Does Being Good at “Sales” Matter at Nonprofits?

There’s a bit of a stigma around “sales.” Everyone can think of bad salespeople, the ones who try to get you to buy something you don’t need. Fair enough. That’s not what we’re referring to with “sales.”

Sales to me, simply equates to talking with people to learn about what they want to do, and figuring out whether there’s some way we can help them do it. Whether it’s through an introduction to someone, helping them find resources they didn’t know about, or something  else. If there’s a need that’s clearly defined, then there’s probably a solution somewhere. A great salesperson (or development person) connects those dots. That’s all. Win-win.

Nonprofits are no different. Altruistic people with amazing aspirations want nonprofits to help them connect their time, talents and treasure with people that need it most. But they won’t always stumble upon what might work best on their own, day to day. So development is sales, helping them see where their best opportunity for impact lies. And sales – when done well professionally – is exactly that. Connecting people with opportunities they want. That’s all.

Sales isn’t a bad thing. In fact, it’s what makes nonprofits and corporations alike work. Every entrepreneur is a salesperson. Their first sale is to convince someone, at some time how they can make people’s lives better and easier. If they can’t, their company won’t go far.  How good they are at selling determines the height of their wave that creates impact.

And so without sales, there would be no companies. And no nonprofits. Every nonprofit founder has to be a pretty amazing salesperson to convince others to join in an effort that will most probably take a lot of time, talent and treasure — to be rewarded most often simply with smiles!

So if you’re in development, be thankful. It’s “sales” in the best sense. You are letting people know the best ways they can help solve problems, in the most efficient and effective ways possible. You are showing the wonderful donors, advocates and volunteers how and when they can do the best good. And that means a lot to them.

Professional salespeople know that the only good “sale” is when you open a long-term relationship with someone based on a win-win scenario where you both learn and grow and solve problems. Development is no different. Helping people learn and decide the best way to help other people is probably one of the best roles out there.

So being an excellent salesperson is part and parcel of being a great development person.  It’s all about being as useful, helpful, and relevant as you can to the people you’re helping.  And development professionals will probably be the first to second that!

 

What do you think?  Please let me know @CharityIdeas!

 

We Need YOU! Team #NoKidHungry Holiday Give-A-Thon 12/3/13!

We need you! Join us for our annual Team No Kid Hungry Holiday Give-A-Thon!

Childhood hunger affects more than just the 16 million kids going to school hungry—it affects us all. We can put an end to that. In order to end childhood hunger, Team No Kid Hungry needs to continue raising critical funds to put programs in place that provide access, education, and awareness.
On Tuesday, Dec. 3, the annual Team No Kid Hungry Holiday Give-A-Thon will be taking place in conjunction with #GivingTuesday, a movement and day dedicated to giving. This is a one-day social media blitz with the goal of raising $25,000 for No Kid Hungry. And this year, Tyson Foods will match the donations—dollar for dollar—giving us the potential to raise $50,000 in a single day, providing hungry children with access to 500,000 additional meals.
Here’s how you can you help Team No Kid Hungry reach our goals:

WHAT: Team No Kid Hungry Give-A-Thon on #GivingTuesday

WHEN: Tuesday, Dec. 3, 9 a.m.—9 p.m.
• Sign up for the Thunderclap to spread the #NoKidHungry and #GivingTuesday message simultaneously on Twitter, Facebook, and Tumblr.
• Make a donation—and encourage others—at www.nokidhungry.org/givingtuesday. Not only will you be doing good, you’ll have a chance at some awesome prizes!
• On Twitter:
• Follow @NoKidHungry and @TysonFoods, and retweet messages about the Give-A-Thon from both accounts.
• Use the hashtags #NoKidHungry and #GivingTuesday in all your tweets.
• Sample tweets:
• Join @nokidhungry & @tysonfoods for the Team #NoKidHungry Give-A-Thon! Change kids’ lives on #GivingTuesday. http://bit.ly/16sKOzB
• No kid should go hungry. Donate to the Team #NoKidHungry Give-A-Thon today with @nokidhungry & @tysonfoods! http://bit.ly/16sKOzB #GivingTuesday
• Join #NoKidHungry & @TysonFoods Holiday Give-A-Thon! Can we provide 500K meals to hungry kids in US? http://bit.ly/16sKOzB #givingtuesdayOn Facebook:
• Like the No Kid Hungry page.
• Join us on Facebook all day on 12/3 and share ourposts about the Give-A-Thon with your Facebook friends.

