What is "Giving Tuesday"

And why do we need it?

Giving Tuesday, celebrated on the Tuesday following Thanksgiving in the United States, is a global movement that encourages generosity and acts of kindness. Founded in 2012 by the 92nd Street Y in New York City in partnership with the United Nations Foundation, the event has grown into a worldwide phenomenon that inspires charitable donations, volunteerism, and goodwill during the holiday season.

Key Features:

1. Date: It falls after Black Friday and Cyber Monday, providing a philanthropic counterpart to the consumer-focused days.

2. Purpose: To promote generosity through donations, volunteering, and community involvement, supporting nonprofits and causes around the globe.

3. Global Impact: People in over 80 countries participate, raising billions of dollars for various organizations annually.

4. Participation: Individuals, businesses, and organizations use the hashtag #GivingTuesday to share their initiatives and inspire others.

Ways to Get Involved:

• Donate to your favorite charity or cause.

• Volunteer time or skills to local organizations.

• Perform random acts of kindness within your community.

• Promote awareness by sharing on social media.

This movement has become a cornerstone of the holiday season, channeling the spirit of giving into meaningful action.

WHY DO WE NEED IT?

We need Giving Tuesday because it serves as a focused reminder and rallying point for generosity, counterbalancing the consumerism of Black Friday and Cyber Monday. Here's why it matters:

1. Promotes Generosity in a Consumer-Driven Season

• The holiday season often emphasizes materialism, which can overshadow the spirit of giving. Giving Tuesday redirects attention toward philanthropy and kindness.

2. Supports Nonprofits

• Nonprofit organizations heavily rely on year-end donations, as a significant percentage of annual giving occurs in December. Giving Tuesday helps amplify these efforts with coordinated campaigns and heightened awareness.

3. Inspires Community and Global Connection

• The movement unites people worldwide around shared values of generosity and compassion, fostering a sense of community across borders.

4. Encourages Creativity in Giving

• It’s not just about monetary donations. Giving Tuesday inspires people to volunteer, start fundraisers, donate goods, or even perform acts of kindness, broadening the scope of participation.

5. Raises Awareness

• Many charities and causes benefit from increased exposure, helping them reach new donors or volunteers who might not have known about their work otherwise.

6. Boosts Optimism and Hope

• The act of giving, whether through time, resources, or kindness, is shown to boost happiness and well-being, creating a ripple effect of positivity in communities.

By dedicating a day to generosity, Giving Tuesday ensures that the focus on giving doesn't get lost amid the hustle and bustle of the holiday season. It also empowers individuals to make an impact, big or small, in their communities and beyond.

DID YOU GIVE TODAY?

There are several reasons why someone might not have donated on Giving Tuesday, despite its widespread promotion. These factors can include personal, financial, or logistical challenges, as well as a lack of awareness or trust. Here’s a breakdown:

1. Financial Constraints

• Economic Hardship: Rising living costs, inflation, or personal financial struggles can leave people feeling unable to give.

• Holiday Expenses: Many prioritize holiday shopping and travel, leaving little room in their budgets for donations.

2. Skepticism and Trust Issues

• Lack of Trust: Concerns about how donations are used or mismanagement within some charities can deter people from giving.

• Scams: Fear of fraudulent organizations exploiting Giving Tuesday can lead to hesitation.

3. Awareness and Engagement

• Unaware of the Day: Some people might not know about Giving Tuesday or its purpose.

• Overwhelmed by Choices: The sheer number of appeals can cause decision fatigue, making it hard to choose where to donate.

4. Timing and Priorities

• Year-End Donations: Some people prefer to give later in December for tax purposes or personal reasons.

• Focus on Other Actions: People may prioritize volunteering or acts of kindness over financial contributions.

5. Digital and Access Barriers

• No Online Presence: Not everyone is comfortable or equipped to donate online, where much of Giving Tuesday activity takes place.

• Limited Access to Payment Methods: People without credit cards or digital wallets might face difficulties in giving.

6. Charity Fatigue

• Frequent Requests: Constant appeals for donations throughout the year may lead to burnout or a feeling of "giving enough already."

• Crisis Overload: The multitude of global crises may make individual donations feel insignificant.

7. Personal Philosophy

• Different Giving Approach: Some prefer to give quietly, directly to individuals, or in ways not associated with campaigns like Giving Tuesday.

• Belief in Non-Financial Contributions: People may focus on volunteering, advocacy, or sharing skills instead.

While Giving Tuesday aims to inspire, it’s essential to understand these barriers and address them through education, transparency, and flexible giving options to encourage broader participation.

ARE NEWSROOMS, JOURNALISTS, ETC. DEPENDENT ON TODAY?

Independent newsrooms and journalists can indeed be heavily dependent on initiatives like Giving Tuesday for financial support. Here’s why:

Why Giving Tuesday Matters to Independent Newsrooms:

1. Revenue Challenges:

   • Independent journalism often lacks the advertising or subscription revenues that larger outlets rely on, making donations critical for funding operations.

2. Public-Supported Models:

   • Many independent media outlets and journalists operate as non-profits or rely on crowdfunding and reader support to remain unbiased and sustainable.

3. Increased Awareness:

   • Giving Tuesday provides a platform to amplify their funding campaigns, leveraging the day’s momentum to reach new and existing supporters.

4. Community Connection:

   • The movement aligns well with their goals of building a community of engaged readers who value independent reporting, encouraging them to contribute.

Dependence on Days Like Giving Tuesday:

• Yes, for Visibility: Independent outlets often struggle to compete with large media conglomerates. Giving Tuesday helps spotlight their unique contributions to public discourse.

• Yes, for Fundraising Goals: Donations raised on Giving Tuesday often set the tone for year-end funding efforts, which are crucial to covering operating costs and future projects.

• No, Not Exclusively: While important, many outlets diversify their fundraising strategies through subscription models, ongoing donor drives, and grants to avoid relying solely on one day.

Notable Examples:

Organizations like ProPublica, The Texas Tribune, The Guardian, Mother Jones, Truthout and smaller local independent outlets regularly participate in Giving Tuesday, emphasizing its role in sustaining their work. If these campaigns are successful, they can help ensure that journalists remain free to pursue impactful stories without corporate or political influence.

By contributing on Giving Tuesday, supporters play a direct role in maintaining a free press and high-quality reporting.

CLOSING THOUGHTS:

I hope that you gave today. Supporting independent journalism is crucial to protecting our democracy, and in times like today, is more mission-critical than ever. We must survive. Your survival depends on our survival. Thank you for giving.