General Events and Happenings
Behavior and Why It Deserves A Seat at the Goverment 2.0 Table
Friday, September 11th, 2009 | General Events and Happenings, government 2.0 | 8 Comments
As I participated in the Government 2.0 events this past week, I couldn’t help but think about one word–behavior. Over and over again, I observed that often we weren’t talking about a tool, a Web site, some new blog, or a newer IT database. We were talking about influencing and changing behavior.
Almost every topic and issue discussed had behavior in common. Whether working to increase understanding across ethnicity, wanting people to be aware and address the peanut recall situation, take better care of the environment, to adopt new work processes, or to empower local citizens to help fix up their community–behavior plays a key role. Whether it’s the behavior of the American public or the behavior of those within an organization, work is being done not to be cool, not to be different, but to influence and change behavior.
The idea of Government 2.0 and government as a platform is not about tools and technology. It’s about cultivating an environment and culture that enables citizens to influence and direct its government and each other.
Now the big question: Why? Why does government as a platform matter? Why are so many smart, talented, and skilled people devoting time, energy and resources to “Government 2.0?” The Answer: Government 2.0 is a metaphor. It’s a field jazzed about influencing behavior for the better (whether they realize it or not–many of them are social marketeers). It’s a group of people who say no to the status quo, and instead says, “We can do more. We can do better.”
Herein comes the next big question: How? This is a longer answer, but I know a good place to turn to-studying and knowing about behavior. The great thing–this is nothing new. Sure, technology is new, cultures evolve, but we as humans have been and will continue to be fascinated with behavior. So if behavior plays such a huge role in the programs we authorize, products we produce and services we fulfill–here is my recommendation–more social marketing:
What do you think? Many of us participants finish this week motivated to take our lessons learned and move the needle on some of the biggest issues facing our country. What are your recommendations to implement and help realize “Government 2.0?”
flickr credit: Leo Reynolds
Social Marketing as a Solution
Tuesday, June 30th, 2009 | Changeblogging: NP, activism, social change +, General Events and Happenings, Social Marketing | 4 Comments
We all like solutions, right? We’ve heard them talked about, seen some of them unfulfilled or seen them not live up to their potential. But all the trials and errors mean that much more when a solution works. I invite you to read Barack Obama’s remarks about the Social Innovation Fund from earlier today.
The Social Innovation Fund is a proposed solution to identify the most promising, results-oriented non-profit programs and expand their reach throughout the country. The Fund has four main objectives, including:
- Catalyzing partnerships between the government and nonprofits, businesses and philanthropists to make progres on the President’s policy agenda
- Indentifying and supporting the rigorous evaluation and scaling of innovative, promising ideas that are transforming communities like, for example, Harlem Children’s Zone, Youth Villages, Nurse-Family Partnership, and Citizen Schools.
- Support greater civic participation through new media tools
- Promote national service.
In sum, Pres. Obama is looking for solutions, and he’s looking across the walls and barriers of private, public, non-profit, individual and organizational groups:
“So all of this represents a new kind of partnership between government and the non-profit sector. [love that!] But I can tell you right now, that partnership isn’t complete, and it won’t be successful, without help from the private sector. [even better!] And that’s why I’m glad that there are some deep pockets in the audience here — foundations, corporations, and individuals. You need to be part of this effort, as well. And that’s my challenge to the private sector today. Our non-profits can provide the solutions.” [and so can our social marketeers!]
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Thought 1: What are the evaluative benchmarks for “success” going to be? As, those who are familiar with the debate around libertarian paternalism, this will depend largely on how and WHO defines “success.”
Thought 2: My second thought and gut-wrenching ask was: Have the people involved in this heard of the solutions that social marketing can offer? In the remarks, Obama references individuals working for great changes, telling of their success. What if these success stories came from social marketeers? What if social marketing was applied to some of the very issues the Social Innovation Fund might examine? My mind is boggling with the possibilites–and solutions!
