An Opportunity to Help Art and Healing Programs

(Please note, that although this article was written in 2015, the #GivingTuesday campaign is celebrated on the Tuesday following Thanksgiving (in the U.S.) and the widely recognized shopping events Black Friday and Cyber Monday, #GivingTuesday kicks off the charitable season.)

This week we’re helping to spread a message about a positive global initiative that speaks to humanity, kindness and our audience of givers. Today’s post is about #GivingTuesday, an inspirational global movement that celebrates and supports giving and philanthropy. So, we say, why not use the day as an opportunity to give to art and healing programs that serve the needs of individuals and communities!

About #Giving Tuesday

#GivingTuesday was started in 2012 by the 92nd Street Y — a cultural center in New York City, NY. According to the program, what happened was, “a team of influencers and founding partners joined forces — collaborating across sectors, offering expertise and working tirelessly — to launch #GivingTuesday and have continued to shape, grow and strengthen the movement.”

Since its launch #GivingTuesday has become a global phenomenon—transforming communities and improving lives everywhere. In fact, #GivingTuesday now connects more than 30,000 partners in the U.S. and communities in more than 68 countries around the globe.  In 2014, nonprofits across the country raised $45.7 million both off and online on Giving Tuesday.

Bill Gates Emphasizes The True Spirit of The Season

Major philanthropist Bill Gates emphasizes, “You may have heard of Black Friday and Cyber Monday. There’s another day you might want to know about: Giving Tuesday. The idea is pretty straightforward. On the Tuesday after Thanksgiving, shoppers take a break from their gift-buying and donate what they can to charity.”

Join The Positive #GivingTuesday Movement
In Your Local Community as Well as Social Media!

On December 1st, #GivingTuesday connects diverse groups of individuals, communities and organizations world-wide for one common purpose: to celebrate and encourage giving to others less fortunate. Everyone involved with #GivingTuesday plays a role in the growth and strengthening of this important and robust movement.

#GivingTuesday suggests that you find a way for your family, community, business, organization, neighborhood or school to come together to give something more to those who need it most. Then spread the word… tell everyone you can about how you are giving. The spirit of generosity is contagious and addictive!

As you can figure out by the hashtag #GivingTuesday has been fueled by the power of social media. In past years Twitter users have played an important role in broadcasting and fueling this mission.

Visit the #GivingTuesday website: givingtuesday.org
You can also follow #GivingTuesday on x (Twitter): twitter.com/GivingTues
Join #GivingTuesday on Facebook: facebook.com/GivingTuesday

Find Worthy Organizations on Our Website

We can recommend many worthy organizations to give to and you’ll find articles about them, on The Healing Power of ART website. These organizations enrich the lives of individuals and communities, such as: ProjectArt, an organization that brings art to children,  and Barefoot Artists Organization, that transforms communities world-wide through art projects; to name a few.

Discover Worthy Nonprofits in Our Resource Directory

If you are searching for art and healing groups to donate please visit the Healing Power of ART & ARTISTS Resource Directory. Our ever-growing comprehensive resource directory is an ongoing effort that has more than 100 Nonprofit Organizations that provide a range of services to help improve the world. In this directory we provide the organizations’ mission statements and links to their websites.

Take a Respite from the Holiday Frenzy

So, while you may be feeling overwhelmed by the frenzy of Black Friday and Cyber Monday, and your holiday gift giving list, take time out for a respite. Shift your focus on end-of-year giving, and, continue the spirit of benevolent giving throughout the year.

Become a part of a global celebration — a new tradition of generosity in a world where so much negativity is broadcast at a high volume.

And, remember, there is never a donation of time, money, or other items or deed that is too small when given with loving kindness.

To quote Mother Teresa: “We can do no great things — only small things with great love.” Aesop said, “No Act of Kindness, however small, is ever wasted.”