Remember last week when we learned how to build our communities? Based on the interview with Liz Strauss and the comments that followed, bloggers gained tools to increase their readership.
Although some bloggers only build a large community and following for selfish reasons, e.g. to sell products, have bragging rights, and/or to gain a standing in blogosphere, we can also use our blog’s reach to help others.
Today’s Lesson
On Monday (9/1/08) as I was watching the Glenn Beck show on CNN, one of his guests was Josh Kaye, founder of “Bake Me A Wish” (www.bakemeawish.com). Josh Kaye started an online business where he sells and delivers cakes all over the world. When he received a call from the mother of a soldier in Iraq, asking if he could ship one to her son, the creation of a new endeavor named Operation Birthday Cake was formed. He then partnered with Soldier’s Angels and by doing so, he now ships over 5000 cakes each year to soldiers oversees (on their birthday), all for free.
That, in itself, was a powerful story, but when I clicked on Soldiers’ Angels site, I realized what a generous non-profit organization they had created. By joining their efforts, we can adopt a Soldier, Sailor, Airman or Marine, become an Angel Baker, sew a blanket, make a scarf, or donate our time and/or money for other purposes that will help our soldiers. They even have Angel bloggers.
A sampling of their efforts is well described in their “2008 Wrapped In Holiday Spirit” package.
Handmade “Blankets of Belief” form the heart of the Soldiers’ Angels Wrapped in Holiday Spirit care packages for the 2008 Holiday Season. These special Blankets are designed to tell America’s service men and women, “We believe in you.” When deployed service members receive a Blanket of Belief, they know that somebody back home remembers them, that somebody labored over a handmade blanket with love and belief in them. Along with the handmade Blanket, each Wrapped in Holiday Spirit care package includes a collection of yummy snacks, a stainless steel travel mug, socks, and a holiday card with a personal note of thanks and support.
Although “Soldiers’ Angels is for U.S. soldiers, I’m guessing every country has a similar program.
Having a blog is enabling me to spread the word about great organizations that help others.
I know many will read my writings.
Hopefully some will decide to join the cause.
Today’s Lesson
Have you ever used your blog to help others? If so, how?
Would you use your blog to promote a favorite charity or worthwhile cause?
In what other ways can we use our blogs to help others?
Photo Credit: soldiersmediacenter’s photostream
This is another possible feature of a blog I’d never considered, Barbara.
Newspapers and magazines highlight good causes all the time. I would think the idea could work on a blog.
I guess it is important that any non-profit organization or individual you promote must fit well with your readers.
Perhaps someone might create a social media or networking site focussed on charitable interests… if it doesn’t already exist.
Hi Scott,
As I see it, our blogs can have a long reach. By showcasing non profits who help the less fortunate, we can help them get the word out.
A social media site or “leg” of a site, would be a great idea. As far as I know, no one is doing it.
Hi Al,
I’ve heard of Kiva (from Oprah), and from what I’ve read, they do marvelous things. I wrote about them on my other blog based on what I read about them. I commend you for taking part.
I’m not just highlighting Bake Me A Wish, but also Soldier’s Angels. They are one I’m thinking of joining.
Hi Catherine,
Although my story starts off with Bake Me A Cake, it’s Soldier’s Angels that I feel is doing a phenomenal job. They are making sure no soldier goes unloved. It’s a non profit that was started by one woman who had two children in the military. By clicking on their site, and reading the history, I think you’ll understand why their cause touches my heart.
I don’t have a problem with bloggers making money from their blogs. What I’m saying is why not ALSO use our blog, and write a post to help a worthy cause, as we often have a wide reach.
Hi Miguel,
Having an ad on your blog for a favorite charity is a great idea. It brings their name to the forefront.
I like your other suggestions, too. You’re right, we often hear a lot of bad news. How nice it would be to hear a heartwarming story. When I was watching Glenn Beck, his whole show was on ordinary people who make a difference. It got me thinking of how we can make a difference with our blogs, too.
