We Are The World, Use Social Media To Make It A Better Place!

July 8th, 2009 · No Comments

I have been campaigning for a revival of “We Are The World” for ages.

Besides having a star studded line up and a catchy chorus, the “We Are The World” charity single shows the power of people uniting for change. Social media allows to our voices to reach a worldwide audience, today the power of one can be amplified to around the world in a matter of seconds.

Originally written by Michael Jackson and Lionel Ritchie, and performed by a super group of over 45 artists, the charity single was intended to raise funds for famine-relief in Ethiopia. “We Are The World” reemerged as the final performance of Michael Jackson’s public memorial service, when several of the entertainers gathered on stage to sing “We Are The World.” Of course I would have loved for the song to come back over better circumstances, but it got me thinking about the message, and how the Internet and social networking has made the world a much more connected place.

Excerpt from We Are The World”

“There comes a time
When we head a certain call
When the world must come together as one
There are people dying
And it’s time to lend a hand to life
The greatest gift of all

We can’t go on
Pretending day by day
That someone, somewhere will soon make a change
We are all a part of
God’s great big family
And the truth, you know love is all we need

[Chorus]
We are the world
We are the children
We are the ones who make a brighter day
So let’s start giving
There’s a choice we’re making
We’re saving our own lives
It’s true we’ll make a better day
Just you and me”

Social media enables us to be connected and interconnected with hundreds of millions of people at any given moment. In addition to staying in touch with old friends and connecting with new ones, social websites are also used to express opinions, change established rules and break down barriers. Social movements can be launched from a laptop, and our voices can sing out to the world! It’s our turn to make the world better!

Hugs Make the World go ‘Round!

One of my favorite examples of people using the social web to unite the world is Inspire Me Today Founder Gail Lynne Goodwin and her husband Darryl, who are literally wrapping the world in hugs! The Global Hug Tour will stop in 45 locations over a period of 5 months, giving at least 2,000 hugs in each location. In addition to hugs, they will also be delivering an estimated $1,000,000 to important causes throughout the tour. You can become a Hug Ambassador for a $10 contribution, which allows you to sponsor the delivery of a hug, and you can choose the city and cause where your donation will make a difference.

Start a Dance Revolution!

In addition to hugs, song and dance are also understood universally. A guy named Matt inspired us to think about how we are all connected through YouTube and a goofy dance. Produced over 14 months, in 42 countries and with a cast of thousands, “Where the Hell is Matt? (2008)” video has been viewed over 22 million times on YouTube!

Thirst for Change!

On 12 February 2009 202 cities around the world held Twestivals, bringing together the Twitter community for an evening of fun and to raise money and awareness for charity: water. Twestival leveraged the Twitter audience to raise more than $250,000 in the most ambitious Twitter fundraising event to date! $250,000 funded 55 water projects in Ethiopia, Uganda and India providing clean water for just over 17,000 people.

For many, social media has changed our lives in some meaningful way. Collectively it is changing the world for good.

There are so many fantastic examples of how the World Wide Web has helped bridge cultures and connect people. Please share some of your favorite examples of how social networks have enabled you or others to connect to people all over the world.

interactiveAmy.com

amplify your online.