Sat • Nov 25, 23

Anyone on social media has seen the familiar #GivingTuesday hashtag. But what’s the story behind it? According to the National Day Calendar, the National Day of Giving encourages giving back and occurs on the first Tuesday after Thanksgiving. The idea is that after most of us have stuffed our mouths with turkey and dressing and shopped ‘til we dropped on Black Friday and Cyber Monday, we should consider giving back to our favorite causes or charities. It’s a time for families, businesses, communities and churches around the world to come together and celebrate generosity and to give. 

The idea took off back in 2012 and now there is an entire movement and an organization named GivingTuesday that encourages people to give back:

“It’s a simple idea: whether it’s making someone smile, helping a neighbor or stranger out, showing up for an issue or people we care about, or giving some of what we have to those who need our help, every act of generosity counts and everyone has something to contribute toward building the better world we all want to live in.”

There are numerous projects and resources on their website to help you get involved and spread the benevolence. With 90 national movements, 300+ communities and millions of acts of generosity, there is no shortage of opportunities to participate. And this program is truly non-partisan, with many conservative groups using the hashtag for good. Here’s a great example.

The Alliance for Defending Freedom is currently promoting Giving Tuesday as a way to help defend ADF clients punished for expressing and living out their beliefs and core convictions—even their faith. This group helps provide a strong defense for people like you who may feel helpless in the face of government power. The Alliance Defending Freedom is committed to securing and advancing the freedom of every American to speak freely and live out their beliefs without fear of government punishment or retaliation.

Right now, they’re promoting a special opportunity that will amplify any donation and provide twice the impact with a dollar-for-dollar match—up to $2.5 million as long as matching funds last! Here is their goal for this year:

This #GivingTuesday, with God’s help and your support, we’re aiming to raise $250,000 to help us defend in court—free of charge—people like:

• Jessica, a Christian mom in Oregon who wants to adopt but is being prevented by the government from giving children a loving home because of her Christian beliefs.
• Jack, a cake artist who has been targeted for over a decade by radical activists and officials who have repeatedly dragged him to court for his deeply held beliefs.
• Liam, a middle schooler who was silenced for expressing his beliefs by wearing a shirt that read, “There are only two genders.”

This is just one example of a conservative organization’s involvement in the #GivingTuesday movement. And there’s still time to give.

There are many ways you can get involved, and it can be as simple as offering a hand to your neighbor or volunteering at your church or community. Here are some more easy ways to give back as noted on the GivingTuesday website:

• Discover a local fundraiser, community drive or coordinated event to join others in your area or with your same interests in giving back — they need your help.
• Give to your favorite cause. (Check with your employer to see if they match donations!)
• Share kindness with your neighbors–check on those who are alone and may need help with errands or just a friendly voice to talk to.
• Volunteer virtually! Our friends at VolunteerMatch can help you find an opportunity near you (or you can help a nonprofit from anywhere in the world since it’s remote!)
• Share a quick tutorial that offers up a skill or lesson to help others discover something new or helps students add to their at-home learning.
• Encourage others to share kindness and be generous during this time.
• Match others’ gifts to your favorite nonprofit and make an even greater impact! (Example at right)

The list could go on and on. We have so many lonely, needy people right in our own communities that could use your compassion. If everyone who reads this contributed at least one simple act of charity, the world could benefit exponentially. And remember, your membership to Mammoth Nation and the purchases you make help support many charities and non-profit organizations that give back to veterans, children, first responders and many more! Please consider giving this #GivingTuesday on November 28 and spread the generosity.