6 ways to promote giving back was scheduled on my editorial calendar with the working title was group give. I wanted to share ways groups can give back and promote giving back. I hope I’ve succeeded. If only one person reads this and takes action from one of the examples shared here, then the world will be a better place.
Twitter Chat Groups
Last week during a Twitter chat (#DigiBlogChat, Tuesdays at 4:00 PM EST) one of the regulars sent this tweet, “I wish there were more groups trying to solve a problem, for the greater good. Think of the brilliance in this group – what we could create/change/solve. It’s pretty amazing to think about.” She went on to bring up the idea of supporting a charity as a group. We haven’t moved forward, yet, but this chat is full of smart, funny people who care and want to help. It’s only a matter of time.
Networking Groups
I belong to a networking group that meets once a month to brainstorm ideas to help each other. That’s it; we don’t sell products, or overly promote our businesses. We help each other. We’ve adopted, supported, and promoted dozens of charities, and the truth is we could do more, because like #DigiBlogChat this group cares.
Create a Volunteer Network
“If you enjoy giving back, why not form a group that shares and helps each other with charitable initiatives. Don’t make this complicated. Invite a few people who have similar interests and needs. If you’re a diabetic (as I am), invite other diabetics or if you own a small business, invite small business owners. Are you an amateur photographer, chef, or horticulturist? Keep it simple.” — Why Creating a Networking Group Rocks
“At TKO we have a committee that shares volunteer opportunities with our teammates. It ranges from helping at a pet shelter to creating bra art for a cancer fundraiser. This year our employees once again participated in the Salvation Army Angel Tree Toy Drive surpassing our previous count by adopting 50 Angels. And every year our team stands up to be counted with a blood drive for Indiana blood center. Have You Scheduled a Blood Drive?”
Make Your Birthday Count!
During a food drive sponsored by TKO Graphix last year, our teammate Kyle celebrated his birthday by asking his friends and family to bring him gifts of non-perishable food. He donated more than 100 “presents” to the drive. “Kyle has a challenge for all of us. His challenge is for each of us to designate a personal celebration as a charitable event.
Whether it’s a birthday, anniversary, or a holiday, choose one and in lieu of gifts ask others to donate. It can be any charity you’re passionate about; one charity, one celebration, once a year. Can you imagine what this could mean if only a small percentage of us took Kyle’s challenge?” — Kyle’s Challenge
Get Your Business Involved
“Part of the culture at TKO Graphix is giving back. It’s in our backbone. For more than 30 years we’ve offered our help to the community and beyond. It’s bonded our employees as teammates, and strengthened our reputation. Besides, it feels good. Here are seven of the ways we give back that any small business can copy.” 7 Ways a Small business Can Give Back
Take Action
Mark Light took it into his own hands to promote his friends Chris and Liz Theisen. Their Daughter Emme has faced physical challenges since she was a toddler. At the tender young age of five, she continues to fight the battle and has earned the name, the Princess Warrior. Mark created a fund and then rode a bicycle cross-country to bring awareness to the need. Wow, if that isn’t commitment, I don’t know what is.
“Emme’s medical expenses have strained the family’s finances. Mark Light, co-founder of the Pancreatitis Foundation, did a cross-country bike ride that raised about $30,000 to help support the Theisens. But their overall costs run much higher even though the family has insurance. If you want to help, you can donate here at emmejo.com/donations.” — Indy Star: Meet Little Emme — The Warrior Princess.
Are You Ready to Promote Giving Back?
What groups are you involved with? Does your club, church, or neighborhood help others? Do you participate in charitable events? What other ideas would you suggest to promote giving back?
