Our bellies and hearts are full, and our minds are relaxed following the Thanksgiving holiday. What better time to join the Global Generosity Movement that is unleashing the power of people and organizations to transform their communities and the world. Today, Tuesday, December 1, 2020 is GivingTuesday.
Giving Tuesday started in 2012 by the 92nd Street Y and the United Nations Foundation as a response to commercialization and consumerism in the post-Thanksgiving season (Black Friday and Cyber Monday). The date range is November 27 to December 3 and is always five days after the holiday.
The idea behind Giving Tuesday is simple: a day that encourages people to do good. It has quickly grown into “a global movement that inspires hundreds of millions of people to give, collaborate and celebrate generosity.” In 2019, $1.97 billion was raised across online and offline donation sources.
Giving Tuesday “strives to build a world in which the catalytic power of generosity is at the heart of the society we build together, unlocking dignity, opportunity and equity around the globe. We believe that generosity leads to greater civic participation and other pro-social behaviors.”
If you can afford to donate to a charity, find a cause that means something to you and make a pledge. Every dollar counts, so don’t feel badly if you can’t donate a lot. Know that you’re making a difference.
Let’s face it – 2020 has been a difficult year for many of us. Donating to a charity may not be in the cards this year. That’s ok. There are plenty of other ways to make a contribution that cost nothing more than kindness and/or time. Compliment a stranger. Help a neighbor. Be there for a friend. Call your parents. Know that you’re making a difference too. If you need some additional ideas, check out ISI’s recent blog post on World Kindness Day. There are great suggestions on how you can show kindness to others and yourself.
Showing up to support a cause or people we care about or giving some of what we have to those who need our help, makes the world a kinder place. Every act of generosity counts and everyone has something to give. A kinder world is a better world.
Visit https://www.givingtuesday.org/ to learn more about GivingTuesday and ways that you can contribute.
Written by Lynda Walz, Sales Executive
