Black Friday has been around for a while, and while its significance is waning, the more recently established Giving Tuesday is gaining traction.
Today is that day, Giving Tuesday, and while inboxes may not be as cluttered as they were a few days ago, with offers for blenders, galoshes, dog beds, etc., the digital campaign associated with Giving Tuesday is certainly visible.
Giving Tuesday was started in 2012 as a “simple idea,” according to its website, which lays out all of the ways people and businesses and organizations can participate and what that participation means.
“Give to your favorite cause or fundraiser to help those in need,” one line in the “how to” section suggests. “Discover a local fundraiser, community drive or coordinated event to join others in your area or with your same interests in giving back — they need your help,” suggests another.
And it’s not just about monetary donations.
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“Share kindness with your neighbors — check on those who are alone and may need help with errands or just a friendly voice to talk to,” the site says.
The outgrowth of such a movement is not surprising, given the me-centric nature of much of what makes up our culture nowadays. So as we super-indulge ourselves and rain down Christmas presents on everyone, we are encouraged to throttle back on all that retailism and pause and reflect and open our pocketbooks for some good causes. Not that we shouldn’t be having those thoughts and taking those actions all year long, but just in case one is lax for 364 days of the year, here now is the reminder.
“Giving Tuesday is what brings people of all races, faiths and political views together across the globe,” the site says. “Generosity gives everyone the power to make a positive change in the lives of others and is a fundamental value anyone can act on.”
There are good causes all across Pine Bluff. There are individual nonprofits that would appreciate help, and if you are more interested in one-stop shopping, there is the United Way of Southeast Arkansas, which is in the middle of its annual campaign as it attempts to raise more than $1 million for scads of agencies in the area — agencies that we simply would not want to do without.
So consider joining your city, your state, your country and the world in a global effort to do good.
States the Giving Tuesday site: “Our ultimate goal is to create a more just and generous world, one where generosity is at the heart of the society we build together, unlocking dignity, opportunity and equity around the globe.”
Yes, we recommend that. Make this Tuesday special for others.