Have you heard of Giving Tuesday?  You've certainly heard about Black Friday and Cyber Monday.  The consumer focused Shop-Till-You-Drop (or fall asleep at the computer) discount days just after Thanksgiving.  These sales are designed to kick off the holiday season and empty your wallet just in time to hit that reward center in your brain and make you want to do it all over again in a few weeks.  (Hello short-term gratification!).  

This is why we here at Project Happiness LOVE #GivingTuesday.  Giving Tuesday was created in 2012 by the United Nations Foundation and 92nd Street Y as a direct response to the consumer focus that had begun to take over the season and to re-embrace the giving of the giving season. 

Studies have shown that altruism is a key factor in increasing your happiness, whether it's through direct donations, volunteering or simply spending time with those in need.  It's also the the whole theme for our #ThoughtfulThursday Happiness Habit each week.  At a time when levels of anxiety and depression are at epidemic levels, we completely endorse any activity to help!  (It is in our Mission Statement after all!)  Service to others decreases feelings of depression and anxiety, and improves social connection, feelings of well-being, purpose and adds meaning.  That is why it plays a key role in all of our programming and in our curriculum. 

 

How You Can Take Part and Spread Happiness This #GivingTuesday

 

1) Start a Project Happiness Giving Circle

Project Happiness Giving Circles are groups of friends, family or co-workers that learn together through our resources, activate happiness in their communities, hold fundraisers, and volunteer.  And there is no reason to stop at the end of the holidays!  Consider making this a monthly meeting that focuses on a happiness topic and engages your local community.  You can use our Wellbeing Toolkit or 7 Doors to Happiness Course as a framework. 

 

2) Start a Facebook Fundraiser

Don't have time to start a Giving Circle? Consider starting a Facebook Fundraiser.  We have schools that apply for scholarships all the time, not only in the United States, but globally, hoping to use our Curriculum, Facilitators Guide and Handbook to improve Social and Emotional Learning in their school.  Simply click here to start a Facebook Fundraiser of your own, and follow the three easy prompts!  Project Happiness receives 100% of the proceeds raised through a Facebook Fundraiser, and you don't even leave the platform.  You can run the fundraiser for as long as you'd like, but to make the most of Giving Tuesday, we suggest either starting or ending your campaign on December 3, 2019.

 

3) Shop Our Store

Give the Gift of Happiness to your family, a loved one or even yourself by purchasing a Handbook, Wellness Toolkit or Online Course.  All our content is science-based and proceeds support our programs, including our popular Daily Happiness Habits to your Inbox.  

 

4) Become a Project Happiness Donor 

Every Dollar Counts!  Consider becoming a recurring supporter!