http://www.nbcdi.org
Since 1970 The National Black Child Development Institute (NBCDI), a non-profit
organization, has provided and supported programs, workshops, and resources for African
American children, their parents and communities. Through hands-on service and community outreach programs, NBCDI initiates positive change for the health, welfare, and educational
needs of all African American children.
National Council of La Raza
http://www.nclr.org
NCLR is the largest national Hispanic civil rights and advocacy organization in the United
States. It works to improve opportunities for Hispanic Americans. To achieve its mission,
NCLR conducts applied research, policy analysis, and advocacy, providing a Latino perspective
in five key areas – assets/investments, civil rights/immigration, education, employment and
economic status, and health. In addition, it provides capacity-building assistance to its affiliates
who work at the state and local level to advance opportunities for individuals and families.
Asian & Pacific Islander American Health Forum
http://www.apiahf.org
The Health Forum is a national advocacy organization dedicated to promoting policy, program,
and research efforts to improve the health and well-being of Asian-American and Pacific
Islander (AAPI) communities. Founded in 1986, the Health Forum approaches activities with the
philosophy of coalition-building and developing capacity within local AAPI communities. They
advocate on health issues of significance to AAPI communities, conduct community-based technical assistance and training, provide health and U.S. Census data analysis and information
dissemination, and convene regional and national conferences on AAPI health.
NativeWeb Home Page
http://www.nativeweb.org
NativeWeb is an international, non-profit, educational organization dedicated to using
telecommunications including computer technology and the Internet to disseminate information
from and about indigenous nations, peoples, and organizations around the world; to foster
communication between native and non-native peoples; to conduct esearch involving
indigenous peoples' usage of technology and the Internet; and to provide resources, mentoring,
and services to facilitate indigenous peoples' use of this technology.
Index of Native American Resources on the Net
http://www.hanksville.org/NAresources
This website is a virtual library focusing on American Indians.
Disabilities (back)
Lyme Disease Foundation, Inc.
http://www.lyme.org/
The Lyme Disease Foundation (LDF) is the premier non-profit dedicated to finding solutions for
tick-borne disorders. Realizing the ability to find solutions involves a multi-discipline effort, the
LDF includes the four cornerstones of progress (businesses, patients, government, and the
medical community) to work together to find solutions to tick-borne disorders.
American Foundation for the Blind
http://www.afb.org/
The American Foundation for the Blind (AFB) is a national non-profit that expands possibilities
for people with vision loss. AFB's priorities include broadening access to technology; elevating
the quality of information and tools for the professionals who serve people with vision loss; and
promoting independent and healthy living for people with vision loss by providing them and
their families with relevant and timely resources. AFB's work in these areas is supported by the
strong presence the organization maintains in Washington, DC, ensuring the rights and interests
of people with vision loss are represented in our nation's public policies.
The ARC
http://www.thearc.org
The Arc of the United States advocates for the rights and full participation of all children and
adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Together with their network of members
and affiliated chapters, they improve systems of supports and services; connect families; inspire
communities and influence public policy.
Ability Index
http://www.ability.org.uk
The Ability Project’s aim is to show that quality of life is related to how free a person is to make
their own choices and for a significant number of disabled people computer technology and the
Internet holds the keys to those choices. The Ability Project seeks to demonstrate to employers
and the public that IT and the Internet are tools for equality in the workplace. Ability
understands that, despite the daunting task many disabled persons and disabled groups face when
using the Internet as a means of obtaining information or down loading related software, it is still
the preferred place to find information.
Family Voices
http://www.familyvoices.org
Family Voices, a national grassroots network of families and friends, advocates for health care
services that are family-centered, community-based, comprehensive, coordinated and culturally
competent for all children and youth with special health care needs; promotes the inclusion of all
families as decision makers at all levels of health care; and supports essential partnerships
between families and professionals.
National Early Childhood Technical Assistance System (NEC*TAS)
http://www.nectac.org
The National Early Childhood Technical Assistance Center supports the implementation of the
early childhood provisions of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). Their
mission is to strengthen service systems to ensure that children with disabilities (birth through
five) and their families receive and benefit from high quality, culturally appropriate, and family centered supports and services.
National Information Center for Children and Youth with Disabilities (NICHCY)
http://www.nichcy.org
NICHCY is the center that provides information on disabilities in children and youth; programs
and services for infants, children, and youth with disabilities; IDEA, the nation's special
education law; No Child Left Behind, the nation's general education law; and research-based
information on effective practices for children with disabilities. Anyone can use their services—families, educators, administrators, journalists, students. Their special focus is children and youth (birth to age 22).
National Organization for Rare Disorders (NORD)
http://www.rarediseases.org
The National Organization for Rare Disorders (NORD), a 501(c)3 organization, is a unique
federation of voluntary health organizations dedicated to helping people with rare "orphan" diseases and assisting the organizations that serve them. A rare or "orphan" disease affects fewer
than 200,000 people in the United States. There are more than 6,000 rare disorders that, taken
together, affect approximately 25 million Americans. For almost twenty years, NORD has
served as the primary non-governmental clearinghouse for information on rare disorders. NORD
also provides referrals support groups and other sources of assistance. NORD is committed to
the identification, treatment, and cure of rare disorders through programs of education,
advocacy, research, and service.
Parent Advocacy Coalition for Educational Rights (PACER)
http://www.pacer.org
Founded in 1977, PACER Center was created by parents of children and youth with disabilities
to help other parents and families facing similar challenges. Today, PACER Center expands
opportunities and enhances the quality of life of children and young adults with disabilities and
their families. PACER is staffed primarily by parents of children with disabilities and works on a
coalition with 18 disability organizations.