Hi Bamboo,
We definitely help others by sharing our knowledge, and like you said, it could be deemed as entertainment.
What I do like about having a blog is that we can also share stories of others who are making a difference by acknowledging their efforts via links.
Hi Barbara,
I recently added the “Blog Action Day” banner on my blog. I normally refrain from ostentatious display of charity since many people only do it for show, but I am actually taking part. A couple weeks back, Blog Action Day got me into Kiva, which is a micro-lending site to help entrepreneurs in poorer countries grow their business (I’m sponsoring the growth of a community convenience store 🙂 ).
I think it’s awesome that you’re highlighting the Bake Me a Wish site. You are definitely a giver in the blogging community!
Al at 7P’s last blog post..The Criminally-Minded Approach for Achieving Goals
Hi Barbara – this is an interesting point. I guess I began to blog to help others to begin with, to share my business experiences to help others. And re: promoting charitable causes – I have and would do that.
I don’t make money from my blog now, but I know others that do and I don’t see them as selfish. Many of them have families to support.
And I know I might get flamed here, but while the charity you mention is interesting and some soldiers do deserve a cake – I can think of far more worthwhile charities to support.
I was a forces wife for many years and I witnessed many women with children, stuck on their own, away from their families, with no money for food, because their selfish husbands had spent it all on drink etc, while away in some exotic place on exercise. Often, they were able to borrow from the forces welfare, which is just as well, as it happened often.
And many of those husbands didn’t join up to go to war – they joined up to have a good time. In fact, I know many who pretended to be gay, in order to get thrown out and avoid going to a war zone. And that is probably why the UK forces changed the rules & began allowing gay men to serve in the forces.
I know there’s many charities that are worthy of supporting but I don’t think bloggers who share free information, with the intention of making money themselves eventually are selfish.
I have a permanent ad for one charity I regularly help and I plan to speak about them in blog action day…
As for what else?… I confess I am pretty much a newbie in the blogging world, but I suspect it has to do with the values you share in your blog, so…
you could: a) blog for charities, gathering information for them about legal matters, financing, news, management and so on,
b) blog for supporters, telling them how to support a charity, which ones to avoid, how to volunteer and so on
c) share the good news, there are too many news about criminals, and too few about the successes of people who were helped. When was the last time you heard about a successful Kiva.org entrepreneur?
Just some food for thougth.
I think we all help others with our blogs when we share our knowledge. When doing so – we are in essence – helping others.
I could even take it another step and say that since blog material is free – we are providing free entertainment for those parties interested.
I’ve never showcased a charity on my blog. Maybe some day I will.
But in any event, it certainly seems like a good idea, using ones reach to help others in this way.
Bamboo Forest’s last blog post..7 Sounds That Make You Want to Gouge Your Eyes Out
I’ve also go the ‘Blog Action Day’ banner on my blog site. Whether October 15th will really be a help to poverty remains to be seen. But it will be a great way to at least bring up the subject on a mass scale.
I think that doing things like you referred to for free is a great way to do something for someone else while not feeling bad yourself. Being able to participate in these charities let’s you feel more apart of the world around you. I’ve heard about Soldier’s Angels. Great subject!
Barbara, this is something I really haven’t thought about much – at least in an online presence. But I do see validity in that thinking. If it’s kept to a minimum. If I’m bombarded on a regular basis from the same site/blog/etc. I’m much less likely to click on a link/make a donation/etc. But, if it really feels sincere (you do), and because I feel a connection to that blogger, I’m much more likely to check in out further.
I agree also with what Bamboo says – we are indirectly helping others just with our words we write.
Lance’s last blog post..Stimulate Creativity
I write with the intention of helping readers with personal development issues, but I haven’t much used my blog to promote any specific issue. I was reading some “hate blogs” today to see what was out there in the political realm, and I was shocked by the raw, ripping hate hiding behind what is viewed as cool or snarky, and I more clearly see my blog as a counter to all that, at least on a positive energy level.
