Two weeks ago, I was at Mashable’s Summer of Social Good conference, when all of a sudden it clicked. Surrounded by an inspiring crowd of individuals using social media to create positive change, I saw the tide change. These web 2.0 tools will redefine our relationships and be the means towards improving our world. Using social networking, we can participate in a more sustainable, even restorative society.
Prior to the conference, I had been nurturing a growing interest in the use of social networking platforms for more than figuring out what color M&M you are or which TV show your friends were currently watching. I’ll admit, I was a late adopter. I never had an account with Friendster or even Myspace. But when I went back to grad school, I decided that if I didn’t sign up for Facebook, I might end up appearing like someone who still didn’t have an e-mail address back in 1999. Soon, I discovered what a powerful tool social media could be. Posting information about events I was attending and learning about the interests and backgrounds of classmates right after meeting them – this new media made me more, not less, social in real life. I even began creating groups for some student clubs I was leading and using them as a hub to promote guest lectures – continuing the dialogue long after the event had passed.
Towards the end of the conference, Mashable founder Pete Cashmore, mentioned how he donated his September birthday the year before to raise funds for charity. At that moment, my ears perked up. I thought, “Wait a second… my 30th birthday is only a few days away!” Pete described the inspiration he gained from Scott Harrison, who started charity:water and borninseptember.org to make his birthday really matter. Within 3 years Scott had raised over $10 million, providing water for 650,000 people.
This year they stepped it up a notch by launching mycharitywater.org. This site allows you to donate your birthday – or any other special event – so that your friends and relatives could contribute to your very own campaign. I went home and did my homework. I reviewed their financials, business model and project selection criteria. I learned how 100% of the funds donated go directly to water projects in developing countries. As an environmental professional with over a decade of experience, I was happy to endorse this charity for my 30th birthday.
So I’m asking you to join me on this path forward where we can celebrate each other’s special events by helping someone less fortunate. I’d love to connect with all you on Twitter. If we’ve ever met feel free to connect with me on LinkedIn. And please check out my campaign page to take a look. I would really appreciate any presents– no matter how small–collectively we can make a huge impact. Let’s build a well together!
Let’s Build a Well Together: Part 1 – Social Media for Social Good
Two weeks ago, I was at Mashable’s Summer of Social Good conference, when all of a sudden it clicked. Surrounded by an inspiring crowd of individuals using social media to create positive change, I saw the tide change. These web 2.0 tools will redefine our relationships and be the means towards improving our world. Using social networking, we can participate in a more sustainable, even restorative society.
Prior to the conference, I had been nurturing a growing interest in the use of social networking platforms for more than figuring out what color M&M you are or which TV show your friends were currently watching. I’ll admit, I was a late adopter. I never had an account with Friendster or even Myspace. But when I went back to grad school, I decided that if I didn’t sign up for Facebook, I might end up appearing like someone who still didn’t have an e-mail address back in 1999. Soon, I discovered what a powerful tool social media could be. Posting information about events I was attending and learning about the interests and backgrounds of classmates right after meeting them – this new media made me more, not less, social in real life. I even began creating groups for some student clubs I was leading and using them as a hub to promote guest lectures – continuing the dialogue long after the event had passed.
Towards the end of the conference, Mashable founder Pete Cashmore, mentioned how he donated his September birthday the year before to raise funds for charity. At that moment, my ears perked up. I thought, “Wait a second… my 30th birthday is only a few days away!” Pete described the inspiration he gained from Scott Harrison, who started charity:water and borninseptember.org to make his birthday really matter. Within 3 years Scott had raised over $10 million, providing water for 650,000 people.
This year they stepped it up a notch by launching mycharitywater.org. This site allows you to donate your birthday – or any other special event – so that your friends and relatives could contribute to your very own campaign. I went home and did my homework. I reviewed their financials, business model and project selection criteria. I learned how 100% of the funds donated go directly to water projects in developing countries. As an environmental professional with over a decade of experience, I was happy to endorse this charity for my 30th birthday.
So I’m asking you to join me on this path forward where we can celebrate each other’s special events by helping someone less fortunate. I’d love to connect with all you on Twitter. If we’ve ever met feel free to connect with me on LinkedIn. And please check out my campaign page to take a look. I would really appreciate any presents– no matter how small–collectively we can make a huge impact. Let’s build a well together!
– Kevin Banahan
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