content development (&) management

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!”.

Now 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

I’m a little frustrated this morning. I signed up a while ago to have Slate Magazine send me news excerpts in email so that I don’t sound like I’ve been living under a rock when people start debating the economy, or Lithuania, or the economy in Lithuania. Sometimes the debate happens on Facebook, which gives me a chance to look it up before jumping into the fray, but I like to be prepared for those times when I’m not near my computer… okay, or when my iPhone is too far away to snap out a quick Google search or Tweet my network!

This morning the news excerpts included a link to a column by Patty and Sandy Stonesifer. They were responding to Ashleigh’s question, “Are ‘click to give’ sites legitimate? If so, why don’t you hear stories about people they have benefited?” Since I LOVE talking about nonprofits and giving, I skipped the stories about Baghdad and Dear Prudence, and went right to it.

Sandy responded with a very comprehensive discussion about the Hunger Site and Free Rice and other click-and-our-sponsor-gives-your-favorite-charity-money. As a side note, I LOVE Free Rice because the game works my vocabulary muscles!

But what frustrated me is that while they acknowledged the general ineffectiveness of these sites, and commented on the danger that  those of us that use them might think we’re “off the hook” as far as giving goes (and if you are reading this blog, you know how I feel about that), they failed to mention the REAL click-to-give sites, like GuideStar.org or here in Middle Tennessee, GivingMatters.com. These sites are where nonprofits can go to setup a public profile, in exchange for which they get a button they can add to their website – which allows users to “click” to donate. No games, no dependence on sponsors. Real dollars. Real folks, really getting help. And these sites are also searchable, so if you are looking, say, for a transitional housing organization, in Nashville, that helps veterans and others who are battling homelessness, you might come across the profile for my friends at Matthew 25. And you can review their financials, see who’s on the board of directors (and read their resumes), and find out if their mission is something that matches your passion and gift. And give. Right there.

If you know a little about SEO, you know that Patty and Sandy missed great opportunity this morning to help a lot of people with a few words and a couple of links! Ashleigh should have been told about GivingMatters.com – that’s where she can read all about the people that are benefiting from her generosity.

Be (frustration) free,

Jeff