By: Sarah Williams
November 30th was the ninth anniversary of GivingTuesday, a movement where the world unites to share kindness through radical generosity.
Radical generosity: “The concept that the suffering of others should be as intolerable to us as our own suffering.”
According to givingtuesday.org, GivingTuesday raised $2.7 billion in the United States. This is a 9% increase compared to 2020 and a 37% compared to 2019. It is estimated that 35 million adults participated in the U.S. That is not the only increase as there was an 11% increase in volunteering and an 8% increase in donations of goods (clothes, food, supplies) compared to 2020. The results were described as “record-breaking”.
The movement is not just about donating. It can be as simple as making someone smile, helping a neighbor, or showing up for an issue they care about.
“Our global network collaborates year-round to inspire generosity around the world, with a common mission to build a world where generosity is part of everyday life”, states the website.
Individual acts of generosity for 2022 can be:
- Creating a donation station: “Leave extra supplies (nonperishable food, OTC medicines, cleaning products) for your neighbors in a common area (near mailboxes, building lobby) or create a Little Free Pantry in your community.”
- Reach Out to the Elderly: “Call or video chat with an older person in your life. Have a talent? Schedule a virtual performance. Contact a local nursing home to find out what they need. Write a letter to a senior through Love For Our Elders.”
- Post a Message of Hope: “Display an encouraging message or inspiring doodle in your window. For those with kids at home, make signs together, then go on a walk to find others around your area. Create your own design or use our template.”
For more ideas for individuals, groups, families, churches, and more visit here.
Participants have shared their act of generosity on social media using hashtag #givingtuesday. The most used hashtag last Tuesday was #givingtuesday2021, which was used around 24,000 times.
GivingTuesday was created in 2012 at 92nd Street Y and its Belfer Center for Innovation and Social Impact in New York City. Today, the GivingTuesday mission is now an independent nonprofit, global movement. The idea was to encourage people to do good.
“GivingTuesday inspires people all around the world to embrace their power to make an impact on the causes and issues they care about, not just on one day but throughout the year,” said Asha Curran who is GivingTuesday’s CEO and co-founder. “With country and community leaders, millions of organizations, and countless givers of all kinds, GivingTuesday provides an opportunity to come together to create a more generous world.”
Are you planning on participating in GivingTuesday 2022?
