Now the money used to pay bills can go to something beneficial to humanity.

Working Assets is a long distance, wireless, credit card and broadcasting company created to build a world that is more just, humane and environmentally sustainable.

The company donates a percentage of its revenue to hundreds of progressive non-profit organizations.

Customers can nominate non-profit groups to receive funding each year. Since 1985, Working Assets has funded Greenpeace, Planned Parenthood, Rainforest Action Network, Gay and Lesbian Task Force, Ms. Foundation, Children’s Defense Fund and Amnesty International, among others.

The organizations fall into five categories: Economic and Social Justice, Environment, Civil Rights, Peace & International Freedom and Education & Freedom of Expression.

At the end of each year, members vote on how to distribute the funds among all the groups. Customers can voluntarily “round up” their monthly long distance and credit card bills, donating the extra amount to Working Assets’ general funding program.

The company also makes special requests for donations when urgent issues arise, such as relief in Iraq.

Suzi McClean, a Wilmington nurse, recently switched from MCI long distance to Working Assets. “I can pay my bills and I’m donating to my favorite causes. It’s great because they give you a coupon for a free pint of Ben & Jerry’s ice cream each month for a year when you sign up for long distance,” she said.

Working Assets also has a Citizen Action program to provide customers with timely information and easy ways to speak out on important issues. The company points out two crucial issues each month, explaining what’s at stake and whom to contact.

Long distance customers can call certain decision-makers for free every day of the week. They can also request that advocacy letters be sent on their behalf.

Anne Swinson, an ECU graduate plans to become a Working Assets member. “If I would have known about this before now, I would have joined a long time ago,” she said.

Working Assets is one of the most powerful citizen-action groups in the nation. Each month, approximately 40,000 customers make their voices heard on all kinds of issues. Since the Citizen Action program was established in 1991, customers have contacted business and political leaders nearly seven million times.

Working Assets’ benefits do not end there. For more information about their services, visit www.workingassets.com.