By Wendy Spencer

In the homes that AmeriCorps members help rebuild, in the support that older Americans receive from Senior Corps volunteers, and in the students whose lives are transformed by the Social Innovation Fund, I see how the spirit of giving moves our country forward.

This spirit is at the core of everything we do at the Corporation for National and Community Service (CNCS).  As CEO of this agency, I am grateful to the thousands of men and women who have given back to our communities through national service and volunteerism and to our valuable partners at the State Service Commissions who make our work possible.

Today, with them in mind, I will be giving to the United Way and to the Catholic Charities initiative, Christmas Connection in Tallahassee, FL.  And I invite you to join me, the entire national service family, and the global community to give on #GivingTuesday.  Created in 2012, the day not only celebrates the spirit of generosity that is embedded in our DNA, but also serves as a reminder that our greatest commitment to each other is to give.  As President Barack Obama said of #GivingTuesday, “by encouraging people across the globe to support their neighbors in need through acts of kindness and charitable donations, we can cultivate a sense of understanding that we are all part of something greater than ourselves.”

And today, more than 18,000 organizations around the world are raising funds, recruiting volunteers, and building awareness for the causes, initiatives, and programs they support and care deeply about.  You can get involved in this effort, too:

• First, think of a creative way for your family, your community, or your organization to come together to give to something you believe in.
• Then, use social media to show how you are giving.  Don’t forget to include #GivingTuesday and @nationalservice.

Whether you tutor students at an after-school program, help elderly residents get the groceries they need, or send a card to a military service member, there are so many ways to give and serve your community.  Visit Serve.gov to find volunteer opportunities in your area or get ideas for projects you can start on your own.

As we enjoy the company of friends and family this holiday season, I urge you to remember those who need our help and support the most.  Please make a year-long commitment to serving others in ways that empower them and their families.  Because when we give, we not only answer the call to serve we ensure that the spirit of gratitude continues on for generations to come.

Let the season of giving begin.

Wendy Spencer is the CEO of the Corporation for National and Community Service, the federal agency that engages millions of Americans in service through AmeriCorps, Senior Corps, and the Social Innovation Fund, and leads the President’s national call to service initiative, United We Serve.