Why You Should Always Take Time to Give Back — Beyond Giving Tuesday

The Bumble NYC team volunteered at City Meals on Wheels. 

Giving Tuesday started in 2012 when the 92nd Street Y in New York City and the United Nations Foundation came together to plan a day during which people give back to their communities. We fully support this initiative at Bumble — but do not want it to stop there.

While sitting at the TEDWomen conference in early November, I was completely blown away by all of the ways people are contributing to solving different problems in the world. I saw a 14-year-old girl present a bandage that alerts caregivers when it needs to be changed in order to prevent chronic wounds. Another man spoke about his work training grandmothers to provide problem-solving therapy in communities that don’t have access to health workers. One remarkable woman's mission is to quite literally deal with shit in developing cities to provide safe and sanitary disposal of waste.

City Meals on Wheels instructed the Bumble team how to pack emergency winter boxes for the homebound and elderly. 

When you take a step back and look at all of the areas that could use help, it is truly mind blowing and honestly can feel a bit overwhelming. Where does one even begin?

But also at TEDWomen, artist and poet Cleo Wade reminded us all that if you try to solve everything at once, you will fail. There is simply too much to be done. Instead focus on one thing you are good at, and give that your all. If we trust others to do the same, we will start to see real change in our communities and in the world.

The boxes will be stored in recipients' closets in case of an emergency like a severe snow storm.

So this Giving Tuesday, I not only encourage you to give back to your communities, but I urge you to continue that throughout the year. If you are fortunate enough to do what you love, and be in a place where you can offer help, do it. Get involved with your local food bank, help out at an animal shelter, pack sack lunches to fight hunger, lend your green thumb to the community garden, or join a group that fights for a cause you believe in.

Whatever you do, do it with your whole heart and mind, and know that you are doing your part to have a positive impact on this great, big world. 

Love,

Andee Olson for The BeeHive