To Start: In response to Thought #2, I would like to highlight that social marketing already is, and can be a solution. Yesterday, I finally received my copy of Philip Kotler and Nancy Lee’s book, “Up and Out of Poverty.” This book examines the issue of poverty and all past and current solutions being sought to solve this issue. Then, the authors offer up social marketing as a solution. I can’t give much more than that because I am just about to crack it open myself. But, I have been waiting for this book. Imagine, a series of social marketing books that looks at real issues, BIG issues, and applies social marketing as a solution. Perhaps, there in lies the rub, some food for thought for the Social Innovation Fund committee. Perhaps, if we had an organization or an entity (hint, hint, join the 260+ others who’ve signed the pledge), then we could get some folks to chat.
I’d like to borrow some words from Pres. Obama himself to thank you for all the work you do in helping us clutivate and discover strong solutions:
“I want to thank all of you here today for everything you’re doing to find new solutions to some of our oldest, toughest problems. I know what you do is not easy.”
flickr photo credit: Seano Beano
Do Something. (You Can Begin By Applying)
Friday, January 30th, 2009 | General Events and Happenings | No Comments
As I often like to highlight opportunities for readers, an organization that I admire for their do-good youth marketing approach and mission, DoSomething.org is now accepting applications for the Do Something Awards.
The Do Something Awards have worked to empower and recognize some of the most outstanding young and up-incoming world-changers we know. Last year, the Do Something Awards became the first non-celebrity category of the Teen Choice Awards, which contained 9 final nominees. Each of the 9 nominees received $10,000 for their project and the winner, 19-year old Chad Bullock won $100,000.
This year, 5 winners will receive a minimum of $10,000 in community grants and scholarships, and one will be selected as the grand prize winner, receiving $100,000 in community grants, that can be donated to a non-profit of the winner’s choice.
Deadline: See if you qualify, and apply by March 1, 2009
Eligibility: Applicants must be 25 or younger, and be a U.S. or Canadian citizen.
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FYI: SocialButterfly’s “Events” page is now updated with 2009 social marketing, non-profit, social media marketing and other related events and highlights from around the Web. If there are specific events you’d like added, please feel free to contact me at socialbutterfly4change@gmail.com or @socialbttrfly on Twitter
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and/or connect with me on Twitter - @socialbttrfly.
Words of the Year for 2008: What’s Yours?
Tuesday, December 30th, 2008 | Blog Talk, General Events and Happenings, Interesting Articles, SocialButterfly | 2 Comments
One of the NY Times 2008 Buzzwords
2008 was a big and busy year, can you imagine having to choose just ONE word to describe it? Just ONE?!? Some of our favorite sources share what their “Words of the Year” are below:
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New OxFord American Dictionary: hypermiling. According to the Web site, Hypermiling was coined in 2004 by Wayne Gerdes and means “to attempt to maximize gas mileage by making fuel-conserving adjustments to one’s car and one’s driving techniques.” In 2008, with the soaring gas prices, many of found ourselves “hypermiling” or just miling…by running/walking on our two legs to work!
Merriam-Webster: Bailout. Does this one even need describing? According to the Web site, “bail out” is defined in Merriam-Webster’s Collegiate® Dictionary, Eleventh Edition as “a rescue from financial distress.” In 2008, the word received the highest intensity of lookups on Merriam-Webster Online over the shortest period of time. Other contender’s in Merriam-Webster’s top ten include: vet, socialism, maverick, rogue, misogyny, turmoil, trepidation, bipartisan, and precipice…All so positive sounding, don’t you think?
The New York Times. The Times, on the other hand, has chosen it’s set of “buzzwords” for 2008. These words include “Obamanation,” “Frugalista,” “Staycation,” “DigitalCliff,” “Fail,” and many others.
Webster’s New World Dictionary: Overshare. With popular votes taken and input from their editors, overshare was this year’s choice. According to the Web site, “overshare” is a verb that means to divulge excessive personal information, as in a blog or broadcast interview, prompting reactions ranging from alarmed discomfort to approval. In 2008, with information-mania and the economic problems as well, overshare can have stand for a plethora of meanings and correlations.
Global Language Monitor: Change. The other two in the top three were bailout and Obamamania.