SpaceAgeSage’s last blog post..Having more experience doesn’t equal wisdom
I blog repeatedly about Kiva, a great charity both from the performance level (what they accomplish) and their great use of the internet. They allow you to loan money (interest free from you – but the local bank does charge interest to pay for their operations) to entrepreneurs around the world. I have also been encouraging people to participate and send me a link to their Kiva page which I collect on: Curious Cat Kivans.
I like how blogs help the world team up.
Barbara,
The colmnist “Dear Abby” had a program each year, whereby she made certain that cards were sent to American soldiers stationed all over the world. When she died, I do NOT remember who, but somebody tried to re-create the program. They were told THEY COULD NOT. This was around the time of the “anthrax scare,” and as I recall now, even Abby, in her final years, was NOT permitted to continue a program she had used for years, which brought joy to hundreds of thousands of serviceman and women around the world.
Do I use my blog to help others? Occasionally. I try to teach – like the last few days’ (and today’s) blog, and I began and will continue a boycott on eBay for illegal and immoral behavior. I will continue to teach through my words. BUT, I do NOT see that as the main point of my blog.
The charities I (and my husband) choose to support are private. When we donate, we do so ONLY anonymously. We were both brought up with the saying “give anonymously, and ask that the money goes to the most deserving, who remains anonymous to us.” According to Maimonides, a man whom we both admire, that is the BEST way of giving. (For those interested, you can look up Maimonides, or his nickname, The Rambam.)
Though I admire anybody who uses their blog for the purpose of giving to others, unfortunately, that just is not MY way. It’s amazing how we grow up with certain “values” on HOW to give, when in fact, the most important thing, in my eyes is TO give – however a person is comfortable in doing so.
Thank you for another wonderful and inspirational blog. I DO hope that it motivates those who can to GIVE.
To answer the question: in what other ways can we use our blogs to give? Here’s a thought: Many people get caught up in Alexa numbers. Take your weekly (or monthly average) Alexa score, and give a penny for each number to charity. Or, better yet, use Searchbliss, where your numbers RISE, rather than fall as your blog becomes more popular, and use THAT as a way of saying “thank you” for your good fortune!
Thank you,
Rita
Rita’s last blog post..George Washington, the Cherry Tree and Learning “Frum” the Quiz – Part I
Wow. That program sounds really amazing. I think that when you have a loud voice, with a far reach, it’s your responsibility to use it.
Writer Dad’s last blog post..Wiped Out and Ready For More
I’m surprised to say I hadn’t really thought of this. I’d actually love to run a non-profit someday, but hadn’t thought of making connections between these two passions. You’ve got my wheels turning…
That program does a tremendous job and many soldiers reap the benefits for what they do for us.
I have been helping Greensburg, Kansas, the town wiped out by a tornado on May 5, 2007, by a donation button and a weekly update on how they are doing via Planet Green.
My hope is that what I am doing is helping them and letting everyone know what rebuilding a town totally green with LEED certification is about and the FIRST in the nation!
Hi Barbara,
This is a lot of food for thought. Of course Life’s Little Inspirations is all about inspiring people to make a difference all the time so in that sense I hope it is always contributing to the greater good, but there is always more we can do. I am also doing Blog Action Day on October 15th. ( I have to figure out how to get my banner up but I have been signed up for awhile now.) I hope we get a really good turn out.
I am also one of those who was raised to give silently so I understand that too….my mother raised us that way so it wouldn’t have occured to me to put it on the site…something to think about….
Thanks for bringing up an important awareness issue.
What a great program Barbara. I donate 10% of everything I make on “Marelisa-Online” to Save Darfur, although right now it’s very little, to tell the truth. Working on growth though!
Hi Eric,
The October 15th, Blog Action Day, for poverty is a superb idea. With poverty being a worldwide problem, how great will it be when thousands of blogs post articles about poverty, and bring the issue to the forefront.
Hi Lance,
I agree, bombarding our readers with “favorite charity” posts could dilute the message, however, if we feel passionate about a cause, why not bring more attention to them via a post or an “ad” in our sidebar.