We can end child hunger in America. Just $1 connects a child to up to 10 meals. When we reach our goal of $25,000 and Tyson Foods adds in their generous match, we’ll provide hungry children with access to 500,000 additional meals.

Please join us. We hope to see you on #GivingTuesday for the Team No Kid Hungry Give-A-Thon!

Love, Charity, and Basketball

This article is originally from The Huffington Post.

2morrowknight, Amy Neumann and Mandy Hale

Love, Charity, and Basketball

Posted: 02/ 1/2012 6:10 pm

While many celebrities lend their support to worthy charities, some go above and beyond by lending their time, energy, funding, and even blood, sweat, and tears to the causes they hold dear. Oprah founded and funded the Oprah Winfrey Leadership Academy for Girls in South Africa in 2007 to provide educational and leadership opportunities for academically gifted girls from impoverished backgrounds. And two years ago, Bill Gates made the world’s largest ever single charitable donation when he pledged $10 billion to develop and distribute vaccines to children.

In the circle of charitable celebrities, you’ll find noted businesswoman and public relations pro Heather Robinson, the wife of former NBA star Cliff Robinson. One of the sports world’s most active and involved philanthropists, she supports charities with an emphasis on education, scholarships, and poverty. This assistance also extends to natural disasters like the 2010 earthquake in Haiti. All of this has been a catalyst for the Robinson Network, her family’s new philanthropic endeavor.

In fact, she used her most recent birthday party to collect more than 1,000 gifts for kids through Toys for Tots. But giving up one of her special days is not a tall order or a rare event for Heather. Charity is both her work, and her signature. Why? A strong compassion for others, and a belief that using one’s influence to make a lasting, positive impact is crucial.

The old saying “Come from a point of service to everyone you meet” could have been written by Heather Robinson. To her and her husband, just like in basketball, winning is a team effort, and people around the world who need a hand are part of everyone’s team.

Heather Robinson. Courtesy of Heather Robinson

You’ve done lots of charity work for the NBA and NFL, and participated in a lengthy and impressive list of celebrity fundraisers. What is the most rewarding aspect of giving back?

The compassion I feel for others is a strong trait of mine, therefore having the ability and desire to “give back” in some way large or small benefits my soul. I love to see people smile.

Tell us a little bit about some of the charities you’ve supported over the years.

First of all I praise everyone out there that has a charity, and is working to help mankind. It takes a special person to devote themselves to philanthropy. My husband and I have donated our time and money to several charities over the years. Educational programs and Scholarships for low income families are very important to us, along with helping impoverished communities in the United States and abroad. After the devastating earthquake hit Haiti two years ago my husband accompanied Haitian friend Jimmy Jean Louis of Hollywood Unites for Haiti to access the condition of the country while I stayed back making phone calls after phone calls soliciting supplies and donations. I visited the country last year and met with several organizations we support in Haiti. They are doing a great job and it has inspired me to continue on my path of philanthropy.

How helpful do you find platforms like Twitter to some of your social good initiatives?

I like using Twitter. It has been extremely helpful to my business. It’s given me the ability to voice my initiatives quickly and easily. Aside from the business networking, I have made “twitter friends.” I love the positive tweeters. They brighten my day and make social media more enjoyable for me.

With respect to philanthropy, name some of the things you believe we should be paying attention to moving forward: trends, interesting people, and fund-raising ideas.

I don’t believe you have to be wealthy to give. It’s not always about the money. People should pay attention to their surroundings. What you see in front of you. You can become a mentor to a child or volunteer at charity events and soup kitchens. A few years ago I signed up to be a bone marrow donor. There are many ways to help someone in need. Blood drives and organ donations are great ways to give, and you could save a life! A very simple way to fund-raise with little effort is to start a Food or Clothes drive. Poverty right here in America is extremely high and the numbers keep growing. If everyone would spend 10 percent of their time “giving back” to society the world would be a much better place.

Heather Robinson, with her husband, and former NBA Star Cliff Robinson. Courtesy of Heather Robinson

Speaking of social media… a lot of celebrities use it because it puts them in direct contact with their fans, the causes they support, and helps them control their image. What’s your take?

