SocialButterfly
One Book, Two Questions and Three Words for 2010
Wednesday, January 6th, 2010 | Blog Talk, SocialButterfly | No Comments
With a new year, comes a lot of reflecting. Whether this describes you as an individual or as an organization, I’ve got one book, two questions and three words you need to read in 2010. These will help you identify your core values, focus your motivation and goals, and help translate all the above in your day-to-day activities. Let’s get reading.
1. One Book
I’m willing to bet you’ve never heard of this book. If you have, please comment. The book is titled five, and is across the board, a five-star book. So many books tell you what to do and think about your life. Stop reading those books. They take valuable time, and they often don’t provide any answers. Why? Because you have to provide the answers. The reason I like the book five is not because it’s simple, design-based and interactive, but because it forces you to reflect on your own life, your own goals and your thoughts. This is often the hardest part–but most rewarding. It provides prompts and questions, along with lines to pencil in your ideas. It’s a work book–but it’s not work. It uses creative design and textography throughout to draw you in and inspire. So, stop doing the easy part by reading what others think you should do, and focus on you.
2. Two Questions
These two simple questions could change your life. They are provided by author Daniel H. Pink, author of the book Drive: The Surprising Truth about What Motivates Us, which looks at human motivation. These two questions are:
- What is my sentence?
- Was I better today, than I was yesterday?
Two questions that can change your life from Daniel Pink on Vimeo.
3. Three Words
If you’ve quickly skimmed down here to read the three words, I’m sorry to say, it’s not that easy. You see: It’s not my three words you need to read. It’s your own. Beth Kanter clued me on to this as she was inspired by Chris Brogan. Kanter’s three words were: Networked, Generosity and Full of Life. For Brogan, his were Ecosystems, Owners and Kings. According to Brogan, your three words should:
“…help you the way a lighthouse helps a ship in a storm. Give yourself a word that guides you towards a powerful new opportunity, and that keeps you focused on what comes of this year. Use these words as starting points for tangible goals, SMART goals that can be measured and have dates to accomplish tasks by. These words sit above the actual goals, and set your guiding principles in place.”
What I like about the three words, is that they are your words. So, do what works for you. For me, my three words are: Simplify and Focus. I don’t have a third, because, well, re-read my first word. 
Conclusion
They say people who write down their goals are more successful. You can define success any way you want–as long as you define it for yourself. So, even if you aren’t sure what your goal is, start writing down something and logging your ideas. Eventually, something will come, and when it does, it’ll be powerful because it’ll be born from within.
To Make a Difference, Must You Choose?
Wednesday, December 30th, 2009 | Blog Talk, SocialButterfly | 8 Comments
Life is full of choices–some more important than others. I started this post about four months ago, and the question remains unanswered for me, so I greatly appreciate your insights.
To make a difference or to bring about the illusive and often intangible “change” …must we choose? What I mean is this: In the non-profit and social change arena, must you choose a cause to rally behind and make your life’s work to make an impact? I use to think no. Now, I’m not so sure.
Beginnings
When I first started blogging I was an anonymous blogger. I wasn’t sure how it would be taken by potential employers and colleagues. I later revealed my identify. However–I’ve never quite fully stated in public certain causes I support or the specific “change” that gets me motivated. In our space, must we? Should we?
I don’t need to tell you that the line between professional and personal is blurring. I use to think we had to stay middle of the road when it came to personal matters–I thought this was the better route to go. After all, you don’t see companies or employees advocating for the causes they care about or beliefs they believe in….or do you?
Shifts
I think the pendulum is swinging. More and more, people and organizations are taking a stand. I think, in the future, part of what will make you credible and a force to be reckoned with, is what motivates you and where you take your stand. Remember that quote we were told as kids as we worked to understand our world:
Do not follow where the path may lead. Go, instead, where there is no path and leave a trail.
We all have influence. Why is it–that we as people or bloggers or even companies are afraid to exercise it towards the very things we care most about? Fear is powerful–and it can occur within a person or within an organization. Sometimes, we may not even recognize the role of fear as it may be built in systems and processes we may have little control over. Good news: fear can be squashed and new solutions and innovations can light the way. We should leave more trails, rather than report each others foot steps as a pack hovering together for warmth. Am I off here?
