With #OptOutside and family gatherings behind us, our thoughts turn to the important idea of goodwill toward all. Enter GivingTuesday, which takes place Dec. 1.
This day is the brainchild of the smart folks at the 92nd Street Y, a cultural center in New York City, who started it in 2012. Its purpose: to celebrate and encourage giving back. Since then, it has expanded into a global movement for generosity in many different forms—volunteering, advocacy, kindness, community-building, sharing skills and more.
Not sure how to get involved? We’ve rounded up our favorite ways to invest in the outdoor community on this specific day—and throughout the year.
1. Donate to a nonprofit.
We know time outside can improve well-being, strengthen communities and create a sense of belonging. Want to help more people experience the benefits of the outdoors? This GivingTuesday, consider a donation to the REI Cooperative Action Fund, a community-driven nonprofit that gives grants to more than 360 organizations working to make the outdoors more accessible and inclusive for everyone. With ongoing support from REI Co-op, 100% of donations from the general public to the REI Fund go to grantees. Donate here.
2. Give your old gear a new life.
You may have just grabbed a shiny tent on Cyber Monday, but your old tent still wants to get out an adventure. Consider donating your lightly used items, which can reduce waste and help more people get outside. Co-op members can participate in REI’s trade-in program: just send us your lightly used gear, and we’ll send you a gift card. Better yet? Set up a local drive—help your friends and family members clean out their gear closet while ensuring the gear benefits people in your community.
3. Volunteer.
Many nonprofits build and maintain trails, fight for access to public lands and help get more people outside. Although donations are much appreciated on GivingTuesday and beyond, volunteering offers another opportunity to make a difference. Reach out to an organization you’re passionate about and ask them how you can get involved. Are you a writer, photographer, accountant or simply know your way around a pickaxe? Donate your time—your expertise can go a long way.
4. Start a fundraiser.
Maybe you don’t have a ton of extra cash, gear or time to volunteer. If you have access to the internet, you can host a fundraiser. Planning an online-only fundraiser is a simple way to gather the power of your community together to give back this season. Just remember to assess the fees before choosing an online fundraising tool—some take a hefty chunk of change out of donations for processing fees, credit card fees and other hidden costs.
5. Buy gifts that do good.
This season, commit to philanthropy even as you’re spreading holiday cheer to your loved ones (or yourself). Do a little research and choose presents that have a give-back component. For example, 1% of Patagonia’s sales benefit the preservation and restoration of the natural environment. And the LifeStraw Give Back Program supports safe drinking water around the world. Or commit to only buying from companies that offset their carbon emissions. It’s a win-win.
6. Bring someone new outside.
Giving back doesn’t have to be through a nonprofit. Paying it forward can be as simple as bringing someone new into the outdoors. Have a friend in your bubble who doesn’t know how to climb? Take them to the closest crag. Does your kid’s schoolmate lack time outside? Consider a socially distanced, double-family hike.
7. Take a first-aid class.
Part of spending time outdoors means being a good steward, both of the land and your fellow recreationists. Learning emergency preparedness skills can be a great way to contribute, time and time again (if necessary). Find a class near you.
8. Don’t forget the future.
Keep the goodwill going year-round: Set up monthly automatic donations to your favorite nonprofit, create calendar alerts for future volunteer activities and take on the Opt to Act 52-week challenge.
9. Spread the word to the next generation.
You’ve already shared your fundraiser online, posted a selfie on social media of you doing trail work and brought a friend outside. Don’t forget to engage the next generation. If they care about supporting nonprofits, protecting the environment and enjoying outdoor recreation, they’ll keep the good going far into the future.
