Earlier this week, WhatGives!? parent company Causemedia Group helped our pal Jim Turner of One by One Media broadcast for 24 hours straight from the studios of wsRadio in San Diego. The Haitian Assistance Relief Telethon began Sunday at 6pm PST, and continued until 6pm Monday evening – during which Jim talked and informed and chatted with guests and asked for money. And asked again. Apparently, he’s very persuasive. When all was said and done, nearly $5,000 was raised, mostly through the efforts of social media folks tapping into their networks. Jim said he “never expected to have so many do so much to help at the drop of a hat. A few emails, phone calls, and direct messages to a few friends was all it took to get the momentum going.”
For our telethon/radiothon/netathon we selected three vital, experienced organizations to be our beneficiaries:
Concern Worldwide first went into Haiti in 1994 with a focus on improving the health of those in need, preventing violence in the slums, and fighting HIV/AIDS. In response to the earthquake they are currently distributing water, establishing latrines, and providing tents and plastic sheeting for shelter for tens of thousands of people.
Architecture for Humanity was founded in 1999 and is responding to the earthquake by raising funds to support efforts in the rebuilding of affected areas. They mainly work in the reconstruction phase of post disaster situations. Architecture for Humanity will supply local groups with pro bono construction and design professionals, setting up community housing resource centers and support in the design and building of earthquake resistant structures.
Save the Children began helping children in the 1930s who were struggling to survive the Great Depression. They have worked in Haiti since 1978 and currently has about 200 staff on the ground. serving the needs of some of Haiti’s poorest children and families – providing food, shelter, education, and health programs, as well as counseling and play opportunities. In response to the current crisis, the agency is racing to provide immediate lifesaving assistance, such as food, water, shelter and Child Friendly Spaces.
This 24-hour effort was a simple idea that only required the will to get it done. All services were donated and we relied on our friends to get out the word and support the effort. We were not disappointed. It’s a great example of how the internet can empower individuals and small groups, allowing them to do remarkable things. It’s always been called a “grassroots” campaign referring to local neighborhoods and the steady, organic growth of a movement. What we saw in response to the Haiti crisis was more explosion than growth. It was social-surge of participation that continues to expand.
One of the best parts was hearing from all the people in the social media world. Callers and guests throughout the 24 hours all had ideas and insights into what we could do now and what we could continue to do. After all, Haiti will be in crisis for years. How do we keep people interested and engaged over a length of time – a problem for every charity.
As a way of staying true to our motto here at WhatGives!? we helped Jim do something good, and then we told people about it. And now we’re going to do it again. We like this whole whatever-a-thon idea and plan to launch another March 23rd in connection with Twestival.
Poor Jim. He has no idea what he’s gotten himself into.
HART 2010
Thanks to those who spoke up for those who couldn’t speak for themselves:
Ethan Austin
Sloane Berrent
Mark Black
Beth Blecherman
Dillon Burroughs
Becky Carroll
Mike CJ
Sarah Craven
Alex de Carvalho
Neenz Falealine
Amanda Farahany
Bruce Fisher
Laura Fitton
Chris Garrett
Nathan Hangen
John Haydon
Noland Hoshino
Christine Lu
Khadi Madama
Sydney Masters
Amber Naslund
Chris Noble
Patrick O’Keefe
Justin Parks
Luciana Sette
Rosemary Siciliano
Cameron Sinclair
Ewan Spence
Aaron Strout
Dave Taylor
Robyn Tippins
Kelly Whalen
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Tags: Architecture for Humanity, Causemedia Group, Concern, Haiti, HART, One by One Media, Save the Children, telethon, Twestival, wsRadio
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