For instance, I’m a Christian. There, I said it. Does that change things? Let’s talk about it because I’m tired of not talking about it. How come many of us don’t talk about the things that motivate us to get where we are and push us to do our work? What gave me the courage to finally publish this post is that I know I’m not alone in pondering these questions. Thank you to people like Rosetta Thurman and Alex Steed. Read their posts.
Making a Difference
If this is the goal, what does this mean? This is where my hangup is. I feel like we’d all answer this question differently. In terms of my cause-reporting on SocialButterfly, you could say I’m a bit of a generalist with a heavy leaning towards public health. But what about cause-doing? One word comes to mind:
FOCUS.
People who are successful are great at being able to focus. Lately, I’ve been thinking a lot about verticalization–thanks to friend Geoff Livingston. In the non-profit, government, and even the public health worlds, each has its verticals. As we’ve matured, more areas of focus have evolved within the realms of “non-profit” and “social change.” I have friends who are passionate about alleviating teenage homelessness. Friends who are persistent in the drive to address climate change. Friends who persevere to find new ways of doing business. Friends who are focused.
In the past, I focused on giving the Hispanic community a voice in Mid-Missouri and got involved in immigration issues. Then I focused on spreading awareness about multiple sclerosis and raising funds for multiple sclerosis research. In four years, I got to be a part of raising over $325k for multiple sclerosis through event planning and grassroots efforts.
Then, to be honest, I avoided “choosing” and this is why. I discovered social marketing–and focused on it because to create change and have an impact, you need to learn behavior changing skills and knowledge. You need to be a student of the evolving strategies, research and tools. This is why social marketing is appealing to me–because it provides a framework to go about influencing change, whether you are passionate about combating human trafficking, decrease drug abuse, ending poverty, eliminating HIV/AIDS, address climate change, increasing the country’s health or wanting to increase the rate people in your school wear seat belts–social marketing can light the way. Now, my focus is social marketing. I firmly believe that the process of social marketing can help address many of the battles we face. Yet I’m torn.
Bothered
The more I think about it, the more I’m bothered. Being bothered is good because it shakes you up and makes you question, think and go deeper. Thus, I ask you: to make a difference, must I (or you) choose one cause–one organization–or one group of people–to champion?
flickr credit: angrytoast
A Single Thought for 2010
Monday, December 28th, 2009 | Blog Talk, SocialButterfly | 2 Comments
This thought actually echoed across the channels in 2006 when Randall Pinkett won Donald Trump’s Apprentice. I’m passing it on to you as a mentor shared the thought with me–with a bit of a twist.
“Would
you
rather
make
the
news
or
report
the
news?”
Chew on it–and go. How’s that for a typical “Ode to 2009/New Year’s Post?” I hope not typical.
Who Pooped in Your Cereal?
Tuesday, September 29th, 2009 | Changeblogging: NP, activism, social change +, Interesting Articles, SocialButterfly | 3 Comments
Sometimes, you have bad days. When those bad days hit, those are the days you could use some inspiration. Yesterday, I woke up and was inspired.
This image is taken from Franke James’ book “The Real Poop on Social Change.” In it, James delivers an important message regarding awareness vs. behavior. It’s an excellent read, and it’ll take you less than five minutes. (Warning: The text below is a bit provocative, but I think is presented just right–especially in the context of the whole story. One more reason to read it…)
Hope the image brought a smile to your face as it did to mine. Other points James’ makes that may not bring a smile to your face, but instead, infuse renewed energy to your actions:
- “Look at global warming. Lots of awareness. But how many are doing something?”
- “U.S. women have lots of awareness [about breast cancer]. But if they don’t have the money to see a doctor–what good is awareness?”
And then, I came across Sheila at LiveWell360, who I felt was so poignant in her questions that she got me thinking further about individual awareness vs. behavior battles:
- “Why do we work and work and work so that when we are 65 we can *hopefully* retire and do nothing and/or “whatever we want”… at the sacrifice of our time with our family and living a joyful life now? That seems so backwards.