Hi John Hunter,
I like your idea of collecting links on your blog from those who participate in Kiva.org. For those who are thinking of joining the organization, it would make for a great starting point to learn what others are doing and how they’re accomplishing that.
Hi Rita,
I hear you about “giving anonymously”. With the birth of blogs, I feel they are a great way to either review charities or spread the word about ones that are doing something for the benefit of others. Our readers don’t have to click on the links, but it does give the cause more name recognition.
That’s a great idea about donating a penny for each point your blog rises in a specified period of them.
Hi Writer Dad,
“I think that when you have a loud voice, with a far reach, it’s your responsibility to use it.” Well put! 🙂
Hi Sara,
I’m happy to hear I have your “wheels turning”. Often one endeavor will lead to another. I love how that works.
Hi Linda,
That sounds like a great cause. I like how you give your readers updates. It shows where the money is going and how others are benefiting. Rebuilding a town that will be totally green is a fabulous idea.
Hi SpaceAgeSage,
You and I may have been on the save political blogs. Like you, I was shocked to hear the words people were writing. I quickly came “home” to the blogs in my reader. Your blog, and all the rest, are what I prefer to read as they are filled with so much positivity.
Hi J. D.
Yes, we can team up and help the world. 🙂
Hi Marelisa,
Save Darfur is a great cause. Although you may feel your contribution is low (now), I have not doubt your blog will grow and you’ll become a major contributor. Great job!
Hi John Hoff,
When a charity’s cause hits close to home, we often want to spread the word. Having a donation link is a great way to show your visitors what you support, plus may motivate them to participate.
Hi Wendi,
You’re welcome.
Yes, what we write about often contributes to the greater good. THAT is a contribution we can’t put a price on.
Hi Vered,
Although we don’t know if our writings make a difference, getting the issues out there is what’s important. I love the fact that our blogs give us the vehicle to do so.
Hello Barbara. I’ve helped people only through the teaching process for getting / doing things online.
This post reminds me though, there are two charities I’d like to support because they have hit close to home:
– Cancer
– Muscular Atrophy
I remember thinking how I was going to place a donation link on my site way back during the writing of my Business Plan. Thanks for reminding me, I’m going to look into it and get something going soon.
John Hoff – eVentureBiz’s last blog post..Securing Your WordPress Blog: Post 6 – Protecting The wp-config.php File
Hi Urban Panther,
Starting a second blog to raise awareness for a specific cause is a great idea, as some blogs may not be conducive to promoting a worthy cause on the same site.
I agree with Cath: making money from a blog is not selfish.
Over the past few months, I blogged about homelessness, poverty, Earth Day, child abuse, and the BlogHer GlobalGiving initiative.
I don’t know how much influence these posts had, if at all. I believe that it’s far more important that my family has an annual giving budget that goes to causes we support.
I also like Marelisa’s idea of donating part of a blog’s earnings to a chosen charity.
Hi Karl,
You’re welcome.
On the Glenn Beck show they had a video clip of a soldier receiving a cake. What a joy it was to see the smile on their face.
Although your blog is about “work”, I do know of many businesses that incorporate charity into their mission statements. It helps to bring employees together for a good cause.
Right now, I would have to say no, I wouldn’t use my blog to support a cause. It’s not the purpose. However, I haven’t come across a cause that I am truly passionate about either. But let’s say something happened to a loved one and I wanted to raise awareness about a disease, or event, I think I would create a blog dedicated to raising awareness as opposed to using my existing blog.
Urban Panther’s last blog post..They are my Boyz and I love them
That is a great story. I would never have thought to put together such a good program. I’m constantly amazed by how many giving, loving and caring people there are in the world. I bet the soldiers love the gift of a birthday cake.
I try to give link love to many great causes. Review books that have changed my life, but never a direct cause like shipping birthday cakes to soldiers in other countries. I’ll have to do some thinking and see if I can come up with something.
Thanks for the creative push!
