#GivingTuesday Kickstarts The Season Of Giving On November 28

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Image Credit: havenofhopeintl.org

While Black Friday and Cyber Monday help kickstart the holiday shopping season, #GivingTuesday, which will be observed on November 28, attempts to galvanize the season of giving. Now in its sixth year, the charitable day uses the power of social media to encourage organizations and individuals to donate funds or resources to worthy causes. Created by the team at the Belfer Center for Innovation & Social Impact at New York City’s 92nd Street Y, its mission is to bring positive change to communities through giving.

Though dedicating just one day to a worthy cause may not seem much, #GivingTuesday makes a surprisingly significant impact. In 2015, ORGANIZE, an online organ donor program asked people to "Give with your Heart," by becoming registered donors. Thousands of Americans heeded the plea, resulting in one of the largest digital donor drives in US history.

Photo Credit: Instagram via ignitedigitalstrategy.com

That same year, the Cleveland Library and the Pratt Library in Baltimore competed to see who could encourage more donations. While the Pratt Library won with a $41,000 haul, the Cleveland Library was able to raise a substantial amount for its programs as well. In 2016, the University of Michigan renamed #GivingTuesday to Giving Blueday and encouraged students, alumni, and friends to donate to hourly challenges. They raised an astounding $5.5 million! The university hopes to re-create the magic this year, with a virtual celebration to mark the institution’s 200th anniversary.

#GivingTuesday is not just a US phenomenon, but a global movement. In 2016, 98 countries participated in the event, raising $177 million, a 44% increase over 2015, when 71 nations collected $116.7 million. These numbers can only increase as the day gains further recognition.

Image Credit: mobilecause.com

Though donating funds is a great way to help, there are numerous other ways to support your local community. You can give back by volunteering at a nearby nonprofit or food bank. Social media experts can do their share by spreading the information and inspiring their peers to get involved. Another great way to celebrate #GivingTuesday is by helping those closest to you, whether that’s assisting a family member with chores or helping a neighbor with yard work. Remember, even the smallest gesture of kindness qualifies as giving back. What are you going to do to make a positive difference in your community on #GivingTuesday? Let us know by adding your comments below!

Resources: givingtuesday.org, evertrue.com, socialmediatoday.com

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151 Comments
  • WOWalmost 7 years
    COOLIO
    • 115
      115almost 7 years
      This is very interesting.
      • ClevelandBrownsalmost 7 years
        I volunteered to work at the Beastro, that is a restaurant that gives food for free to the homeless.
        • Andreaalmost 7 years
          Help people in needs
          • Andreaalmost 7 years
            People who have money need to give people who don’t have money some
            • Andreaalmost 7 years
              It is so awesome to help people
              • 0w0almost 7 years
                Why don't they give the people in need a bit of money :/
                • patty cakesalmost 7 years
                  i think this is cool but i like black Friday better then Givin Tuesday.
                  • Andreaalmost 7 years
                    I will start helping homeless people and help them if they are injured
                    • Wences almost 7 years
                      I will give to the ones who needs help