- Why do we ask each other how we are doing, and the acceptable response is “not bad.” Tell me what you ARE, not what you are not.
- Why is it weird to ask someone, “What inspires you?”
- Why is it considered “wishful thinking” or even sometimes laughed upon to go after your dreams and believe that you can do more than status-quo?
- Why are we willing to buy premium gas for our car, but not buy premium food for our body?”
What about you? Do any of Sheila’s thoughts speak to you? I mean, just because we pick up doggie-do-do, doesn’t mean you have to feel like doggie-do-do. As you wake up this morning, I hope this post leaves you inspired. It’s a new day–experience it.
[Thank you to LaDonna Coy for her tweet, as she is the one who originally brought Franke James' illustration to my attention.]
Love Social Change? Join us and #read4change.
Wednesday, September 16th, 2009 | Changeblogging: NP, activism, social change +, SocialButterfly | 9 Comments
We know there are multiple ways to connect. Offline, on Facebook, within an email, etc. Many of these are quick 140-headlines and/or aren’t necessarily in real-time. So, I’m proposing a new way, a less “it’s-for-work” or “I-want-to-network” way for our community to interact.
I have an idea.
But it slightly depends on you.
So one question: Like books?
The Big Idea: An Online Social Change Book Club
I just had one of those freakish “ah-ha” moments. Bare with me while I explain…
The idea started forming when my mom told me I should add a page to my blog that talks about the books I read and recommend.
Then, my mom emailed me saying her book club wanted to get a package of books for my fiance and I as a wedding present. Ever since, I’ve spotted more books I’d like to read.
And better yet, many of you SB readers have been recommending some fascinating titles.
So, Here’s how it works:
- We meet online (monthly or bi-monthly–you choose) on Twitter using the hashtag: #read4change.
- We all throw out suggestions for us to consider. I’ll keep a running tab. Each month, together, we’ll choose a book using Twitpoll.
- Because this is new, we will start, with our first #read4change chat on November 7 from 11am-12pm EST.
- After each round, we vote on the next book based on everyone’s recommendations. A week later, the book is chosen.
- Good news–you can recommend a book for the group to read at any time to have it added to the list.
- I’m also hoping to create eventbrite invites, just so we all know who’s reading along should we want to chat prior to the livechat. If you want added to the list, shoot me an email.
- Maybe, down the road, we could even get the authors to join us…
- Quarterly, we can get off our bums and do a community service project around reading.
- Around the holidays, help donate books….the possibilities are endless!
Let’s Start
Here’s the list of books for us to consider for the first pow-wow, based on some recent recommendations I’ve received myself:
- The Social Atom by Mark Buchana (recommended by Susannah Fox)
- Causewired by Tom Watson (recommended Tim Brauhn)
- Up and Out of Poverty by Nancy Lee and Philip Kotler (recommended by Alex Rampy)
- Momentum by Allison Fine (recommended by Beth Kanter)
- Groundswell by Charlene Li and Josh Bernoff (recommend by Geoff Livingston)
- The Blue Sweater by Jacqueline Novogratz (recommended by Andre Blackman)
- Here Comes Everybody by Clay Shirky (recommended by Nancy Shute)
- The Help, By Kathryn Stockett (recommended by Alex Rampy)
- Hope Dies Last by Studs Terkel (recommended by Mike Brooks)
- Rules for Revolutionaries by Guy Kawasaki (recommended by Amy Jussel)
Now what? Vote!
Vote on which book we’ll discuss first and I’ll announce it in a about a week what YOU chose for us all to read and chat about. In the meantime, feel free to also email me book suggestions: socialbutterfly4change@gmail.com. I’ll work on getting that page up that my mom told me about. Thanks mom. (I know she’s reading.)
flickr credit: Chocolate Geek
Book Images: Courtesy of Amazon
Defining SocialButterfly–Social Change, Social Marketing and Social Media
Thursday, August 13th, 2009 | Changeblogging: NP, activism, social change +, Social Marketing, SocialButterfly | 2 Comments
At SB, I’ve noticed a spike in new visitors this summer who might be wondering, “What is SocialButterfly all about?” Well, I’ve been evaluating that myself, and encouraged by a few colleagues of mine, I believe it’s time for an update. As we go forward, you’ll see me working to align my work, content and chatter around this working vision: Make SocialButterfly a resource for information and dialogue on social change, social marketing and social media.