I’ve been thinking about adding a series called “Teaching Tip Tuesdays” but there are so many such things already, I’m not sure my voice would make much of a difference.
I have joined Bloggers Unite Days. I’ve helped out a few people who have emailed me from my blog.
I think it’s great to help people out.
Hi Stacey,
I definitely think our words can help others. What’s amazing is that often we write, but those we help aren’t commenting. Just believing our words will help, often keeps us motivated to keep writing.
Hi Catherine,
I’m sorry to hear that about the British soldiers. That is sickening.
Promoting charities you feel passionate about is a great idea. Kiva is one organization I had never heard of until Oprah showcased them on her show. Blogs can do the same.
Hi Chase,
I think you’re underestimating the power of your words. Even though others are doing something similar, doesn’t mean there’s not room for you, too.
I say, give it a try and see what kind of reaction you get. As a teacher, I can imagine you would have a lot to contribute.
Similar to Bamboo and Lance, I hope in some way I am helping others through the words I write on my blog. Although I am still taking baby steps, my ultimate goal is to help people balance the demands of being everything to everyone while not losing their sense of self, their needs, and their passions in the process.
Hi Patricia,
Thank you for your kind words.
I commend you on how you share your words and findings on your blog, and I also believe we should leave this world a better place than we found it.
Knitting baby blankets for our newest members to society is a great idea. That reminds me of a friend who knits hats, mittens, and scarves for the homeless. Like with her, your kindness will not go unnoticed.
Hi Barbara – sorry I was so harsh on the soldiers. I don’t believe a lot of them deserve a cake, but I guess their mothers do. Aside from not having a lot of time for them, right before I read your post, Stuart told me that 6 British soldiers have been jailed for raping an abusing kids in Iraq.
Stories like that sicken me – they’re supposed to be there to help and they’re harming people.
Now – I am interested in promoting charities like Kiva more on my blog and also raising awareness of certain issues. I would really like to blog more about businesses that cause harm to the world but I worry that I would be going off topic. I guess I can try it once and see.
Hi Debbie,
Yes, that’s one thing I love about you and your blog. You’re getting the message out there about Down syndrome and raising awareness for anyone who chooses to help.
What you’re doing is awesome. Keep up the great work!
Hi All,
I recently read Lorelle’s most current post. It touches on the same topic of helping others with our blogs. It’s titled: Blogs Offer Communication, Information and Connections During Disasters. It’s a great read which also teaches us what precautions we need to consider if we’re ever caught in the middle of a natural or man made disaster.
Hi NaTuRaL,
I noticed you’ve changed your login 🙂
I can’t say I understand all there is about war either, but I do support the men and women who go to battle in our name.
What you’re doing is paying it forward in personal finance. What a great cause, especially in the current economy.
Yes, if we think like a “teacher”, reach out to others, answer their questions, and give credit where credit is due, we’re doing a good deed that will benefit the masses.
Barbara,
I appreciate the idea of giving and volunteering and believe what I write on my blog at this time is my greatest gift I am giving to people. I just used my posts to sharing about the Hands On Children’s Museum Sand in the City fundraiser to help the “voiceless” gain access to the world in a fun and loving way.
I am one of those people who give themselves away – everything and then have to take the nubbins left and rebuild.
I am attempting to earn enough money from my blog and writing to die without being dependent – to exit this world as single as I emerged. I don’t want to be a burden when I can no longer do for myself.
My Mother always said leave this place better than you found it, and she demonstrated that everyday. I make a wish every time I sit down to write on my blog that I make the world a better place by what I write or lift someone’s spirits or share a new idea that helps to strengthen someone else s resolve.
How wonderful you are to share your discovery with us and excite your readers to explore new places to make better; to reach out to feel renewed.
I don’t bake cakes but I knit baby blankets while I watch the news programs. I give them to the social workers at the clinic in town, because I believe every new person needs something soft that took time to make and I think about how maybe the gentle care I put into each row might ease the the world from the burdens of all the pain, sorrow and confusion shared on the news. A small counterbalance – maybe?
