After a week full of sales and deals and searching for perfect gifts for loved ones, it’s time to focus on all of the wonderful organizations and companies that help others and give back on Giving Tuesday. This is such an important day for so many non-profits and organizations that work tirelessly to make our communities better, and it’s a fantastic way to shift our hearts’ focus from gifts to serving others. Truly what this season is all about! 

Today we are showing you how to make a donation in someone’s name or memory.

Continue reading How to Make a Donation in Someone’s Name at Do Say Give.

We speak often about the ‘Art of the Conversation’ — that while it may appear that some people have the “gift of gab” or seem to be naturals at making gracious conversation in any social setting, it actually is a practiced habit. After all, you can’t be a skilled conversationalist if you never speak to anyone! As with any social interaction, there are always situations that require a little more thought when it comes to navigating them gracefully.

Continue reading What to Say When People Are Nosy at Do Say Give.

Sometimes when we look at everything that’s happening in the world, it can be easier to withdraw from hard things. But it’s so important to not turn away from friends and loved ones in times of grief.  We are to rejoice with those who rejoice and mourn with those who mourn. Today we are sharing some phrases to say to someone who is grieving — either in person, a handwritten card, or in a text when the time is appropriate.

Continue reading What to Say When Someone is Grieving at Do Say Give.

All month long we’ve been encouraging a return to civility on DoSayGive with our “P’s, Q’s, & What to Do” series. From social occasions to social media we’ve enjoyed this little manners refresh so much and hope you have as well! Today we’re detailing how to have good manners when emailing, texting, and making phone calls. These are things we teach in our teen girls’ etiquette e-course — but it’s important for adults to know as well! 

Phone Etiquette

Be considerate in the company of others.

Continue reading Ps, Qs, & What To Do: Email, Phone, & Texting Etiquette at Do Say Give.

I often receive emails asking what to do for a friend with cancer or another serious illness. So I decided to create a comprehensive post because I know people want to do, say, and give the right thing, but often don’t know what that looks like. Many of the ideas below come from DoSayGive readers. If you’ve had a cancer diagnosis please share what was helpful and meaningful to you and your family in the comment section at the bottom of the post.

Continue reading What to Do For a Friend with Cancer at Do Say Give.

A return to civility. That’s what’s been on my mind during a year that’s brought about so much tension and divisiveness within our country, our communities, and even our own families. Since kindness, inclusion, community, and — yes — manners are crucial in keeping a society both civil and thriving, I wanted to take some time to focus on the basics of polite society. As children head back to school and adults ramp up our social calendars, we think August is the perfect time to do this.

Continue reading Ps, Qs, & What To Do: The Art of Gracious Conversation at Do Say Give.

Are you ever at a loss for words when writing a heartfelt note? Unsure of what to say in a sympathy card? Looking for new ways to express gratitude in a thank you note? We have you covered!

We’re so excited to share with you the launch of our Guide to Thoughtful Note Writing, a fantastic resource for anyone who needs a little assistance when writing a thank you note or a sympathy note.

Continue reading Get DoSayGive’s Guide to Thoughtful Note Writing! at Do Say Give.

To be gracious is to be considerate. And one of the ways we can be most considerate is with the language we use on a daily basis and the words we teach our children. Today we are partnering with To Be Like Me for a Q&A to discuss inclusive language, specifically when it comes to our friends and neighbors with disabilities. 

To Be Like Me was founded by Hollis Owens with the intention “to break down the barriers that exist for those with disabilities and shed light on the positive impact of inclusion, ignite compassion, and foster awareness of the unique abilities of others.” The non-profit offers in-person and online disability awareness programs geared towards school-aged kids, graduate students, and special groups.

Continue reading Words Matter: Disability Language Etiquette at Do Say Give.

I don’t write a lot of “what NOT to say” posts, preferring to encourage positive words instead. But this is a topic I think warrants an entire blog post: when friends are grieving there are phrases that may seem helpful on the surface, but actually can be quite painful to the  heart. Read on so you avoid these phrases and find out what simple phrases to say instead.

When wanting to support a friend through grieving avoid these phrases:

“It’s God’s will.

Continue reading What *Not* to Say When a Friend is Grieving the Death of a Child at Do Say Give.

I am so grateful for my mom friends who are a step ahead of me in the parenting journey and have reached back to encourage me with their wisdom and experience. Someone all parents of teenagers can be encouraged by is Kari Kampakis. She is the author of a wonderful new book, Love Her Well: 10 Ways to Find Joy and Connection with Your Teenage Daughter. I have read this book twice cover to cover and have been recommending to fellow teenage moms friends this summer.

Continue reading Phrases that Speak Life into Your Teen at Do Say Give.