#GIVINGTUESDAY Movement

The holiday season can leave the best of us a little frazzled. There is a list of things to do, from going to countless holiday parties, to finishing up the Christmas shopping, to making sure you’ve got your bases covered to be included on Santa’s nice list. Many people designate time to visit family or volunteer. I like all of these things because the consumerism of the holiday season is what gets me. From the time I was a kid to now so many things have changed. People used to get the entire day of Thanksgiving off from work to spend time with loved ones. Now people have to go into work so others can get their pre-black Friday door buster deals. Do you really need that new blender on Thanksgiving Day or would the day after be alright? 

Over the years the obsession with Black Friday has turned it into a multi-day event.  A few years ago I noticed Cyber Monday creep into the fold. Now if you’re too exhausted from battling for this season’s hottest new toy you can get even better deals on that toy if you wait until Monday. Don’t get me wrong, I love a deal or a sale. I love shopping more than most, but the reasons behind the season are getting a little lost. Alas, something new came onto the scene last year: #GivingTuesday.

#GivingTuesday is a national movement to encourage people to think about philanthropic giving after giving into the deluge of consumerism that is Black Friday and Cyber Monday.  #GivingTuesday inspires people to take collaborative action to improve their local communities, give back in better, smarter ways to the charities and causes they support and help create a better world. Taking place December 3, 2013 – the Tuesday after Thanksgiving – #GivingTuesday will harness the power of social media to create a national moment around the holidays dedicated to giving, similar to how Black Friday and Cyber Monday have become days that are, today, synonymous with holiday shopping.

To be a part of the #GivingTuesday movement and to give back locally please visit UnitedWayWaukesha.org/give on December 3rd to give a donation and be assured that your gift stays here in Waukesha County and is used to create lasting change. 

Beyond the social media movement of #GivingTuesday, United Way in Waukesha County is mobilizing on a grassroots level by asking people to make that one last gift of the holiday season and  also do something fun. United Way is facilitating a change drive called “Change for Change” that will take place on #GivingTuesday throughout Waukesha County. United Way is asking local schools and businesses to put out change jars with special #GivingTuesday stickers on them to see how much pocket change can be generated in one day to make lasting change in our community.

 If you, your business, or school are interested in participating please contact me at 262-409-2412 or email me at Rebecca@UnitedWayWaukesha.org . It will be interesting and fun to see just what our Waukesha County community can come up with on #GivingTuesday. I am sure I am going to be impressed with what we do.