There are so many ways to say thank you, but one of the best ways to do so is to support causes and organizations that I feel are doing work to effect positive change so sorely needed in their areas of focus.

Thanks in advance for hitting these tip jars…feel free to suggest others in the comments.

The Trevor Project

The Trevor Project is determined to end suicide among LGBTQ youth by providing life-saving and life-affirming resources including our nationwide, 24/7 crisis intervention lifeline, digital community and advocacy/educational programs that create a safe, supportive and positive environment for everyone.

Point Foundation

Point Foundation provides financial support, mentoring, leadership training and hope to meritorious students who are marginalized due to sexual orientation, gender identity or gender expression.

Anti-Violence Project

The New York City Anti-Violence Project is dedicated to eliminating hate violence, sexual assault, stalking, and domestic violence in lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, and HIV-affected communities through counseling, advocacy, organizing, and public education.

Women’s Media Center

The Women’s Media Center makes women visible and powerful in the media. WMC works with the media to ensure that women’s stories are told and women’s voices are heard. We do this in three ways: through our media advocacy campaigns; by creating our own media; and by training women to participate directly in media.

National Black Justice Foundation

The National Black Justice Coalition (NBJC) is a civil rights organization dedicated to empowering Black lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) people. NBJC’s mission is to eradicate racism and homophobia. As America’s leading national Black LGBT civil rights organization focused on federal public policy, the National Black Justice Coalition has accepted the charge to lead Black families in strengthening the bonds and bridging the gaps between straight and LGBT people and communities.

Equality NC (find your State Equality organization).

The Equality Federation is the national alliance of state-based lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender advocacy organizations.  The Federation works to achieve equality for lgbt people in every state and territory by building strong and sustainable statewide organizations in a state-based movement.

The Arnel Pineda Foundation for street kids

Arnel Pineda Foundation, Inc. (APFI) is a non-stock, non-profit, and independent Philippine foundation that provides underprivileged children quality education, health services and medical attention. For millions of youth in developing countries like the Philippines, education is seemingly beyond reach. Poverty and inadequate government support stifle the future aspirations of Filipino children. See video.

The Animal Protection Society of Durham (or your local pro-pit bull shelter)

APS is a not for profit organization that has been helping animals in our community since 1970, and has managed the Durham County Animal Shelter since 1990. In addition to county funding, APS relies on donations from caring individuals and corporations to feed, shelter and provide medical attention for the nearly 7,000 stray, surrendered and abused animals we care for each year. The mission of the APS of Durham is to educate the public about the humane care, treatment and well-being of all animals, to help stop pet overpopulation through the promotion of spay/neuter programs, and to find suitable adoptive homes for the animals in our care.

My Vlogging series is here on YouTube. Related blog posts are here.Blogswarm of Love for Pam (11/22/2010)

Update2 from Kate: “I am with Pam now — she is in her hospital room looking great but very tired and somewhat sore, in spite of meds.  She is excited as the surgeon took pics during surgery and gave her copies.  Thanks to all 4 good vibes and thoughts sent our way today.”

Update: Kate just emailed to say that Pam is out of surgery and in recovery.  The surgeon said she did well!

Along with today’s open thread here on the Blend, the blogosphere is brimming with well-wishes for Pam’s speedy recovery.  It says a lot about a person that expressions of love and respect come so easily from her peers as well as her readers.  Click on through these links and read the “how we met” stories and other goodies.  And keep the love coming!

* Blog Love for Pam Spaulding by Karen Ocamb @ LGBT | POV.

* Blogswarm: Let’s Show Pam Spaulding Our Love Today! by Keori, Clark67 and puglette @ KOS.

* A blogswarm sending love and good wishes to Pam Spaulding by Joe Sudbay at AMERICAblog.

* Blogswarm: Pam Spaulding, You Get Well Soon! by David Mixner @ Live From Hell’s Kitchen.

* Sending Our Love To Pam Spaulding by Joe Jervis @ Joe.My.God

* Get Better Soon, Pam! by Andy Towle @ Towleroad.

* Today Pam’s blend could use your sweetmess by Jeremy Hooper @ Good as You

* Wish Pam a Speedy Recovery! by Michelangelo Signorile The Gist.

* Sending Our Love to Pam Spaulding by Rod McCullom @ Rod 2.0.

* Love for Pam Spaulding! by Zack Ford @ ZackFord Blogs.

* Wishing the Best for Pam Spaulding today by Andrés Duque @ Blabbeando.

* Sending Love to Queen of the LGBT Blogs, Pam Spaulding by Jamie McGonnigal @ Talk About Equality.

* Blogswarm: Love for Pam Spaulding by Bil Browning @ Bilerico.

* Brody’s Notes… Pam Spaulding Undergoing Major Surgery Today- November 22nd by Brody Levesque @ Brody’s Notes & Scribbles.

* Blogswarm of good vibes for Pam Spaulding by Adam Bink @ Open Left.

* Get well soon, Pam Spaulding! @ SameSexSunday.

* Blogswarm of Love for Pam Spaulding! by Michael Hamar @ Michael-In-Norfolk.

* Got some love? Pam’s House Blend could use your sweetness right now. by Jeremy Hooper, cross-posted by Eden James to Prop 8 Trial Tracker.