The cons of using social media are crazy fans and pushy people who can bombard you with requests or try and belittle your efforts or work. But, the pros definitely out weigh the cons. Celebrities are able to link with other professionals and can interact with fans on more personal basis. Another advantage for celebrities using social media is that it measures their popularity in numbers, via follower. In return it can secure them a high-profile endorsement deal. Social Media has become one of the most important deal points for brands, talent agents and even PR agencies to consider when negotiating contracts. The best thing of all is: no misquotes (laughs). Just make sure your posts don’t come back to haunt you.

Philanthropy is a serious commitment. How are you involving your family?

I am currently working on the Robinson Network, a public charity that will support other non-profits, and promote professional athletes in their philanthropy. Giving back is something that my family has always been passionate about. So it makes sense for us to create a huge platform to positively impact the causes we endorse. We’re excited.

To find out more about Heather Robinson, her charitable work, and her family’s Robinson Network, follow her on her Twitter feed.

Follow the authors of this post on Twitter:  Sean Gardner @2morrowknight, Mandy Hale @TheSingleWoman, and Amy Neumann @CharityIdeas.

Spark Positive Change 2012: 10 Tools To Make It Easy!

Make 2012 A Giving Year: 10 Creative Online Social Good Resources

This article originally appeared in the Huffington Post.

“No act of kindness, however small, is ever wasted.” ~ Aesop

A question often asked: “What are some helpful sites for helping online?” There are so many, it can be a challenge to select some choice ones for lists. We are all becoming more generous, in part because of online resources, as Forbes notes in “Today’s ‘G’ Generation: Replacing Greed With Generosity.”

Blackbaud, a leading provider of software, services, and research for nonprofits, has illustrated a year-over-year increase of 10.6% in online giving as of Fall 2011, and that trend looks to continue. Because the “anytime, anywhere” online model is so convenient, here are a few useful resources to try that might be new or unexpected; they range across volunteering, fundraising, research, donating, pro-bono, mobile giving, and a couple very cool celebrity-backed ventures. All of them are excellent tools. Many of them require only a few minutes here or there… and every kind gesture, no matter how small, adds up! Just click on the name to pay them a visit, and start your New Year off on a Giving note.

Philanthroper

The daily deals site for charity! Get introduced to a new cause every day and give $1 when you’re interested. Awareness plus micro-action! Making doing good an easy daily habit.
Sparked

An opportunity to micro-volunteer anytime, anywhere, online. Projects range from 2 minutes to 2 hours and include many fun, techie things like reviewing social media or translating documents.
Crowdrise

Ed Norton’s baby, Crowdrise leverages crowdsourcing for social good fundraising. Any site that uses the mantra “If you don’t give back, no one will like you” is on the right track! Look for their fabulous IYDGBNOWLY T-shirts and set up a fundraising site for your favorite cause.

Kiva

Welcome to the world of micro-finance! Lend a global budding entrepreneur as little as $25 to provide an opportunity for sustainable business. Kiva supporters have already funded close to 600,000 businesses worldwide.

Catchafire

“What will your Butterfly Effect be?” Catchafire helps you use professional skills like marketing and PR on a pro-bono basis, growing your own professional contacts and helping social good organizations at the same time. More probono opportunities can also be found at the Taproot Foundation.

Give.Mobi

Let your favorite charity know about this resource, and check who’s here that you support. Since give.mobi’s mobile donation platform works on any smartphone or tablet, it’s simple to set up and use to give a real-time mobile donation (or pledge). Perfect for nonprofit events or to call out on radio or TV interviews due to its easy-to-remember name.

KarmaGoat

Free your stuff, shop from friends, do some good! This works like Craigslist, with all proceeds going to charity. Got something too nice to just give away? Some electronics? A gift you’ll never use? Create some good Karma with it. It will get a new home and love, and a great cause will get a donation.
CharityNavigator

Along with GuideStar, this is a great site to research organizations. It’s similar to a Better Business Bureau, for charities.
SixDegrees

It really is a small world! A partnership between Kevin Bacon and Network for Good, Six Degrees helps you see what causes you have in common with friends and celebrities, and you can “pay it forward” with Good Cards that can be redeemed for charity donations.
VolunteerGuide

Self-directed Ideas and resources for volunteering for 15 minutes, a few hours, or on a volunteer vacation. Includes many easy 15-minute activities. You can also search for specific volunteer opportunities locally with another great site, VolunteerMatch.

There are nearly unlimited ways to do good. These are a few easy, fun ones to get started with – how will you use them? Please let us know in the comments below!

Special thanks to Tony Hastings at The Top 10 Blog for the photos, courtesy of each site.

