“We make a living by what we get. We make a life by what we give.” –Winston Churchill
It feels good to give, and small acts of kindness can create a ripple effect. That is what #GivingTuesday is all about. We are calling on all divers to spark a chain reaction of generosity and positive change by supporting your favorite ocean causes or doing an act of good this Giving Tuesday!
So, what is #GivingTuesday?
Giving Tuesday is a “global day of giving fueled by the power of social media and collaboration”. Each year, on the Tuesday after Thanksgiving, groups around the globe kick off the holiday season by coming together to support and champion the causes they believe in through generous donations, fundraising, and philanthropy.
The movement began in 2012 by the 92nd Street Y in New York City and the UN Foundation with a simple social media hashtag to offset holiday consumerism and shed light on charitable giving. Now, the conversation has grown bigger and louder than ever. Last year, Giving Tuesday raised over $180 million dollars for participating organizations and brought together the collective power of non-profits, businesses, corporations, families, and individuals in 98 countries around the world…and that doesn’t count all the unmeasurable acts of good inspired by Giving Tuesday!
How Can I Join in the Spirit of #GivingTuesday?
Giving can take many forms:
1. Show your civic pride. Use your voice to amplify the #GivingTuesday message on social media or bring awareness to environmental organizations that need your help.
2. Gift your time! There are various local organizations in need of additional help. Get involved on a volunteer project like Dive Against Debris, or help out in an animal shelter or soup kitchen.
3. Do a simple act of good. Even the smallest gestures like picking up ocean trash or taking time to thank the important people in your life goes a long way!
4. Donate to a cause that’s near and dear to your heart. Ready to donate, but not sure where to start? Here are some incredible organizations dedicated to protecting our ocean:
Conservation International applies science, economics, policy and community participation to safeguard more than 601 million hectares of land, marine, and coastal ecosystems around the globe.
Coral Reef Alliance works with communities around the world to restore and protect coral reefs.
Environmental Defense Fund links science, economics and law in environmental advocacy to protect natural systems.
Manta Trust focuses on the worldwide conservation of manta rays and their habitat through robust science and research, while raising awareness and providing education to the general public and community stakeholders alike.
Marine Megafauna Foundation has a mission to save threatened marine life using pioneering research, education and sustainable conservation solutions, working toward a world where marine life and humans thrive together.
Mission Blue supports and develops Marine Protected Areas or “Hope Spots” large enough to save the blue heart of our planet.
Oceana dedicates itself to protecting and restoring the world’s ocean on a global scale through policy advocacy, science, law and education.
Project AWARE Foundation helps secure historic protections for the world’s most vulnerable shark and rays and utilizes diver outreach programs to protect ocean wildlife from the growing onslaught of trash.
Sea Shepherd uses innovative direct-action tactics to investigate, document, and take action when necessary to expose and confront illegal activities on the high seas.
Surfrider Foundation works to protect 5,656 miles of coastline and is dedicated to the preservation and enjoyment of the world’s ocean, waves and beaches through a powerful activist network.
The Nature Conservancy works to protect and conserve the lands and waters on which all life depends in 72 countries around the world.
The Ocean Conservancy creates science based solutions to inform, inspire and empower through science-based advocacy, research and public education.
World Wildlife Fund works to save endangered species and protect wildlife areas.
PADI is committed to supporting global efforts and to being a catalyst for change through our Four Pillars of Change corporate social responsibility program. The health of the oceans is dependent on our actions and it plays a vital role in the wellbeing of communities across the globe.
