A Little Bit is A Lot.
Comments (2) **I originally posted this on my blog in June 2009 when I first started supporting 12 for 12K. In light of tomorrow’s big GG24 event for Doctors without Borders, I’ve updated it and reposted on this site**
Nobody made a greater mistake than he who did nothing because he could only do a little. ~Edmund Burke
One of my favourite things in every career I’ve had (there have been a few..) is that I’ve had the ability to assist others in some respect. At one point I worked in not-for-profit and loved it. During my time in the music business, I organized fundraising events, concerts, food drives and other helpful things. Often, these were the “best” parts of my job.
As well as my media/marketing experience, I also have a background in Volunteer Management. I have both been a volunteer (Girl Guides, Scouts, etc) and organized volunteers. I enjoy the experience of helping others. Most of the time when I’ve ended up helping out, it’s because someone had to do it. It’s as simple as that. We need a parent to work the book fair.. well, someone has to.. I have the time and ability.. so sure. I’ve had a bunch of charitable experiences.. from sitting on volunteer boards and committees to being a Brownie leader.. to sponsoring a child in another country. My experience with volunteering, or with assisting anyone for that matter, is that you don’t do it with any expectation for yourself other than a genuine desire to help.
In about the same degree as you are helpful, you will be happy. ~Karl Reiland
In June, one of my Twitter friends, Jon Aston (@JonAston on Twitter) was looking for “ten good people” to help out with The 12 for 12K Challenge. I had seen the logo on Twitter in various peoples’ profile photos and noticed it on their Twitter pages, but really didn’t know a heck of a lot about it, so I asked about it. And I asked Jon what he wanted these “ten good people” to “do”.
The 12 for 12K Challenge is the brainchild of Branding and Social Media Expert Danny Brown. The concept is very simple. Using social media the participants would raise $144,000 in 2009. Each month a different charity would be the recipient of the funds raised.
For the GO GLOBAL 24 event September 29th, the charity will be Doctors without Borders. Henie Reisinger (@hennartonline) will be tweeting for 24 hours.. there are sponsored hours, and all donations are certainly welcome. Please get more information here.
We make a living by what we get, but we make a life by what we give. ~Winston Churchill
Here’s why I’m writing this: all I had to do was commit $10 a month. Seriously. $10. And of course, it would be nice if I could spread the word about the movement. So I said yes. I can do $10. Not hard to find. A few less Tim Horton’s coffees. A couple less beer, one less bottle of wine.. (ok, let’s not get ridiculous)…
The point I’m making is this: it’s a simple thing to do. $10 once a month. Easy. It’s just a little bit… but if everyone does a little bit, it will be a LOT. And I understand that not everyone has the $10. So do WHAT YOU CAN.
For the GO GLOBAL 24 event, there will be auctions, donations and more while Henie tweets for 24hours straight. YOU can help. Whether it’s contributing time, money or effort.. YOU can help. Because if everyone helps out even just a little bit.. it all adds up to a lot.
Unless someone like you cares a whole awful lot, nothing is going to get better. It’s not. ~Dr. Seuss
Themocracy