I’ve had a few things swirling around my head that I want to talk about… so of course I did none of them. Not really. I’ve been wondering if I should say anything about this, and if there’s any way to really say it without someone taking issue to it. Ah well, that’s life, yes?
There have been challenges and goals issued as part of the 2011 Social Media for Social Good campaign. (See? Not all campaigns are bad!) I love that – I think it makes people step up, and participate. It’s that extra little push that makes people motivated, or willing to take part. An example being Avery Flynn’s small press challenge. She wants 50 small press authors to donate, at which point she’ll double her donation to $100. Many small press authors have already donated, which is beyond great. If none had yet, if 50 small press donated, even $1, that’d be $50 total from various people. Added to Avery’s additional donation? A $1 contribution becomes… $100 all told!
And did you know you can feed a child with only $1 a day? The nutritional packets they’re giving malnourished children for a meal cost around 50 cents. (Less, actually.)
But the point of all this… is the comments. Why comment? There’s no reason to feel bad, or inadequate for not donating. Believe me, I know it’s tough out there. I’m unemployed, and … there’s actually a term experts are using for “people like me” Class 10 something I think… anyway, no reason to go into more detail. Leaving comments is a way to participate, and show that you care. Letting others know, that’s huge too.
There are some people who are donating amounts per comment. For example, $5, or $10 per 100 comments. Thus, why limit the number of comments? There’s no cap. Excess rules here!
I’m not going to explain why donation amounts or challenges has been issued. I know oftentimes people (celebrities?) on twitter say “I’ll donate10 cents or $1 for each time this tweet is RT’d” – and generally there’s a limit. Some people say “if they have the money, what’s the point of the RTs?” I argue that this situation is different. I’m not going to talk about sacrifices or limits, I have no idea what anyone else’s financial situation is. But… it’s nice to know people care.
It’s not about “look at me” – this is a community – and others, coming together. Romance readers, writers, editors, publishers, anyone, showing that we realize there is a very human crisis occurring in the world, and that we care. It’s encouraging just to see the positive reaction and empathy people have.
And of course, there’s that whole you know, Social Media for Social Good aspect.
So far we’ve raised $5,217.00 (I’m assuming we can get the 10 more comments to push us to 400. If we get more comments, that number will go up.) I’m hoping we can up the donation, but if we don’t, that’s still an incredible number. If I did the math right… this amounts feeds fourteen children for a year. That’s pretty incredible. Or, if you want to say putting a malnourished child on the nutrition packet for ~3 days brings them back from the brink of death? We’re saving the lives of one thousand seven hundred thirty-nine children. That’s amazing.
Each comment counts – the fact that you cared enough to take the time to leave a little message. Not everyone is willing to do that.
So thank you. Thank you to everyone who has left a comment, donated, and is spreading the word. It’s always nice to see and realize something is bigger than the individual. Let’s keep this thing going! <3
These kinds of drives and activities are an awesome way to help people see themselves visually as a part of a larger whole, doing more good than one person would be able to do alone. I’m participating in a read-a-thon this weekend and will be donating $5 for every book I finish to Save the Children as a part of the Social Media for Social Good campaign and using the link to match donations, but I never would have known about that opportunity if it hadn’t been for your post! Keep up the great work!
Emily – That is so so awesome! Thank you! Do I have you on the list? (Do you want to be added to the list?) Good luck on the read-a-thon and have fun! I’ve never heard of that – sounds like a great time! And a good way to attack that TBR. 😉
Nope I’m not on the list- I’d love to be added though! My pledge is $5 for every book read start to finish from Aug. 5-Aug. 7th. The blog post where I set the challenge for myself is here: http://www.whatbookisthat.com/2011/08/news-giveaways-read-thons-and-more.html
Thank you so much!
Love it – you’ve been added. Thanks so much, Emily! I can’t wait to see your final book total as well!
Thanks for the update. Knowing there have been a phenomenal number of comments is one thing, seeing it translated into dollars and children who can eat is even better.
Thank you, Karen! I’m really excited about the final outcome. It’s also amazing to see what an impact just a “few” people can have.
What a great idea. People are so creative about how to raise money for charity. I hope you get lots more comments.
Thank you Jen – I do too!
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I’ve supported a girl thru one of those organizations for 5 years now and I guess they must have an age limit because she no longer writes me and now another child writes me,not that I mind,but I really wish I knew what happened to the child Ive been donating for the last 5 years,I sent them a letter and hopefully they will answer because it will break my heart if its because she died or something bad like that!!!!
Sharon, holy crap!
I cognitively understand “aging out” of a system, but it makes me sad. Also – I hope they do respond. It is odd that suddenly they switched people on you O_o
I’d love if you keep me updated on this – I’m really interested as well. And also? You are AWESOME for supporting someone and for building a relationship. The world needs more wonderful people like you! <3
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