Alzheimer’s Foundation of America
http://www.alzfdn.org/
The Alzheimer's Foundation of America was founded by a consortium of organizations to fill the
gap that existed on a national level to assure quality of care and excellence in service to
individuals with Alzheimer's disease and related illnesses, and to their caregivers and families.
From the beginning, AFA's objective has been to unite organizations from coast-to-coast that are
dedicated to meeting the educational, social, emotional and practical needs of individuals with
Alzheimer's disease and related illnesses, and their caregivers and families. Under AFA's
umbrella, these organizations collaborate on education, resources, program design and
implementation, fundraising campaigns, and advocacy—all resulting in better care for those
affected by the disease.
Attention Deficit Disorder Association
http://www.add.org
The Attention Deficit Disorder Association (ADDA) is designated as a 501 (c) 3 non-profit
organization. This international organization has been in existence since 1989. The mission of
ADDA is to provide information, resources and networking to adults with AD/HD and to the
professionals who work with them. In doing so, ADDA generates hope, awareness,
empowerment and connections worldwide in the field of AD/HD. Bringing together scientific
perspectives and the human experience, the information and resources provided to individuals
and families affected by AD/HD and professionals in the field focuses on diagnoses, treatments,
strategies and techniques for helping adults with AD/HD lead better lives.
Autism Society of America
http://www.autism-society.org
ASA is dedicated to increasing public awareness about autism and the day-to-day issues faced by
individuals with autism, their families and the professionals with whom they interact. The
Society and its chapters share a common mission of providing information and education, and
supporting research and advocating for programs and services for the autism community.
American Foundation for the Blind
http://www.afb.org
The American Foundation for the Blind (AFB) is a national non-profit that expands possibilities
for people with vision loss. AFB's priorities include broadening access to technology; elevating
the quality of information and tools for the professionals who serve people with vision loss; and
promoting independent and healthy living for people with vision loss by providing them and
their families with relevant and timely resources. AFB's work in these areas is supported by the
strong presence the organization maintains in Washington, D.C., ensuring the rights and interests
of people with vision loss are represented in our nation's public policies.
Disabilities Statistics Center
http://www.dsc.ucsf.edu/main.php
The Disability Statistics Center produces and disseminates policy-relevant statistical information
on the demographics and status of people with disabilities in American society. The Center's
work focuses on how that status is changing over time with regard to employment, access to
technology, health care, community-based services, and other aspects of independent living and
participation in society.
Elderly Affairs (back)
Eldercare Locator
http://www.eldercare.gov
The Eldercare Locator, public service of the Administration on Aging, U.S. Department of
Health and Human Services, is a nationwide service that connects older Americans and their
caregivers with information on senior services. The Eldercare Locator is designed to help older
adults and their families and caregivers find their way through the maze of services for seniors
by identifying trustworthy local support resources. The goal is to provide users with the
information and resources they need that will help older persons live independently and safely in
their homes and communities for as long as possible.
American Association for Retired Persons (AARP)
http://www.aarp.org
AARP is a non-profit, non-partisan membership organization for people age 50 and over. AARP
is dedicated to enhancing quality of life for all people as they age. They lead positive social
change and deliver value to members through information, advocacy and service. AARP also
provides a wide range of unique benefits, special products, and services for their members.
Active in every state, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands, AARP
celebrates the attitude that age is just a number and life is what you make it.
The United States Administration on Aging
http://www.aoa.dhhs.gov
The Administration on Aging (AoA), an agency in the U.S. Department of Health and Human
Services, is one of the nation's largest providers of home- and community-based care for older
persons and their caregivers. Their mission is to develop a comprehensive, coordinated and cost effective system of long-term care that helps elderly ndividuals to maintain their dignity in their
homes and communities. Their mission statement also is to help society prepare for an aging
population. While all older Americans may receive services, the OAA targets those older
individuals who are in greatest economic and social need: the poor, the isolated, and those elders
disadvantaged by social or health disparities.
The Gerontological Society of America
http://www.geron.org
The Gerontological Society of America is a non-profit professional organization with more than
5000 members in the field of aging. GSA provides researchers, educators, practitioners, and
policy makers with opportunities to understand, advance, integrate, and use basic and applied
research on aging to improve the quality of life as one ages.
HelpAge International
http://www.helpage.org
HelpAge International is a global network of not-for-profit organizations with a mission to work
with, and for, disadvantaged older people worldwide to achieve a lasting improvement in the
quality of their lives.
Federal Government Affairs (back)
The Library of Congress
http://thomas.loc.gov
Allows a user to research current and archived laws and legislation, including a multitude of
other topics.
United States Supreme Court Collection
http://supct.law.cornell.edu/supct/index.html
A collection of U.S. Supreme Court decisions, archived by topic, author, and party. Also
includes the most recent decisions made by the court.
United States Bureau of Labor Statistics
http://www.bls.gov
The Bureau of Labor Statistics is the principal fact-finding agency for the Federal Government
in the broad field of labor economics and statistics.
United States House of Representatives
http://www.house.gov
United States Senate
http://www.senate.gov
United States Census Bureau
http://www.census.gov
Allows visitors to research recent and past U.S. census data. Visitors can also use this web site
to research data on a specific town, city, county, or state.
