How Will You Be #GivingTuesday?

Tuesday, December 2nd, 2014 is a global day dedicated to giving to others. Show gratitude to your community as a business, neighborhood or individual to make the third annual #GivingTuesday a success.

Americans as a whole are quite generous. In fact, we are one of the most giving nations in the world. According to The Hudson Institute’s Philanthropic Freedom Study an estimated 57% of Americans are giving money and 42% are giving time. This amounts to over $300 billion a year, or 2.1% of our Gross Domestic Product (GDP).
However, we must consider that Americans also invented the phenomenon known as Black Friday. This is precisely why Giving Tuesday was created as a way of combating the consumerism associated with Thanksgiving weekend. GivingTuesday.org explains that, “We have two [days] for getting deals. Now, we have a global day dedicated to giving back.”
Henry Timms, executive director of the 92nd Street Y, created the simple idea in 2012 to encourage charitable acts across the globe. Giving Tuesday creates an opportunity for individuals and companies alike to give something back to their communities and has grown to include over 18,000 participating groups worldwide.
People across the globe are instructed to, “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.”
Watch the donations add up at CrowdRise.com/GivingTower. Every donation is a brick added to the tower. As the donations grow through December 2nd, so does the height of the tower.
 
We’ve gathered some great ideas on how you can make the most of your #GivingTuesday to inspire you to get out and get involved: 

• Look for a match

Many employers will match the amount donated to a charitable cause. Also, look for businesses like PayPal, Microsoft and The Salvation Army that are promoting donation matches on December 2nd.

• Lend a hand

Money is not the only asset we have to offer our fellowman. Donating time at a soup kitchen or donating used items to a clothing drive help just as much as a dollar amount.

• Help a four-legged friend

Not a people person? No problem! Animal shelters are always looking for volunteers to help care for and love all of their furry companions.

• Make something

Use your favorite hobbies to help others. By creating a work of art, craft or household tool, you raise funds through raffles and contests. Use your creativity to reach charitable goals.

• Phone a friend

If you have plans to help out this #GivingTuesday, bring a friend and get twice as much gratitude. You could even make it a date with the special person in your life.

• Become a mentor

In just about every place you find children you will find a need for volunteers. Share your skills with a class of 7 year olds – you can’t even imagine how much fun you will have.
Remember that even the smallest good deed can help a great deal. By remembering to call a friend when you have a spare moment you can begin the cycle of good deeds and giving. No act of gratitude is too great or too small when we as a nation have so much to be grateful for. 

Are you getting involved this #GivingTuesday? Shout it out across the globe on our twitter page @Midphase