Just the other week many questioned American Idol’s crowdsourcing technique of asking audience members to text their vote for their favorites when Pia Toscano was voted off. Crowdsourcing was also in question with President Obama’s “Open for Questions” initiative when questions on the nation’s drug reform were at the top of the public agenda. In fact, the number one issue–not once, but twice–was the legalization of marijuana. And again, when Change.org held its crowdsourcing contest “Ideas for Change,” the legalization of marijuana also floated to the number one spot.
Before you say crowdsourcing is so 2008, give me a second. This may be an oversimplification–but I can’t get the thought out of my head. I understand the benefits of crowdsourcing–but there’s also a time and purpose to applying a crowdsourcing approach.
Here’s the leap: Is voting a form of crowdsourcing?
Having recently joined the army of weekday commuters, I just finished listening to Arianna Huffington’s Third World America on audiobook. (Note: Bush’s Decision Points is next on my “to read” list as I want to study differing viewpoints and perspectives.) Despite Huffington’s obvious leanings and strong (and sometimes distracting) language, she does make some interesting arguments. One of which is her look at education and its role on our economic and political structures, specifically, the American public’s access to quality information.
httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hu8QDhNeNdQ&
Have you read Third World America? What were your thoughts and reflections upon reading it? And, is voting a form of crowdsourcing? One of the messages I appreciated most from Huffington’s book was her call for increased civic engagement from citizens ourselves as she did balance her argument asking for both policy changes as well as increased individual accountability.
Though I would have liked to hear more about the solutions she proposes to the problems she outlines, she does encourage people to visit: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/news/third-world-america, as a hub for getting involved and taking action (a smart move on her end I must say).
Additional Resources:
- Third World America: Why I Wrote the Book and What We Need to Do to Save America’s Middle Class by Arianna Huffington
- Editorial: Obama’s Third World America, Washington Times
- How You Can Prevent America from Ever Becoming a Third World Country, Huffington Post
“Seek knowledge. Ask questions.”
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Book: Wired to Care
Special Guest: Co-Author Pete Mortenson
Topic: Empathy + CSR as an Approach to Change
From Chase Bank to Pepsi to now–American Idol, many are integrating social media into their corporate social responsibility and/or their cause marketing efforts. Join us to discus what’s working and what’s needed–could it be more empathy? Co-author Pete Mortenson joins us to share his insights and the lessons gained from the concept of empathy.
FYI: During our chat, American Idol will be highlighting its latest cause initiative with Idol’s Kris Allen and the UN Foundation in Haiti. Thus, it’s a book club and a watch party all in one. (#UNFIdol) Hope you can join in on the fun!
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Piqued your interest? Learn more about the Read4Change Book Club –including future topics and books.
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The #read4change book club met twice in 2009 to discuss Tom Watson’s CauseWired in November, and Actions Speak Loudest in December. This January, we decided to take a break to take some lessons learned, tweak and plan for the rest of 2010. We hope you’ll join us in gathering and sharing community amongst some good books and great thinkers.
What to Expect
Once a month–using the Twitter account @read4change and the hashtag #read4change–do gooders, social changers, nonprofiteers and the like gather around the last Wednesday of the month and read a social change-themed book–chosen by the community. The hope is to have authors or experts join us in the conversation as a unique opportunity to have meaningful conversations in a meaningful way.
Everyday–Be on the lookout for #read4change challenges where we identify ways where you or I’s reading can have a direct impact into a positive change. It might not be everyday, but we’ll do our best. If you or your organization has an action you want highlighted, just shoot me an email or direct message.
Bonus–Any funds raised through our online bookshelf (run through Amazon’s Associates program) will be donated to a charity of the group’s choice at the end of the year.
All Stars–Shoot me an email if you want to be a #read4change All Star list. This means you plan to partake in at least 3 of our 11 chats this year, and you will also be also given some link-love.
2010 Themes
- February–Approach to Change VOTE
- March–Going Green VOTE
- April–Social Entrepreneurship VOTE
- May–Stories of Change
- June–Economics
- July–The Big Screen (Movies)
- August–Inspiration and Motivation
- September–Today’s Woman
- October–Global Issues
- November–Back to Basics
- December–Enjoy the Holidays (no book)
How to Get Involved
- FOLLOW us @read4change on Twitter.
- READ more.
Look forward to a great year. Open to ideas. Feel free to suggest a book or topic in the comments!
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You voted, and now, Actions Speak Loudest by Robert McKinnon will be our next #read4change book. I feel it’s quite timely considering my post last week about knowledge, attitudes and actions.
Actions Speak Loudest is a compilation of some of today’s greatest doers like Jimmy Carter, Queen Noor, Mia Hamm, Joe Torre and others who are everyday American heroes that make a difference. Together, they look at thirty-two issues, ranging from childhood obesity to climate change, that are critical to the well-being of the next generation–while also providing ideas and ways to take action. All funds raised from sales of the book go back to the causes and organizations featured within its pages.
BONUS: Robert McKinnon will join our #read4change chat. Stay tuned for time and date.
Feeling lost and wondering what the heck #read4change is?
In September 2009, with some inspiration and a desire to create deeper connections with the talented online community, SB launched “read4change,” an online social change book club–where anyone can participate.
Using the Twitter account @read4change and the hashtag #read4change–do gooders, social changers, nonprofiteers and the like gather around each month to discuss that month’s book and how its relates to our do-good work.
Now, curious about how to get involved?
- FOLLOW us @read4change on Twitter.
- RECOMMEND a book. Email me at socialbutterfly4change@gmail.com.
- VOTE each month on which book we should read. The top book will be chosen.
- READ the book or browse our bookshelf to see what we’ve recently discussed.
- DISCUSS the books with us on Twitter using the #read4change hashtag.
Want to help? Just answering these two simple questions helps:
- Do you prefer to have a pre-set reading list–or do you like voting on the book each month?
- Given the holidays, should we meet for December’s #read4change or schedule our next one to be early January?
The other week, I announced a new way for us book lovers to connect in a fun and meaningful way–through an online social change book club named #read4change.
After a week of collecting votes, and a battle between Allison Fine’s Momentum and Tom Watson’s Causewired, Causewired came out on top and will be the first book we discuss.
Bonus
What’s better than friends, social media and books? Imagine getting to go to your book club–and the author shows up. That’s right. Tom Watson has agreed to join us and be available for our comments, feedback and our questions!
To Participate
- Grab your copy of Causewired.
- Read and reflect.
- Join us November 10 at 8pm EST on Twitter
- Follow @read4change and track the conversation with the hashtag #read4change.
About the Book Club
Each month, lovers of books, people and making this world a better place will gather online to discuss a social change-related book–its story, its info and how it can be applied towards our work. Ideas for featured books are always welcome. Email me at socialbutterfly4change[at]gmail.com with suggestions. Until November 10, happy reading!
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