Battling for Chalkboards
Admittedly, the bulk of my tweets broadcast celebrity sightings or request lunch suggestions from @midtownlunch. I primarily follow independent food blogs, and recently focus more heavily on dessert reviews in anticipation of LaunchSquad’s impending Thanksgiving Pie Bake-Off. However, I defend and promote these networking services to my skeptical friends not only because of the connections I’ve forged with other cyberspace foodies, but also because of my sincere belief in the power of social media to effect positive worldwide change.
Viral chatter undoubtedly ignites conversation across networks with an unbeatable momentum. Iranian political dissenters or green technology advocates can circulate news and reach millions of Twitter followers faster than you can say “real-time Web.” Whereas historically, social efforts might have remained confined to crowds already inclined to seek out information and volunteer opportunities, today social responsibility campaigns can touch open-minded readers who just happen to sign online.
Donors Choose, a non-profit organization collecting donations for public school projects, is on the cusp of launching their second annual Social Media Challenge. This competition is riding the social media wave, rousing everyone from media evangelists to Friendster alumni to help spread the word and raise money for underprivileged school children and teachers. Last year, Challenge winner Sarah Bunting mobilized 1,162 readers on her unusual Tomato Nation blog and raised $111,352, improving the education of 19,577 students.
Throughout the month of October, social media pundits and new tweeters alike can register a Giving Page with Donors Choose to establish a donation platform. Check in with the Challenge’s motherboard to view other Giving Pages and categorical leaderboards. Based on your interests or the thrust of your blog, you can choose to spotlight certain projects on your Giving Page. For example, SeriousEats’ Giving Page encourages donations for food-related charities, including Ms. J’s request for healthy eating educational materials. You will compete with other contest veterans and social media tycoons, such as Biz Stone, Fred Wilson, TechCrunch, BlogHer, and Tumblr. So harness that competitive spirit and join the race, and LaunchSquad — as always — pledges to match any employee donation.
For more information, contact daphra@donorschoose.org