Give more…

Last Tuesday was our National Day of Giving.  Entering its sixth year, #GivingTuesday is a global day of giving fueled by the power of social media and collaboration.  A great focus and purpose.  Charities, families, businesses, communities, politicians, and students around the world came together for one common purpose: to celebrate generosity and to give.  Created by the team at the Belfer Center for Innovation & Social Impact at the 92nd Street Y—a cultural center in New York City that, since 1874, has been bringing people together around the values of service and giving back—#GivingTuesday connects diverse groups of individuals, communities and organizations around the world for one common purpose: to celebrate and encourage giving. A team of influencers and founding partners joined forces, collaborating across sectors, offering expertise and working tirelessly, to launch #GivingTuesday and they have continued to shape, grow and strengthen the movement.  More commonly referred to as #GivingTuesday, National Day of Giving harnesses the power of social media to give back around the world and throughout the year.

I hope you gave more….         

In 2016, according to USA today, #GivingTuesday broke a record with $168 million in charitable donations worldwide, topping the 2015 by 44%. The Blackbaud group processed more than $47.7 million from more than 6,700 organizations (a 20% increase from 2015).  Furthermore, when compared with the previous year, online donation volumes increased by 31% while 33% more non-profit groups received an online donation. Since 2012, they also calculated that the presence of Giving Tuesday had increased by 317%.  Amazing what America does when we are focused on the right things.  People care…

So where am I going with all this, well it is the holiday season.  The season of giving, so I have read many articles the last few days and came across some good ideas for all of us for this holiday season.  The world has made it easy for us. Being charitable has become embedded throughout our everyday lives through shopping, by pursuing our hobbies, at our workplaces, and with our celebrations.  We don't even need money!

Just by doing fun things and living your life to the fullest, you and your family can spread good deeds from your home to around the globe.  Some thoughts: give your stuff to charity, give gifts that give back, do you have a hobby and make “things” (knitting, photos, quilts, etc.) you can give away, use your exercise for good (there are so many charity runs/walks/swims, etc.), pets or homeless pets – they need help too, give away perks (frequent flyer miles), share your talents/skills (do you teach yoga? You could give back by teaching at a YMCA or Boys and Girls club), support EBay Giving Works or Amazon Smile, donate blood, deliver some cool treats to your local fire or police department, or work with your kids to make and send cards to our troops overseas.  For many, a smile at the right time never hurts.  You get the idea.

There are over 1,500 national days, some worthy, some funny, some cringe-worthy.  Some really make a difference - make National Day of Giving into “Every Day Your Giving”.

Together.  We.  Win.

Dave Harmon
People Division
“Kindness is Currency”
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/davidharmonhr

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