As Black Friday and Cyber Monday deals soon arrive #GivingTuesday looks to shake up the holiday season with a special type of gift — a day of giving back. #GivingTuesday is on a mission to establish a national day of giving. As stated on their website, “it celebrates and encourages charitable activities that support non-profit organizations.”
The project, initiated by the cultural organization 92Y, furthered its momentum when partnering up with the United Nations Foundation. In just a short time, they have partnered up with over 200 charities, universities, individuals and small and large businesses, from the American Red Cross to Skype.
With an active blog, ideas on ways give and plenty of resources to connect people to the right charities, #GivingTuesday is aligning itself up for success. We were excited to join as a partner last week, and believe it is a worthy cause for institutions to consider as they make their plans for Holiday Season campaigns.
Why participate? Here’s 5 reasons and some quotes from leaders within the movement to back it up:
Sol Adler, Executive Director, 92Y
“Communities like ours are about opening doors and bringing people together. #GivingTuesday allows us to create a new kind of community – across geographical borders – around the idea of ‘doing good.’”
Kathy Calvin, CEO, UN Foundation
“#GivingTuesday offers America a new narrative, challenging us to think beyond Black Friday and Cyber Monday and reminding us that the spirit of the holiday giving season should be about community and not just consumerism. The most meaningful gift we can give our children, loved ones, friends and neighbors is the commitment to work together to build a better world.”
Sharon Feder, chief operating officer, Mashable.com
“As a society, we’re more connected than ever before. With digital tools and resources, we are better positioned to effect real world change as a community. I got involved with #GivingTuesday because I saw the amazing potential for a powerful social good movement during the holiday season.”
Margaret Coady, Director, Committee Encouraging Corporate Philanthropy
“From the biggest company to the smallest child, everyone has something to give. #GivingTuesday asks us all to consider what makes us unique, and how can we share those talents or resources with others who need a helping hand. “How can I help?” is both a powerful and empowering question. Let’s use #GivingTuesday and the season that it kicks off to take the first steps in answering that question together.”
Colleen Giles Timms, co-creator, #GivingTuesday
“#GivingTuesday is a wonderful opportunity for the giving community to come together under one “umbrella” just as the retail world does on Black Friday. I think it’s a fun and important challenge to show what a difference a day makes. It is especially exciting to see the creative and dynamic initiatives taking shape all over the US.”
Sign up your organization today to be a partner, and/or sign up to be an ambassador!