#DPCON12: Social Media For Social Good

G’day Everyone!

Today I’m blogging live from the Digital Parents Conference 2012. I’m super grateful to be here and know I will learn so many valuable ideas, tips and strategies which I’m going to share with you.

Warning: This is my first ever attempt at live blogging and using a tablet (iPad) to boot. Hopefully I won’t make too many horrendous mistakes but please hang in there until I get the chance to correct them.

So the first session today is Social Media For Social Good!

Speakers for the session are:
Darren Rowse, Problogger
Gemma Klamer, My Big Nutshell
Sawhole, Madam Bipolar
Richenda Vermeulen, World Vision Australia

DP: I’m very passionate about blogging for social good. It does good for me and my readers. I wanted to be able to share the benefits with others. My first experience was a 24 hour blogathon on The Living Room raising money for micro finance.

Blogging is like having a microphone. What would it do if Amina in Tanzania had a microphone? It’s so important we help people like Amina get her voice out.

Visiting Tanzania and sharing the hospital patients’ stories resulted in 52,000 unique visitors to CBM’s website (charity).

How to blog for social good?

– Start with your passions and find a cause that fits.
– Build your relationships.
– Find the relevant tie to your blog.
– Tell stories but blog with respect.
– Use multimedia.
– Give people a way to join you.

To assist the results of your blogging efforts ensure you have a call to action.

Why blog for social good?
Make the world better.
Make your blog better.
Make you better.

S: The Power Of Blogging

We all have the capacity to make a real difference. It can seem overwhelming but there are practical steps. Even join into established events/activities.

Examples:
Wear Red For Daniel – Nikki from Styling You
World Vision – Eden from Edenland

How do you get in touch with an inhouse PR person?
GK: Go on the website.
Tweet, Facebook them.

Remember charities are understaffed so if you don’t get a response straight away try again.

Go direct to the charity not through agencies.

RV: Contact the charity before writing so you can work together to get the maximum outcome and most benefits.

GK: Be sensitive with sensitive issues. Ex. RUOK? Day

S: What do you think the media glosses over that bloggers delve into more?

Mental health professionals have shared frustration on Twitter as to the lack of coverage in mainstream media.

What are the top three guidelines for bloggers to consider?
DP – Work out what the goals are before you start.
RV – If you think the charity has missed opportunities be willing to share your ideas with them.
GK – Harness both parties strengths.

RV: Realise that the organisations may not have a plan in place. Bloggers are at the forefront of communication online so bring that to the partnership. We have the power to change the media landscape. Bloggers have the ability to make the media take notice.

S: What are some great campaigns?

OxFam
World Vision

Fun things work really well i.e. chicken meters.

S: Things you’ve learned?

DR: How people connect with the stories you share.
S: People appreciate you sharing your experiences. Google Madam Bipolar and Lifeline. It is so important that people speak out.
GK: People like Wendell Sailor and Wayne Gardner were sharing their stories as part of the RUOK? Day campaign.

Q&A with audience:

Q: Do you strategise which causes to support?
A. S: I focus on my passions. Ovarian cancer and mental health.
DP: Supporting too many causes can dilute the message.
GK: Don’t spread yourself to thin.
RV: It’s ok to say no.

Q: How can you tell a good charity from a bad one?
RV: Look at their books. Australian standards are very high but ask the hard questions. There are great benefits to doing that. Despite the negativity surrounding Kony it has nonetheless opened people to a world they didn’t know existed.

Q: Do organisations like bloggers to raise money, raise awareness or just write posts?
RV: It depends on the organisation and their goals but of course money always helps.

Q: Are organisations willing to help with the start up costs or do they expect bloggers to find their own corporate sponsors?
RV: World Vision prefers bloggers to partner up with corporate sponsors so that WV can focus on providing the experience.