SocialButterfly’s 2008 Word of the Year: Influence. For better or worse, as a buzzword, an academic concept or in terms of personal reflection, the word influence was spoken of, talked about, measured, desired, hated, calculated or loved. Thus, for me, the term “influence” describes 2008. (Web 2.0 was a close second, but that term has just gotten…grilled well and overdone.)
Twitter. In Twitter style, I asked SB follow-ers what their word for 2008 would be. One the respondents even mentioned that “Twitter” would be their word for the year! With the spike in news (and usage of Twitter) increasing daily, seems to make sense.
What do you think? Do you think these words say “2008?” Look forward to reading in the comments, what you would choose as your 2008 Word of the Year? Or, you can be like the American Dialect Society, and wait until January to reveal. They are taking nominations now. =)
Illustration by Jessica Hische
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Will I see you here…? or Here?
Thursday, September 4th, 2008 | Conferences and Events, General Events and Happenings, SocialButterfly | 2 Comments
Hello Readers,
I don’t like to do this, but here is an update on me, in the hopes of being able to connect with some of you –> offline. This fall will be a busy time for SocialButterfly! If you will be at any of these events, be sure to let me know, so that we can connect!
Events
Sept. 6: American Independent Writers Workshop, George Mason University
- Presenting in a panel about using social media and social networks for writing, freelancing, and enhancing one’s professional presence on the web.
Sept. 18: TwinTech2, Washington D.C.
- Join the brightest minds in the tech-venture space who will be on hand to mix and mingle with one another during a happy hour style meet-up. I shall be there as well to share in the social.
Sept. 29-30: World Social Marketing Conference, Brighton, England
- Presenting my master’s thesis in a poster session. The thesis is titled: The Purpose Driven Campaign…more details on that are sure to follow.
Oct. 13: BlogHer Reach Out Tour, Washington D.C.
- Presenting in a panel about Online Community and the philosophical reasons supporting why social media can help make a difference for good causes, non-profits, social change, or even political activism. (bringing in my perspective of navigating the social media landscape for government agencies)
Oct 15: 1st Changemakers/Changebloggers Event, Washington D.C.
- D.C. is known for its robust social media/tech community, that’s no doubt. However, many of D.C.’s finest are in the intersection of social media and social good. We call these unique individuals, changemakers. And for those that blog, changebloggers. Join us as we gather to connect and strengthen our community and show that social media can do, and is achieving, good. Also, journalist Alex Steed will be joining us as part of his 30+ day tour across the country documenting and interviewing millennial changebloggers.
Check It Out
- If you are on Facebook’s BlogNetworks application, please stop by SocialButterfly’s page and introduce yourself. I also created a SocialButterfly Facebook group as well.
- I am addicted to my RSS feeder lately. I’d love to connect with you, and follow you there too, so feel free to leave your URL in the comments, especially, you fellow changebloggers!
- Speaking of Changebloggers, I created the Changeblogger wiki, and if you participated in the Changeblogger meme, be sure to post your permalink to the wiki, so we can all check it out!
- Check out the Twitter feed @changeblogs to follow top changebloggers.
- The Social Marketing Events page on SocialButterfly has been updated with some new events that you’ll want to check out including CDC’s Web Dialogue, HealthCampeDC and more!
Thus, lots going on! Let me know if you want to get involved, or if we can meetup and say hello at any of these events! Blogging has been slow because my fiance and I just drove from KC to DC, and are in the midst of setting up shop as I like to say. So, thank you for your patience! =)
The Changeblogger Story
Wednesday, August 27th, 2008 | Blog Talk, General Events and Happenings, Social Media | 5 Comments
This is one, in a group of posts by fellow changebloggers, uniting to show that social media can do, and is achieving social good.
Origins of the Changeblogger
In late May, Britt Bravo at Have Fun * Do Good recruited her readers to create a list of Changebloggers - members of the blogging community who:
“…use their blog, podcast or vlog to raise awareness, build community, and/or facilitate readers, listeners, and viewers taking action to make the world better.”
On her blog, Britt developed a working list of 40+ Changebloggers, events and other online lists.
