Goal #3: Using Social Media for Good

Now that you have put the social back into your social media and have become an informed social citizen, it is time to continue on. It is time that you start using social media to make a difference in the world.

This past summer I was exposed to the non-profit world. I immediately became passionate about the cause that my organization was promoting. I wanted everyone to know about the serious dangers that children face online and how parents need to help them use technology in a clean and safe way. Although we were small in numbers, we had a “weapon” that amplified our message. What was that “weapon” you may ask? Social media.

Since we were always tight on cash, social media was our affordable, yet most powerful, asset. Through Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn we were able to create awareness about the issue and motivate individuals to act. It was truly inspiring. Having seen the good that can come from advocating causes on social networks, I want to encourage individuals to be more actively engaged in helping out.

Last month, Facebook announced a new donate feature for nonprofit pages. The donate feature appears at the top of their page or next to any of their posts in the news feed. It is simple to use. Users just simply choose the amount and enter their payment information.

Another initiative that people should be familiar is #GivingTuesday. Started by New York’s 92^nd Street Y and the United Nations Foundation, #GivingTuesday “is a campaign to create a national day of giving at the start of the annual holiday season. It celebrates and encourages charitable activities and support nonprofit organizations.” #GivingTuesday is now something that can be seen every week.

Next time you are on social media perusing around, be sure to check out some of the social causes that are on there. Find a few nonprofits that you are passionate about and help spread their message.

What are the best examples that you have seen of nonprofits using social media to promote their causes?

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