The world is at war. This time, the enemy is invisible. As countries across the globe battle COVID-19, communities are rallying to change the narrative. GivingTuesday campaigns everywhere have raised their hands to do the same.
GivingTuesday was established in 2012 as a day to encourage good deeds and generosity. It has grown into a global movement that inspires people and organizations to collaborate, give and celebrate acts of kindness.
The leaders of GivingTuesday have called for an emergency giving day to respond to the pandemic. Tuesday, May 5, 2020, will be an international day of generosity labeled GivingTuesdayNow. The leaders of the global movement believe that by uniting together, the world can create a wave of generosity that can heal.
"As a global community, we can mourn this moment of extreme crisis while also finding the opportunity to support one another. We each have the power to make an impact with acts of generosity, no matter how small, and to ensure the sustainability of organizations and services that are crucial to the care and support of our communities," said Asha Curran, CEO of GivingTuesday.
The military community is taking a stand and answering the call to action. GivingTuesdayMilitary is a campaign that was founded by three military spouses in 2019 and is dedicated to encouraging acts of kindness.
"Our military and their families are a strong and cohesive group, and we hope this day of generosity will show the world what we are, beyond the uniform," said Samantha Gomolka, co-founder of GivingTuesdayMilitary.
Recently, veterans service organization Team Rubicon has partnered with GivingTuesdayMilitary. Volunteers throughout the country plan to join in and support this emergency day of giving. Team Rubicon recently created its Neighbors Helping Neighbors initiative for those willing and able to physically support their communities. Volunteers can serve by doing things like shopping for the elderly and the immunocompromised.
There are many ways that you can join the movement and give back to your community. Here are some ideas to get you started.
Sew Masks for Heroes
If you are a sewer, masks are desperately needed everywhere. Break out your sewing machine! You can sponsor a local hospital, grocery store, police station or post office. If you need help with supplies or shipping costs, check out We Have Masks. They will provide you with a mask making kit and pay for shipping costs. Share your work to inspire others to jump in too.
Record Messages of Hope
Veterans and nursing homes across the country are on lockdown. The residents are feeling the effects of isolation and loneliness. Make their day by recording a video message of encouragement. Contact your local Department of Veterans Affairs facility or nursing home to see whether they are accepting videos.
Write Uplifting Messages
Grab some chalk and write inspiring messages all over your neighborhood sidewalks. If you enjoy creating these messages in your own neighborhood, think about spreading inspiring words throughout your local town too! Call your police department to determine what areas are allowed. Words are powerful. Encouragement has the power to improve motivation and reduce rates of depression and stress.
Support Your Local Food Bank or Shelter
Giving back has been proven to impact not only the recipient but the person doing the giving as well. Improve your mood and support those in need at the same time. Call them up and see what you can do to help.
Volunteer Your Time
Join Team Rubicon for Neighbors Helping Neighbors or research local organizations in your area in need of volunteers. Many food banks and homeless shelters were already operating with small numbers and will be grateful for your support.
To learn more about GivingTuesdayMilitary and the global giving day on May 5, 2020 -- check out their website.
-- Jessica Manfre is a freelance writer covering stories on veterans, military families and social work advocacy. She holds an MSW from UCF and is a passionate coffee drinker, reader and lover of writing all the things.
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