The funny thing about social media is that it is probably one of the most influential and down-right powerful promotion tools ever in existence– however, we still haven’t seemed to figure it all out. We know that by tweeting we can reach hundreds upon thousands of people if we strategically build a solid, influential network. So why not use the strength of that digital army to do a little social good?
Celebrities have started to recognize that they can use their high-profile brand names to promote causes, and have been making quite an impact this week in support of World Aid’s Day. But what about us “little” people who strive to make a difference in whatever way we can? We may think that we don’t have the numbers needed to make a monumental impact but guess again…in this era of social media anything is possible.
I currently have an incredible opportunity to be a part of something huge: the nationwide Holiday Tweet Drive 2010 initiative. As a part of the Social Media team at Rhode-Island based digital marketing firm, Astonish Results, I am working with our Community Manager, Alicia Collins, to organize the Providence Holiday Tweet Drive:
The @PROVtweetdrive is one of many holiday “tweet ups” occurring across the country beginning in Boston on Monday, Dec 6th and ending in New York on Thursday, Dec 23rd. The national program was designed by Temple University student, Harrison Kratz, who believes strongly in using social media to improve the lives of others.
On December 8th, social media enthusiasts from across Rhode Island will gather at the Providence-based, McFadden’s Restaurant & Saloon, for a night of networking and charitable giving.
@PROVtweetdrive takes the form of a traditional toy drive but leverages the influence that social media and social networking has when used to power a positive cause. All guests are required to bring one new, unwrapped toy or article of clothing to gain admission to the event. All contributions will be donated to Providence’s very own, Hasbro Children’s Hospital.
To participate, guests will tweet live from the event by using the trending hashtag #tweetdrive as well as including mentions of @PROVtweetdrive, @TweetDrive2010 as well as the event sponsors and beneficiary. The overall goal is to make the Tweet Drive’s charity initiative something that everyone is talking about—both on and offline.
I am so excited to be a part of such a wonderful event– and I hope you will join me! For more information about the Providence Holiday Tweet Drive and the nationwide effort as a whole, visit the online Meetup Forum on http://www.meetup.com/TweetDrive/.
And be sure to check out Hasbro Children’s Hospital’s Holiday Wish List; it’s a great resource for anyone planning to attend. See what items Hasbro’s young patients are in need of most!
Kelly Collopy 