Amy Neumann is a writer, speaker and consultant on social good marketing. Check out her CharityIdeasBlog and follow her on Twitter @CharityIdeas.

Follow Amy Neumann on Twitter: www.twitter.com/CharityIdeas

Thank You Everyone Who Supported #12DaysofGiving! $13,725 Raised!

I would maintain that thanks are the highest form of thought; and that gratitude is happiness doubled by wonder.  ~G.K. Chesterton

It’s incredible to think about how everyone came together in social media and in 12 Days of Giving, donated $13,725!  Words alone cannot express enough gratitude…the thrill of seeing the teamwork and passion around this group effort of giving, and the impact that resulted!  Thanks to the 12 Champions and 12 Causes and to Crowdrise for sharing these amazing causes with all of your friends!  Wow.  Thousands of small, meaningful actions really can change the world, and social media proves that every day!

Here’s a list of the 212 individual donations #12DaysofGiving received.  THANK YOU!

:: Thanks! ~>     Rick and Kathy    :: Thanks! ~>     Kathy Meyer
:: Thanks! ~>     Anonymous    :: Thanks! ~>     Hoang
:: Thanks! ~>     Zee from D town !!!    :: Thanks! ~>     Callie Davis
:: Thanks! ~>     Sam & Patti Mccormck    :: Thanks! ~>     Lori McIlwain
:: Thanks! ~>     Tharin Clarijs    :: Thanks! ~>     Cheryl Burgess
:: Thanks! ~>     Shonali Burke    :: Thanks! ~>     @shikemore
:: Thanks! ~>     Sally Stokes    :: Thanks! ~>     April J. Rudin
:: Thanks! ~>     Paull Young    :: Thanks! ~>     @DoinaOncel
:: Thanks! ~>     Fiona & Waffle    :: Thanks! ~>     Jeanine Becker
:: Thanks! ~>     Bridger Hammond    :: Thanks! ~>     @lindsayfultz
:: Thanks! ~>     Harlie Hammond    :: Thanks! ~>     Adam L Stanley
:: Thanks! ~>     Lisa Brookes Kift    :: Thanks! ~>     Mitch, Jody, Derek & Josh
:: Thanks! ~>     Lisa Brookes Kift    :: Thanks! ~>     Anonymous
:: Thanks! ~>     Haney Armstrong    :: Thanks! ~>     fareastphillips
:: Thanks! ~>     Stephanie McAuliffe    :: Thanks! ~>     Paula in Kansas
:: Thanks! ~>     Beth Kanter     :: Thanks! ~>     RachelintheOC
:: Thanks! ~>     Debby Lee    :: Thanks! ~>     @kanter
:: Thanks! ~>     Beth, Walter, Harry, and Sara    :: Thanks! ~>     Gabrielle Gardner
:: Thanks! ~>     Todd Jordan    :: Thanks! ~>     Carolyn Gardner – @OurTownMagazine
:: Thanks! ~>     In Memory of B. Ochs    :: Thanks! ~>     @lisadekleyn
:: Thanks! ~>     Chris Brogan    :: Thanks! ~>     Anonymous
:: Thanks! ~>     AnnTran_    :: Thanks! ~>     Dave J.
:: Thanks! ~>     Amy Neumann    :: Thanks! ~>     Barbara Clark
:: Thanks! ~>     Amy Neumann    :: Thanks! ~>     @RunningMomsRock
:: Thanks! ~>     Amy Neumann    :: Thanks! ~>     Melinda Hersh
:: Thanks! ~>     Gina Stark    :: Thanks! ~>     Amy Neumann
:: Thanks! ~>     Chanti and Lori    :: Thanks! ~>     Jessica Northey
:: Thanks! ~>     Marie Jo Dauphin    :: Thanks! ~>     Anonymous
:: Thanks! ~>     Suada Duvette    :: Thanks! ~>     Anonymous
:: Thanks! ~>     Zan McColloch-Lussier    :: Thanks! ~>     Anonymous
:: Thanks! ~>     @RunningMomsRock    :: Thanks! ~>     Matt Russell
:: Thanks! ~>     @angelicrica    :: Thanks! ~>     Matt Russell
:: Thanks! ~>     Janelle Allen    :: Thanks! ~>     @RunningMomsRock via Michelle Sedas
:: Thanks! ~>     AnnTran_    :: Thanks! ~>     Paul Bernardin and Glen Radewich
:: Thanks! ~>     Joe Baker    :: Thanks! ~>     Andrea Robin
:: Thanks! ~>     Gary Maberry    :: Thanks! ~>     Amy Neumann
:: Thanks! ~>     CrowdRise    :: Thanks! ~>     Aly’s Grammy
:: Thanks! ~>     Anonymous    :: Thanks! ~>     Kelly Vanicek
:: Thanks! ~>     CrowdRise    :: Thanks! ~>     NATIONAL AUTISM ASSOCIATION INC
:: Thanks! ~>     Michelle Sedas    :: Thanks! ~>     Leigh A. Wilcox
:: Thanks! ~>     @RunningMomsRock    :: Thanks! ~>     Larry and Val Ranseth
:: Thanks! ~>     @RunningMomsRock    :: Thanks! ~>     Sue O’Kane
:: Thanks! ~>     Mark    :: Thanks! ~>     Michelle Sedas
:: Thanks! ~>     Diane Boynton    :: Thanks! ~>     Jenna
:: Thanks! ~>     Sissy Northey    :: Thanks! ~>     Michelle Sedas
