Engine’s Be the Change Challenge started a lot of dialogue on Twitter and Facebook about how non-profits can best utilize social media as a marketing tool. If you checked out yesterday’s post, then you really need to have a look at the Lessons Learned follow up from today. In fact, before you read the rest of what I’m going to say here, please read those two blogs so that you can see the context from which I’m working.
Streams of Hope was established to connect businesses and individuals with non-profit organizations in developing nations, that are efficient, effective, and trustworthy. This means that we work with people we have solid relationships with. I like to call this a community-centred approach to giving.
‘Community’ is a buzzword that’s floating around a lot in social media circles. (FYI, part of my work life is spent online, building community for SOH, Engine Communications, for myself, and for *hopefully* many others.) Pro bloggers like Chris Brogan and Danny Brown have started this discussion, and many of us are following their lead.
What does community have to do with SOH?
Everything!
We’re in the preliminary stages of setting up a movement in our local community (Belleville, Ontario, Canada, the World) to combat global poverty. This is global folks. Big. Big time. Huge.
I can’t overstate the importance of right now–in this moment–building a community of people who will invest their time, energy and resources into groups like ours. As the world continues to shrink, we’re seeing the absolute necessity of becoming part of a bigger dream than we alone could have. SOH is one piece of a multi-dimensional puzzle that’s building the framework to see poverty eradicated in our time.
Who are they players?
You. Me. Everyone inbetween.
The reason I blog so much about what other people are doing is because I believe we reap what we sow. Right now, SOH isn’t nearly as active as it will be in 3-5 years. We’re in platform building times. That’s why we need to help others who are where we want to be. It’s time to find our place as part of a bigger community. This is of the utmost importance.
I’m passionate about social justice. If you’re reading this, you must be too. But sometimes I forget how important it is to stay active and involved even when I’m hundreds of miles away from the situation.
And I do forget.
Like you, I have a job, family, and other responsibilities. Sometimes I feel like I’m wading through sand up to my knees. Sometimes I don’t want to fight. I get tired. But lately that is shifting in me. I believe it is in you too.
What’s changing?
Global consciousness.
You, and I, and SOH are a part of that. The online community I live in is getting bigger. It’s your community as well. And I’m here to tell you it’s as real as the one you physically inhabit. It’s members are scattered, but even in Ontario there is a strong contingent of activists. We’re moving in tandem like never before. The feedback I’ve gotten both yesterday and today have proven that to me. That’s reignited the fire in me to push for change.
And it’s so easy. You can get on board.
How?
Join me on Twitter. Follow SOH on Facebook. Check out Chris’ blog, and Danny’s blog. Talk to people like Shannon Boudjema, Callum Pinkney, Alex Sancton, Laura Nichol, and Charlotte Barker. Engage these activists in conversation. Become a part of our community. Vote for the Global Consciousness Panel at the SXSW conference; let them know that social justice belongs online.
Who are these people? What are these things? Nation changers; the heavy hitting kind. That’s who. And that’s the community you can belong to.
What’s SOH doing right now?
We’re joining a global movement to end injustice. You are part of it. I am part of it. We all need each other. That’s true community.
Now it’s your turn. Follow the links, read the blogs, join the movement. We need you.
If my pleas and ranting don’t move you to action, this video will. I watch it everytime I get complacent. Gut-wrenching. Why do we not feel this in our bones everyday?
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