The title that most people know Mark Zuckerberg as is the founder of the world’s most popular social networking website Facebook. But Zuckerberg also claims another title that most people might not know: history’s first youngest billionaire. The fact that he doesn’t flaunt that title on his Facebook status is a bit humbling. What’s even more humbling is that this morning it was revealed that Zuckerberg took the “Giving Pledge.” Initiated by Bill Gates and Warren Buffet, by signing the “Giving Pledge,” Zuckerberg has agreed to give more than half his wealth to charity either during his lifetime or after his death. Other billionaires that have taken the “Giving Pledge” include Paul Allen and Carl Icahn.
But it doesn’t take a billionaire to give into the spirit of the “Giving Pledge,” and what better time to exude a little bit of that billionaire attitude than this holiday season. While we enjoy our warm meals and celebrate with presents, we realize that not everyone can be so fortunate. So this holiday season, let’s exude a little of that “Giving Pledge” spirit and give back where we can. We might not be billionaires, but here are some great ideas on the social media sphere:
1. Write a Blog Post. Spread the word about your favorite charity or non-profit organization by writing a blog. Spread the word. Let your readers know why you believe in the work they do.
2. Share Stories with Friends. Did you read a blog about a charity that touched your heart? Share it with your friends. Retweet, or even just email a link to your circle of friends.
3. Follow Charities on Social Networks. Corporations and big companies aren’t the only ones riding the social media wave; charities have also jumped on the social media bandwagon. The simple act of hitting ‘like’ on a charity’s fan page will expand their social reach exponentially.
4. Support Causes on Awareness Hubs. Rally around charities on awareness hubs like the Facebook application Facebook Causes.
5. Find Volunteer Opportunities. Social media is making it easy to find volunteer opportunities. They even have smartphone apps for it! Just type in when you’re free to volunteer, and it’ll geo-locate volunteer opportunities around you.
6. Embed a Widget on Your Site. Promote your favorite charity on your site. Non-Profit organizations offer embeddable badges and widgets.
7. Organize a Tweetup. Commonly known as ‘Twitter meetups.’ Gather like-minded people offline to rally behind a charity event or just get the dialogue started around an issue.
8. Express yourself Using a Video. Blogs are great but videos convey your eagerness, passion, and enthusiasm for a charity.
9. Sign or Start a Petition. Instead of standing in the cold in front of your local grocery store asking busy shoppers to sign your petition, Twitition allows you create, disseminate, and sign petitions on Twitter – how convenient for both parties!
10. Organize an Online Event. Raise money for you charity with an online event. Early this March, 12for12k ran a tweetathon: Over a 12 hour period, a $12 donation gains entry to a drawing prize of either an iPod touch or Wii. There’s no limit to what online event you can initiation with social media at the tip of your fingers.
It doesn’t stop here. Please share creative ideas on how you can use social media to support a charity or rally behind a cause.
Written By: Jaszver Bauzon
