Another holiday season has arrived, and so has your chance to be part of Giving Tuesday.
The day of service has grown in popularity worldwide since it began in 2012.
Even as we navigate through the ongoing challenges of COVID, we can take comfort in that the mission of Giving Tuesday has stayed consistent: it is a day set aside to encourage people to do good.
In the last nine years, the idea has grown into a global initiative to inspire millions to give, collaborate and encourage generosity.
The events take place in communities, schools, places of work, churches, service organizations and even at home.
There’s a social media component as well. The hashtag #GivingTuesday connects the charitable nature of people around the world through the power of social media with a focus on global change. And it’s working!
An astonishing $2.47 billion was donated to U.S. nonprofits by a reported 34.8 million people on Giving Tuesday, December 1, 2020, according to Giving Tuesday, Inc.,
Be Part of Giving Tuesday
It doesn’t have to be a heavy effort to be part of Giving Tuesday. Perhaps an organization you are part of is already providing service or giving opportunities.
To be part of Giving Tuesday, most people find it useful to pick a cause and give in whatever way that is meaningful.
Think GreenPath on Giving Tuesday
For those who share the mission of empowering financial wellness for everyone, GreenPath has two endowment funds available to support our mission to help people achieve financial health and sustainable homeownership.
Here are five ideas for how you can play a part in Giving Tuesday:
- Give the Gift of Time: One thing that is greater than the gift of money is your time. Volunteering offers an opportunity to connect in a different way, in or outside of your community. It can also provide an avenue to learn more about the issues affecting your community and to meet different people. You may even create new friendships along the way.
- Volunteer in Someone’s Name: Is there a friend or loved one who has trouble getting out and about, yet has a favorite charity that is meaningful to them? Volunteer or serve in their name as a way to honor them this Giving Tuesday. Whether donating pet food or walking the puppies at the human society, delivering meals on wheels, or another service, volunteering in someone’s name is a win win!
- Get Active: Get active while you do good. Some organizations are looking for volunteers for fall or winter clean ups, litter pick up, light home maintenance or other activities. You can even participate in a Fun Run or a walk sponsored by groups.
- Donate Goods: Books, toiletries, food and clothing could become the focus of an organized donation drive. Gather your family, friends, co-workers or neighbors and plan a drive to collect goods for those who are in need. Share your efforts on your various social media channels to inspire and encourage others to do the same!
- Perform a Random Act of Kindness: A kind act can go a long way and it may matter more than you realize. Cover the tab for the person standing in front of you in the coffee shop line; call someone who you haven’t spoken to in a while and tell them you care and that they matter; or invite your neighbor over for coffee or dinner. These may be seemingly small actions towards kindness but in doing so, it can penetrate hearts and have the power to inspire the generous nature of others to evoke change.
Giving in various ways on Giving Tuesday or any other day makes a big difference to others and ourselves, especially after a weekend of stressful holiday shopping and long checkout lines.
Whatever you do, be sure to share photos or posts across social platforms using the #givingtuesday hashtag.
No matter how you decide to donate for Giving Tuesday, your gift will make the world a little bit better for someone who is in need.
When everyone gets involved, #GivingTuesday is truly making a positive difference.
Resources to Explore
A near and dear effort to me is our local Detroit-based Rehab Highland Park, which often looks for volunteers to help with clean-ups around the city.
Additional Detroit Area Service Organizations
- Ruth Ellis Center
- Detroit Rescue Mission
- Gleaners Food Bank
- The Empowerment Plan
- Freedom House Detroit
- Detroit Impact
- Detroit SAY clinic
National Service Organizations
- GreatNonprofits.org
- Habitat for Humanity – See their website for local chapters around your area.
- Humane Societies – Search their website for a shelter near you.