:: Thanks! ~>     Sueanne Shirzay    :: Thanks! ~>     Amie Hoff
:: Thanks! ~>     Navy    :: Thanks! ~>     SteveAkinsSEO
:: Thanks! ~>     Maggie    :: Thanks! ~>     Amanda Hite
:: Thanks! ~>     Yely    :: Thanks! ~>     Joyce Cherrier & Family
:: Thanks! ~>     Rial Allen    :: Thanks! ~>     Matt R.
:: Thanks! ~>     Barbara Masters    :: Thanks! ~>     Marilyn Terrell
:: Thanks! ~>     Zoetica    :: Thanks! ~>     Tyler, Lana, Lola
:: Thanks! ~>     Paul Sceppaguercio    :: Thanks! ~>     Kevin Green’s RockTheReTweet
:: Thanks! ~>     Sue McFarland    :: Thanks! ~>     Frank Sonnenberg
:: Thanks! ~>     Lisa Hammond    :: Thanks! ~>     Matt Russell
:: Thanks! ~>     Rial Allen    :: Thanks! ~>     Anonymous
:: Thanks! ~>     Kristen Paul    :: Thanks! ~>     John
:: Thanks! ~>     nerdgirlagogo    :: Thanks! ~>     KATHLEEN MCCORMICK
:: Thanks! ~>     @mmangen (Michelle Mangen)    :: Thanks! ~>     colleen holt
:: Thanks! ~>     Betty & JC    :: Thanks! ~>     Amy Neumann
:: Thanks! ~>     Lori Moreno    :: Thanks! ~>     Amy Neumann
:: Thanks! ~>     Gina Stark    :: Thanks! ~>     Matt Russell
:: Thanks! ~>     Gina Stark    :: Thanks! ~>     Matt Russell
:: Thanks! ~>     Gina Stark    :: Thanks! ~>     Hoang
:: Thanks! ~>     Gina Stark    :: Thanks! ~>     Amy Neumann
:: Thanks! ~>     Gina Stark    :: Thanks! ~>     Amy Neumann
:: Thanks! ~>     Gina Stark    :: Thanks! ~>     Amy Neumann
:: Thanks! ~>     Anonymous    :: Thanks! ~>     Amy Neumann
:: Thanks! ~>     Gina Stark    :: Thanks! ~>     Anonymous
:: Thanks! ~>     Beatriz Breton    :: Thanks! ~>     Harry Halvorsen
:: Thanks! ~>     Scott Levy – FuelinternetMarketing.com    :: Thanks! ~>     Michelle Sedas
:: Thanks! ~>     Christopher’s Computers    :: Thanks! ~>     Anonymous
:: Thanks! ~>     Aaron & Marina Knudsen    :: Thanks! ~>     Beatriz Breton
:: Thanks! ~>     Anonymous    :: Thanks! ~>     @MomsOfAmerica
:: Thanks! ~>     Beth Kanter    :: Thanks! ~>     Marty McPadden
:: Thanks! ~>     Social | Impact Consulting    :: Thanks! ~>     Christina Lizaso
:: Thanks! ~>     Esther Neumann    :: Thanks! ~>     Anonymous
:: Thanks! ~>     Kathy Lee    :: Thanks! ~>     Liv Violette
:: Thanks! ~>     Gwendolyn Gleason-Ecochiccouture    :: Thanks! ~>     Anonymous
:: Thanks! ~>     Kirsten Abernathy    :: Thanks! ~>     Dennis Crowley
:: Thanks! ~>     John Neumann    :: Thanks! ~>     Ann Tran Via GN
:: Thanks! ~>     Sarah & Chris Dorsett    :: Thanks! ~>     Aimee Allenback
:: Thanks! ~>     Anonymous    :: Thanks! ~>     diane starr
:: Thanks! ~>     Katie McCormick    :: Thanks! ~>     Paula Kiger
:: Thanks! ~>     Anonymous    :: Thanks! ~>     Anonymous
:: Thanks! ~>     Lalita Raman    :: Thanks! ~>     Anonymous
:: Thanks! ~>     Anonymous    :: Thanks! ~>     Zyljana  M.
:: Thanks! ~>     Henry Chu    :: Thanks! ~>     tracey taylor
:: Thanks! ~>     Geekbabe    :: Thanks! ~>     AnnTran_
:: Thanks! ~>     Christina Luna    :: Thanks! ~>     Anonymous
:: Thanks! ~>     Showshan Yang-Ting    :: Thanks! ~>     Michelle Sedas
:: Thanks! ~>     Michelle Sedas    :: Thanks! ~>     Kaili Hawley
:: Thanks! ~>     Michelle Sedas    :: Thanks! ~>     April R
:: Thanks! ~>     Danielle James    :: Thanks! ~>     Beth Kanter
:: Thanks! ~>     Diana Adams    :: Thanks! ~>     Anonymous
:: Thanks! ~>     Anonymous    :: Thanks! ~>     Beatriz Breton
:: Thanks! ~>     Bill Conlon    :: Thanks! ~>     Anne Thomas
:: Thanks! ~>     Geno Carter    :: Thanks! ~>     Amy Neumann
:: Thanks! ~>     Anonymous    :: Thanks! ~>     Amy Neumann
:: Thanks! ~>     In memory of Frances Richardson    :: Thanks! ~>     Anonymous
:: Thanks! ~>     In Memory of Frances Richardson    :: Thanks! ~>     Anonymous
:: Thanks! ~>     In memory of Frances Richardson    :: Thanks! ~>     KATHLEEN MCCORMICK
:: Thanks! ~>     Natalie “Frugalista” McNeal    :: Thanks! ~>     Anonymous
:: Thanks! ~>     Ryan Setter    :: Thanks! ~>     Beth Kanter
:: Thanks! ~>     cw    :: Thanks! ~>     Beth Kanter
:: Thanks! ~>     cw

