TACOMA, Washington — From her early years as a teen idol on Hannah Montana to her boundary-pushing pop career in adulthood, Miley Cyrus has spent nearly her entire life in the spotlight. But in addition to her success as a performer, Miley Cyrus’ activism also has an impressive track record. Her humanitarian nature has stayed consistent throughout her life. In 2008, at the young age of 16, she implored her peers to make a difference in an interview with Time Magazine. “If you pick up a guitar when you’re 8, you’re really good at it by the time you’re 20. It’s the same with giving back,” she mused. “Now is our prep time. We need to get some practice in before we save the world.”
Now age 27, it appears that Cyrus has taken her own words to heart. She has supported dozens of charities and foundations, advocating for causes such as substance abuse, cancer and more. Many of her initiatives go towards assisting the world’s poorest individuals worldwide. A small fraction of Miley Cyrus’ activism and non-profit work is listed below.
amfAR, The Foundation for Aids Research
Miley Cyrus’ activism has often focused on HIV/AIDS research and prevention. amfAR works worldwide to advocate for public policy that supports AIDS victims and increases education about the disease. Consequently, on June 17, 2015, Cyrus delivered an emotional ten-minute long speech at an amfAR gala in which she dreamed of an AIDS-free world. With tears in her eyes, she said, “There have been too many families, friends, partners and animals that have lost somebody that they cherish to this illness.” She requested that the crowd participates in a collective “I love you” to everyone who has perished from AIDS. Cyrus additionally raised $69,000 for the nonprofit by selling her original artwork.
Amnesty International
Amnesty International is a UK-based non-governmental organization (NGO) that fights for human rights. Miley used her platform to support their cause in 2012 by covering Bob Dylan’s 1975 classic “You’re Gonna Make Me Lonesome When You Go,” one of 73 tracks featured on the album Chimes of Freedom: The Songs of Bob Dylan Honoring 50 Years of Amnesty International. Miley’s cover was the second-most downloaded song on the album, selling over 10,000 copies. All proceeds from the album were donated to the non-profit.
Elizabeth Glaser Pediatric AIDS Foundation (EGPAF)
EGPAF seeks to prevent HIV infection in infants, with the eventual goal of eradicating pediatric AIDS. Their hope is that through research, advocacy and treatment programs, they can achieve their goal. On June 7, 2009, Cyrus performed at the Disney-sponsored A Time for Heroes Carnival, with all proceeds from her performance benefitting EGPAF.
The Elton John AIDS Foundation
The Elton John AIDS Foundation (EJAF) is a non-profit organization founded by rock legend Sir Elton John in 1992. EJAF supports HIV prevention, education and care. Much of the nonprofit’s funding comes from its annual party following the Academy Awards, which Cyrus attended in 2018. Miley texted in a donation: “I had a drunken ‘spell-check’ moment on my last donation,” she wrote. “So for that, I apologize and donate another 5k. Thanks, Elton for all you do! #DontBeCheap everybody donate! Love, Miley. Have fun.” The evening raised roughly $5.9 million in total.
Red Cross
Cyrus has supported the Red Cross on numerous occasions. Following the magnitude 7.0 earthquake that struck Haiti in Jan. 2010, Cyrus auctioned off her Grammys dress to benefit the American Red Cross’s work in Haiti. The following year, she recorded a PSA urging her fans to donate to the Red Cross’s relief efforts in Japan following the 2011 Tōhoku Earthquake and Tsunami.
Miley Cyrus’ activism is nothing short of impressive, in both her dedication and the scope of the causes she supports. Look to the Stars lists 44 charities and foundations Cyrus has aided, with causes ranging from suicide prevention to Parkinsons research. From Cyrus calling up a homeless teenager to accept her VMA award in 2014 to founding her own charity the Happy Hippie Foundation in 2015, the performer has made her advocacy an inextricable part of her public persona.
– Abby Tarwater
Photo: Wikimedia