How to Support Mental Health Organizations and Movements Daily – Giving Tuesday Insights
Good evening Beautiful souls,
Even though we’re at the tail end of Giving Tuesday, I wanted to hop on the blog and share three simple ways you can support mental health organizations and movements on the daily. These points come from a conversation I had with the Giving Tuesday crew. But before the how, let’s discuss the what.
What is Giving Tuesday?
Giving Tuesday is a global “do good” day observed the Tuesday after U.S. Thanksgiving. Started in 2012 in the U.S., it encourages people to collaborate, contribute, and engage with organizations that do good. Over the years, it has grown into a worldwide movement.
This year, Giving Tuesday featured a broadcast highlighting personalities and organizations making an impact across the globe. I was invited to speak about the work I do in the mental health space and share how people can support mental health organizations and movements.Giving Tuesday is a global “do good” day observed the Tuesday after U.S. Thanksgiving. Started in 2012 in the U.S., it encourages people to collaborate, contribute, and engage with organizations that do good. Over the years, it has grown into a worldwide movement.
Three Ways to Do Good for Mental Health
Hold Space Against Stigma
Stigma remains the greatest challenge for people struggling with mental health. Do good by holding space for those around you — listen, validate, and show compassion.
Amplify Positive Mental Health Narratives
Many people still lack proper information about mental health. Use your platforms and networks to share accurate, encouraging messages. Let people know: “It’s okay. You are okay. You will be okay.”
Bridge the Workforce Gap
There is a huge mental health workforce gap, especially for Africans and Afro-descendants. Support early-stage service providers by sponsoring training, conferences, or scholarships. Every contribution helps strengthen the mental health ecosystem.
Support My Mind My Funk
Closer to home, you can support this mental health movement by:
Subscribing to Funky Notes, our monthly newsletter (sign up at the end of this post).
Inviting me to speak or facilitate a workshop — check my previous speaking engagements here and reach out via the contact page.
With the ExtraGive Banner - image by Brian, CAP Lancaster
ExtraGive Lancaster: A Local Giving Tuesday
Here in Lancaster, where I’m temporarily based, there’s an annual Giving Tuesday-type event called ExtraGive. This 24-hour campaign encourages residents and businesses to support local charities. This year, over 450 organizations participated, raising $10.18M from more than 24,000 donors. I volunteered and captured some moments from my perspective — check out the Instagram Reel below.
I’d love to hear from you: what have been your experiences giving for social good? The wonderful, the challenging, or the eye-opening — share in the comments.
Sending love and light,
Sitawa Wafula
Until next time - sending love and light,
Sitawa
