5 reasons to participate in Giving Tuesday Military

The Tuesday after Thanksgiving is widely known as "Giving Tuesday." Nonprofits compete for your donations and your social media feeds are filled with fundraisers. But this year, three military spouses are asking you to give only one thing: kindness.

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Started by three Armed Forces Insurance Spouses of the Year, the Giving Tuesday Military movement hopes to showcase one million acts of kindness on Dec. 3, 2019. With 56 "Chapter Ambassadors" around the world, the three founders — Army Spouse Maria Reed, National Guard Spouse Samantha Gomolka and Coast Guard Spouse Jessica Manfre — are hoping to change the world through simple acts of kindness.

Here are 5 reasons to participate in this year's Giving Tuesday Military:

Volunteers beautify Fort Carson.

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Science says it's good for everyone — you included

We're going to give you the super obvious reasons like "it's the right thing to do" and "kindness is fun!" in a hot minute. First, we'll start with science. "Studies have proven that not only will you change lives by being kind," Manfre said, "but that brain scans reveal the person doing the giving is flooded with happy hormones. Moral of the story, kindness lifts you too!"

Don't believe Manfre? How about Dartmouth? "Witnessing acts of kindness produces oxytocin, occasionally referred to as the 'love hormone' which aids in lowering blood pressure and improving our overall heart-health. Oxytocin also increases our self-esteem and optimism, which is extra helpful when we're anxious or shy in a social situation."

Kindness is the great uniter

Can't get through a phone call with your mom without getting into it about politics? Ready to light your neighbor's yard signs on fire? Somehow find yourself debating the 2nd Amendment in line at the Commissary? Here's one thing we can finally all agree on: Kindness.

Gomolka said, "Kindness breaks down the walls that appear to divide us as a nation. It heals wounds and forges relationships. Kindness does not favor a race, religion, political party or economic status. It is literally a language of love that connects us at the core of everything that is human."

The Single Marine Program at Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point encourages service members to volunteer in the surrounding communities.

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You set an example

Those little people that seemingly follow you everywhere and are always wanting snacks and typically refer to you as "mom" or "dad" take their cues from you. Teaching them about kindness is one thing. Showing them an act of it, or better yet, involving them is another. Raise a generation of kids who are tolerant and kind, you know, just like their badass parents.

Can you say FOMO?

A million acts is a lot. Which also means you'll be on the wrong side of history if you don't participate. Whether you do it for the Facebook post (for real: be sure to tag #GivingTuesdayMilitary) or all the right reasons (serving others, being a role model, because you have a soul, etc.), don't miss out on the movement.

Reed said, "Many military spouses in remote locations have reached out sharing that this movement is giving them an opportunity to be a part of community and have a sense of belonging. Giving Tuesday works both ways, for the recipient and the giver."

Be the change!

Not sure that Dr. Seuss knew what he was doing with the whole green eggs and ham thing, but he was definitely right about this: "To the world you may be one person, but to one person you may be the world."

Never underestimate the power of one small act of kindness. It might change a life… or even save one. We'll throw another quote at you (thanks, Gandhi): "We must be the change we wish to see in the world."

No matter what reason you have for joining the movement, we know you don't have a good one not to do it. We'll see you on Giving Tuesday.