One of the big problems in social media is that it encourage shallow connections. I was at a conference about a year ago where I heard a speaker complaining about the fact that their 35K FB friends didn’t donate any money, and they didn’t really know what else to do with them. People are happy to “fan” your page or install the Causes app, but they don’t actually *do* anything for your organization.

12 for 12K aims to change that.

The group seeks to combine social media awareness and fund-raising to change the lives of millions worldwide. The goal is to raise awareness and funds for 12 charities over the course of 2009, with a new charity being supported every month – 1 charity a month for 12 months, $12K a month.

How are they doing it? Word of Mouth (which I’m helping with by this post :)

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The annual World Car-Free Day is tomorrow, Tuesday, September 22. How do you plan to observe it? Can you commute to work by other means? Can you telecommute? Can you run some errands on foot rather than in your car? Is it time to dust off your bike, your roller skates, or your walking shoes?

Post your plans in the comments section.
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Tomorrow, Saturday, September 19, is the Ocean Conservancy’s annual International Coastal Cleanup. Top 5 Facts about Ocean Debris:

1. The number one source of ocean debris? Cigarettes and filters. Attention, smokers! Contrary to popular belief, the world is not your ashtray!
2. Number two? Plastic bags. Get yourself some Chico reusable bags – what are you waiting for?
3. Number one marine animal entangled in debris? Fish.
4. Number one source of marine debris? Recreation and other shoreline activities. Haven’t you people ever heard of “take only pictures – leave only footprints”?
5. The total weigh of garbage collected world-wide = the weight of 18 blue whales.

(all facts from OC’s site)

Not doing anything tomorrow morning? It’s still not too late to register, and it’s a world-wide event, so ANYONE can participate. If you’re in DC, look for me and the spouse at the Anacostia site.
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