It's hard times. As our nation's needs soar, and charitable donations plunge, it is taking its toll on the nonprofit sector. Foodbanks, soup kitchens, and many other nonprofits that address the hunger issue are being hit by a triple whammy. Cash and food donations are dropping, budgets are being cut, and with unemployment rising there is more demand than ever at food banks.
That's why I'm taking the pledge to end hunger because if we all do a little bit - it can go a long way. And You can too!
PledgeToEndHunger.com, a website designed to shine a bright light on the very real problem of childhood hunger in America. It is designed to make it easy for people to do something meaningful in the short-term and create a dialogue about solving the root issues.
I'm honored to be serving as co-captain of the Wall of Champions campaign along with Chris Brogan. Our goal is to encourage individuals, corporations, and non-profit organizations to help promote this website and help us obtain at least 1,000 pledges.
To become a Champion, all you need to do is:
- Sign the Hunger Pledge
- Write a blog post (if you have one) endorsing the Hunger Pledge
- Encourage others to join you
One Click Feeds 140 Kids
To give you some incentive, by simply signing an online pledge to share the website with others, volunteer, and/or give, you will trigger a 35 lb food donation from Tyson of food products to the Capital Area Food Bank of Texas. This will provide 140,000 meals for children in Austin. That means every person who joins the movement will help feed 140 children.
With thousands of social industry folks coming together for South by Southwest 2009 (SXSW ‘09) in Austin, we're hoping to get 1,000 people to take the pledge, so we can make sure the Tyson semi-trailer will arrive in Austin during the SXSW ’09 interactive festival.
How This Can Help Your Community, Too
If we are successful in surpassing 1,000 pledges, Tyson has agreed to send up to two more truckloads of food to the states who generate the most pledges. So by helping us send a semi-trailer truck to Austin, you might be able to get one sent to your home state, too.
This website is a joint effort of Tyson Foods, Share Our Strength, Hum. Minds at Work., Kompolt, and MediaSauce.
Beth, did you consult with them on their social networking strategy? Or did mediasauce handle everything?
Posted by: Margaret | March 05, 2009 at 02:56 PM
Pledged. Good stuff. Thanks for sharing!
Posted by: bdusablon | March 05, 2009 at 08:58 PM
Thank you for your leadership and energy! We're very glad you encouraged us to connect with Ed at Tyson earlier this year. It has led to a very worthy endeavor. This campaign is more than just feel-good initiative. It's about getting more people engaged to help address a very solvable problem.
If you are reading this comment and haven't signed the Pledge to End Hunger, can you take a moment to do so? Your click will trigger a 35lb gift of food from Tyson to the two states with the most pledges. Here's where can go to take the pledge now: http://tr.im/hpobc
Scott Henderson (@scottyhendo)
Campaign Manager
Pledge to End Hunger (@HungerPledge)
Posted by: Scott Henderson | March 06, 2009 at 07:58 PM
Beth,
It is exciting to read that Chris Brogan and you are active in this needed campaign to fight hunger. I pledged and will be spreading the word about the Pledge To End Hunger campaign as well.
Posted by: Roger Carr | March 09, 2009 at 08:08 AM
Please spare 6 minutes of your life and watch this film, and share it with your members, friends and family. This is a true story about hunger and its impact on human race when coupled with poverty. Bring awareness about food and waste. Bring change in your life and impact the world to make it a better place.
http://www.cultureunplugged.com/play/1081/Chicken-a-la-Carte
Posted by: John Piedre | April 14, 2009 at 04:35 PM