You may think only computer geeks think you can change the world through social media, but here’s a few simple ways that you really can make a difference on Twitter. Firstly you’ll have to set yourself up with a twitter account at www.twitter.com
Following Charities
This must be the simplest way of making a change on Twitter is by following charities. Type in the charity name in the seach box to find the page and then click follow. Not too hard, I hope. Not only does this support the page and give you updates about your charity but it raises awareness when your friends see who you’re following.
Charities you can follow are: Oxfam, Tearfund, LIVESTRONG, The Human Society and many more.
Retweeting
Retweeting shows how much power Twitter can have. By retweeting messages you can increase you friends’ awareness of your cause. After seeing your retweet, others will follow suit. Twitter is unique in the way that information can be spread so quickly. Previously a Twestival was held on Twitter. It was a collection of Twitter organised festivals held all over the world to raise money for Charity:Water. They raised over $250,000 – pretty impressive.
Twollars
Twollars sounds crazy, but is a very unique way of raising money online. Every user has 50 Twollars they can pledge to charities online. The Twollars are just virtual nothings until somebody buys them for 10 dollars a Twollar. Businesses and people who buy the Twollars will actually be donating money to charity.
Petitions
No more signing, now you can tweet on the dotted line on online petitions. Starting up or signing a petition on Twitter is dead easy, you can start one and sign one in the retweet.
Tweetup
You can organize meeting for all online pioneers by arranging a ‘Tweetup.’ Mashable has done the research and written a how-to guide for organising a Tweetup.
A simple way to get awareness flowing is to put your profile picture as the logo or message of the charity you’re supporting. Use logos or advertising a fundraising event your holding to get tongues wagging and keyboards moving.
For even more ideas Howard Lake has written a whole book called ‘How To Fundraise On Twitter’
Scott Stratten also organized a Tweetathon which included people paying to enter a Prize draw for charity. For more information view his video explaining the online event.
Being Nice
Just retweeting other people, being complimentary, getting invovlved and helping other people out on Twitter does a lot of good!
Image by Marchari
you missed just being nice to people – if you look around, you find people asking questions, whether about how to use twitter or other programs, or whatever – if you have time, or are good with google, it costs nothing to help out. It’s the easiest way to do good on Twitter
Posted by stinginthetail | February 9, 2010, 2:34 amYeah really good point thanks! Do you mind if I add it to the article?
Posted by vickybeckett | February 9, 2010, 12:54 pmplease do
Posted by stinginthetail | February 10, 2010, 1:43 amGreat post. Thank you for sharing all this good information about Twitter. It’s the first time I hear of Twollars… In my opinin, I see twitter is the ideal form of communication, sharing, and exchanging of information and knowledge in our modern times. It is much more ideal than Facebook for sharing purpose. Facebook remains by and large a social network dedicated to people sharing information and pictures with other friends and relatives. Not to mention, the gaming industry boom on Facebook has made it more of an entertainment medium than a serious one…
Posted by Khaled Hakim | February 9, 2010, 2:34 amI know, Twitters much better at reaching people you would normally never have any contact with, but I have to say I still love facebook, mainly for photo sharing!
Posted by vickybeckett | February 9, 2010, 12:57 pm