In recent years, the holiday season has seen a marked shift from a focus solely on shopping and consumerism to a spirit of generosity and giving. One notable phenomenon that has gained traction globally is “Giving Tuesday.” This day, which falls on the Tuesday following Thanksgiving, encourages individuals to channel their holiday spirit into charitable acts and support causes that make a positive impact in their communities.
Giving Tuesday was first conceptualized in 2012 by the Belfer Center for Innovation & Social Impact at the 92nd Street Y, a cultural center in New York City. The idea was simple yet powerful: to create a day dedicated to charitable giving, harnessing the collective power of individuals, communities, and organizations to encourage philanthropy and celebrate generosity.
Since its inception, Giving Tuesday has grown into a global movement, inspiring millions of people around the world to come together and give back to their communities. The day serves as a reminder that amidst the hustle and bustle of the holiday season, there is an opportunity to make a difference in the lives of others.
Do Good Door County is a “good” example of an organization that embodies the spirit of Giving Tuesday year-round. Founded with a mission to build a dynamic, collaborative community that enhances, enriches, and respects the aging experience in Door County, we are dedicated to creating a supportive environment for our older citizens.
Why give to Do Good Door County this Tuesday? Let’s break it down…
Empowering Community Connections: The strength of a community lies in its connections. Do Good Door County envisions a community where people are empowered to support each other, fostering a culture of empathy, understanding, and mutual assistance. One of the most important initiatives happening now is the development of “villages” in Door County. This national model, established over 20 years ago, is a grassroots effort that helps seniors stay in their homes as they age by offering various services and fostering a strong sense of community. We have blogged about this often, and most recently at https://dogooddoorcounty.org/revolutionizing-aging-in-door-county/. A video about the effort is at our YouTube channel at https://youtu.be/WUxn3Z-6-AY.
Enhancing the Aging Experience: As individuals age, they face unique challenges and opportunities. Do Good Door County is committed to addressing these challenges and enhancing the overall aging experience. One primary goal of 2024 is to begin work to make Door County an Age Friendly Community. This initiative, launched by the World Health Organization and in the United States by the AARP, aims to help people live easily and comfortably in their homes and communities as they age. You can learn more at a previous blog, https://dogooddoorcounty.org/why-age-friendly-communities-matter/, and get even more detailed information at our YouTube channel with videos on each of the 8 Domains of Livability of an Age Friendly Community, see https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLQKpU6SPLKNT4lOFxjjwuWv6tuHFAkgnf.
Building a Collaborative Community: Our emphasis on collaboration underscores the importance of a united community. By fostering ties, Do Good Door County aims to create a network of support that empowers individuals to age gracefully and maintain active, fulfilling lives. A program set to launch in 2024 is MatchUp, connecting older adults with vetted and trained employers, offering older adults in Door County fulfilling part-time job opportunities. We know this is one of the best ways to provide important social opportunities and support our local economy. Check out our video about this significant initiative at https://youtu.be/hR4sljN1SvA.
As we celebrate the spirit of Giving Tuesday, it’s important to recognize and support organizations which actively contribute to the betterment of their communities. By aligning with our mission and vision, you can play a role in creating a more compassionate, inclusive, and supportive environment for everyone, especially those entering the later stages of life. We invite you to embrace the true essence of giving and contribute to making Door County a community that values and cherishes our older citizens. We thank you for your support!