Changebloggers Respond
Since then, a Changeblogger facebook group was created. Then, I developed the Changeblogger Wiki that is being used to gather blogs and their author’s names, Twitter contact names, locations, a shared list of Changeblogger meetups and events while also being a live idea-swapping forum.
How Two Conversations Connected
Then, on a Friday afternoon I had two phone conversations with two truly remarkable people. The first was with Joe Soloman. Joe is at SocialActions, and he helped them develop the Ad-words widget that was launched last week. Joe also created the Twitter box @nptechblogs, which brings together blog posts and news updates from a variety nptech blogs. He also created and maintains the socialmedia4change wiki.
Bascally, Joe is busy. However, he is not just busy - he is effective. Joe, using his creativity and no-limits thinking, contacted me and together we are working on developing a Twitter box for changebloggers.
The next conversation was with Alex Steed. Talking with Steed on a Friday afternoon, both of us exhausted from a long week and feeling a bit overwhelmed could not have been better timing. Alex’s project is exactly what the changeblogger movement needs. And, he needs us.
Alex is planning on traveling to 30+ cities to meet with socially-forward millennials to learn what they are doing, how they are doing int, and more importantly, why they are doing it.
This is our call: If you are a changeblogger or a changemaker, know one, or even if you have an extra couch, contact Alex to connect with him on his tour while he couchsurfs and covers the waves of change.
Rallying the Troops
The changeblogger troops have already put out the roll call, and we’re inviting any and all to join the movement. Here’s a list of how:
- Take part in the Changeblogging Meme, that was started by Qui Diaz. Anyone can be a changeblogger, or changemaker, it’s a matter of connecting one’s talents with a desire to do good.
- Chip In, following the example set by Beth Kanter, to help fund Alex’s trip around the country, as he will spread the changeblogger message both online - and off! (Or, put the widget in your blog. Here’s the code:
<embed src=”http://widget.chipin.com/widget/id/a237a485db98c2b4” flashVars=”" type=”application/x-shockwave-flash” allowScriptAccess=”always” wmode=”transparent” width=”250″ height=”250″></embed>
- If you are in the area, show your support at the 1st Changebloggers/Changemakers Meetup on Oct. 15th as we welcome Alex Steed into the capital of change - Washington DC.
- Join the Changeblogger Facebook Group
- Add your blog or Twitter Name to the Changeblogger Wiki
- Connect on the Changeblogger NING group started by Britt Bravo
- Tweet it up using the Changeblogger hashtag: #changeblogger and/or follow the Twitter account @changeblogs to receive updates from top changebloggers!
Change is Coming to Town, and It Could be Yours
Remembering through Action: The Katrina 100
Friday, August 22nd, 2008 | Blog Talk, General Events and Happenings | 3 Comments
The 3-year anniversary of Hurricane Katrina is August 25th. To reflect and highlight on the city’s current state of affairs and the changemakers within the city, Jerri Chou and team at AllDayBuffet are blogging The New Orleans 100.
According to the Web site, The New Orleans 100 is:
a worldwide initiative that highlights and encourage discussion among millions about 100 of the most innovative and world-changing ideas to take root in the city since Katrina.
The group behind Katrina 100 wants to leverage bottom up tools like the social web to feature under-acknowledged, yet real stories that highlight the positive changes going on in the NEW Orleans since Katrina. The 100 list will be release and posted on the blog on August 25th, and the group hopes to reach 1,000,000 pageviews by 8/29/08. The main goal though, is the make the NOLA100 the alternative media story during the week of 8/25. Wondering how you can make that happen? Keep reading.
The group continues with calls to action beyond just visiting the site and reading the list. These include:
- Sign up to receive the NOLA100 list.
- . Spread the NOLA100 message and list by email, blog, digg, twitter, stumbleupon and other social options.
- Contact one of the NOLA100 changemakers on the list to help out. This can include offering services, volunteering, making a donation, a connection, or extending a simple thank you.
- Send AllDayBuffet and NOLA100 new ideas to make an impact. This can include success stories, testimonies, interview requests, highlighting efforts beyond the NOLA100 and more. It’s up to you.
