Idealist was founded in 1995 to help connect people all over the world with opportunities to do good. As we evolved, we gradually became known as the leading nonprofit career site in the U.S., and as a good place to find volunteer opportunities in many countries.

But we’ve always wanted to do more, and this movement is the latest iteration of that original vision. Our “how” has changed over the years, but our “why” has remained constant, and if you’ve been with us for a long time, we are so glad you are still here!

There are many ways to start, and no step is too small. Please visit our Get Involved page, and stay in touch as we add more items to the menu.

We are just getting started, and right now the easiest thing to do is to invite people in your existing networks to join you. These could be friends, neighbors, other parents at school, colleagues at work, people in your house of worship, and more.

You can also start posting local events so that others can sign up for them, or you can see if anyone has already posted an event near you.

Lastly, if you want to connect with others online, please join our global LinkedIn or Facebook groups, or let us know you want to start a local group by filling out this form.

No problem at all! These monthly dates are meant as opportunities to spark and celebrate action and community. The opportunity will be there every month, but each of us can decide how often to participate. Also, if you are not available on a specific Idealist Day, you can always join or organize an activity on any other day. The point is to have a regular milestone and conversation-starter. The action can happen any time.

Yes. Stemming from a deep desire to do no harm, we ask everyone who wants to get involved to respect three basic guidelines:

- No violent action.

- No action against any person or group based on their identity.

- No action about you without you (i.e. let’s not “help” anyone without asking them first).

We hope this makes sense, wherever you are.

Idealist is a nonpartisan organization, and we’d love to keep this movement nonpartisan as well. What we mean by that is that while we welcome debates and peaceful activities to support or oppose specific laws, policies, programs, or projects, we ask everyone to abstain from supporting or opposing any government, party, politician, or political candidate within the context of this movement. 

Idealist is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit based in New York. When other organizations post a job with us, they pay a small fee, and this income covers some of our costs. But if you can make a donation to support our work, it would make a big difference. Thank you! 

Please get in touch! We'd be happy to hear from you!