Join the #GivingTuesday campaign

Cyber Monday and Black Friday are traditionally listed as the biggest shopping days of the year in the United States, kicking off the retail season after Thanksgiving. Now add #GivingTuesday – the first Tuesday after Thanksgiving – to that list. Just as the retail sector has benefited from coordinated national shopping days, so could #GivingTuesday kick off the holiday season in the philanthropic sense. It’s not only about giving, but giving back.

InterAction has endorsed the campaign, which was officially launched today. #GivingTuesday is not only a “giving” platform but is also an opportunity for people to work together to improve their local communities or support charities and causes. The hope is that it will catch on as a reminder for the public to be cognizant of those less fortunate long before the final day of the year.

It's also a time to celebrate America's great tradition of generosity and not only in monetary terms, which can be difficult during tough economic times. Joining the campaign could include donating time to your favorite charity, coming up with new ideas to make people’s lives better or launching a special campaign to support a cause. Much of the campaign will be social media in nature and the hashtag #GivingTuesday will be used in the buildup to November 27. So spread the word. Join the debate on Twitter @givingtues. Like the campaign on Facebook or go to the organizers’ website and register to become a Social Media Ambassador.

Many of InterAction’s members will be joining the campaign and so keep an eye on our website for details and partner with others in this initiative.