Today marks four weeks until Giving Tuesday. I have always loved how this day unites the world in an infectious spirit of generosity while inviting each of us to shift our focus from consumerism to altruism. Each year I learn something new.
But what does Giving Tuesday mean in the face of so much unrest and division? I would say it means even more. At moments like these, it is especially important to embrace giving, not to shy away from it. Even better, Giving Tuesday is a call to look deeply both within our own community as well as beyond, to really seek out and try to understand where need exists and what we can do to address it.
Giving comes in all shapes and sizes. It’s not so much the amount we give comparatively, but the joy, connection, and empathy we cultivate in the giving of our time and treasure according to each of our unique circumstances. In that spirit, here are six aspects of “cheerful giving” that have resonated with me most through my involvement with GivingTuesday and more broadly.
- Giving starts with gratitude.
In addition to being in close proximity to Black Friday and Cyber Monday on the calendar, GivingTuesday occurs less than a week after Thanksgiving. Many of you can probably picture a family seated around the table tantalized by the smell of turkey and mashed potatoes as each member names something they are thankful for. Perhaps, your family doesn’t participate in a “gratitude-go-round,” but regardless, this holiday marks a time to reflect on our blessings with a thankful heart.
Of course, Thanksgiving is not globally observed, but every one of us can take inventory of what we have been given wherever we are in the world at any time. And when we recognize that much of what we have received is not by our merits alone and is largely attributed to the kindness and sacrifices of others, our inclination to give grows.
In short, it’s hard not to give when you know what you have been given. Gratitude is a catalyst for generosity.
- Giving should be gracious.
Cheerful giving is not self-serving and should not be motivated by anything other than our care and concern for others. Surely, nobody will refuse a tax deduction, but that is a positive byproduct of giving and should not necessarily serve as our impetus to give.
GivingTuesday’s mission is informed by the notion of radical generosity. As stated on their website, radical generosity is “the concept that the suffering of others should be as intolerable to us as our own suffering.” If I had to sum up this beautiful definition in one word, it would be empathy.
Empathy should underlie every act of charity and service. This ensures we are gracious givers, and that our investments of time, money, and effort in others’ welfare aren’t marred by the expectation that we must receive something in return.
- Giving is good for the mind, body, and soul.
Generosity does yield substantial health returns for our minds, bodies, and spirits. According to the Cleveland Clinic, donating to charity and volunteering correlate with reduced cortisol levels (less stress–who wouldn’t want that?!?), longer lifespans, and lower blood pressure. Giving from the heart is good for the literal heart and has been shown to be just as effective in improving cardiovascular health as a good diet and regular exercise.
Giving also nourishes our souls. Each time we give, we get outside ourselves and are woven more deeply into community with others and God. Whenever we serve our fellow beings, we are also serving God.
- Giving can be global.
One of the most exhilarating and impressive things about GivingTuesday is its global reach. A farmer in Wichita, Kansas can support a cause in Uganda. Or a businessman in Japan can donate to an urban initiative in Chicago.
In her piece from Deseret Magazine, Sharon Eubank describes the powerful impact global giving had in solving a worldwide health crisis:
“In 1999, there were 59 countries where expectant mothers did not have access to routine tetanus immunizations to protect their babies. It is a logistical feat to safely deliver vaccines into difficult to reach areas but, with focused funding, infant deaths have declined by an estimated 92%, and neonatal tetanus has currently been eliminated in all but 12 countries. This stunning result occurred because global organizations and national governments were supported in their vision by passionate donors.”
As a caveat, global giving should never overshadow or diminish the importance of local charity efforts. But when we give globally, we can deepen and expand our awareness of the interdependence of our diverse human family. We become more globally-minded and motivated to mend our world as we confront challenges near and far that affect us all.
- Giving is multigenerational.
All generations are giving–from GenX to GenZ–however, they don’t all give in the same way. An article from Forbes shares that while “traditional donors” (GenX and Baby Boomers) contribute more to established charities, “next-generation donors” (Millennials and GenZ) are more likely to give to grassroots movements and fundraisers for an individual’s personal cause. In terms of overall dollars and cents, older generations contribute more than their younger counterparts.
However, this does not tell the whole story. When you look between the numbers, next-generation donors (or GenZennials as I affectionately refer to them) “are more willing to cut back in other areas [of their spending] to continue their charitable giving behavior, and in many cases, increase it” despite a struggling economy.
There seems to be a cloud of negative misperceptions hovering around GenZennials. They are self-absorbed and “coddled.” They always have their noses buried in their screens or are too preoccupied with choreographing TikTok dances to care.
Well, I am here to tell you that from the hundreds and hundreds (if not thousands) of GenZennials I have encountered and worked with along with the very special four who call me dad, they are not frivolous and indifferent to the plights of others. They care so much. This rising generation is incredibly courageous and mighty in their generosity.
- Giving doesn’t have to be grand to be great.
With all the turmoil and suffering in the world today, we may feel like any donation we make or act of service we do will never be enough. But any expression of generosity is more than sufficient–and it does have an impact, even if we cannot always see the full extent of it.
Perhaps, an individual’s economic challenges preclude them from giving monetarily. But one can still give their time. Here are some simple yet impactful ways to give your time in the service of others:
- Volunteer at a local animal shelter for a few hours on weekends
- Shovel an elderly neighbor’s driveway during the winter months
- If you know of someone without a car, offer them a ride to the store, medical appointments, etc.
- Deliver a meal to someone going through a difficult time
- Text or call someone you may have had a disagreement or misunderstanding with and begin sowing seeds of forgiveness
- Search the JustServe website/app for organizations and service opportunities in your local area
More important than what or how much you give is the sincere desire to give–any amount of charity, in dollars or in deeds, is powerful when it comes from the heart.
Conclusion
Giving can set off a chain reaction of good. Every generous gesture–big or small, global or local–lifts up both the recipient and its giver. In a deeply-divided world where many are hurting, GivingTuesday is a spectacular moment of shared healing that transcends boundaries.
I hope you will find a way to participate in GivingTuesday on November 28th, as well as spread the power of radical generosity throughout the year. Whether you are a potential donor or an organization seeking to solicit donations, the GivingTuesday website offers a wealth of resources, including helpful toolkits. Also, starting later in November, be on the lookout for Giving Machines, which are a fun and convenient way to direct dollars where they are needed most.
However you give this season, by doing it thoughtfully and cheerfully – as well as strategically -, you can bring hope and light in the face of darkness and despair. Not a bad a way to spend a Tuesday–or any other day, for that matter. The world is counting on you. And your giving matters now more than ever.
