Community service offers the opportunity to make communities more inclusive and safe for all people. In many instances, our communities are not safe for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgendered people. Members of the LGBT community are also often denied the same rights as other Americans. An Ally is "a person who is a member of the dominant or majority group who works to end oppression in his or her personal and professional life through support of, and as an advocate for, the oppressed population" (Washington and Evans, Becoming an Ally). These organizations welcome volunteers from all sexual orientations and backgrounds. You can make a difference through advocacy efforts or direct service.

American Aids Political Action
Washington, DC (202) 530-8030
Contact: Dr. Marsha Martin
aidsaction@aidsaction.org
http://www.aidsaction.org
An organization dedicated to responsible federal policy for improved care and services, medical research, and effective prevention of AIDS.

Food and Friends
Washington, DC (202) 488-3968
Contact: Greg Diamond
gdiamond@foodandfriends.org
http://www.foodandfriends.org
Prepares and delivers fresh meals and groceries to people living with HIV/AIDS and other life-challenging illnesses in Washington, DC, suburban Maryland and northern Virginia. The service is free of charge and performed by volunteers.

Gay and Lesbian Community Center of Baltimore (GLCCB)
Baltimore, MD (410) 837-5445
Contact: Marc Beachy, info@glccb.org
http://www.glccb.org
Strives to unite the men and women of the GLBT community through the achievements of equality, understanding and respect for our diversity.

Human Rights Campaign
Washington, DC (202) 628-4160
Contact: Alicia Boykons, hrc@hrc.org
http://www.hrc.org
The nation’s largest lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender political organization. Works to ensure the health and safety of all lesbian and gay Americans. Works on HIV/AIDS, lesbian health, anti-gay, and workplace issues.

LLEGO (National Latina/o Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual & Transgender Organization)
Washington DC, (202) 408-5380 ext. 104
Contact: Jeanette Fuller, Jfuller@llego.org
http://www.llego.org
National organization dedicated to the health, welfare, civil rights, and education of Latino/a lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender persons. Volunteers are always needed and several internships are available.

Mautner Project for Lesbians with Cancer
Washington, DC (202) 332-5536
Contact: Kelley Dupps, mautner@mautnerproject.org
http://www.mautnerproject.org
A volunteer organization dedicated to helping all lesbians with cancer, their partners, caregivers, and families. Paid internships available.

National Coalition for LGBT Health
Washington, DC (202) 797-3516
Contact: Donald Hitchcock, coalition@lgbthealth.net
http://www.lgbthealth.net
Committed to improving the health and well being of LGBT individuals and communities through public education, coalition building and advocacy that focuses on research policy, education, and training.

National Lesbian & Gay Journalists Association
Washington, DC (202) 588-9888 ext. 11
Contact: Pamela Strother, info@nlgja.org
http://www.nlgja.org
An organization of journalists, online media professionals, and students working from within the journalism industry to foster fair and accurate coverage of lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender issues. Opposes workplace bias; offers professional development.

Parents, Families, and Friends of Lesbians and Gays (PFLAG)
Washington, DC (202) 638-3852 ext. 15
Contact: Alice Leeds, aleeds@pflag.org
http://www.pflagdc.org
A national grassroots organization providing technical support to over 480 chapters across the nation. Works to support, educate, and advocate.

Sexual Minority Youth Assistance League (SMYAL)
Washington, DC (202) 546-5940, ext. 110
Contact: Tracee Ford, tracee.ford@smyal.org
http://www.smyal.org
Offers social and educational programs and support groups for gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgendered youth ages 14 to 21.

Whitman-Walker Clinic
Takoma Park, MD (301) 408-5010, ext.15
Contact: Bob Andreasen, Randreasen@wwc.org
http://www.wwc.org
Provides assistance & care to meet particular practical and/or emotional needs of persons living with HIV/AIDS. Also provides health and wellness care to the gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender communities.