In the run up to Thanksgiving, Black Friday, and Cyber Monday, it is easy for businesses and customers alike to get caught up in the frenzy of consumerism. Which is why 6 years ago, the folks over at the Belfer Center for Innovation and Social Impact came up with a brand new concept: #GivingTuesday. It’s no secret that social media has the power to make incredible things happen – remember how the ALS ice bucket challenge raised $115 million in 2014? Giving Tuesday is all about brands using their various social media platforms to encourage others to give back. Here’s what you can do to join the movement this year on November 28th.

During the exciting build up to Thanksgiving, it is easy to forget about Giving Tuesday. The concept is relatively new, and there’s so much distraction from Thanksgiving and Black Friday advertising that it’s hard to focus. Be proactive and send out an email or Twitter blast to remind your readers about Giving Tuesday. This will make you stand out from the crowd and the more it sticks in their mind, the more likely they are to remember the campaign. Mail Designer 365 has a huge array of simple, yet effective templates you can customize and use to get your message across.

Is there a particular charity that lies close to your heart? Do you have a cause you are passionate about supporting? #GivingTuesday is the perfect opportunity for you to give back to the community and, in turn, do great things for your CSR (corporate social responsibility.) Use your voice this year to encourage your followers and subscribers to donate to a good cause.

Spread awareness of what you’re getting up to by using the #GivingTuesday hashtag. Post a quick snap of your charity bake sale on Instagram, or tweet a quick update of your fundraising efforts. Even if you don’t have your own campaign and it’s just a friendly reminder to your followers to join in, you are still doing your bit by using the hashtag and spreading the word. It’s easy as pumpkin pie! (No pun intended 😉)

Encourage and remind your followers to share an UNselfie this Giving Tuesday. This is a great way to inspire others to donate to a good cause. You can even post one yourself. Just write down which charity you are donating to and why. Simple, yet super effective! We love this cute and funny example from healthebay on Twitter!

Charity can be fun too! The more fun and interesting you make your campaign, the more positive attention you will shine onto your business; it’s a win win situation! There are so many ways to get your whole team involved. Whether you do a sponsored costume day for your favorite charity, or host a canned food drive to give back to your local homeless shelter. Whatever it is,big or small, have fun doing it and share the results online to inspire others!

Giving Tuesday gives businesses of all shapes and sizes the chance to promote their values and fight for great causes. Remember that nowadays, CSR is just as important as sales! Show your customers that you care about the community and want to give back, and it will work wonders for your brand! Get involved this #GivingTuesday. Sign up here.