Will people eliminate poverty or will the technology they use eliminate poverty? Theoretically, tools like Twitter have given us the ability to quickly band together in the fight to eliminate poverty.
But are we just busier talking and not taking action?
Realizing that “taking action” is a difficult hurdle for some folks (”What can I do to eliminate hunger?”), social entrepreneurs have been creating opportunities for folks to take bit-sized, “nano-actions”. Folks are more likely to act on these opportunities for two reasons:
- They can be done right now
- They require the smallest amount of commitment
Two examples:
1. mGive allows nonprofits to accept mobile donations. Over 230 million people in the US have the ability to donate by simply sending a text message. For example to donate to Keep a Child Alive’s campaign text ALIVE to 90999 to give $5. The $5 tax deductible charge is billed to your cell phone bill.
Note: A non for profit marketing professional can have fans tweet their mobile donation call to action (for example you can text “RIGHTS” to 90999 to donate to Amnesty International) and ask their followers to re-tweet and spread the word.
2. SocialActions connects people with actionable opportunities. By encouraging individuals to take action, their work is increasing the scope and impact of the individuals. In short, a very simple way to do Twitter marketing for your nonprofit!
Note: They’ve created a way for folks on Twitter to automatically post “calls to action” about a cause they care about.
But a deeper question remains on Blog Action Day:
Will technology close the “action gap” that has been perpetuated by social apathy?
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Hi John,
I’m inclined to think that the tech resources being developed DO successfully address several of the factors that contribute to the appearance of social apathy. No surprise there, considering I’m an active Social Actions team member
Thanks for giving our project a mention. We’re working hard to do everything we can to close that gap between intent or desire to act, and the act itself.
Christine Egger
http://www.SocialActions.com
Join the conversation at http://blog.SocialActions.com
Christine,
Thanks for the comment. Imagine the impact we will make on the world when we advance our compassion as fast as we advance technology?
I’m truly inspired by companies like Social Action who get sh*t done!
John
Hi John- Thanks for the great post on mGive!
Social Actions is an awesome site, and we plan on becoming more active on the site here soon.
To answer you question- I definitely think that technology will close the action gap. Its all about impulse giving. Allowing people to give whenever they feel moved, and allowing the organization to interact directly with the donor at any time. We have already seen people moved by an emotional call to action to act in big ways and immediately.
Stephen,
Great point: ***Allowing people to give whenever they feel moved, and allowing the organization to interact directly with the donor at any time.
It’s almost as if folks have said “Screw trying to reduce world apathy - let’s work with the folks that are moved to give small amounts right now. Let’s create social media tools that will leverage exponential results”
John
This is a great little site. I plan on starting a non-profit here in the future. I will be bookmarking and returning. Keep up with the great content.
Jeremy
Jeremy,
Thanks for stopping by - looks like you have a great blog over at http://www.insightwriter.com.
What will your non-profit be involved in?
John
Hi. Good site.