United States General Accountability Office
http://www.gao.gov
The Government Accountability Office (GAO) is an agency that works for Congress and the
American people. Congress asks GAO to study the programs and expenditures of the federal
government. GAO, commonly called the investigative arm of Congress or the congressional
watchdog, is independent and non-partisan. It studies how the federal government spends
taxpayer dollars. GAO advises Congress and the heads of executive agencies (such as
Environmental Protection Agency, EPA, Department of Defense, DOD, and Health and Human
Services, HHS) about ways to make government more effective and responsive. GAO evaluates
federal programs, audits federal expenditures, and issues legal opinions. When GAO reports its
findings to Congress, it recommends actions. Its work leads to laws and acts that improve
government operations, and save billions of dollars.
The United States Department of Agriculture
http://www.usda.gov
The USDA web site provides information on national food and agricultural policy, including
education and outreach, research and science, and rural and community development.
The Government Guide
http://www.governmentguide.com
A web site that contains comprehensive information on local and federal government resources.
Health Care (back)
The United States Department of Health & Human Services
http://www.hhs.gov
The Department of Health & Human Services (HHS) is the United States government's principal
agency for protecting the health of all Americans and providing essential human services,
especially for those who are least able to help themselves. The Department includes more than
300 programs, covering a wide spectrum of activities. HHS represents almost one quarter of all
federal outlays, and it administers more grant dollars than all other federal agencies combined.
HHS' Medicare program is the nation's largest health insurer, handling more than 1 billion claims per year. Medicare and Medicaid together provide health care insurance for one in four
Americans. HHS works closely with state and local governments, and many HHS-funded
services are provided at the local level by state or county agencies, or through private sector
grantees.
Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services
http://www.cms.hhs.gov/
CMS' goals are to protect and improve beneficiary health and satisfaction, foster appropriate and
predictable payments and high quality care, promote understanding of CMS programs among
beneficiaries, the health care community, and the public, promote the fiscal integrity of CMS
programs and be an accountable steward of public funds, foster excellence in the design and
administration of CMS programs, and provide leadership in the broader health care marketplace
to improve health.
National Institute of Health
http://www.nih.gov
The National Institutes of Health (NIH), a part of the United States Department of Health and
Human Services (HHS), is the primary Federal agency for conducting and supporting medical
research. Helping to lead the way toward important medical discoveries that improve people’s
health and save lives, NIH scientists investigate ways to prevent disease as well as the causes,
treatments, and even cures for common and rare diseases. The web site contains a wealth of
information regarding all types of medical issues, along with grant and funding opportunities,
scientific resources, and training, among other things.
Centers of Disease Control and Prevention
http://www.cdc.gov
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is one of the 13 major operating
components of the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), which is the principal
agency in the United States government for protecting the health and safety of all Americans and
for providing essential human services, especially for those people who are least able to help
themselves.
American Public Health Association
http://www.apha.org
The American Public Health Association (APHA) is the oldest and largest organization of public
health professionals in the world, representing more than 50,000 members from over 50
occupations of public health. APHA brings together researchers, health service providers,
administrators, teachers, and other health workers in a unique, multidisciplinary environment of professional exchange, study, and action. APHA is concerned with a broad set of issues
affecting personal and environmental health, including federal and state funding for health
programs, pollution control, programs and policies related to chronic and infectious diseases, a
smoke-free society, and professional education in public health.
National Health Information Center
http://www.health.gov/NHIC
The National Health Information Center (NHIC) is a health information referral service. NHIC
puts health professionals and consumers who have health questions in touch with those
organizations that are best able to provide answers. NHIC was established in 1979 by the Office
of Disease Prevention and Health Promotion (ODPHP), Office of Public Health and Science,
Office of the Secretary, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. NHIC also provides
key support for the healthfinder® Web site, a gateway to reliable consumer health information.
Health Services/Technology Assessment Text
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/bv.fcgi?rid=hstat
The Health Services Technology/Assessment Texts (HSTAT) is a free, Web-based resource of
full-text documents that provide health information and support health care decision making.
HSTAT's audience includes health care providers, health service researchers, policy makers,
payers, consumers and the information professionals who serve these groups.
The Occupational and Safety Health Administration
http://www.osha.gov
OSHA's mission is to assure the safety and health of America's workers by setting and enforcing
standards; providing training, outreach, and education; establishing partnerships; and
encouraging continual improvement in workplace safety and health.
The Body: The Complete HIV/AIDS Resource
http://www.thebody.com
The Body's mission is to use the Web to lower barriers between patients and clinicians,
demystify HIV/AIDS and its treatment, improve patients' quality of life, and foster community
through human connection.
National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization
http://www.nhpco.org/templates/1/homepage.cfm
NHPCO’s envisions a world where individuals and families facing serious illness, death, and
grief will experience the best that humankind can offer. NHPCO’s Mission is to lead and
mobilize social change for improved care at the end of life.
National Center for Health Statistics
http://www.cdc.gov/nchs
The mission of the National Center for Health Statistics (NCHS) is to provide statistical
information that will guide actions and policies to improve the health of the American people.
As the Nation's principal health statistics agency, NCHS leads the way with accurate, relevant,
and timely data.
Physicians for a National Health Program
http://www.pnhp.org
Physicians for a National Health Program (PNHP) believes that access to high-quality health
care is a right of all people and should be provided equitably as a public service rather than
bought and sold as a commodity. The mission of PNHP is therefore to educate physicians, other
health workers, and the general public on the need for a comprehensive, high-quality, publicly funded health care program, equitably-accessible to all residents of the United States.
Families USA Home Page
http://www.familiesusa.org
Families USA is a national non-profit, non-partisan organization dedicated to the achievement of
high-quality, affordable health care for all Americans. Working at the national, state, and
community levels, they have earned a national reputation as an effective voice for health care
consumers for over 20 years. This web site contains information on health insurance including
prescription drug insurance, and legislative efforts.