In my first post on SB, I explained that:
Defined–a social butterfly is someone who is amazing at socializing, making connections and creating conversation…appearing to ‘fly’ about the room. In the context of this Web site, it is a play on words.
‘Social‘ is taking from the term social marketing, in which marketing efforts are applied to create and influence behavior changes that are beneficial to society. In other words, depending on one’s view, it is learning to examine social issues and look for ways to ignite social change for the better.
‘Butterfly‘ is taken from the butterfly insect, which goes through a metamorphosis, and changes into a beautiful creation. Thus, this site works to promote and increase understanding surrounding the practice of social marketing by inspiring any and all to create change for the better. Then, in a ripple effect, maybe we could all become SocialButterflies in creating social change for the betterment of society.
As the header alludes, social change, social marketing and social media is a metamorphosis and we all play a role in spreading the good. It’s an evolution of an ongoing revolution. We can all be SocialButterflies. Let me elaborate:
Social Change–In the online space, and as our world becomes a smaller place, boundaries continue to become blurred. More public-private partnerships are evolving. Government agencies are reaching out to non-profits. Private sector is getting energized by government. And, this is good. Social change for social good takes a village. I was recently inspired by the discovery of Booz Allen’s “MegaComunities” concept. It mirrors a similiar message that I detailed in my graduate research–emphasizing the collaboration across fields, industries and sectors. Social change umbrellas work of non-profits, journalism, activism, advocacy, health, environmentalism, social justice, human rights, public policy, lobbying, and more–for the improvement in the quality of life.
Social Marketing–Again, social marketing, on SB, does not mean social media. It means influencing behavior change for social good. Founded by marketing guru Philip Kotler and Nancy Lee, it’s the “science” behind behavior change for social good–aka social change. See the connection? Social change is the WHAT or the GOAL, social marketing is the theoretical STRATEGY or FRAMEWORK.
Social Media–Social media encompasses a variety of TACTICS and/or TOOLS. Social media marketing is best when it’s an integrated approach that complements current outreach and communication efforts, when it works to solve a problem, and is about what it enables, empowers and builds–more so than tools or information. SB looks at social media for a few reasons 1) It’s evolving itself as new tools and best practices continue to emerge on almost a daily basis; 2) Because of its fast growth and continual change, it demands savvy practitioners; 3) Because of reason #2, an active commitment to learn and engage is required, not just for me, but for all of us colleagues; and 4) It has the potential to completely change the game for social change and behavior–and in many ways, it already has–making it critical to know, understand and grasp.
But I can’t accomplish this alone. It’s going to take an active-living-breathing-charged-committed-encouraged-motivated-and-dedicated swarm of socialbutterflies to move the needle. What are your thoughts? How do you think we’re doing?
flickr credit: ~flutterby~’s
Dear May 2009 Graduate, Here’s 40 Reasons to Still Study Journalism
Wednesday, June 3rd, 2009 | Blog Talk, SocialButterfly | 28 Comments
I am completely biased in this post because of my own studies in journalism. That said:
Newspapers are downsizing. Jobs are being cut. The journalism field is in the midst of a re-invention. Despite the landscape and view people may hold when they think of today’s journalism, enrollment in journalism school has INCREASED!
Recently on the Mizzou Mafia’s list serv (we do exist), an alum wrote about her frustration when a prospective freshman asked her about a career in journalism. She just felt like she couldn’t encourage the girl to go into a field that she felt was losing hope.
However, when my High School Senior, Class of 2009 cousin asked me about it the other weekend, I was thrilled. I still encourage perspective students and recent grads to continue in the field of journalism. To provide evidence as to why and to help spread hope in the journalism field, I write this letter:
********************
Dear May 2009 Graduate,
Here are 40 reasons to still study journalism:
- We need journalism. As a society, we need journalism to help us be the watchdog, to speak for the people, to highlight issues and areas that need addressed, to highlight people’s voices and to protect our freedoms.
