It's Giving Tuesday, so Give Back!

 

Happy Tuesday Everyone,

At some point in the last few years, I heard about the concept of Giving Tuesday which is a "global generosity movement unleashing the power of people and organizations to transform their communities and the world...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 give" (https://www.givingtuesday.org/)

Knowing that this movement exists, I decided to highlight this quote from Michelle Obama which I heard in her Michelle Obama Podcast recently.  I think that most people can agree that giving back is a value that makes us better people.  It is a value that makes our communities stronger, and it is a value that can make our world a more habitable place.  

I bet you might be wondering how you, a young person, might be able to give.  You don't have a job, you probably don't have too much money of your own, you can't drive anywhere by yourself, and who's going to listen to you, you're just a kid, right?  Well, there you'd be wrong.  

First, kids all over our country and world use their voices every day to make the world a better place.  Think Gretta Thunberg, or Marley Dais.  And your giving doesn't have to be large scale if that's not your style.  As the Giving Tuesday movement states, you can give you time - spend time with your grandparents, visit and help out at the senior center, volunteer at the foodshelf, at a daycare, or animal shelter.  You can give a donation after organizing an event like a car wash, clothing drive, food drive, or lemon-aid stand.  (Check out Carley, Age 8)  Or you can simply speak out when you see injustice like bullying in school, your neighborhood, or even at your family dinner table.  (Check out this slam poetry speaking out against injustice)  

You can give things that don't cost anything...a smile, a wave, a friendly word, a helping hand, or a show of solidarity...kindness no matter the cause.  And it's not how much you give, but it's the quality and the intention behind the giving.  Give not because of what you'll get in return, but because it's important and it's right, and because it will make you a more compassionate person as you grow and mature.  

Think of the ripple if each student in our community chose to give something of themselves today or each Tuesday, (or any day in between)!  

Good Luck, Cougars!

You're awesome, so be awesome!  

Mrs. Hempey