The Commonwealth Fund
http://www.cmwf.org
The Commonwealth Fund is a private foundation that aims to promote a high performing health
care system that achieves better access, improved quality, and greater efficiency, particularly for
society's most vulnerable, including low-income people, the uninsured, minority Americans,
young children, and elderly adults. The Fund carries out this mandate by supporting independent
research on health care issues and making grants to improve health care practice and policy. An
international program in health policy is designed to stimulate innovative policies and practices
in the United States and other industrialized countries.
The Kaiser Family Foundation
http://www.kff.org
The Henry J. Kaiser Family Foundation (KFF) is a non-profit, private operating foundation
focusing on the major health care issues facing the nation. The Foundation is an independent
voice and source of facts and analysis for policymakers, the media, the health care community,
and the general public. KFF develops and runs its own research and communications programs,
often in partnership with outside organizations. The Foundation contracts with a wide range of
outside individuals and organizations through its programs. Through their policy research and
communications programs, they work to provide reliable information in a health system in which
the issues are increasingly complex and the nation faces difficult challenges and choices.
Homelessness/Housing (back)
United States Department of Housing and Urban Development
http://www.hud.gov
HUD's mission is to increase homeownership, support community development and increase
access to affordable housing free from discrimination. To fulfill this mission, HUD will embrace
high standards of ethics, management and accountability and forge new partnerships--
particularly with faith-based and community organizations--that leverage resources and improve
HUD's ability to be effective on the community level.
National Coalition for the Homeless
http://www.nationalhomeless.org
The National Coalition for the Homeless, founded in 1984, is a national network of people who
are currently experiencing or who have experienced homelessness, activists and advocates,
community-based and faith-based service providers, and others committed to a single mission.
That mission, their common bond, is to end homelessness. They are committed to creating the
systemic and attitudinal changes necessary to prevent and end homelessness. At the same time,
they work to meet the immediate needs of people who are currently experiencing homelessness
or who are at risk of doing so. They take as their first principle of practice that people who are
currently experiencing homelessness or have formerly experienced homelessness must be
actively involved in all of their work.
National Low-Income Housing Coalition
http://www.nlihc.org
The National Low-Income Housing Coalition is dedicated solely to ending America’s affordable
housing crisis. They believe that this is achievable, that the affordable housing crisis is a problem
that Americans are capable of solving. While they are concerned about the housing
circumstances of all low income people, they focus their advocacy on those with the most
serious housing problems, the lowest income households.
Habitat for Humanity International
http://www.habitat.org
Habitat for Humanity International is a non-profit, non-denominational Christian housing
organization. They welcome all people to join them as they build simple, decent, affordable
houses in partnership with those who lack adequate shelter. Since 1976, Habitat has built more
than 175, 000 houses, providing shelter for nearly 900,000 people worldwide. Now at work in
100 countries, they are building a house every 26 minutes. By 2005, Habitat houses will be
sheltering 1 million people. Local Habitat affiliates coordinate house building and select partner
families.
U.S. Census Bureau: Housing Topics
http://www.census.gov/hhes/www/housing.html
Contains various topics related to US housing, including census data.
Hunger (back)
The URI Feinstein Center for a Hunger Free America
http://www.uri.edu/endhunger/
The URI Feinstein Center for a Hunger Free America is an educational center committed to
developing solutions to the problem of hunger in Rhode Island and nationwide. The Center
seeks to promote education, research, and outreach on the causes and the consequences of
hunger and the study of policies and programs aimed at alleviating hunger. The Center provides
multiple avenues for involvement through academic course work, research experience, volunteer
opportunities, experiential and service learning credits, internships, and a minor in Hunger Studies.
Food Research and Action Center
http://www.frac.org
The Food Research and Action Center (FRAC) is a leading national organization working to
improve public policies to eradicate hunger and under-nutrition in the United States. Founded in
1970 as a public interest law firm; FRAC is a non-profit and non-partisan research and public
policy center that serves as the hub of an anti-hunger network of thousands of individuals and
agencies across the country.
Labor (back)
United States Department of Labor
http://www.dol.gov
The Department of Labor fosters and promotes the welfare of the job seekers, wage earners, and
retirees of the United States by improving their working conditions, advancing their
opportunities for profitable employment, protecting their retirement and health care benefits,
helping employers find workers, strengthening free collective bargaining, and tracking changes
in employment, prices, and other national economic measurements. In carrying out this mission,
the Department administers a variety of Federal labor laws including those that guarantee
workers’ rights to safe and healthful working conditions; a minimum hourly wage and overtime
pay; freedom from employment discrimination; unemployment insurance; and other income
support.
LaborNet@IGC Home Page
http://www.labornet.org
Keeps track of labor issues happening around the country, with particular attention to strikes,
labor disputes, labor rights, immigrant labor, etc. Contains resources, news archives, and links
to other sources of information.
Labor Policy Association
http://www.hrpolicy.org
An association of senior human resource executives that provide labor policy analyses on topics
that include compensation, union organizing, healthcare, immigration, trade/labor issues, etc.
The American Federation of State, County, and Municipal Employees, AFL-CIO
http://www.afscme.org
AFSCME is the nation's largest and fastest growing public service employees union. They are
1.4 million members strong and are made up of people who serve the public every day in all
areas of government, health, education and other services, both public and private. The web site
contains resources for political and legislative action, and includes employment opportunities. It
also contains links to labor information, including its own analyses of labor and healthcare issues.
AFL-CIO
http://www.aflcio.org
The mission of the AFL-CIO is to improve the lives of working families—to bring economic
justice to the workplace and social justice to our nation. The AFL-CIO web site contains
analyses on labor issues including healthcare, living wage, labor rights, etc. It also contains
numerous links to other sources of labor information.
