The Momentum of a Movement

Seven short years ago, the 92nd Street Y in New York City partnered with the United Nations Foundation to create a moment of reflection in the midst of global political and financial turmoil. The idea was simple. Encourage people to do good. They created Giving Tuesday, a concept that turned into a crusade, inspiring more than 200 Giving Tuesday campaigns in the United States and 60 more across the globe. In just seven years, the simple idea has raised more than $1 billion online in the U.S.

I love the language on the Giving Tuesday website: striving to build a world in which the catalytic power of generosity is at the heart of the society we build together, unlocking dignity, opportunity and equity around the globe.

Given my role with She Runs It – a 501c3 not-for-profit organization – I have a ton of heart for the practice of giving. Our mentoring, loan relief and leadership development programs are made possible by the generosity of our members, corporate alliance partners and donors. But as astounded as I am by the $1 billion Giving Tuesday has motivated, I’m equally amazed at the scope and momentum of the movement itself.

Seven years. Two hundred campaigns. Sixty countries. A billion dollars. It speaks to the inherent generosity of people, and it speaks to the power of a simple idea to ignite the human spirit. Imagine the possibilities.

Dignity, opportunity, and equity are the foundation of the movement we celebrate on this first Tuesday after Thanksgiving. They are also at the heart of the work She Runs It has been doing for more than 100 years. We exist to lift women and help them achieve their full potential across marketing, media and tech. Two years ago, we launched #Inclusive100 to ensure our mission applied to ALL women. Across our organization, we feel a growing momentum behind our work and our cause. But on this Tuesday, and every day of the year, we continue to rely on the generosity of our champions and supporters. And thank goodness for them.

On behalf of the 4,300 members of She Runs It, our outstanding Board of Directors, our corporate alliance partners, and the thousands of women who have and will benefit from the programs and services we provide to propel them to greater possibilities, I celebrate the generosity that exists in our world, and I wish all a healthy and happy holiday season.