Once upon a time, we lived in a world where no one expected the companies that sold them soap, shoes or snacks to also help cure diseases, feed the hungry, and protect animal habitats. Sure you'd find the occasional donation can at a cash register, but for the most part, bettering the world was not something you looked to do while shopping or encountering ads.
All of that is rapidly changing. Welcome to the "We First" world - one where people are more socially aware than ever, and companies are pulling their weight in innovative ways to create positive change around the world.
In his new book, We First: How Brands and Consumers Use Social Media to Build a Better World, Simon Mainwaring (@simonmainwaring) discusses the connection among social media, brands, charities, and everyday people. He points to SocialVibe as an example of the power of spreading messages on social media and talks about the incredible movement from a "me" world to a "we" world.
We're so honored to be a part of the "we" movement and thrilled to be included in this inspiring book.
Below, SocialVibe CEO, Jay Samit, sums up "the power of all of us."
"Just a few minutes a day…a click here…a post there…can inspire millions to give back to those in need. On average, SocialVibe users share brand campaigns with 170 of their friends and our members, their friends, and our advertisers continue to use social media for social good each day."
We've had the honor of working with hundreds of your favorite brands that want to make a difference. From uploading images of light to fund solar energy projects through GE, to making virtual beds through Marriott to fund disaster relief efforts, we've been able to help offer actions that highlight the work of both brands and charities – and we couldn't have done it without you.
What are some of your favorite socially responsible brands? Share them in the comment section!
Our product and technology team has been hard at work packing... er... coding because, on March 25, socialvibe.com will be moving to give.socialvibe.com.
No need to be alarmed - all of your favorite features will remain and you'll still be able to earn donations for all of your favorite causes. Same site, new URL.
Thanks to you, we've been able to donate nearly $1 million to incredible causes around the world.
You've helped build schools for rescued child soldiers, fund cancer research, provide safe, clean water for those without it, and make suicide prevention resources available to people in crisis.
So update your bookmarks, spread the word, and keep up your amazing dedication to all of our wonderful charity partners!
SV, a top Social Media Influencer? Stop it; you're making us blush. Okay, don't stop... we love it. In fact, we'd actually love for YOU to head over to this page and vote for us!
It's simple (we promise).
1) Go here 2) Click "Vote Now" 3) Select the GE Ecomagination campaign by SocialVibe
We're up for this award thanks to our work on the GE Ecomagination Photo Project, one that more than 200,000 of you participated in.
In reality, it’s thanks to all of you. As a result of the incredible images you uploaded, more than $50,000 was donated to charity!
Completing that activity helped build a well in Africa, provided more than 400 families in developing nations with 2 solar lights each, decreasing their dependence on kerosene, and funded the construction of three wind turbines to produce electricity for three health clinics in isolated rural communities.
Pretty sweet, huh? Wait… why are you still reading this? Here’s the plan for today: you go vote for us and we’ll keep working with great companies to create cool ways for you to help your favorite causes! Now, get voting!
Have a dog that’s terrified of fireworks, thunderstorms or other loud noises? You’re not alone.
Each year around July 4th, shelters around the US experience an influx of dogs that ran away form home, often hurting themselves in the process.
Luckily, there are several ways to make the 4th (or any stormy night) a bit easier on you and your four-legged family members.
First, keep dogs inside on the 4th but make sure they’re wearing a collar with up to date tags or are micro-chipped just in case - a frightened dog is always a flight risk.
Don’t baby your dog. It’s probably your first instinct but vets advise against it, saying that it validates Fido’s fear. We interpret being comforted as “it will be okay” but your dog hears “you’re right to be afraid.” Don’t fret; attention is okay, just make sure you act as though nothing’s wrong. Reward calm behavior with extra attention. Play with your dog during the noise or give him a new bone just before the fireworks start.
There are several over-the-counter and prescription drugs as well as natural supplements that can help calm frightened dogs. Your vet can prescribe anti-anxiety medication or recommend other options.
Melatonin (available at drug and health food stores) is most often taken by people for insomnia but can be given to both dogs and cats to help calm them. Lots of sites list the dosage for dogs - 6 mg for 100+-lb. dogs; 3 mg for 50-lb. dogs; 1.5 mg for 30-lb. dogs; and 0.5 mg for 10-lb. dogs – but make sure to give your vet a call if you can.
Make sure your dog gets plenty of exercise during the day so he’ll be tired at night.
Keep your doors and windows shut if you can, and turn on music or a fan.
You may have to experiment a bit and find out what works for your dog. If all else fails, take your pup for a ride in the car, head as far from the noise as possible, and tell her what an amazing owner she has for giving up a night of fun to make her feel safe!
Daniel Radcliffe (yes, as in ‘Harry Potter’) has long been a champion of gay rights; he’s said in the past that he loathes both homophobia, and the people who foster it. While saying that you hate people that foster hate might seem contradictory, we can totally see where he’s coming from: haters = not cool.
One of Daniel’s fave organizations is SocialVibe partner, The Trevor Project, the leading national organization focused on crisis and suicide prevention efforts among lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and questioning (LGBTQ) youth.
Suicide is the 3rd leading cause of death among young people 15-24 and LGBT people in that group are four times more likely to attempt to take their own lives. The truly heartbreaking part of this is that suicide is preventable.
The Trevor Project operates a free, confidential suicide helpline for LGBT or questioning youth - (866) 4-U-TREVOR. Someone will answer your call 24 hours a day.
You can earn free donations for The Trevor Project by choosing them as your cause on SocialVibe.
Your Tuesday is about to get better. We’re welcoming a new brand to SocialVibe! Windows Section 7 is all about the music you love.
Earn 100 points for answering the question: “which rock star would you want to perform at your wedding?” Publish your answer to Facebook to share it with your friends and earn even more for your cause when they answer.
Want access to $7 dollar concert tix, cool digital downloads, and amazing deals on music merch? Click “become a fan” after answering the question! Just to clarify, you read that right… $7 concert tickets!! You’re welcome.
We're happy to announce that we have added two more excellent charities to our growing roster of causes for you to support here on SocialVibe, War Child and Autism Speaks. Here's a brief introduction and breakdown of who they are and what they do. To support their missions, choose them as your Cause and start completing activities!
War Child
About: “War Child works for children all over the world to mitigate poverty, provide education and to defend and fight for their rights. We work tirelessly to help children whose lives have been torn apart by conflict and provide them with the means to build a brighter future.”
Current goal: Fund child rights broadcasting on Ugandan radio.
About: “At Autism Speaks, our goal is to change the future for all who struggle with autism spectrum disorders. We are dedicated to funding research into the causes, prevention, treatments, and cure for autism; to raising public awareness about autism and its effects on individuals, families, and society; and to bringing hope to all who deal with the hardships of this disorder. We aim to bring the autism community together as one strong voice to urge the government and private sector to listen to our concerns and take action to address this urgent global health crisis.”
Current goal: Fund early behavioral intervention programs for autistic children.
We're pleased to share some exciting news with you today - especially all you animal rights advocates and supporters of peta2! SocialVibe has officially been nominated for "Best Online Advocacy Partner" for peta2's Libby Awards for 2009!
Given all the incredible online marketing peta2 does and all the smart and talented organizations they work with, we're pretty honored. If you think we deserve to win, please vote for us! We're on the 2nd page of nominees, category number 37.
While you're at it, you can also vote for your favorite vegan junk food, best retail store, best concert venue and other cool categories. Congrats to all the other nominees! Happy voting!