Industrial Workers of the World (“Wobblies”)
http://www.iww.org/http://www.iww.org/
The IWW believes there can be no peace so long as hunger and want are found among millions
of the working people and the few, who make up the employing class, have all the good things of
life. They find that the centering of the management of industries into fewer and fewer hands
makes the trade unions unable to cope with the ever growing power of the employing class. The
trade unions foster a state of affairs which allows one set of workers to be pitted against another
set of workers in the same industry, thereby helping defeat one another in wage wars. Moreover,
the trade unions aid the employing class to mislead the workers into the belief that the working
class has interests in common with their employers. It is the historic mission of the working class
to do away with capitalism. By organizing industrially they are forming the structure of the new
society within the shell of the old.
Jobs with Justice
http://www.jwj.org
Founded in 1987, JwJ's mission is to improve working people's standard of living, fight for job
security, and protect workers' right to organize. JwJ's core belief is that in order to be successful,
workers' rights struggles have to be part of a larger campaign for economic and social justice. To
that end, JwJ has created a network of local coalitions that connect labor, faith-based,
community, and student organizations to work together on workplace and community social
justice campaigns.
LGBTQ (back)
National Gay & Lesbian Task Force
http://www.thetaskforce.org
Founded in 1973, the National Gay and Lesbian Task Force Foundation (the Task Force) was the
first national lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) civil rights and advocacy
organization and remains the movement's leading voice for freedom, justice and equality. They
work to build the grassroots political strength of the LGBT community by training state and local activists and leaders, working to strengthen the infrastructure of state and local allies, and organizing broad-based campaigns to build public support for complete equality for LGBT people. Their Policy Institute, the community's premier think tank, provides research and policy analysis to support the struggle for complete equality.
Gay & Lesbian Advocates & Defenders
www.glad.org
Founded in 1978, Gay & Lesbian Advocates & Defenders (GLAD) is New England’s leading
legal rights organization dedicated to ending discrimination based on sexual orientation, HIV
status and gender identity and expression. Providing litigation, advocacy, and educational work
in all areas of gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender civil rights and the rights of people living
with HIV, GLAD has a full-time legal staff and a network of cooperating attorneys across New
England.
Human Rights Campaign
http://www.hrc.org
The Human Rights Campaign is America’s largest civil rights organization working to achieve
gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender equality. By inspiring and engaging all Americans, HRC
strives to end discrimination against GLBT citizens and realize a nation that achieves
fundamental fairness and equality for all.
MEDIA & COMMENTARY (back)
Newspapers on the World Wide Web
http://www.gt.kth.se/publishing/news.html
The New York Times
http://www.nytimes.com
The Wall Street Journal
http://online.wsj.com/public/us
The Washington Times
http://www.washingtontimes.com
Time Magazine
http://www.time.com
U.S. News & World Report
http://www.usnews.com
National Review
http://www.nationalreview.com
Mother Jones
http://www.mojones.com
Dollars and Sense
http://www.dollarsandsense.org
Utne
http://www.utne.com
CNN
http://www.cnn.com
Associated Press
http://www.ap.org
The Progressive Review
http://emporium.turnpike.net/P/ProRev/index.htm
The White House News
http://www.whitehouse.gov/news/index.html
C-SPAN
http://www.c-span.org
Common Dreams News & Views
http://www.commondreams.org
The New Standard
http://newstandardnews.net
British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC)
http://news.bbc.co.uk
The Independent
http://www.independent.co.uk
The Guardian
http://www.guardian.co.uk
United Nations News Center
http://www.unitednationsnews.com
United Press International
http://www.upi.com
Newsday
http://www.newsday.com
Washington Post
http://www.washingtonpost.com
Christian Science Monitor
http://www.csmonitor.com
National Public Radio
http://www.npr.org/
Mental Health (back)
The National Mental Health Association
http://www.nmha.org/
The National Mental Health Association (NMHA) is the country's oldest and largest non-profit
organization addressing all aspects of mental health and mental illness. With more than 340
affiliates nationwide, NMHA works to improve the mental health of all Americans, especially
the 54 million individuals with mental disorders, through advocacy, education, research and
service.
The National Institute of Mental Health
http://www.nimh.nih.gov/
The NIMH is the lead Federal agency for research on mental and behavioral disorders. The
NIMH is actively involved in strategic planning and priority-setting for the Institute as whole as
well as for specific research areas. NIMH solicits input from patients and their advocates,
scientists, Congress, the public, and the National Advisory Mental Health Council. The National
Institute of Mental Health is one of 27 components of the National Institutes of Health (NIH),
the Federal government's principal biomedical and behavioral research agency. NIH is part of
the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.
Poverty & Social/Economic Policy (back)
The Worldwatch Institute
http://www.worldwatch.org
Founded by Lester Brown in 1974, the Worldwatch Institute offers a unique blend of
interdisciplinary research, global focus, and accessible writing that has made it a leading source
of information on the interactions among key environmental, social, and economic trends. Their
work revolves around the transition to an environmentally sustainable and socially just
society—and how to achieve it.
Center for Law and Social Policy
http://www.clasp.org
CLASP promotes progressive policies on welfare reform, child support, child care, early
education, workforce development, child welfare, low-income fathers, disconnected youth, and
ex-offenders reentering society. In addition, CLASP has sought to secure equal justice for all
Americans by promoting and protecting programs to expand access to our civil justice system
for low-income persons by promoting racial justice and by stimulating innovations in the
delivery of civil legal assistance.
