I encourage all nonprofits, social change agents, activists, and anyone who wants to change the world through generosity and kindness to celebrate this year’s global day of unity on May 5, #GivingTuesdayNow.
So much more than a simple fundraising event, #GivingTuesdayNow is a global movement, shedding light on the vital work done by the nonprofit sector every single day, as well as encouraging everyday people to give back in any way they can.
The best part is that you don’t have to create a complicated campaign to join in the fun.
Here is a 5-point plan for celebrating the giving spirit of #GivingTuesdayNow:
1. Tell your personal story.
Take out your phone and shoot a quick video telling us how you started in this work and why it’s important to you.
Share on social channels, tag co-workers and challenge them to share their story.
2. Showcase others.
You don’t have to have a huge, comprehensive marketing plan to participate in #GivingTuesdayNow!
Follow the hashtag and comment on what other organizations, businesses, and people are doing.
Share the best content that you can find, and save it in your Google Drive for inspiration later.
3. Spread the love.
Go outside (following safe social distancing guidelines) and write a “love note” on someone’s driveway in chalk.
Hug your loved ones (virtually if necessary) and tell them how much they mean to you.
Write handwritten notes to anyone who has made your life a little bit better in the past few weeks.
If you don’t have note cards, send emails or record voicemails.
4. Say thank you.
Gratitude is a part of generosity.
If you are feeling grateful, let others know.
It could be something as small as a hot cup of coffee, or something as large as being able to keep your job when so many are out of work.
5. Don’t compare yourself.
Some organizations have been preparing fundraising campaigns for weeks now, and some have big marketing and fundraising budgets.
Don’t compare yourself if you are a small nonprofit.
Often, being smaller means you can be more nimble, and create content on the fly without going through an arduous committee process.
Please share your ideas with me on Twitter by tagging @JuliaCSocial or on Instagram by tagging @JuliaCampbell77 – I would love to see what you are doing today!