The YWCA Greater Lafayette, alongside its offices at Healthy Communities of Clinton County Coalition in Frankfort, is launching its #UNselfie Project campaign in preparation for Giving Tuesday on Nov. 28.
– Photo courtesy of the YWCA Greater Lafayette
The project is cemented with a goal to include as many community members in Tippecanoe County, Clinton County and beyond to spread its mission of improving the communities the YWCA serves by establishing community bonds by motivating others to share their giving stories. The project tasks participants to take a photo, post the photo, like other photos, share other photos and use the hashtags #UNselfie, #YWCAGreaterLafayette and #GivingTuesday.
“In this season of giving and gratitude, we encourage everyone to take the focus off us as individuals and help shine a light on the causes that work to make our community a better place to live,” organizers wrote. “Let’s create a movement.”
The #UNselfie campaign has expanded worldwide over the past few years in honor of Giving Tuesday, reaching organizations such as the Parkinson’s Association of Southwest Florida, Shield-Bearer Counseling Centers in Texas, Thrive International in Washington and beyond the borders to Royal Botanical Gardens in Canada. According to the Canadian Giving Tuesday organization, the #UNselfie campaign encourages community members from across the globe to show why they support the organizations in their community and worldwide.
“Last year, thousands of people told the world why they support the causes they care about by sharing an #UNselfie,” the organization released. “This expression of giving took on a life of its own with world leaders and major celebrities joining everyday people to tell their giving stories. This year, you can help the causes you care about by telling your own giving story and motivate millions.”
In the kickoff post for the project, staff member Hannah Christiansen shared her thoughts on the importance of a project centered around celebrating the community beyond any one individual person. Christiansen connected the idea of creative expression found within the #UNselfie campaign to the Y-Dance program found at the YWCA, stating that the discipline and self-confidence the program gives participants can be materialized through the implementation of the campaign.
“YWCA Greater Lafayette offers many great services, and one being cost friendly dance classes for ages 3 to adults and offering several varieties of dance styles,” Christiansen said. “YWCA Y-Dance encourages discipline, building self-confidence and teaching creative expression. Y-Dance helps to provide our community with an outlet for dancers to learn and grow.”
The campaign serves as a kickoff for the YWCA’s campaign to raise funds for Giving Tuesday, and the YWCA encouraged community members to donate to their favorite organizations as well as the YWCA to help the non-profit organizations reach their end-of-year financial goals.
“Any amount will help a family have something to be thankful for this holiday season,” the organizers wrote.
To support the YWCA’s mission, potential donors may visit the campaign donation site online.