Today is #GivingTuesdayNow, a global day of giving and unity. We – along with philanthropic leaders like Bill and Melinda Gates – hope to rally people around the world to tap into the power of human connection and strengthen communities at the grassroots level.
Though the COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in global upheaval, it has also revealed a powerful force for good: people. Again and again, stories of individuals and communities responding to the crisis have emerged. We’ve seen those with sewing skills work diligently to make reusable masks for healthcare workers. We’ve watched the food service industry risk their lives to feed healthcare workers and vulnerable populations. Neighborhoods have come together to celebrate birthdays and special days – even from afar. Those who founded nonprofits continue to work in service of others, even risking their health to do so. And even the private sector has witnessed some CEOs step up and sacrifice so that their workers remain healthy, safe, and paid.
“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. “#GivingTuesdayNow is a chance for us to stand united and use grassroots generosity to show that we are all in this together, beginning to end. Even as many face financial uncertainty, generosity is not about size. Every act of kindness is not only a beacon of hope, it’s a critical act of civic and social solidarity.”
So today, we encourage you to take action. Take action on behalf of first responders. Help nonprofits and community organizations that feed, house, educate, and nurture your neighbors. Look for the helpers – and support their work.
Or, if you so choose, support the arts and cultural organizations who continue to produce content, help shed light on how history can help us cope with the present, and inspire creativity and innovation. That includes us – Girl Museum – which operates on less than $2,000 per year and is an entirely volunteer effort. Your support helps ensure we – a community of arts and culture professionals who believe in gender equality and dedicate our free time to helping make it a reality – can continue our work. It provides the digital infrastructure we need but, more importantly, ensures a safe, virtual space for girls everywhere to come to know and celebrate their incredible history, culture, and potential. If you love our work, please consider donating to our 2020 Annual Fund on DonorBox.
Thank you, and our continued wishes for health and safety.
Cheers,
Tiffany Rhoades & the Girl Museum team