The Center for Study of Responsive Law
http://www.csrl.org
The Center for Study of Responsive Law is a non-profit Ralph Nader organization that supports
and conducts a wide variety of research and educational projects to encourage the political,
economic and social institutions of this country to be more aware of the needs of the citizen consumer. The Center publishes a variety of reports on a number of public interest issues.
The Institute for Global Communications
http://www.igc.org
Beginning in 1987, the IGC played a formative role in bringing advanced communications
technologies to grassroots organizations worldwide working for peace, human rights,
environmental sustainability, women's rights, conflict resolution, and worker rights. Their
flagship global computer networks -- PeaceNet, EcoNet, WomensNet, ConflictNet, LaborNet
and AntiRacismNet -- became trademark names in the struggle for democratic use of the media
and the world's communications infrastructure.
The Electronic Policy Network
http://www.movingideas.org
As the leading source for easily searched and sorted progressive policy information, Moving
Ideas provides the background information for citizen activism via the Internet. Their site is a
one-stop shop for resources from more than 180 partner and member organizations that focus on
issues such as foreign policy and national security, education, civil liberties, jobs and the
economy, retirement security and more. Their site emphasizes engaging citizens in activism, but
also provides easy access to everything from columnists to public documents.
American Enterprise Institute
http://www.aei.org
The American Enterprise Institute for Public Policy Research is a private, non-partisan, not-for-profit institution dedicated to research and education on issues of government, politics,
economics, and social welfare. Founded in 1943, AEI is home to some of America's most
accomplished public policy experts--from economics, law, political science, defense and foreign
policy studies, ethics, theology, medicine, and other fields. The Institute sponsors research and
conferences and publishes books, monographs, and periodicals. Its website posts its publications,
videos and transcripts of its conferences, biographies of its scholars and fellows, and schedules
of upcoming events.
Brookings Institution
http://www.brook.edu
The Brookings Institution is a major public policy research organization. Its web site offers
research on economics, foreign policy, governmental, and metropolitan studies.
Center for Policy Research
http://www-cpr.maxwell.syr.edu
CPR is an interdisciplinary applied policy research program in the Maxwell School of Syracuse
University. CPR conducts a broad range of interdisciplinary research and related activities in the
areas of aging, disability, social welfare, and income security policy; domestic urban and
regional issues; and public finance; particularly education finance.
Hudson Institute
http://www.hudson.org
Hudson Institute is a non-partisan policy research organization dedicated to innovative research
and analysis that promotes global security, prosperity, and freedom. They challenge
conventional thinking and help manage strategic transitions to the future through
interdisciplinary and collaborative studies in defense, international relations, economics, culture,
science, technology, and law. Through publications, conferences and policy recommendations,
they seek to guide global leaders in government and business.
The RAND Corporation
http://www.rand.org
The RAND Corporation is a non-profit institution that helps improve policy and decision making
through research and analysis. For nearly 60 years, decision makers in the public and private
sectors have turned to the RAND Corporation for objective analysis and effective solutions that
address the challenges facing the nation and the world. These challenges include such critical
social and economic issues as education, poverty, crime, and the environment, as well as a range
of national security issues.
Urban Institute
http://www.urban.org
The Urban Institute analyzes policies, evaluates programs, and informs community development
to improve social, civic, and economic well being. They work in all 50 states and abroad in over
28 countries, and they share research findings with policymakers, program administrators,
business, academics, and the public online and through reports and scholarly books.
The Independent Institute
http://www.independent.org
The mission of The Independent Institute is to transcend the all-too-common politicization and
superficiality of public policy research and debate, redefine the debate over public issues, and
foster new and effective directions for government reform. Today, the influence of partisan
interests is so pervasive that public policy debate has become too politicized and is largely
confined to a narrow reconsideration of existing policies. In order to fully understand the nature
of public issues and possible solutions, the Institute’s program adheres to the highest standards
of independent scholarly inquiry. The Institute’s program is pursued to rigorous standards
without regard to any political or social biases.
The Century Foundation
http://www.tcf.org
The Century Foundation conducts public policy research and analyses of economic, social, and
foreign policy issues, including inequality, retirement security, election reform, media studies,
homeland security, and international affairs. The foundation produces books, reports, and other
publications, convenes task forces and working groups, and operates eight informational Web
sites. The Century Foundation is non-profit and non-partisan.
Citizens Advocacy Center
http://www.citizenadvocacycenter.org
The Citizen Advocacy is a non-profit, non-partisan community legal organization dedicated to
building democracy for the 21st century. Center community lawyers and volunteers focus on
strengthening the citizenry's capacity and motivation to participate in civic affairs, building
community resources, and improving democratic protocols within our community institutions.
Through public education, community organizing, issue advocacy, and precedent-setting
litigation in state and federal courts, the Center forges ahead with programs to advance civic life.
The Center is a free public resource to the community.
Center for Insurance Research
http://www.centerforinsuranceresearch.org
The Center for Insurance Research, based in Cambridge, Massachusetts, provides an
independent voice for reform in debates about insurance, banks, financial services companies
and related public policy issues around the nation. CIR focuses on national and state issues of
insurance and financial services regulation in a range of areas including: mutual conversions,
health care, illegal discrimination, insurance accessibility, cost reduction, quality assurance,
disclosure, corporate and regulatory accountability. CIR presents invited testimony before
federal and state legislatures and agencies, conducts studies and initiates litigation on behalf of
the public interest, sponsors public forums, and engages in public interest campaigns.
National Bureau of Economic Research
http://www.nber.org
Founded in 1920, the National Bureau of Economic Research is a private, non-profit, nonpartisan
research organization dedicated to promoting a greater understanding of how the
economy works. The NBER is committed to undertaking and disseminating unbiased economic
research among public policymakers, business professionals, and the academic community. Over
the years the Bureau's research agenda has encompassed a wide variety of issues that confront
our society.
