Giving Tuesday is a day to prove that the holidays can be about giving back and to celebrate the ability to do more with wallets than just shop. Giving Tuesday is about ways to give smarter, and put giving back into the season.

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But Giving Tuesday can reach far beyond just today. There are many different ways that the spirit of Giving Tuesday can be acted upon every single day of the year.

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Here are some ways to make a difference every day:

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Look for different charitable causes to faithfully support throughout the year. This not only means making charitable donations, but also through volunteering. Give your time to events and do actions to help spread awareness of the cause(s) to others.

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Share your stories and acts of kindness across your social media platforms. Include photos and the impact/outcome. Add information on ways to give and support. Include contact information for the organization. Continue to use the “#GivingTuesday” hashtag as you share. Encourage others to do the same.

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For every gift that you buy a friend or loved one for a special occasion (birthday, anniversary, etc.), purchase a second item for donation. Check with retailers to see if they have special charitable programs, and participate in them. Commit to setting aside a specific dollar amount each time you make a purchase. Every few months, take the total amount and send it as a contribution to the charity of your choice.

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Spark curiosity about different causes and organizations by wearing apparel or using items that showcase their logo and information. T-shirts, carry bags, and other items are great ways to achieve this. Use inquiries from others to get the conversation going and encourage support and/or donations.

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Research ways to incorporate giving into everyday events; as well as other holidays and special occasions. Examples would be asking family and friends for donations to a charitable cause on your birthday in lieu of presents, or getting children involved in participating in the annual Trick-Or-Treat for UNICEF campaign for Halloween. Be sure to share your cause, as well as the end outcome.  You can also turn your parties/celebrations into special ‘campaign drives’ for charity (ex: for a gathering with friends, ask each attendee to bring 3 canned goods for donation to your local food pantry).

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Giving Tuesday is not just a single day or a new giving platform. Giving Tuesday is a call to action for everyone to put giving at the forefront in November rather than an afterthought in December; and use the momentum to be involved in the spirit of giving throughout the year. If everyone took time to find ways to make giving a part of their everyday lives, it will demonstrate to the world that the smallest acts of giving and kindness and make a lasting difference.

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Help spread the message! 

• Visit the #GivingTuesday website
• Like #GivingTuesday on Facebook
• Follow #GivingTuesday on Twitter and/or use the #GivingTuesday hashtag
• Follow #GivingTuesday on Pinterest  and YouTube and submit a video
• Announce your participation in #GivingTuesday to your networks and email lists

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I am a proud member of the Global Team of 200, a highly specialized group of members of Mom Bloggers for Social Good that concentrates on issues involving women and girls, children, world hunger and maternal health.

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