Giving Tuesday – How will you help others?

Last Thursday, we gathered for Thanksgiving. The next day, many of us crowded stores during Black Friday and yesterday many clicked online during Cyber Monday, scrambling for holiday shopping deals.

Today, however, is a day dedicated to giving back, a Scouting value that we have instilled in America’s youth for over a century to help shape young lives and develop future leaders.

Today is Giving Tuesday, a day dedicated to a new tradition of generosity. It’s a call to people around the world to come together for one common purpose: to celebrate generosity and to give.

Since its founding four years ago by New York cultural center 92nd Street Y in partnership with the United Nations Foundation, Giving Tuesday has attracted more than 30,000 partners in 68 countries, including small businesses, nonprofits, government agencies and major corporations.

Its mission is simple: Give something more, and then spread the word about how you are giving. And the word is getting out: Twitter alone has carried 32.7 million impressions and more than 750,000 hashtag mentions about the world’s generosity under Giving Tuesday since it was launched.

When Scouts take the Scout Oath, we pledge to help other people at all times. Giving Tuesday offers us all an opportunity to reflect on the many things we have to be thankful for and how important it is to be of service to others who are less fortunate.

Whether you are actively involved with our movement, were a Scout years ago, or are someone who simply agrees with the idea of lending people a helping hand, I hope everyone will do what they can to support an organization that helps others this Giving Tuesday. Our mission of giving our time and efforts is an important part of who we are, whether we are collecting food for the homeless, building beds for cold-weather shelters, gathering donations for veterans or supporting other initiatives of good will.

And remember, when you give, no donation is too small to make a difference for people who need it.

Thanks for reading.

Mike