Institute for Research on Poverty
http://www.irp.wisc.edu
IRP is a center for interdisciplinary research into the causes and consequences of poverty and
social inequality in the United States. It is based at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. As one
of three Area Poverty Research Centers sponsored by the U.S. Department of Health and Human
Services, it has a particular interest in poverty and family welfare in the Midwest. It is nonprofit
and non-partisan.
Institute on Race and Poverty
http://www.irpumn.org
The Institute on Race & Poverty (IRP) investigates the ways that policies and practices
disproportionately affect people of color and the disadvantaged. A core purpose for IRP’s work
is to ensure that people have access to opportunity. Another is to help the places where people
live develop in ways that both promote access to opportunity and help maintain regional
stability.
Moving Ideas: The Electronic Policy Network
http://www.movingideas.org
A progressive web site network that provides policy analyses on topics ranging from health care,
foreign policy, and social security, among others.
American Public Human Services Association
http://www.aphsa.org
The American Public Human Services Association, founded in 1930, is a non-profit, bi-partisan
organization of state and local human service agencies and individuals who work in or are
interested in public human service programs. Their mission is to develop and promote policies
and practices that improve the health and well-being of families, children, and adults. They
educate Congress, the media, and the general public on social policies and practices and help
state and local public human service agencies achieve their desired outcomes in Temporary
Assistance for Needy Families, child care, child support, Medicaid, food stamps, child welfare,
and other program areas and issues that affect families, the elderly, and people who are
economically disadvantaged.
Coalition on Human Needs
http://www.chn.org
The Coalition on Human Needs (CHN) is an alliance of national organizations working together
to promote public policies which address the needs of low-income and other vulnerable
populations. The Coalition's members include civil rights, religious, labor and professional
organizations and those concerned with the well being of children, women, the elderly and
people with disabilities.
Economic Policy Institute
http://www.epinet.org
The mission of the Economic Policy Institute is to provide high-quality research and education
in order to promote a prosperous, fair, and sustainable economy. The Institute stresses real world
analysis and a concern for the living standards of working people, and it makes its findings
accessible to the general public, the media, and policy makers.
Social Work & Social Work Education (back)
National Association of Social Workers
http://www.naswdc.org
The National Association of Social Workers (NASW) is the largest membership organization of
professional social workers in the world, with 153,000 members. NASW works to enhance the
professional growth and development of its members, to create and maintain professional
standards, and to advance sound social policies.
Help Starts Here
http://www.helpstartshere.org
This site is a source for professional advice across all disciplines including families, mental
health, aging, and illness. It includes real-life stories, tips, and an array of other resources.
Council on Social Work Education
http://www.cswe.org/
CSWE administers social work curricula for institutions of social work education across the
country and provides a listing of all accredited MSW and Ph.D. Social Work programs in the
nation.
National Association of Black Social Workers
http://www.nabsw.org/
The National Association of Black Social Workers, Inc., comprised of people of African
ancestry, is committed to enhancing the quality of life and empowering people of African
ancestry through advocacy, human services delivery, and research.
Association of Social Work Boards
http://www.aswb.org
The Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB) is the association of boards that regulate social
work. ASWB develops and maintains the social work licensing examination used across the
country, and is a central resource for information on the legal regulation of social work. Through
the association, social work boards can share information and work together. ASWB is also
available to help individual social workers and social work students with questions they may
have about licensing and the social work examinations.
Information for (Social Work) Practice
http://www.nyu.edu/socialwork/ip/
Information for Practice’s mission is to help social service professionals throughout the world
conveniently maintain an awareness of news regarding the profession and emerging scholarship.
Local Schools of Social Work
http://www.ric.edu/socwk
Council of Social Work Education
http://www.cswe.org
Contains a link to a list of all MSW and Ph.D. schools of Social Work.
International Social Work Practice (back)
International Federation of Social Workers
http://www.ifsw.org
The International Federation of Social Workers (IFSW) recognizes that social work originates
variously from humanitarian, religious and democratic ideals and philosophies; and that it has
universal application to meet human needs arising from personal-societal interactions, and to
develop human potential. Professional social workers are dedicated to service for the welfare
and self-fulfillment of human beings; to the development and disciplined use of scientific
knowledge regarding human behaviour and society; to the development of resources to meet
individual, group, national and international needs and aspirations; to the enhancement and
improvement of the quality of life of people; and to the achievement of social justice.
International Association of the Schools of Social Work
http://www.iassw-aiets.org
The International Association of Schools of Social Work, IASSW, is the worldwide association
of schools of social work, other tertiary level social work educational programmes, and social
work educators. The IASSW promotes the development of social work education throughout the
world, develops standards to enhance quality of social work education, encourages international
exchange, provides forums for sharing social work research and scholarship, and promotes
human rights and social development through policy and advocacy activities. IASSW holds
consultative status with the United Nations and participates as an NGO in U.N. activities in
Geneva, Vienna and New York. Through its work at the U.N. and with other international
organizations, IASSW represents social work education at the international level.
International Council on Social Welfare
http://www.icsw.org
The International Council on Social Welfare (ICSW), founded in Paris in 1928, is a nongovernmental organization which now represents national and local organizations in more than 50 countries throughout the world. Their membership also includes a number of major
international organizations. ICSW member organizations collectively represent tens of
thousands of community organizations which work directly at the grass-roots with people in
poverty, hardship or distress. Almost all of them are independent organizations working in their
own communities rather than branches of organizations based in other countries. Many have
been established by people who are themselves experiencing hardship. Within their own
communities, ICSW’s network of organizations provides help for a wide range of people who
are poor, ill, disabled, unemployed, frail or oppressed. They help young people, older people,
families, indigenous peoples, migrants, refugees and others who are experiencing special
hardship or vulnerability.
