In recent weeks I’ve been impressed by a trend of blog posts from people I’ve met online who are doing some great work to help or lift up others. This is one of the most positive aspects of social media that can be lost amongst the negative stories (Facebook privacy issues, security challenges, and sites that may put your information at risk like Spokes) that accompany use of new technology. However, for each horror story, I’m guessing there is an equally positive case of social media connecting good people or advancing important change.
I want to share a few examples with you illustrating the concept of good:
Erica Mayer: Erica began a campaign for Charity Water to celebrate her birthday. She created a page that outlined her reasons for getting involved and began sharing the page with her online network. What happened? Well, over $10,000 later, Erica has changed a lot of lives for her birthday.
Jeanne Bowerman: Inspiration also comes in the form of inspiration and insight. On her blog, Jeanne outlined a moving experience she had by connecting with a single person…who is often overlooked. Through her kind actions, Jeanne created a moment that changed his life, hers, and those that read her story.
Danny Brown: I couldn’t leave out one of my favorite social media for change guys. Danny is the driving force behind The 12for12k Challenge. Over the last couple years, Danny has raised well over $100k to help out a number of worthy charities and connect a huge list of supporters that also work together to create change.
These are all just a few top of mind examples in my world of people making a real difference in their communities. Chances are if you’re reading this blog you’re working in a professional job, likely college educated, and connected with a variety of different networks. While we each have our own struggles, between a tough economy and the business known as life, there’s also a good chance you’re in a position to make a difference to someone. It doesn’t have to be a gigantic commitment, it may be a single event that helps someone (much like Jeanne’s example) but in finding an issue that is meaningful to you, it actually engages others to help too. I am blown away by many of the kind and smart people I’ve met in my community (both physical and online) and feel so blessed to say that you all inspire me. When you’re in a position to help someone, you can truly change lives…including your own.
The Business of communications 
Dave-
I’m sincerely touched by this post. Thank you so much for thinking of me. Also, just so everyone knows…D actually pitched in a hefty amount to help my charity: water campaign. He is a giver-and a great person.
You rock, man. Keep making the world awesome.
E
I’m speechless, humbled, and deeply flattered you even found my blog let alone read it ;) And to be included in a post with the great Danny Brown, who inspires me every single day, is the icing on the cake. Danny was one of the first people I met on Twitter, and for me, he’s the bar of generosity we should all be reaching for.
Thank you, Dave, Danny, and Erica for all you do to inspire everyone you touch.
xo
Hey there Dave,
Thank you so much for your kind words, really appreciate it.
I’ve been watching Erica’s program for a while now and it’s great to see such a grassroots effort gain real traction – that’s where the real change comes into effect.
And I read that post by Jeanne and had goosebumps for a long time after – she described the emotion, hope, helplessness and more in such a respectful manner.
Both great people, and kudos to you for highlighting.
– Erica. I’m not surprised – Dave has been immense with some great 12for12k ideas; the guy’s brimming with goodwill. :)
You’re all too kind…which I guess was the point of this post. ;) However, you’re all welcome and I’m just reporting the news on this one. Everyone has a choice to try and jump in and do something positive and the three of you have all done so in order to help others. Thanks for all you’re doing!