Make Your Giving Tuesday and Holiday Giving Go Further

Now that Thanksgiving has passed, there is a heavy focus on consumerism in the U.S. with the deals and discounts around Black Friday and Cyber Monday. That’s why the Tuesday after Thanksgiving, or Giving Tuesday, is a time to slow down on shopping and instead use that money to give back. Giving Tuesday is your chance to join in a global generosity movement to support your favorite charity or adopt a new one.

Throughout National American Indian Heritage Month, we’ve been focusing on some of today’s important issues and achievements in Native communities through a new five-part PSA Realities Series with Wes Studi. One of the videos focuses on charitable giving, and the news is often surprising to many. Contrary to popular belief, individual Native Americans are not supported financially by casinos or government entitlements such as free housing, education and healthcare.

Unfortunately, these persistent misconceptions contribute to apathy and low charitable giving for Native causes. In fact, less than one penny of every dollar goes to aid Native Americans — while the need for food, education and other basics in remote tribal communities is higher than ever.

This Giving Tuesday, you have the opportunity to help change the realities that Native Americans face every day and improve life on reservations. Today, and throughout the holiday season, we encourage you to remember Native Americans when you make a donation and to ask your friends to do the same.

For those making holiday purchases on Amazon this year, you can make your purchase more impactful by using Amazon Smile. Just select Partnership With Native Americans as your Amazon Smile charity, complete your purchase and they will donate half a percent of your total purchase to PWNA and support our work in Indian country. It’s quick and convenient, and every donation makes a difference in the lives of Native Americans throughout the country.