COMMUNITY VOICES: Rock out to help the world - Fall River, MA - The Herald News

COMMUNITY VOICES: Rock out to help the world - Fall River, MA - The Herald News: "

Although nothing takes the place of volunteering and face-to-face connections, here are some suggestions on how to incorporate a social agenda into your life by rock n’ rolling and munching! Some of the everyday things you do can have an impact on the world.

The list of socially conscious music groups continues to grow daily. Want to go to concert? Want to buy a new CD? Let your seat or CD also help you repair world.

— The Boss. Bruce Springsteen donates a portion of his profits to local food banks and often asks concert goers to bring canned food as part of the cost of admission. The food is distributed to local food pantries.

— The Grateful Dead. One of the most organized rock n’ roll charitable efforts, The Rex Foundation donates a portion of Grateful Dead profits to a plethora of service organizations working on issues such as the environment, homelessness, literacy, child welfare and peace efforts.

— Willie Nelson. Farm Aid, live mega-shows run yearly, raises money for independent farms that are in danger of being gobbled up by the Agra business.

— Phish uses a portion of its profits to support many social actions projects including environmental causes in the Lake Champlain region of Vermont, the birthplace of the band.

— Rapper Ludacris and The Ludacris Foundation team up with Greyhound and The National Runaway Switchboard to help runaways find their way home. Ludacris and Mary J. Blige’s song Runaway Love is featured in a televised public service announcement encouraging runaways to go home.

Who doesn’t enjoy a dish of ice cream on occasion? Make your munching matter. Ben & Jerry’s ice cream company is well known for its commitment to social causes, Ben & Jerry’s produces a number of tasty and socially responsible flavors.

— Some of the profits from Heath Bar Crunch go to “The Campaign for New Priorities,” an organization dedicated to advancing peace through education and an end to poverty." Sphere: Related Content