Humanists Unite! 7 Ways You Can Make a Difference on Giving Tuesday

This time of year we are inclined to take a step back and give thanks for what we have, and if we’re able, to show our appreciation in actionable ways. It was in this spirit that Giving Tuesday, a global generosity movement focused on inspiring people to do good, was created.

The commemoration occurs every year on the Tuesday after Thanksgiving—just a few days after Black Friday and Cyber Monday. This year on November 30, people around the world will come together to participate in acts of kindness and goodwill to build community, create connections, and foster joy and hope. One of the best ways to make an impact and to play a role in transforming our communities is to support the charities that mean the most to us, like the American Humanist Association.

As humanists, we don’t need a designated day every year to remind us to do good, but Giving Tuesday acts as a counterbalance to a series of days that promote overindulgence and overconsumption, especially during a larger season of gratitude. So don’t let this Giving Tuesday pass without taking action and making some noise.

How can YOU take part in fighting for change this Giving Tuesday?

1. Donate

The American Humanist Association (AHA) doesn’t receive federal funding and relies on donations from our supporters. Contributions to the AHA make a direct impact on our ability to defend the constitutional rights of all Americans and protect true religious freedom. This Giving Tuesday, please consider making a tax-deductible donation to the AHA. Your support will make a tangible difference in defending our basic freedoms and in the lives of humanists and nontheists everywhere.

2. Write to your representatives

Your elected officials are in office to represent you—but they need to hear from you. Policymakers depend on receiving information and guidance from their constituents and other citizens when deciding how to vote on important issues. That’s why we’ve made it easy to make sure your humanist values are heard and represented. Regularly check our Humanist Action Headquarters for information on how to contact your representatives about the latest issues affecting humanists.

3. Mobilize your local group

Local chapters are crucial in the AHA’s work to foster a society based on reason and compassion. This Giving Tuesday, ask your local group to host a movie screening; organize a march, donation drive, or volunteer service; host a speaker series; or organize an in-depth discussion on topics important to humanists. Need some inspiration for your group? Take a look at what some AHA chapters have done in the past. Not a member of an AHA chapter? Look for one in your area here!

4. Talk about humanist values

The holiday season provides opportunities for conversations. If you’re able to, re-educate yourself, family, and friends about holidays like Thanksgiving and share with others why you’re a humanist. You can even host a living room conversation where participants practice being open and curious about all perspectives, with a focus on learning from one another. Or share one of the AHA’s Center for Education’s many videos exploring topics of interest to humanists.

5. Gift the Humanist magazine or AHA membership

Do you have an old copy of the Humanist you don’t need anymore? Leave it behind at a library or coffee shop for someone else to read. Or take the next step and gift someone a one-year membership to the AHA.

6. Get active on social media

Want to see your good deed go even further? Help us get the word out on social media! Post your favorite humanist photos, or tell people why you support the AHA, using the hashtags #GiveWithoutAGod and #GivingTuesday. Share AHA’s posts, tag a friend, or even start your very own Facebook fundraiser!

7. Shop with charities in mind

Did you know that when you shop with AmazonSmile, a portion of the money you spend can be donated to the AHA? If you’re doing your holiday shopping on Amazon this season, visit smile.amazon.com and enter “American Humanist Association” as your preferred charity.