- As a society, we need good journalism. We need journalism that knows its purpose and role in society. We need journalism to remember its roots, and as Walter William said in the Journalist’s Creed, we need journalism to act as a public service.
- We need good journalists. We need journalists who can be jugglers. Journalists who are multi-faceted, sharp, quick, curious, creative, inventive, profound and moving.
- We need journalism’s spirit. Imagine if more of this moved in our words, writing and work: Also from the Journalists Creed: Journalism…“seeks to give every man a chance and, as far as law and honest wage and recognition of human brotherhood can make it so, an equal chance; is profoundly patriotic while sincerely promoting international good will and cementing world-comradeship; is a journalism of humanity, of and for today’s world.”
- We need the next generation’s talent. You grew up with technology. You care about your friends and your communities. You aren’t afraid. We need you, your ideas, your voices, your tech-saavy minds, your perspective, and your willingness to adapt, change and evolve.
- Journalism teaches you to be a writer, and a good one. In just about any profession, you will be a writer at some point. Journalism teaches you how to write. And when you know how to write, people will value this talent and gift no matter what your title, job or industry.
- Journalism teaches you to be a talker, and a good one. Again, in any profession, you will be called upon to speak at some point. Journalism provides you a firm foundation to know what to say, how to say it and why you are saying it.
- Journalism teaches you to defend your stance, your writing and your character. When you write or talk, no matter if it’s in work, in relationships or through your passions, you will need to know why you do what you do and write what you write. You will also need to identify your limits and your “no-fly” zones/issues.
- Journalism teaches you ethics. You might be scoffing. But, in j-school, they really do teach ethics, and it’s fascinating. You are reporting and telling people’s stories. These are real people and real issues that your words and actions will affect. It is not something to take lightly.
- Journalism teaches you to learn on the fly. You will learn something new everyday. Some events you can’t prepare for and sometimes you must be an expert on a situation you just learned about 20 minutes ago. Get ready. (Thanks @brenda_haines for that one!)
- Journalism teaches you how to ask questions, including the tough ones. The field is right there with you, and it’s got your back because people want and need to know. You ask the question not just for yourself or your editor, but because you represent “the people.” This will come in handy because in life, sometimes, it’s easy not to ask the tough ones or to think someone else will do it. But, as a j-schooler, you will learn how to take the initiative and be confident in your curiosity.
- Journalism makes you look at situations, problems and issues from multiple perspectives. It gets you out of your comfort zone. Again, great lessons for life.
- Journalism teaches you to be a good networker. You have to build relationships with your sources and with those gateways to your sources. You also learn how to identify resources, another important aspect of networking.
- Journalism teaches you to be a good researcher. You must fact check, and fact check again. You are given an assignment and you must find out all the answers to all the questions your audience may have about your assignment so you can write the best write-up possible or capture the best video.
- Journalism teaches you confidence. To succeed, especially in broadcast journalism, you have to be confident in your research, words, and actions. It also helps you identify confidence in others, which is a good talent when fact checking sources, seeking talent, choosing a mentor, finding a love interest or when making a friend.
- The world becomes a smaller place. Journalism gives you the platform to meet a diverse amount of people, study diverse issues and if you want, even travel to diverse countries.
- Journalism clues you into newsworthiness. You learn how to be interesting, how to make conversation, how to potentially position a business or what to cover for a blog. Newsworthiness is a subject that I think all should take a class in. For example, can you define all the elements of newsworthiness? Here’s three to get you started: proximity, timeliness and prominence.
- There are cutting-edge and exciting projects developing. The New York Times just hired a Social Media Editor. People are curious if newspapers will become non-profits. Organizations are adopting journalistic principles into their work. It’s an exciting time to get started.
- You can explore your creativity. Writing, photography, art direction, videography, graphic design, Web production, etc. all utilize skills learned in journalism school.
- There are plenty of stories still needing to be told. @Boones6433 helped me with this one, and it’s true. So many rocks still left to uncover, in your community, state, nation and around the globe.
