I am just off the heels of the annual baking and candy making extravaganza with my best friend Amy and her family. What a wonderful weekend. This is their 11th year of the weekend and I have been blessed to be evolved for the past four or five years. I have lost count.
The weekend has one goal. Make enough goodies to give away to those in the community that serve us. Teachers, bus drivers, police officers, nursing home staff, church staff, and medical personnel.
Do you have any annual giving tradition? If not, let us change that in 2021. And if you have a giving tradition, how can you expand it or start a new one?
Why is it important to have a giving tradition?
- It is an event that helps us focus on others.
- It is a way to support your passion and the community.
- It is a way to get friends and family involved in giving.
- It inspires others to create their own giving tradition...impacting more people!
- It is a great way to teach children in your life about giving. They are never too young to get involved.
The why is important because it keeps moving us forward when we face obstacles or want to give up and quit.
Now that we understand the why, let's chat about how you actually get your giving tradition off the ground, or maybe get a little more organized around your current tradition.
- Think about your passion. What do you love? Is there an organization that aligns to your passion? This doesn't have to be a nonprofit. For me, I love law enforcement and I always do a giving event for those that serve and protect our communities.
- Who is going to benefit? Is it a nonprofit? A group of people in your community? Be specific.
- When are you going to have your giving event? Our baking extravaganza, it's always in December. Mark it on the calendar in a red sharpie. Do not let anything get in the way of your giving tradition!
- What's your goal? Be specific so you know your target and if you have accomplished your goal. Maybe it's to raise x dollars. Collect x numbers of coats or books. Serve x number of teachers in your community.
- Who is going to help you? During the pandemic, your group may need to be small or even virtual. Do what works best for you and your community.
- Communicate what you are doing. Post on social media. Send an email. Shout it from the rooftops to inspire others, possibly getting people involved, and to create accountability.
- Make a plan. What are the first steps you need to take to get your event off the ground?
Hopefully, the information provided today will help you create your giving tradition. I'd love to hear if you have a tradition. If so, what is your tradition? If you don't, what will it be in 2021?
Happy Giving,
Stephanie
Inspirational Speaker and Award-Winning Author of "The Giving Challenge: 40 Days to a More Generous Life" and “The Gratitude Challenge: 41 Days to a Happier, Healthier, & More Content Life”