Social Work & Society
http://www.socwork.net/
Social Work and Society is dedicated to critical analysis of the relationship between social work,
social policy, the state and economic forces. It provides a forum in which conventional views
can be challenged, theories about the status and mission of social work in society can be
developed and ways for social work to act politically and responsibly can be identified. The
journal aims to engage in truly international debate by including discussants from countries all
over the world. In doing so, it is committed to constructing discursive relationships between
research, theory, education and practice. It aims at widening the scholarly discourse to critical,
user-accessible debates on current developments concerning the broad field of social work and
society in all parts of the world.
International Social Service
http://www.iss-ssi.org
The International Social Service (ISS) is an international non-governmental organization
dedicated to helping individuals and families with personal or social problems resulting from
migration and international movement. ISS's national branches, affiliated bureau and
correspondents in over 100 countries facilitate communication between social services to resolve
these problems.
Social Work Career & Licensing (back)
Association of Social Work Boards
http://www.aswb.org/
The Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB) is the association of boards that regulate social
work. ASWB develops and maintains the social work licensing examination used across the
country, and is a central resource for information on the legal regulation of social work. Through
the association, social work boards can share information and work together. ASWB is also
available to help individual social workers and social work students with questions they may
have about licensing and the social work examinations.
School Social Work Association of America
http://www.sswaa.org/http://www.sswaa.org/
The School Social Work Association of America (SWAA) is dedicated to promoting the
profession of School Social Work and the professional development of School Social Workers in
order to enhance the educational experience of students and their families.
Institute for the Advancement of Social Work Research
http://www.iaswresearch.org/
IASWR was founded in 1993 by five national professional organizations that represent the social
work practice and education communities, to fulfill recommendations from a 1991 report
adopted by National Institute of Mental Health’s advisory council, which highlighted the need to
strengthen social work research resources. In 2000, those five organizations were joined by a
sixth. A freestanding, not-for-profit organization, IASWR serves the research needs of the entire
social work profession. Sponsoring organizations are represented on the Board of Directors of
IASWR and contribute annually to its financial support. IASWR promotes social work research
conducted under the auspices of other academic and professional organizations. IASWR does
not conduct or fund social work research directly, except in surveys on behalf of the profession,
which relate to fulfilling Institute goals.
Miscellaneous (back)
Project Vote Smart
http://www.vote-smart.org
A resource that assists those with learning about the voting process, electoral, and political
issues.
Center for Voting and Democracy
http://www.fairvote.org
FairVote seeks elections that promote voter turnout, fair representation, inclusive policy and
meaningful choices by building on our nation's history of improving upon the American
experiment. As a catalyst for electoral reforms such as instant runoff voting, proportional voting,
direct election of the president and automatic voter registration, they conduct research, analysis,
education and organizing to ensure all Americans can exercise their right to vote and elect
representatives who reflect our racial and political diversity.
Association of Community Organizations for Reform Now
http://www.acorn.org
ACORN is the nation’s largest community organization of low-and moderate-income families,
working together for social justice and stronger communities. Issues include affordable housing,
wage campaigns, living wage, healthcare, etc.
World Health Organization
http://www.who.int
The WHO is a United Nations specialized agency for health. WHO's objective, as set out in its
Constitution, is the attainment by all peoples of the highest possible level of health. Health is
defined in WHO's Constitution as a state of complete physical, mental and social well-being and
not merely the absence of disease or infirmity. A solid resource for those interested in
researching health policies and statistics from virtually anywhere in the world. The site also
contains up-to-date news bulletins on international health issues.
Union of Concerned Scientists
http://www.ucsusa.org
UCS is an independent nonprofit alliance of more than 100,000 concerned citizens and scientists.
They augment rigorous scientific analysis with innovative thinking and committed citizen
advocacy to build a cleaner, healthier environment and a safer world.
Their core groups of scientists and engineers collaborate with colleagues across the country toconduct technical studies on renewable energy options, the impacts of global warming, the risks
of genetically engineered crops, and other related topics. They share the results of our research with policymakers, the news media, and the public.
Physicians for Social Responsibility
http://www.psr.org
Physicians for Social Responsibility (PSR) is a leading public policy organization with 24,000
members representing the medical and public health professions and concerned citizens, working
together for nuclear disarmament, a healthful environment, and an end to the epidemic of gun
violence. Founded in 1961, PSR led the campaign to end atmospheric nuclear testing by
documenting the presence of Strontium 90, a byproduct of atomic test, in children's teeth. During
the following two decades, PSR's efforts to educate the public about the dangers of nuclear war
grew into an international movement with the founding of International Physicians for the
Prevention of Nuclear War, with whom PSR shared the Nobel Peace Price awarded to IPPNW in
1985. During the 1990s, PSR built on this record of achievement by ending nuclear warhead
production and winning a comprehensive ban on all nuclear tests.
United Nations
http://www.un.org
The web site of the United Nations. Contains statistical data, reports, program information, and
information on other U.N. affairs around the globe.
Nonviolence
http://www.nonviolence.org
A comprehensive web site containing many resources on nonviolence, including nonviolence
theory, its history, and applications to current affairs. The site also hosts links, discussion
boards, and essays on topics related to nonviolence.
Social Security Death Index
http://www.familytreelegends.com/records/ssdi
Use this web site to find death certificates by entering basic demographic information and social
security numbers.