- It’s historic. You can say you were there. You get involved in history by helping to create and influence it.
- People in journalism are diverse, eclectic and interesting. Maybe I’m biased by the program I went to, but you meet people from all walks of life, varied experiences and a long span of passions. It’s inspiring and motivating.
- Gives you an excuse to talk to someone in the know. Doing an interesting piece on dairy recall in stores across the nation? This gives you a perfect reason to try and get in touch with someone at Baskin Robbins or the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Better yet, do graduate research on any topic you find interesting and find a way to interview people “in the know.”
- You grow broad shoulders. People will critique your work. If not an editor, then your readers. You learn to brave the wind, and it makes you a better person for it, even beyond the world of journalism.
- Make the right decision the first time. Enrollment of older adults in journalism is increasing. Some reasons are because of its appeal, the breadth of skills it teaches and the variety of doors it opens. Don’t not go to j-school because you are afraid nothing will come of it. Have a better reason for an alternative than fear.
- You can reach more people than ever. With the help of evolving technology, today’s stories have the capability to be heard around the world instantaneously.
- You can be you. According to Mark Glaser at PBS, Web technologies and blogs offer reporters the ability to “explain their conflicts of interest in greater detail, leading to more transparency. Plus, online writing tends to be more personal, giving reporters, editors and news anchors the chance to be more human and connect with their audience in deeper ways.”
- It’s easier to freelance. With blogging and others sites like Craigslist, E-Lance, iFreelance and others, jobs are literally right at your fingertips.
- There are internships galore that you can start doing now. Because of the economic crunch many journalism organizations are facing, the amount of internships have increased….everywhere. With some creativity and some luck, you can even make your own internship opportunity anywhere you want. Journalism can truly be an entrepreneurial field that you define and mold.
- There are top-notch universities with amazing learning labs. For some of the top ones, check out Missouri’s School of Journalism (my alma mater), Columbia, NYU, and Northwestern.
- Inside information is easier to attain. According to the Online Journalism Blog, “wikileaks and the like” have make it easier for people with sensitive information to bypass censorship, making information more available.
- It’s less costly to do. The Online Journalism Blog also notes how today’s journalists can conduct interviews over Skype or through email for free.
- You mom will be proud. You can have a moment of nano-fame when you first get “published” and the byline says your name. Keep it, frame it, dance around and call your mom. I admit I did exactly that.
- You will know how to mediate a conversation. The journalism profession teaches you how to keep conversation going person to person or within groups both small and large. This is helpful for work meetings, making small talk or even arguments amongst friends.
- You will learn how to multi-task. Your phone is ringing with a hot new lead. You have a deadline in a two hours. You still need to fact check. You need to follow-up to some emails and you have a meeting in ten minutes. Yay, like, I said earlier, jugglers.
- You can make a difference. Cliche? Maybe. But you can. Depending on your interests and passions, you can make a difference. I used to report for Adelante on Mid-Missouri’s Latino population. We made a difference as we were the only print voice for Latinos in all of Mid-Missouri by bringing attention to worker conditions, immigration issues and health conditions just to name a few.
- You will learn tangible skills. Studying journalism, you will be able to develop tangible skills. Not just writing, interviewing and researching, but also Web literacy, photoshop techniques, Flash, Studio 8, Videography, video editing, and many more.
- You can pursue graduate education. There are many top-notch graduate programs that can be leveraged to open new doors and opportunities. As I like to say, in journalism, you can own your education. Love the art of journalism, but interested in public health but also like to travel? Then, do a graduate fellowship or research project abroad covering community health. Like studying how technology affects communication? Then, create your own research study to measure an organization’s Diffusion of Innovation.
- It changes everyday. This is more true nowadays than ever before. The field is constantly evolving. Sure, stories may last longer, but being a journalists means different assignments, different interviews and different situations. You won’t be bored.
