your used books to help others learn new skills. Virginia Social Ventures (VSV), a nonprofit organization, offers Spotlight Books, a program that helps people with employment barriers. They teach the computer skills needed to sell donated books, movies, and music on the Internet. Green Alternatives in Norfolk is a book drop-off location. Learn more at vsventures.org.­­

important developments that affect reproductive health and family planning. Planned Parenthood of Southeastern Virginia offers a new website that includes in-depth information on sexually transmitted infections, contraception, pregnancy and women’s health issues. To find out more about their health centers and planning services, visit ppsev.org. 

your cause or charity, then give. Select an organization and click goodsearch.com. Earn pennies that quickly add up to big dollars. If 1,000 supporters of an organization visit a website twice a day, the charity earns $7,300 annually. 

conflicts through mediation. The Community Mediation Center of Southeastern Virginia (CMC) offers a “Two Parents, Two Homes: Cooperative Co-Parenting” class the first Saturday and third Tuesday of every month. Register at conflictcrushers.org or call 757.480.2777. 

to make a difference. Kevin Costner presents his Give Back Event to Ventura. This charity event on July 26 includes a reception, a screening of Costner’s upcoming film, Swing Vote, and a free public Live Street Concert with his band Modern West. venturapremiere@gmail.com

Rubicon Theatre’s Opening Gala Evening on July 18 where five actors will speak Shakespeare’s eternal question in their native tongues accompanied by piano underscoring. Benefits the Rubicon International Theater Festival and includes international food stations. rubicontheatre.org or 805.667.2900.

to a six-band tribute to the rock and roll greats at Libby Bowl on July 12. Ojai Rock Fest 08 benefits the Easter Seals and Ojai Performing Arts Theater and Academy. Pass on the gift of classic rock, kids under ten are free. ca-tr.easterseals.com or 805.647.1141.

at Miraflores. The Music Academy of the West’s home is a private estate in Santa Barbara set on 10 breathtaking acres. Dine al fresco in the beautiful gardens before attending the evening’s concert—it will be your own midsummer night’s dream. musicacademy.org or 805.969.4726.

the ladies of Camarillo as they present their signature Meadowlark Service League fundraising event. Taste of Camarillo happens Saturday, July 26 with more than 100 wineries and an array of mouthwatering specialties provided by over 40 outstanding Ventura County eateries. meadowlarkserviceleague.com or 805. 388.7158.

Amy’s House, part of the Room at the Inn program for single mothers. Amy’s House provides shelter for babies and mothers who are pursuing educational or vocational programs. Donations of time, material goods or money are appreciated. ­roominn.org

fair trade stores.Ten Thousand Villages is a nonprofit retailer that markets handcrafted goods from 36 countries. Revenue from the business goes back toward supporting the artisans and increasing distribution. Greensboro’s store is in the Jefferson Village Shopping Center, 336.275.1204.

donations for the Guilford County Teacher Supply Warehouse. This program aims to collect school supplies and other teacher needs and offer them to Guilford County teachers to make an impact in their classrooms. guilfordeducationalliance.org­­

a young girl’s self esteem through the Growing Up with Style, Grace and Confidence program at Tristan’s Quest. Girls in elementary, middle and high school come together twice a month for team-building activities and community service. To volunteer, call 336.547.7460 or email tristansquest@bellsouth.net. ­ ­

a difference with today’s youth. One Step Ahead is looking for adult and youth volunteers to help with its teen court in High Point. Guilford County Teen Court helps juvenile offenders stay out of the corrections system. Defendants are tried by their peers under adult supervision. onestepfurther.com

inspired by Miss Landmine. The pageant celebrates women who have survived landmine explosions, promoting pride and empowerment in beauty, disability, and global awareness. Go to www.miss-landmine.org for photos and news, Miss Landmine t-shirt profits from www.greerchicago.com go to the project.

your panties for peace. Burmese women have endured rape and systemic sexual violence at the hands of the military. The Panties for Peace campaign, launched by women in Burma, plays on regime leaders’ superstitious fear that contact with a woman’s underpants will rob them of their power. Women around the world are asked to post their panties to local Burmese embassies. Find addresses at www.pantiesforpeace.info.

