Happy Giving Tuesday!
Hello again, dear ones!
You heard from me twice last week, so I'll do my best to keep this one brief.
(Cha. Right!)
F'real'do.
I just wanted to check in quickly, seeing as it's one of my favorite holidays.
Giving Tuesday dates back to 2012 (one of my favorite years, the one in which my daughter was born).
My sense is that the tradition came as a response to the growing popularity of "Black Friday" and the increasingly obscene tradition of the "shopping season."
Giving Tuesday asks us all to pause our consumerism (for just a moment!) and reroute some of those funds to those who need it more than we do.
If you're anything like me, your inbox is already *swole* with charitable organizations (and maybe even a cancer survivor?) trying to cash in on the zeitgeist of the day by inviting your donations. And maybe that's a little annoying.
But as a former nonprofit communications director, I can also attest to the importance of year-end donations. (Did you know that 30% of nonprofit donations happen in the month of December?)
Anyway, I'm sure you have a lot on your mind right now, and probably your own bills to worry about as well. But if you have any desire to participate in Giving Tuesday this year by making some charitable contributions, I wanted to share a few pieces of info with you.
First, I published a Giving Guide on my website last week, featuring the work of some of the organizations that moved me to donate this year.
If you want to make giving as painless as possible, I humbly invite you to whip out that credit card, head on over, and find a cause that resonates with you. If I missed any of your favorite charities, please drop me a line or leave a comment on my blog post! I'd like to evolve this database of causes over time and maybe I'll add your cause next year!
Second, that GoFundMe started by my friend Dana to support my family through this year of cancer treatment is very much alive and it could most certainly benefit from your continued donations and social shares. At present, the fundraiser is over 80 percent of the way toward reaching its goal. Your Giving Tuesday nod can help push it over the top.
Third, and finally, it feels good to give. When I published my Giving Guide last week, it included my little manifesto on giving and all the rewards it brings to the giver. If you missed it, you can read it here.
That's it!
Shortest email ever!
Palsson out!
Seriously, though. Sending you enduring love and appreciation. The world is a better place with you in it. Thanks for being you!
Your friend,
Nils
PS. When Giving Tuesday is over and you're back to frenzied holiday shopping, remember that I've got a ton of great book recommendations posted up on my website as well. Visit my new bookstore page here.
In my next dispatch, I look forward to giving the gift of music by sharing some playlists with you. Until then, take good care!