- Twitter tweeps agree that studying journalism is invaluable. Don’t believe me? Then ask these tweeps:
The goal is to get to 50. I’ve done the first 40. Going with the whole co-creation concept and knowing SB readers are smart and savvy, I figure you’ll have some reasons of your own to expand the list! =)
flickr credit: Jonathan Pobre
************ (from the comments):
#41: Headline writing is great practice in a social world. With only 140 characters on Twitter and the increasing need to be short, simple and to the point. @brenda_haines reminds us that headline writing is great practice for Twitter posting.
#42: MerAnda added–Being a reporter means your job will be cooler, or at least perceived as more interesting, than 95 percent of the kids you went to high school with. When someone asks what you do, they can’t help but want to know more when you say you’re a journalist.
#43: MerAnda added–Even if you don’t get rich (and you probably won’t), you will at least have some great stories to tell. What’s the craziest crash, destruction or natural disaster you’ve ever seen? What was the best performance or speech you’ve attended? Who’s the biggest celeb you’ve met? Most people have responses to these. You will be able to not only top most of them, but because you’ve been trained to notice and remember details, your story will be more vivid and interesting.
#44: MerAnda added–You’ll learn to find interest in subjects you’re not naturally interested in. That will make you a more well rounded person, not only in journalism but also in life.
#45: MerAnda added–Journalism can take you anywhere. There is no geographical limit to stories waiting to be told. And with the Internet and freelance opportunities, there are few limits on the outlets and methods in which those stories can be shared.
#46: MerAnda added–You don’t have to wonder if people read what you write. The proof is there in black and white. There are people responding to your stories, in letters to the editor or story chats or through blog posts or calls to you.
#47: MerAnda added–You don’t have to work 9 to 5. In fact, you probably won’t. (SB: I would also add that you won’t work 9 to 5. You will probably be on call around the clock and find yourself working at odd hours, especially the more technology evolves. This, at times, can create more flexibility, but also teaches you some mean time management skills.)
#48 MerAnda added–Strangers will recognize you, if not by sight, then by name. Your byline may be small and easy to skip over skimming the publication, but the people who care about the topic you cover, know who you are and are familiar with your work.
Do you consider yourself an activist?
Monday, May 25th, 2009 | Changeblogging: NP, activism, social change +, SocialButterfly | 3 Comments
There are certain people you get really excited about meeting. One of those people for me was Geoff Livingston. A couple of weeks ago, I finally got the chance to meet him in person. During our conversation, he referenced me as an activist.
This was another first for me. I know Geoff said it with love, but no one has ever called me that, and I found myself pondering: Do I consider myself an activist? So, I let it marinate. And I came to three conclusions:
1. I do consider myself an activist. But then comes the question, what am I advocating for? I feel the answer to this question will continue to morph, evolve, and develop with time. For the longest time and presently, I am an advocate for a cure to multiple sclerosis. I’m also an advocate for my family, for human rights, for literacy and for social good. It may be cliche, but the quote, “Stand for something, otherwise you stand for nothing.”
Well, when my name is called, I want to feel confident about where I’m standing and why. This blog helps document my approach to activism as it’s deeply rooted in the belief I have in the process of social marketing and behavior change.
2. Being considered an activist is a good thing. I consider it a badge of honor. I know the word “activist” itself carries with it many ideas and immediate connotations from a variety of people, which is all great and dandy. However, what I realized was more important, was what it meant to me. I started thinking of others that I would deem “activists.” Maybe I’m just a little too on the optimistic side, but I first thought of those like Susan B. Anthony, Martin Lurther King Jr., Nelson Mandella, and my family.
You see, I feel like I come from a lineage of activists so to speak. One, my grandfather of about five generations ago was a Cherokee Indian Chief. Another super great uncle was an abolitionist with John Brown and was actually hung with him as documented in the book Man on Fire. Though I know that one is a bit extreme, there was my great-grandpa Russel who was a teacher…A teacher who lost his job because he didn’t believe in the segregation of his classroom. To carry on the torch and encourage others to join, well, to me, that’s a good thing.
3. This, inherently, implies action. The word itself carries the word “act” in it. Are there “activists” that you don’t agree with? Yes. Are there activists with bad intentions? Yes. Are there activites who use approaches you don’t agree with? Yes. But, then, if that’s the case, act on it. =) Being an activist is what you make of it.
