Every year after Thanksgiving, following the shopping extravaganzas of Black Friday and Cyber Monday, GivingTuesday kicks off a season of charity. Launched in 2012, GivingTuesday began as a grassroots effort with the goal of creating a massive wave of generosity that lasts well beyond the day itself. Now, the day inspires millions of people across the globe to show up and give back to causes and issues that matter to them.
GivingTuesday is recognized around the world as a time to give back and join its movement by getting involved in your own community. This year, GivingTuesday takes place Dec. 3. As we approach this day of giving, let’s explore five ways that GivingTuesday is positively impacting our children.
It showcases the power of teamwork.
Bringing together a global community to create positive change, GivingTuesday exemplifies the power of collective action. Last year, charitable donations raised throughout the day totaled more than $400 million online, with an average gift of $105. Every dollar donated contributes to making a positive difference—whether it’s helping feed our neighbors in need, or running an animal rescue organization that helps our furry friends find forever homes.
The day serves as a strong example to children of how we can come together with family, friends, and people we may not know personally—whether it’s in our own local communities or across the world—to make a difference. With more than 150 countries getting involved in GivingTuesday last year, it’s the world's largest giving movement, and it’s undeniable that the day strengthens civil society.
It teaches kids the impact of volunteerism.
GivingTuesday serves as a way to show our children how giving back to causes we care about is important to a healthy society. There are countless ways that children can get involved, from starting a food drive or serving a hot meal at a local food pantry to participating in a race for a cause or heading up a book drive. Children are our future, and teaching them that they have a lot to give to the world through acts of kindness is invaluable.
It’s an example of social media for good.
The children of today have never known a world without social media. Unfortunately, negativity and self-centeredness sometimes dominate the social media world. GivingTuesday shows us that social media can be harnessed for good, and can be used to make generosity go viral. In 2018, GivingTuesday had 14.2 billion social media impressions. The day is a great reminder that the social media world has the capacity to showcase innovative leadership and focus on the good—connecting people all over the world with a common goal of making a positive impact.
It teaches children more self-awareness.
It can be easy to go through childhood without understanding how fortunate you are. GivingTuesday brings some of the realities of the world to kids’ attention, helping many to understand that not everyone is as fortunate as they are—to have food to eat every meal and a bed to sleep in every night. Having a broader perspective of the world can help mold our children into wiser, kinder adults.
It shows children they can change the world.
Whether they’re giving their time, voice, money, or physical goods to a cause, GivingTuesday helps show children firsthand how a culture of generosity can make a positive difference. The #GivingTuesdayKids movement encourages children to raise their hands, get their friends involved, and give back in whatever ways they feel inspired to.
Here are some ways you can get involved with GivingTuesday, and get your children involved in giving back:
- Learn more about GivingTuesday events near you. Simply input your city and state to explore which organizations are planning GivingTuesday activities near you.
- Give time. Find the right volunteer opportunity for your family by exploring local nonprofit opportunities near you with a tool such as VolunteerMatch.
- Give money. Pick out a cause with your children that you can give to financially in honor of GivingTuesday.
- Give goods. Organizing a food, book, or clothing drive can be a memorable way for your children to get involved in GivingTuesday.
- Get inspired. Use these 2018 GivingTuesday campaigns as ideas to help inspire you in 2019.
