What Can Giving Back Give You?

Redefining how we think about giving

Giving can seem like a one way street. We let go of something that belongs to us - often my money or clothing or food - so that someone in need can have it. That’s what giving means, after all. But this can also be discouraging. What if we’re tapped out, emotionally and physically? If dealing with illness takes too much already? That’s why we like to think of giving as a two way street. We’re talking about giving that makes you feel more hopeful, more in control, more active in your life. We’re talking about giving that gives back.

From PTA duties to advocacy, from knowledge sharing to making friends, there are hundreds of ways to give back and get what you need in return. If you want to start a giving habit, think about what you love to do and use it for good.

Why we’re talking about giving

The Tuesday after Thanksgiving is #GivingTuesday. #GivingTuesday was invented by a community center in New York called the 92nd Street Y in partnership with the United Nations. Since 2012, the holiday has been encouraging people to give. Though Thanksgiving is an American holiday, #GivingTuesday is celebrated all over the world.

Participating in #GivingTuesday doesn’t require anything special. The idea is simply to do something that helps another person, then use the hashtag with a picture or description to spread the word and encourage others to give back. Of course, if you don’t use social media, it’s the act of giving itself that counts! You can find organizations and ideas on the #GivingTuesday website or check out our Tweets for disability-friendly activities.

Tell us! Do you have ideas for #GivingTuesday? How has giving made a difference in your life?