A personal post this week. And a personal plea to think about your social media power. If you’re a regular reader you’ll know I’m big on the idea of using social media for social change and social good. Like raising funds for post tsunami Japan or supporting grass roots initiatives like Hello Sunday Morning. We all have a lot on our plate. But social media can serve as new age volunteerism. My parents have always had a strong community spirit – always off delivering meals on wheels or planting trees while my sister and I rolled our eyes as teens. But low and behold I find myself trying to fit in those type of activities as well as an adult. But today I also donate my time in a different way, and make a difference online. Let me tell you about an exciting new initiative and ways that you can help too.
World Vision Blogger Ambassador
I’ve chosen to work with a group of nine other amazing blogging women (and one hubby) on the first blogger ambassador program for World Vision. So get set to hear more from me on important issues in coming months. All of us bloggers had a huge list of questions about World Vision as an organisation. And all of us were blown away at our briefing meetings. We listened and heard straight answers on things like admin costs and child sponsorship programs. But most of all we felt it. It’s hard to articulate but any scepticism vanished after listening to World Vision staff like Joy and Richenda. Kelly from Be a Fun Mum summed it up best in four powerful words here in her first World Vision post: Honesty. Voice. Heart. Commitment.
And then we SAW it. Oh my did we ever. As one of our bloggers, the ah-mazing Eden Riley from Edenland was flown to Niger in West Africa just days later to report on the emerging food crisis. And let me tell you these children and families are hungry and have more than enough issues on their plates. I was shallow breathing with anxiety the whole time Eden was away and hanging by the twitter stream #edeninniger and her amazing posts. I knew she would handle it in her rockstar style. But that type of trip is life changing and confronting, never the less. And low and behold. From a virtually unknown mainstream news story, she generated huge awareness including this live interview on Ten’s Breakfast Show – see the video HERE (it takes a little time to buffer).
And I for one, was very pleased she paved the way. Sorry Eden, but I am.
So how about you?
Right now, this moment you can make a difference. You may like to:
1. Read the posts and spread the news about the food crisis in West Africa here on Edenland.
2. Grab a badge for your blog sidebar like I’ve done to raise funds for West Africa or support other World Vision projects.
3. Get to know my fellow blogger ambassadors: Annabel from GetInTheHotSpot.com Eden from Edenriley.com Kate from Picklebums.com Kelly from BeAFunMum.com Lisa from NewLifeOnTheRoad.
4. Think about causes that mean something to you. RT their messages on twitter NOW, spread their news on facebook and look out for online volunteerism. Social media for social good is ramping up and there will be plenty of chances to use your voice and reach.
I took the easy road in my first official capacity and guest blogged here on Just B. about choosing fair trade chocolate at Easter and supporting World Visions work to stamp out child trafficking. It felt a bit lame. As Eden reels from what she experienced, I talked all cute and sweet. But I know my time to share the hard stuff with you will come too. Are you up for that?
