Giving to those in need has always been a good thing.
Helping others makes us feel great and it makes the world a better place. Yeah, that we know.
But today, hooking up with charities, raising money for important causes, volunteering our time, and spreading the word via social media has never been more in style. Why?
Here are 6 “other” reasons why donating our time and money is now trendier than ever before:
1. Marketability
Today, every major celeb, CEO, athlete, and brand has their name attached to a cause. That’s because it’s cool to care and it looks good to do good. And you know what, that same trick works for young professionals (YPs), too. (For more on why every YP should have a cause, click here). Doing important and necessary work while also boosting your rep: that’s what we like to call a double win.
2. Clickability
Signing an online petition, donating to your fave charity, joining a Twitter protest – it’s all just so easy. Thanks to one-touch giving, we’ve now all been transformed into an army of hashtag activists and Paypal philanthropists. Click, click, boom.
3. Accessibility
In addition to online giving, there are also now tons of ways to help out in actual, you know, real life. Today, working with charities isn’t just about doling out soup to the homeless or buying $500 plates at gala dinners; there’s so much more in between, so many more ways to help out that fit easily into our regular lives. (ICYMI: The Time to Give Blood is Now).
4. Availability
When it comes to joining a cause, there really is something for everyone. No matter what your interest, talent, or personal connection, there’s almost always a way to help that utilizes whatever savvy skillset you possess. Artist types, finance folks, turtle lovers, oh yeah, there’s a cause out there just waiting for you.
5. Bragability
Thanks to social media we can now let the whole world know all about that petition we just signed, the walk we just did, or the stray puppy we helped save. (His name is Kevin and he’s perfect thank, you very much). And hey, if being able to boast about our altruism makes us more inspired to help out and motivates others to do the same, then we say: brag away.
6. Credibility
Finally, “Volunteer Experience” isn’t just a heading on our resume anymore. Nowadays, how we give ourselves in ways that don’t pay speaks volumes to companies that do pay us. For YPs, charity work is no longer optional. As long as you’re actually putting in the work, we couldn’t care less if you Insta a few pics of how hot you look doing it, tweet about how great it all feels, and build your cred.
#NOTABLE
Cover photo: istockphoto.com/RomoloTavani
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