It’s time for Twestival.
Last year, Amanda Rose decided to use the power of Twitter to create a worldwide event to raise money for charity: water. By the time she was done, over a quarter of a million dollars had been raised from events held in over 200 cities. Each was locally organized and promoted mainly via Twitter with some support from Facebook and other online tools. People gathered in pubs and art galleries, private homes and nightclubs, anywhere and everywhere with one purpose – raise money. (Okay, two purposes – raise money and have a great time!)
Amanda Rose talks with WhatGives!? guy Christopher Smith about Twestival past and present while at Blogworld last October.
This year, Amanda is at it again, aiming for more money, more awareness, and more local involvement. She has taken the “think globally, act locally” concept and given people a framework to successfully do just that. So how does a nice girl from Canada (such a pleasant country) now living in London (they’re so polite) crack the whip on a worldwide, barely-connected group of volunteers? Nicely, of course.
After all, this is a woman who chose Twitter as the subject for her dissertation. If you’re communicating in 140 characters there’s no room for ego or bombast. It’s simple, direct messaging with lots of emoticons. 
For Amanda, it’s all about the charity. In a press release she explained, “At last year’s Twestival, more than 1,000 volunteers and 10,000 donors raised more than $250,000 to provide clean and safe drinking water for more than 17,000 people. We know this works—and we’re excited to make it work for every child in the world that deserves an education.” All the money this year, all of it, will go to Concern’s efforts to give the 72 million children in the world who don’t have the opportunity to attend school.
Amanda has been impressed and inspired by the people who have chosen to give of their time and talents for Twestival. Following last year’s event she spoke with The Inside Source about how asking people to contribute not just money, but their skills and ideas made such a difference. “People from each city tend to start sending messages around like, ‘Can anyone put together a map for the event?’ and a local artist will reply and say, ‘I can do that!’ You see the discussions happening organically and it is fantastic. After not too long, you have an entire city-wide event organized via Twitter.”
So, here she goes again. Throughout this week we’ll tell you more about events and opportunities to participate and give. Let’s get this party started!
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Tags: Amanda Rose, Concern, event, social media, Twestathon, Twestival, Twitter
Isn’t is just incredible what Amanda has done to help inspire us all – from those who already care to those who are one-timers. It all counts. Every little bit. She is such an inspiration, thank you for featuring and showcasing Twestival!
It was an amazing experience for all of us at WhatGives and StudioGood to be a part of Twestival this year. You’re right, Sloane, Amanda is a truly inspiring person. Already looking forward to next year!!