Women WIN by supporting the Women’s Information Network. This nonprofit organization helps pro-choice, Democratic women succeed in Washington by providing them with important opportunities for networking and jobs. By visiting winonline.org, you can donate to or learn more about this organization and be one of the many women helping other women make a political difference!

the Pro-Choice Education Project. This summer, twenty ladies are pedaling from New Orleans to New York City on the PCEP’s Wanderlust Bike Tour to hear and document women’s stories of defending and promoting reproductive justice. Support the tour by donating funds or items from the tour’s wish list online at www.protectchoice.org.

your kids from harmful halogenated fire retardants. According to Friends of the Earth (­www.foe.org), 56% of all infant carriers, 44% of all car seats, 40% of all strollers and 19% of all portable cribs were found to have high levels of halogenated fire retardants, which have been linked health problems as serious as cancer. Join ­www.momsrising.org in a petition to get Graco, a huge manufacturer of products like these, to stop using halogenated fire retardants in their products.

to make the streets of Charleston safer for bikers and other non-auto travelers. Join the gaggle of Charleston bikers who participate in Critical Mass the last Friday of the month for a group ride around the city while making others aware of Charleston’s bicycle presence. Email criticalmasssc@gmail.com for more information.

South Carolina’s coasts by joining the Coastal Conservation League. You can help Charleston’s chapter of the CCL reach the 5,000 member mark and enjoy fun eco trips like kayaking or river boat cruises. Their award-winning newsletter is only a click away at coastalconservationleague.org.

your family to a day at the museum by becoming a member of the Children’s Museum of the Lowcountry. A family membership gets you and yours entrance to the museum on Members-Only Mondays, when only members of the CML are allowed to visit from 1pm-5pm during the summer. Become a member online at explorecml.org.

with a Melanoma Initiative bracelet. On July 19, free skin screenings will be offered by MUSC dermatologists on Isle of Palms and Sullivan’s Island. Giveaways include SPF lip balm, t-shirts, and “I Will Reflect” bracelets (for $2) which get you a 20 percent discount on specialty treatments at The Spa at Charleston Place.

Independence Day at the South Carolina Aquarium’s July 4th Picnic on the Harbor. Watch the fireworks explode over the gorgeous Charleston harbor, but not before celebrating this holiday in true American fashion: with food, beer and wine, and live entertainment starting at 7:30pm.

funds for Augusta Youth Center, Inc. (AYC). AYC builds children’s self esteem, teamwork, and problem-solving capabilities through its after school programs; offers computer courses for all ages; and a Clothes Closet. If you have the fundraising skills to pay help pay this nonprofit organization’s bills, call 706.724.0362.

being a girl at Girls Inc.’s Girls Just Want To Have Fun Summer Camp. The girls will explore everything from being green to art, cooking, and everything in-between. If you’re a green thumb, an artist, a cook, or just a girl who wants to have fun, call 706.733.2512.

last year’s phone book in a Telephone Book Recycling Bin and help “Keep Columbia County Beautiful.” Bins are available (until August 31) at The Government Center, 630 Ronald Regan; Fire Department Headquarters, 3910 Desoto; and Fire Department Stations: 703 Furys Ferry, 4590 Oakley Pirkle, and 2264 William Few.

with a purpose. Hit the links for the 2008 Ulma Young Playing for Parkinson’s Golf Benefit July 26 at Walden LakeGolf and Country Club in Plant City. Proceeds benefit the American Parkinson’s Disease Association. $300/team; $75/player. 1-6pm. To register, 813.394.3330. apdaparkinson.org.

t­o the music. Enjoy the sounds of reggae rockers Offshore Riot at this month’s Hyde Park Live Music Series free concert on July 30. Proceeds from the evening’s refreshments benefit the Spring of Tampa Bay domestic violence shelter. 6-9pm. thespring.org

­for strays. Hit the alleys at Seminole Lanes for the 2008 SPCA Tampa Bay Pet Bowl on July 19 in Seminole. Raise donations and take part in the three-game galactic bowl-a-thon. Family teams of five bowlers, $175; Corporate teams, $200. Family check-in, 10:30am; corporate, 2pm. spcafl.org.