Causewired: Plugging In, Getting Involved, Changing the World

Last January , while I in the final days of fundraising for the Sharing Foundation as part of the America's Giving Challenge I received an email from Tom Watson asking me if I would come to New York and spend the day being interviewed for a book he was writing on raising money or taking action online using social networking tools.   I told him I was really focused on the fundraising goal and I agreed to answer some questions via email.  I did.

Then, I thought, ah - someone who I can ask to donate $10 to the Sharing Foundation!  And he donated!  What's hilarious is that this exchange is described in his book to demonstrate why person-to-person fundraising asks work.

He kindly sent me an advanced copy of the book to review.  I've been carrying it around with me on my various trips.  I've finally finished it and it is definitely a must-read if you are working for a nonprofit organization or outside of one and want to make sense of how online activism and online fundraising is changing.

It isn't so much a step-by-step or practical guide.  It is a very well written and researched look at  how these tools have been are being leveraged for social change in way that is new and will continue have major implications.   The book is a cogent analysis of the past, current, and future of online activism and fundraising using social networking tools.  It's the perfect book to hand an executive director or board member or Communications VP who may not be as hands on with these tools as we are - and needs to understand the big picture.   

Go order a copy now.   Everyone is giving it a big thumbs up!

   

Comments

[Tom W.]

Beth, thanks for the terrific review - you're one of the real leaders in this burgeoning sector, an inspiration for telling the story. I still talk about the kids in Cambodia and that wonderful "thank you!" video.

[Ian Wilker]

This one goes on my Amazon Wish List, which keeps getting longer and longer...

[David]

My girlfriend recently began working at a non-profit interested in using social media more effectively. She has this book on her radar and would love to get a copy.