It’s not usually my cup o’ tea to blog about social media for social change, but today I’d like to highlight two very important causes: Danny Brown’s 12for12k Challenge and Charlotte Twestival.
The 12for12k Challenge
The 12for12k Challenge is a project created by fellow PR-man and good friend Danny Brown. Danny recognized the tremendous power of social networks to do remarkable good in the world.The concept is simple:
- 12 months of the year
- 12 charities, 1 chosen every month
- 1200 people
- $10 donation per person, per charity, each month for 12 months, a total of just $120 per person over the year
- The goal – $12,000 per charity, $144,000 raised overall by December 31 2009
In January, Danny shone the spotlight on War Child, a non-profit that finds solutions for children affected by war. The charity focuses on education, children’s rights, reducing poverty and fostering self-reliance. War Child currently has operations in support of Afghanistan, Sudan (Darfur), Uganda, Sierra Leone, Democratic Republic of Congo, Ethiopia, Sri Lanka and Georgia.
The 12for12k Challenge raised $4,000 for War Child — short of the goal, but still a heckuva contribution.
February’s featured charity is Stop the Silence, which deals with sexual abuse of children. In less than a week, the challenge has raised nearly $1,800 for this noble program.
Charlotte Twestival
I’m proud to report Charlotte, North Carolina will participate in Twestival, the global festival to raise money and awareness for charity: water.
Roll this statistic around in your head: Right now, 1.1 billion people on the planet don’t have access to safe, clean drinking water.
On February 12, 175+ international cities will host Twestivals to bring Twitter communities together raise money to address this very fixable problem. Twestival is organized 100% by volunteers and 100% of the money raised will go directly to support charity: water projects.
Here’s the details on Charlotte Twestival:
When: Thursday, February 12 – doors open at 6 p.m.
Where: CANS Bar & Canteen - 500 W. 5th St.
What: Food, fun and prizes
- Free nibbles provided by Charlotte Nightlife and CANS
- Emcee: Nate from 106.5 The End
- Raffles for entertainment, gifts and a cruise for two
- Local media celebrity appearances
- Wii bowling competition
- The great feeling you get when you do something nice
Buy tickets now. Prices start at $5. Special perks for VIPs!
I’d also like to give a huge “Kudos!” to the Charlotte event organizers: