As the year draws to a close, we at Tectonica are taking a moment to reflect on the incredible diversity and rich experiences that each member of our team brings to the table. Our team members  come from a variety of backgrounds and different corners of the world, each contributing unique perspectives and lived experiences. This diversity not only strengthens our team but also enhances our understanding of the world around us.

In the spirit of sharing and community, we've asked each team member to recommend a charity that holds special significance for them. These organisations represent a range of progressive causes, close to our hearts, that strive to make a positive impact in various communities and environments. We understand that not everyone is in a position to give. However, for those who are considering end-of-year charitable donations, we hope these personal recommendations from our team will inspire and guide your choices.

We believe in the power of collective action and the importance of supporting causes that advocate for progress and positive change. As we bid farewell to 2023 and look towards the future with hope and determination, we invite you to explore these recommendations. Whether it’s through spreading awareness, volunteering time, or making a donation, every action counts towards building a better tomorrow. Happy holidays to all of you and see you in 2024!

1. Centre for Humane Technology - Ned Howey, Co-founder and CEO

I highly recommend giving to the Centre for Humane Technology, a key player who is doing great work in shaping a healthier digital future. They're one of the few strong voices tackling the deep-seated issues caused by big tech and social media, particularly as these challenges intensify with the emergence of AI. Their commitment to exposing and addressing the drivers of harmful tech practices that influence our thoughts and actions is why I believe they are an essential player in our quest for a more humane technological future.

2. Global Action for Trans Equality (GATE) - Mariana Spada, Co-founder and Chief Creative Officer

I've chosen GATE as my recommendation because of their impactful work advocating for the rights and well-being of trans, gender diverse, and intersex (TGDI) communities worldwide. They're at the forefront of fighting against the discrimination, violence, and marginalisation that our communities often face. Through their international collaboration and strategic partnerships, they're not only raising awareness but also actively working to transform this harsh reality into one of justice and equality. Their dedication to providing access, knowledge, and resources is vital in making a real difference in the lives of TGDI individuals globally.

3. Sindicato Popular de Vendedores Ambulantes (SPVA) - Javier Amorós, Director of Human Resources, Administration and Social Impact

The SPVA is a Barcelona-based association fighting for the rights of migrants in Spain, providing them with a platform to become organised and have their voices heard. Their goal is to help the migrant community in two main ways: firstly, by providing legal assistance to those looking to be able to legally reside in Spain; and, secondly, by employing migrants to design and manufacture the clothes that they sell to generate awareness of their situation. The organisation is built and led by the migrant community and, in their few years of existence, have helped over 125 migrants achieve legal status as residents, as well as helped over 50 migrant families have an income and avoid being condemned to abject poverty. You can support this project by visiting the link above or making purchases from their shop here.

4. Colectivo de Derechos de Infancia y Adolescencia (Childhood and Adolescent Rights Collective) - Fernando Petroli, Senior Web Developer

The Collective's mission is to influence local, provincial, national and federal public policies that respect and guarantee the rights of children and adolescents in Argentina. Their work includes seeking to deepen the processes of research, promotion and visibility of the gender perspective for effective incorporation into educational and health policies. Their work has come to my attention since my son started nursery school and I was able to see the importance of comprehensive sexual education in children's personal development. Using the link above, just scroll to the bottom of the page for information on how to donate.

5. Grupa Granica - Weronika Paszewska, Strategy and Political Technologies Lead

Whenever I consider making a donation, I often think about smaller, local organisations like Grupa Granica who have less access to international funds and broader recognition, and who have a good understanding of the situation on the ground, as well as good transparency and credibility. They provide humanitarian aid at the Polish-Belarusian border to everyone regardless of their skin colour, helping people who spend days in the forest and who experience violence from Belarusian and Polish authorities. Grupa Granica brings them hot meals, tea, dry clothes, power banks and medical aid so they can survive. You can donate via the link above or also support them through purchases in their online shop here.

6. Medical Aid for Palestinians - Kendall Bendheim, Head of Accounts

Medical Aid for Palestinians (MAP) provides critical medical support to the occupied territories that is needed now more than ever. Even before October, the people of Palestine required a large degree of humanitarian support to receive proper medical treatment under the occupation, and without a doubt, now, this need has been exceeded tremendously. While I hope we all may continue to take action that could help put an end to the current violence, I know MAP can save precious lives on the ground while Gaza and the West Bank remain under siege.

7. The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) - Adrian White, Organising Network & Partnerships Manager

The ACLU is known for its extensive involvement in critical social issues in the US, including abortion rights, trans justice, voting rights and free speech. Their work directly impacted my life when in 2014 the ACLU played a pivotal role in the landmark Obergefell v. Hodges Supreme Court case, which brought same-sex marriage recognition to all states across the US, and now allows my marriage to be recognised throughout my home country. In a period where LGBTQ+ rights are facing escalating challenges, the ACLU continues to lead in advocating for the protection and advancement of fundamental rights.

8. The Center for Legal and Social Studies (CELS) - Martina Alvarez, Graphic Designer

CELS is an Argentine human rights organisation founded in 1979 during the last military dictatorship. It promotes the protection of human rights and their effective exercise, justice and social inclusion – both nationally and internationally. Today, the key areas of work are: memory, truth and justice for crimes committed through State terrorism; institutional violence and incarceration policies as areas of human rights violations; social inclusion and social, economic and cultural rights, particularly with regard to access to land and decent habitat; public policy regarding mental health; justice system reforms, the rights of migrant persons, sexual and reproductive rights, and freedom of expression. This work is done in alliance with other national, regional and international organisations and movements.You can donate here.

9. United24 - Katya Firsova, Account Manager

United24 is an official fundraising platform uniting the world to help Ukraine in the midst of war. It was launched by the President of Ukraine, Volodymyr Zelenskyy, as the main venue for collecting charitable donations in support of Ukraine. Funds will be used to cover the most pressing needs, including medical aid, humanitarian demining, and rebuilding efforts. With one-click donations, it aims to directly support Ukraine's needs and collaborate with global charities and donors for efficient aid delivery, working together to bring Ukraine closer to victory.

10. Consider donating to the communities that maintain the open source tools you use, or to the Free Software Foundation (FSF) - Alonso Hernández, Chief Innovation Officer

Many times we forget the enormous work behind the free tools we use and how aligned those projects are with the progressive movements we try to build every day. These also help democratise the necessary software so that other organisations, with less budgets and which are just starting out, can also scale collective power where it is needed most. You can also simply support the Free Software Foundation (FSF) and help give this movement for free technology more life.

11. Save the Children Foundation - Rodrigo Leon, Full Stack Software Developer

My charity recommendation is Save the Children, an organisation dedicated to improving the lives of children in challenging situations around the world. Their comprehensive approach ranges from providing education and medical care to ensuring fundamental rights. My choice is based on the belief that investing in childhood not only transforms individual lives but also builds a more promising future for entire communities. Being at the heart of humanitarian action, Save the Children deserves our support in building a fairer world.

12. Climaximo - Paulo Pereira, Project Manager

Climaximo is a Portuguese open collective, horizontal and anti-capitalist, which is part of the international movement for climate justice. They coordinate several public actions of civil disobedience in order to gather attention to the fact that many governments and companies have declared war on people and the planet, with their continued disregard of the climate emergency.