The Story of the Ocean and the Boats
A Guide for Junior World-Changers
Imagine the whole world is one giant ocean filled with boats.
- Some boats are huge yachts, overflowing with food and supplies.
- Other boats are tiny and stuck on dry sand because there isn’t enough water to float them.
Givingtide is the way to raise the water level so everyone can float.
Here is how it works:
Imagine the big boats have a bucket with 100 cups of water. To fix the ocean, they scoop out just 1 Cup and pour it back where it is needed most.
But,they can’t just pour it right next to their own boat! That doesn’t help anyone.
- The Long Pour (Cross-Continental): They have to pour some of that cup into a part of the ocean far away (a different continent) where the sand is driest.
- The Big Pool (Universal Project): They can pour some into a “Community Pool” that fixes a specific problem for everyone (like stopping sickness).
The Math: It is always the same 1 Cup out of 100. It’s not extra water. Givingtide is about where we pour that cup so that every boat can rise.
GoodTuesday: Your Weekly Ripple
Think of kindness like ripples from a pebble. Every Tuesday drop a pebble. The ripples reach farther than you think.
Think of every Tuesday as your “Double Good Day.”
1. Good for Others: Do something kind. Help a classmate with homework, share your snack, or speak up for someone being teased.
2. Good for You: Be proud of yourself. Kindness builds your courage muscles.
Things you can do on Tuesday:
- Create: Draw a picture or make a video explaining the “1 Cup” rule.
- Act: Do one secret act of kindness.
- Share: Tell one friend about the Ocean Story.
Choose Your Path: How to Join the Tide
There are four ways to play your part. Think of them like levels in a game. You can start at any level that fits you right now.
Level 1: The Philadvocate (The Voice)
This is where everyone starts.
You become a Philadvocate when you use your voice to spread the word.
- The Quest: Tell the “Ocean and Boats” story to your family or class. Explain that if everyone shares just 1 cup out of 100, nobody has to be stuck in the sand.
Level 2: The Timekeeper (Givingtide Day)
Unlock the power of the Pause.
Date: January 11 (1/11)
Time: 1:11 PM
On this day, we don’t march or shout. We press the world’s “Pause Button.” At 1:11 PM, wherever you are (in class, at soccer practice, or in your room), stop for 3 Minutes:
- Minute 1 (The Past): Think of the people we lost last year just because they were poor.
- Minute 2 (The Present): Close your eyes and imagine the kids your age who are hungry right now. Whisper to them in your heart: “I see you.”
- Minute 3 (The Future): Make a silent promise: “I will do my part to lift the tide.”
Level 3: The Global Builder
Help build the big solution.
Every year, the world builds one big thing together. In 2026, we are building a “Shield Against Illness” (The Institute of Preemptology – preemptology.org).
- The Quest: Help your school or club learn about this project. When we work together, we can stop diseases before they even start!
Level 4: The Chartered Philanthrokid (The Child Legend)
This is the rarest badge of all.
Usually, only big countries and huge companies sign the Givingtide treaty. But sometimes, a young person is so hardworking and generous that they get to sign it too, right next to the Presidents!
To unlock this Legendary Level, you must:
- Earn: Ethically earn at least $1,000 in a year (from your own business, coding, art, or hard work).
- Give: Give away at least 10% of it to help strangers (not just family/friends).
- Lead: Show that you care about fairness and honesty.
- The Reward: If you achieve this, you are named an “Honorary Institution.” You get a charter, your name goes on the official global list, and you prove to the world that size doesn’t matter, heart does.
Your Call to Adventure
You don’t need to wait until you are a “grown-up” to change the world. When a boat is stuck in the sand, it doesn’t matter if the water comes from a giant wave or a garden hose, water is water.
Your voice creates ripples. Your kindness creates waves.
Are you ready to help raise the water so every boat can float?
Start today. Join the Tide.
[Button: Join the Movement] [Button: Apply or nominate a child for Chartered Status]