A good reminder at harvest time. Thank you
Patricia’s last blog post..Resistance Movement
As you know, I use my blog to promote Down syndrome awareness. Although I mention various charities, most of those that I support are for local families. Therefore, instead of asking for money for our Down syndrome Guild or early intervention program, I ask people to find their local organization and support it. Of course, I would gladly accept any money they wanted to send our way, but I’d be just as happy to know they supported their local charity.
Debbie Yost’s last blog post..Special Exposure Wednesday Model Search
hello barbara,
what a great organization…i don’t understand war, but no doubt a worthy cause bakemeawish is.
i use my blog(s) to help others, mainly with personal finance because i’ve been helped and shown a better way and it has made a difference in my life. i not only do so by blogging but in person as well. i offer myself to anyone who wants to sit down and learn.
i can’t think of any other ways of helping people than always have the mind of a teacher. there are many ways to teach..just extend help, like you do here. we all should help one another…each one, teach one.
Barbara,
I would definitely part a portion of the blog income for charity or social cause once money starts coming in. Unfortunately, that is not the case now. However, I do donate a small portion of my regular salary to charity.
As for your other question, most bloggers (including yours truly) would respond to emergent situations such as they did for tsunami… Even otherwise, many bloggers already support non-profit ventures (I may not write unrelated content like that on my blog unless emergency situation arises) The least they could do is to put click links of these organizations, whereby when visitors click those links the sponsors would give a certain amount of money to these charity orgs (I am talking about links like thehungersite.com or freerice.com, thebreastcancersite.com)
As for the army thing, if it is for a good cause, why not? But patriotism should be limited to the good things that a government or army does. Not sure if all that Sr. Bush and Jr. Bush did are along good causes and with the right intentions. It’s good to support and army abroad after asking why they have to be there at all! (though you were just quoting an example)
My 2 cents as always…
Ajith Edassery’s last blog post..Google Chrome is here – A short review
The closest I’ve gotten to helping people through my blog is trying to raise money so that I can start a school…But I’ve contributed to multiple charities that other bloggers have promoted.
I think this an awesome way of getting the word out.
Barbara – Blogs can bring our world closer to unity and charity. That’s an awesome idea.
Hi Ajith,
With blogs we have many opportunities to show support for either emergency situations or favorite charities. Whether it’s donating part of our blog income or adding links, the possibilities are endless.
Hi Chris,
Your school is a great example of a charity you are passionate about. Having links to it on your blog will definitely draw some attention.
Hi Shilpan,
Yes, blogs can bring our world closer to unity. Isn’t that awesome how that works?
Hi Linda,
That was a great thing you did to draw attention to Ryan’s cause. I’m sure he was very appreciative.
And you’re right, email campaigns are another great way to help raise money for a worthy cause.
Hi Ann,
Oh yes, you have that new blog. 🙂 Raising awareness is a great way to bring attention to a good cause.
Late to the party today.
Not to toot my own horn, but I did help Ryan from Inside Assisted Living a few weeks ago when he asked for people to complete his family caregiving survey — by writing a post on my blog about it. btw, we talked on the phone and he said he got 7 or 8 responses from readers of TLeC as a result, so I’m happy about that! But that’s small potatoes.
I haven’t promoted a charity on my blog outright, but have asked friends & family via personal emails for donations to causes I support. It always amazes me what an outpouring I’ve gotten after just sending one email! I hadn’t thought to translate that to my blog, but will consider that option in the future. (Not sure my personal causes would be appropriate on TLeC.)
I’ve heard of Kiva.org before and think it’s a fabulous charity. I will check out Soldiers’ Angels as well. Thanks for bringing it to my attention.
Off to read Lorelle’s post . . . .
Linda Abbit’s last blog post..Inspiring Quotes for Caregivers
I hope I’ll be able to do something to support the adoption community at Vintage Mommy; it may not be fundraising per se, but maybe awareness-raising.