Bob Collins invited me to speak at the next Boston Social Media Breakfast on Wednesday, December 10th at 8:00 am in Cambridge, MA at the Ryles Jazz Club along with Gradon Tripp and Frank Days. Thanks to the generous sponsors FirstGiving and MarketWire, the event is free and it comes with a good breakfast spread.
Given the topic and the gloomy news, I thought to myself maybe we can do more than talk about it. Maybe we can do something. Realizing that any call to action that makes us look at our wallets might not feel so good. Is there a way to give something that doesn't require cash? So as part of the event we're running a Food Drive to support The Greater Boston Food Bank, asking attendees to bring canned goods and non-perishable foods to the event.
Kismet! Colleagues Allison Fine and Marnie Webb emailed me with the news of their #givelist project:
The GiveList is a resource of ways to support communities and causes this holiday season* that don’t necessarily require writing a check. We all know it’s rough out there this year, but that also means that the needs of people and communities are also greater than every. There are a lot of ways that a creative do-gooder can continue to help heal the world.
And we’re betting, actually praying, that you know a bunch of ways that we can help. Share ‘em.
Whether you’re del.icio.us’ing, twittering, posting or flickring just tag it GiveList and we’ll find it and share your ideas about contributing with the world.
* We’re starting now during the “giving season” but the GiveList can be year-round activities too!
You can learn more here. Word is spreading fast.
What can you do to give that doesn't require cash and has real world impact? If you're coming to the event here in Cambridge next, don't forget to bring your food donation.
Beth:
I'll be back in Boston next week, and I'm looking forward to hearing your presentation at the Social Media Breakfast! I know that personally, I should doing more with my own social media skills to help bring about social change. Can't wait for that kick-in-the-butt reminder to start doing so!
Bryan Person | @BryanPerson
Social Media Breakfast founder
Posted by: Bryan Person | December 02, 2008 at 05:14 PM
Hi Beth,
Congrats on using the Breakfast as a way to help those in need. Conferences and other events can be a great venue for doing good. You mentioned adding a food drive. I have also been a part of events that added on blood drives, clothing drives, fundraising, and community service projects.
Thanks for alerting me to GiveList.
Posted by: Roger Carr | December 04, 2008 at 08:20 AM
Great idea. I just turned a group birthday party for 15+ one year olds that I am helping to host this weekend into a food drive too!
Posted by: Kdahlface | December 04, 2008 at 02:32 PM