If you want to really dig in, then you yourself may qualify to join the AllDayBuffet team, and this is the way I see a lot of consulting and the future of business going. Free-agent consulting. And, others seem to agree.
In this instance, AllDayBuffet is “a social innovation brand for the creative mavericks”. Their key competitive edge, in terms of recruitment, is that their whole strategy revolves around the concept of open participation.”
This open participation is built in through G3, the Greater Good Guild. The G3 is a global collective of creative professionals that strive to change the world. The network represents social innovators, creative mavericks, change makers and more. To see if you’ve got what it takes, you can apply to be a G3 maverick yourself.
photo credit: flickr, NOgoddess
Join the Pledge for a Humanitarian Lion at Cannes
Tuesday, August 19th, 2008 | General Events and Happenings, Identity Crisis | No Comments
Awhile back, I wrote about a video that surfaced on YouTbue that was sending a message to Cannes to create a Humanitarian Lion at Cannes. The video has always been featured on my Events page. Now, I am excited to report that the video has turned into an official campaign.
Join us in sending a message to advertisers and clients everywhere: we want to elevate the good and generate a shift in the way we do business and increase our reputation as an industry. I just signed the pledge today, at did the folks over at Osocio.
The Cannes are a worldwide event, so this movement can be a worldwide effort.
Health Promotion Policy is 20/20
Wednesday, August 6th, 2008 | Blog Talk, General Events and Happenings, Social Marketing | No Comments
As they say, ‘Hindsight is 20/20.’ However, social marketing thought leader extraordinaire and fellow social marketing blogger at On Social Marketing and Social Change, Craig Lefebvre, is hoping that the future of health policy will be ahead, rather than behind the curve. Lefebvre launched a new blog series titled ‘Healthy People 2020,’ and invites you to participate. Lefebvre writes:
If you haven’t heard, the process of developing the nation’s health objectives for the next decade has started - and you and your readers could become part of the conversation. Healthy People 2020 is the next update of the objectives that have guided our country’s health promotion and disease prevention efforts for the past 25+ years.
As part of my work with ODPHP, I am hosting a series of guest blogs on how people envision the interactions of health communication, social marketing, and health information technology - including social media - in improving the Nation’s health in the next decade.. The first topic is Information Rx for Healthy People in 2020 by Joshua Seidman from the Center for Information Therapy.
Due to the limited resources to take HP 2020 to a greater level of participation, Lefebvre hopes to garner participation through the use of social media to help spread the word and generate the conversation. For more information and to see the latest post in the series contributed by Cynthia Solomon titled Personal Health Records for All, and add in your thoughts.
Lefebrve said he welcomes inquiries, post contributions, and cross-post opportunities. Lefebrve’s blog is where talking about health and inspiring people to get involved in national health promotion and disease prevention policy meet.
Are you ready to par-tay with Jonny and the gang?
Tuesday, July 15th, 2008 | Blog Talk, General Events and Happenings, Social Marketing, Social Media | No Comments
What: Jonny’s Par-tay, the live interactive online talk show
Who: Join special guests Andre Blackman, Qui Diaz, and Alexandra Rampy, with host Jonny Goldstein and super producer Scott Stead.
Where: jonnyspartay.com
When: Weds., July 16, Weds, 9-10PM
As Jonny himself wrote…
Commercial marketing is a powerful discipline that influences people (say, you) to behave a certain way (say, buy Count Chocula cereal). But what if the concepts and tools used by commercial marketers were used to effect positive social change–to get people to stop smoking, exercise regularly, or conserve energy? That’s social marketing. This week we have three afficionados of social marketing, Andre Blackman, Qui Diaz, and Alexandra Rampy, who are also deep into the world of social media. How does social marketing work, and how does social media fit into the marketing mix when we’re talking about marketing for good, not just for increased commercial success. Come to this very special Par-tay 4 Good this Wednesday!
This is my first LIVE webcast, so be sure to tune in for the great convo, interesting topics and the occasional nervous twitch as viewers can send LIVE questions for us to answer. See you then! 
Alexandra Bornkessel
Email: socialbutterfly4change@gmail.com
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