I can still remember when my then-teenage son Todd brought home the Invisible Children DVD, and how tore up he was about it, demanding that something be done. He wanted to send $50 immediately, and was depressed for days when I refused to watch the call for help “Right now!”.

icNow that he’s an adult, he’s finding ways to give what he can locally, but I’m sure when he’s able he will find an international charitable mission with a global reach. Heck, he’ll probably START an international charitable mission with a global reach!

I thought of Todd when I read that Facebook hit 2 million users on April 8, 2009, and to commemorate they announced the launch of Facebook for Good. They are partnering with 16 popular charities like The United Way, the American Heart Association (their Go Red for Women campaign) and Invisible Children, to use their reach to connect people not just with each other, but directly connect them with causes they support. AND make it easy to give! They’ve created an online shop where you can buy “gifts” for Facebook friends – “When you purchase one of these gifts, 90-95% of the cost will go to that organization to support its efforts. Purchase a gift for someone you care about today.”

This is what social networking is going to be really good for – connecting supporters to matching needs. I’m going to try out the gift shop. I’ll give you an update next week!

Be free,

Jeff