Get Engaged with #GivingTuesday!

Today is #GivingTuesday, a global day dedicated to giving back. It’s a time when charities, families, businesses, community centers and students around the world come together for one common purpose: to celebrate generosity and to give.

Whether you’re an active supporter or are looking for ways to get involved with your favorite causes, Giving Tuesday is the perfect day to engage with many worthy charities.

Here are five quick steps to get involved:

1. Identify charities and causes that speak to your passions. You’ll feel extra motivation — and satisfaction — when working with causes that interest you. Humanitarian? Consider donating blood to the Red Cross or contribute supplies to your local free-clinic. Animal lover? Volunteer at an animal shelter.
2. Do your research! Once you’ve found a cause that aligns with your passions, do some extra digging. How do they allocate donations? How much of that money is donated to those in need? Make sure the organization is using your donation to do the most good! Find organizations that will match your donation. This is a great way to ensure your donation is stretched even further. Not sure where to begin? Network for Good is a great resource for finding worthy national and international organizations. Or maybe your neighborhood is already involved with #GivingTuesday on the local level. Find out, here!
3. Give until it hurts just a little. No one is expecting you to empty out your bank account, but dig a little deeper this year. Skip that Venti-Half-Calf Two-Pump Three-Splenda Latte just twice a month, and donate that money to your favorite organization with a recurring gift!
4. Amplify your impact. Supporting your favorite causes puts a smile on your face. Share that positivity with your friends and family and encourage them to get involved, as well. Be an ambassador for your favorite organizations! Posting an #unselfie to Instagram or Facebook is a great way to drive attention to your favorite causes.
5. Donate more than just money. You can sign up to give blood, volunteer in your community, or become a social-media ambassador for your favorite, worthy causes.