While I spent the morning walking around Seattle, shopping for back to school clothes, the vibe down the street at Gnomedex this year has taken-on a less materialistic theme. While I know it is unrealistic to think that people just like me will forgo spending money on clothes and cosmetics, and instead donate 100% of that money to needy groups (NGO’s helping with child prostitution and AIDS orphans, or scientific research into cancer or diabetes, to name a few), I can see that there is a balance that can be achieved.
I’m spending this afternoon watching the conference via USTREAMtv, and am extremely impressesed with two of the presenters I’ve seen.
1. Beth Kanter:
Beth Kanter has a great story about tapping her social network in service of a good cause. At Gnomedex 8.0, she’ll tell us how she poked, prodded, tweeted, blogged and mobilized a networked army of supporters to rally their friends and personal networks and raise over $90,000 for Cambodian Orphans, winning the #1 spot for Global Causes for America’s Giving Challenge in January 2008. Come hear the story and the learn the secrets of success for socially-networked, person-to-person fundraising. Hopefully, you will leave the room inspired and ready to use social media for good!
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Beth spoke passionately about her cause. I am inspired by her because she holds so much hope for the future of fund-raising and helping others. We all know what it feels like to suffer from “donor burn-out” (too many causes to donate to, all the while keeping the kids in piano lessons and mom in designer jeans, you know?) and Beth loses sleep over it. She remains positive and makes me think that the next big idea could be just around the corner, in my mind or someone else’s. For example, during her 30 minute talk she inspired the audience and viewers online to raise money for one of her causes. It was amazing. And yes, it did make me re-think how many pairs of jeans I really need; but also made me want to write this blogpost and share her enthusiasm with you –my friends, readers and podcast audience. Do you have an idea, inspiration, concept for raising money for a particular cause that is outside-the-box, different, new? Look at how Beth uses social media to attain her fund-raising goals, and perhaps take a lesson from her in order to attain your goal. Simple. Uncomplicated.
2. Amanda Koster
Amanda is an internationally acclaimed photographer who has made it her mission to raise awareness by documenting some of the world’s more compelling issues. For over a decade she has combined her anthropology background with photographic and media-making skills to create inspiring media content as a means for powerful communication, storytelling and learning.
Her project is called Salaam Garage. Please check it out here.
Chris Pirillo, Gnomedex’s organizer, has told me that he will put all the Gnomedex08 presentation up on YouTube. This may take a few weeks, but when they do become available, try to view Amanda’s presentation.
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While Beth and Amanda are trying to raise awareness of issues in the Third World, Vancouver blogger Tanya (aka NetChick) is trying to raise money for Diabetes research. I had a chance to talk at length with her at the Gnomedex pre-registration party last night. She needs to raise $4500 in pledges, and will be running a half-marathon as part of Buzz Bishop & 95Crave’s Team Diabetes. Hoping for a viral promotion, she is offering entries into a $500 draw in exchange for blogging about her efforts, and one entry for each $25 donation. Check out her post about the draw. $500 can buy a lot of jeans. Or would make a great donation to a different charity.
I’m sitting here in the bar at the Red Lion, drinking margaritas, watching Gnomedex, trying to write to inspire you all to feel as excited about life as I feel right now. But I’m not sure it it’s working? Are you inspired yet? If not, maybe you should have a margarita and re-read the post.
Or plan to go to Gnomedex next year, or just watch it live at home.