Around the country, communities are coming together on #GivingTuesday. Our community leaders range from volunteer leaders to community foundations to large nonprofit organizations. What they have in common is a belief that bringing the community together around the spirit of collective generosity on #GivingTuesday has ripple effects far beyond the day. In this series, we’re sharing some of the highlights of #GivingTuesday community campaigns.
#GivingTuesday Central Texas
Austin, TX.
Led by I Live Here, I Give Here.
Q&A with Catherine Lucchesi, Director of Communications & Programming ILHIGH
Q. Why did you launch #GivingTuesday Central Texas?
A. Our organization was inspired to join the global Giving Tuesday movement because we wanted to kick off year end giving by promoting doing good and monthly giving. We knew that being part of this worldwide call to action would empower Central Texans to go beyond a single donation and take action for change. It’s a great complement to our Amplify ATX giving day in the spring.
Q. What’s your goal on #GivingTuesday? How are you building excitement?
A. Our goal is to bring new, young and emerging donors to invest in our community. We are excited to be Increasing awareness about local organizations and galvanizing Central Texas to give back to the causes they care about with a call to action during the holidays.
We are challenging Central Texas to take ONE MILLION Actions for Good! We are promoting #GivingTuesday through a robust citywide marketing campaign through posters, radio, print, PR and social media.
We are engaging local organizations by featuring them during our 12 Days of Giving challenge as well as hosting a #GivingTuesday Pop Up Party where community members can stop by and take “actions for good” to support our local nonprofit community. The Pop Up will feature the organizations featured in our 12 Days of Giving challenges including a mobile blood bank, diaper donations, arts activities, gift drop off and more.
In addition, we are asking community members to snap a picture with our TX I Live Here I Give Here sticker while doing something good and nonprofits to snap a picture that features their mission to spread the word on social.
Our business fundraisers that participate in Amplify Austin Day are also getting on board as well as our city’s corporate council. We provided sample newsletter language, graphics, and posters for their offices!
Q. Is there a campaign that pulls on your heartstrings?
A. It is so hard to pick just one! So I am giving you two!
The mission of Health Alliance for Austin Musicians is to provide access to affordable health care for Austin’s low income, working musicians, with a focus on prevention and wellness. “When I found out about my brain tumor, every insurance company turned me away… until I called the good folks at HAAM. Not only did you give me [healthcare coverage] on the spot… you gave me hope and love. I can’t describe the gratitude I feel for this amazing organization. You change lives, you build community, you give musicians a chance to follow their dreams. You made what could have been the hardest time of my life the most inspirational time of my life! Keep up the great work!” Stephanie, HAAM member-musician
Central Texas Pig Rescue was founded to help advocate, educate and rehabilitate on behalf of pet pigs. Because of misinformation and unrealistic expectations, only 2-5% of people who purchase a pet pig keep it. The other 95-98% of pigs end up abandoned, in shelters, on Craigslist or worse – Central Texas Pig Rescue wants to change that.
“The pigs are rescued from all sorts of unusual and cruel situations and placed in a pig paradise at their home in Texas. They learn to be happy pigs and each one is given special treatment to satisfy the many emotions and personalities pigs have. When they aren’t busy with saving more pigs from imminent death or abuse, they are huge advocates for this awesome animal. Education is a key factor for their rescue so people can learn that a pig is much more than a food animal.”
