Because Giving Tuesday was only a few weeks ago, I thought I'd share a little bit about Concern Worldwide, and how they chose to take on Giving Tuesday this year. 

After traveling to Malawi with Concern Worldwide this past July, I was informed that I should consider becoming a member of the CLN. What exactly is the CLN? "The Concern Leadership Network (CLN) is a community of leaders, advocates, and influencers who are taking action locally to bring about positive and lasting change for families living in extreme poverty around the world." What I was most inspired by was the fact that the CLN is made up of so many college students, and young adults. I thought it was incredible that Concern created an branch to let younger generations become heavily involved in the work they are doing. Another aspect of the CLN I love is that it fits uniquely to each member. Being a part of the CLN, you can use your own talents, interests and passions to create lasting change. 

Giving Tuesday took place on November 28th of this year. The day recognizes a movement to create an international day of giving at the beginning of the holiday season. To #ShowYourConcern this Giving Tuesday, the Concern Leadership Network launched an effort to encourage individuals to donate their one week's worth of coffee money. This really shows that even though your donation may have been small, any contribution counts. Concern's goal this year, between coffee money donations, bar proceeds and individual donations, was to raise $5,000. 

This year, Concern raised $7,681 - more than 50% beyond their goal of $5,000. After an added $5,000 donation from a CLN member, Concern reached $12,681. 

Sylvia Wong, one of my biggest role models, and the Director of Public Engagement at Concern's New York office, shared with CLN members, some statistics to think about.

$12,681 can provide:

•     840 blankets to keep malnourished children warm
•     252 mosquito nets to prevent disease in Haiti
•     42 health centers with supplies to diagnose and treat malnutrition

Concern recognizes that "You’ve treated yourself on Black Friday, so why not treat someone that really needs it on Giving Tuesday." 

Click here to learn more about the Concern Leadership Network or visit https://www.concernusa.org for more information!