Future:Media:Change

Today is Thanksgiving for those of us in the United States, but Nov. 24-26 is TweetsGiving everywhere. Tweetsgiving began last year by Epic Change, an organization that uses social media tools to amplify that stories of those in need. This year they aim to raise $100,000 in support of the same project run by “Mama Lucy,” which they raised 11k for last year. Proceeds will help build a classroom, library, dormitory/orphanage, and cafeteria.

In addition to online fundraising and promotion, the Tweetsgiving team has organized over 40 offline events.

TweetsGiving is completely organized, run and promoted by volunteers. This year, there will be 40 offline gratitude-themed events and house parties across the world, from Israel to Istanbul, Australia to Africa, and Frankfurt to Florida. In addition, sponsors such as 1-800-flowers.com, Convio, and Uno Chicago Grill are making cash donations. However, the core strategy is still to spread gratitude – and the fundraising message – virally, through social media sites. TweetsGiving will encourage all of its participants to share what they are grateful for through whatever their favorite social networks are – including Twitter, Facebook, Flickr, YouTube, and blogs. Last year, TweetsGiving became the number one trending topic on Twitter worldwide during the event. The recommended hashtag for TweetsGiving is #TweetsGiving.

Donations go towards building a library, oprhanage and cafeteria

Linking of online and offline has become a key element of social media awareness and fund raising projects. It is not about creating an online phenomenon, but using online tools to enhance offline results. Twestival is another great example of using Twitter in support of offline action.

You can get involved by following the steps on the TweetsGiving website. Watch this video to learn more about the people you will be helping.