Find your voice. Channel your purpose….and I think you’ll find that you will want to ACT on whatever you feel called or led to do more than ever. Are you with me?
(*I hesitated writing this post, because I thought the word “activist” might lend itself to be controversial. But then I thought, hey, SB readers are pretty smart folks. They’ll have some good insights to stretch me even further on this. I’m counting on it. In the meantime, thanks Geoff for the compliment!)
flickr credit: RockChalk Jayhawk, John Rover
Looking for a Job in Social Change? Look No Further
Thursday, May 14th, 2009 | Changeblogging: NP, activism, social change +, Education and Resources, SocialButterfly | 3 Comments
Change.org made a major announcement Thursday in response to Obama’s call for public service: Jobs for Change. This is to be a hub and marketplace for social change jobs that they’ve created in partnership with dozens of nonprofits including: Young Nonprofit Professionals Network, AmeriCorps Alums, Echoing Green, Network for Good, and Encore Careers.
The goal: Spark a nationwide movement toward careers in the common good – including nonprofit, government, and social enterprise jobs. (Cross-Fertilization–> This makes me especially happy!)
Status: Currently, Change.org is building a huge database of social change jobs with their partners and have just hired a team of career advisors who will be blogging every day to provide guidance on finding and developing a career in social change, including Rosetta Thurman! (Mentors, resources and role-models….even better!)
Now What? Besides just checking it out and getting some good food for action, Change.org is also reaching out to like-minded bloggers and non-profit leaders to spread the word–specifically by signing a statement to endorse the vision. If you think this sounds pretty sweet….then join me (and @mikekujawski @engagejoe @mindofandre @bbravo and many others in signing.
Some Highlights of the Vision:
- People are the most important factor in advancing social change.
- To attract leaders, we need to enhance the social sector’s ability to recruit, develop, and retain talent.
- Innovative businesses should join as partners with nonprofits and government in the pursuit of social good.
Thanks Change.org for providing an avenue for people to cultivate their passion with their purpose for effective, long-lasting and positive change.
(For the record, I currently have no relationship with Change.org other than being a member of their community…I jam ust that impressed with 1) their blogger outreach strategy anf 2) the actual product/vision behind this initiative.) =)
Lessons from the Incurable Optimist
Thursday, May 7th, 2009 | Changeblogging: NP, activism, social change +, Interesting Articles, SocialButterfly | 2 Comments
I write this post purely out of inspiration gained from one Incurable Optimist–Michael J. Fox. I knew I chose him as my favorite actor when I was 8 years old for a reason.
During Michael J. Fox’s “Adventures of an Incurable Optimist,” I found myself live-tweeting inspirational quotes, thoughts and ideas from the show. As a gift for a job well done this week, I encourage you to check out the points below and remember 1) that hope is alive and 2) it is attainable.
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“As hard as things are right now, there is something happening with people…people reaching out and helping each other.”
“Maybe that’s where hope comes from. If I could do everything, I would have no reason to be thankful for hope.”
“I’ve discovered it’s not always about winning…it’s about accepting yourself” -MJFOX (Do we do this enough? Remember to celebrate.)
Did you know that the Bhutanese officially measure GNH: Gross National Happiness. It just makes sense when you think about it. They base this on the belief that a commonality of the human experience is to be happy.
“Optimism is contagious…Happiness is contagious. You can give it out in handing out newspapers.” -Michael J. Fox
Is there a link between optimism and creativity and the arts?
“For everything this disease has taken, something of greater value has been given…After everything with Parkinson’s, I’ve learned that what’s important is always making that one step count.”
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“Optimists are open to alternatives in the face of adversity.”
So I ask you: Do you consider yourself to be an optimist? I think if we can attain just an ounce of the optimism, joy and connected-ness that I witness in Michael J. Fox, my mom, my friends, the dear elderly man in my building who smiles and loves the moment in a simple hello….then I think we’ll all be okay.
flickr: Shanissinha
Alexandra Bornkessel
Email: socialbutterfly4change@gmail.com
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