So you’ve heard about Black Friday, the day when all of us Americans frantically storm out in hot pursuit of this year’s hottest gifting trends. You’ve probably also participated in it’s sister “holiday,” Cyber Monday, the day we recover from not getting whatever we wanted to gift in stores and attempt to find it at a shockingly low price online, with free shipping none-the-less. But how many of us know about Giving Tuesday?
In season that can quickly become inundated with a competition of who can give the greatest gift, or throw the best party, or wear the best ugly sweater, many of us, including myself, can forget the real meaning for the season. Giving Tuesday is a great way to keep the true holiday spirit alive, and moving forward in a positive direction. Start a new holiday tradition this year, take time out to give back to your community by taking part in Giving Tuesday. Better yet, use this day to launch your rededication to the world around you – lets work together to create a new culture of caring! Join me this #GivingTuesday on making the world a better place, lets not let this opportunity get lost in the hustle of the holiday season. Here’s some ideas to get the giving started this Giving Tuesday.
1.Give to what you believe in
This is a more direct approach to the Giving Tuesday trend. Plain and simple, make a donation to the charity of your choice. For me, one of the top charities on my list is Think Kindness, the non-profit organization dedicated to spreading measureable acts of kindness starting with kids in our elementary schools and working its way up to local communities. And for those who say they can’t afford to donate this holiday season, think about that Starbucks Latte you purchased last week? even for the price of that simple daily treat, a non-profit organization could use that in its daily funds. Think about it; what if everyone donated just the price of an Americano towards charity… for just one day. It all adds up.
2.Donate your time
So you’re strapped on cash but have an extra few hours. Volunteer! Many organizations cannot function without the help of their volunteers. Spend a few hours at an animal shelter, spend time at a nursing home or a homeless shelter, giving to those less fortunate, or whatever you believe in. Can’t find a place that needs help, visit www.createthegood.org to find volunteer opportunities near you that pay off.
3.Use all of your sources
Social Media can be one of the latest and greatest things when it comes to giving back. Follow and use the hashtag #givingtuesday this December 3rd, tracking the good that is going in the world. Use Smile.Amazon.com to link your favorite charity up with your Amazon account when buying holiday gifts, purchase from local businesses and charities online, spreading the love by giving a gift that gives back. (Santa, if you’re listening I’d really like one of these, and maybe a sweet bracelet that gives back to end the fight against FGM). This way, you’re not only brightening someone’s day through a gift, but you’re also giving back, and making the world around you a better place to be.
About Giving Tuesday
We have a day for giving thanks. We have two for getting deals. Now, we have #GivingTuesday, a global day dedicated to giving back. On Tuesday, December 2, 2014, charities, families, businesses, community centers, and students around the world will come together for one common purpose: to celebrate generosity and to give.
It’s a simple idea. Just find a way for your family, your community, your company or your organization to come together to give something more. Then tell everyone you can about how you are giving. Join us and be a part of a global celebration of a new tradition of generosity. Click here to learn more.