You may be hearing a lot about “GivingTuesday,” which is a global day of generosity and takes place next Tuesday, Nov.b30. GivingTuesday was created in 2012 as a simple idea: a day that encourages people to do good. Over the past nine years, this idea has grown into a global movement that inspires hundreds of millions of people to give, collaborate, and celebrate generosity.

GivingTuesday is an opportunity for people around the world to come together to thank, help, give, show kindness, and share what they have with those in need. People can show their generosity in a variety of ways during GivingTuesday⁠⁠—whether it’s helping a neighbor, advocating for an issue, sharing a skill, or giving to causes—everyone has something to give and every act of generosity counts.

There is a lot of data about people giving more in response to needs in their community and for causes they care about, especially last year. And GivingTuesday has become a popular and very generous day:  last year, supporters gave an estimated $2.47B during the 24 hours of GivingTuesday in the U.S. alone, more than all but one US philanthropic foundation gave in a full year during 2019.

Even in times of economic uncertainty, we each have a deep reserve of generosity, which we can deploy in myriad ways to make a difference--your time, your kindness, your skills, your voice are all things you can give in addition to charitable donations. GivingTuesday emphasizes opportunities to give back to communities and causes in safe ways that allow for social connection and kindness even while still practicing physical distancing. 

To get inspired by acts of generosity, check out the GivingTuesday blogs www.givingtuesday.org. The Y will celebrate GivingTuesday by asking supporters to consider gifts of any size, and made even more fun if it includes a 3 in honor of the 30th: $3, $30, $300, etc. You can donate online at www.boothbayregionymca.org/donate.

So next Tuesday, consider supporting your favorite non-profit, helping out a neighbor, or participating in one or more multiple acts of kindness. Tuesday is just one day, but it’s a mighty day to give back, to give thanks, and to support our community.