Help a Woman Break the Chains of Domestic Violence – #12DaysOfGiving

The Holidays are about giving, sharing, and spreading joy, which is why I’m honored to be part of the “12 Days of Giving!”

Sometimes things aren’t all smiles and happiness, though. As a survivor of domestic violence myself, I’ve had a few rough holidays in the past. So have many others. In fact, according to the CDC, 1 of every 4 women and 1 in 9 men in the United States are victims of domestic violence at some point in their lives.

Luckily, there’s a way to make it easier for a woman (or man) to take the first step to shattering the chains of abuse, by talking with someone about the situation… someone with the knowledge and ability to help.

That’s why I choose the National Domestic Violence Hotline, 1-800-799-SAFE (7233), 1-800-787-3224 (TTY). Hotline advocates are available for victims and anyone calling on their behalf to provide crisis intervention, safety planning, information and referrals to agencies in all 50 states, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Assistance is available in English and Spanish with access to more than 170 languages through interpreter services.

Who are Domestic Violence victims?

Domestic violence can happen to anyone of any race, age, sexual orientation, religion or gender. It can happen to couples who are married, living together or who are dating. Domestic violence affects people of all socioeconomic backgrounds and education levels.

Here are four helpful resources to learn more, help yourself, or help a loved one or friend. And please give if you can.

What is Domestic Violence?

How can I help a friend?

Am I being abused?

What is a safety plan?

If you are a victim/survivor of domestic violence, the important thing to remember is this: It’s not your fault. The abuser very intentionally, methodically, and usually gradually, grinds down your self-worth, isolates you from friends, family, and favorite activities, and increasingly adds verbal abuse, threats and escalating physical violence. Their favorite weapons are secrecy and control. It makes it very tough to have enough courage to break free.

The first step to breaking the chains is telling someone.

The good news is, as in my case, sometimes talking to someone at a hotline like National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-SAFE (7233), where they know much more about the process abusers use – the secrecy, control, manipulation, threats, isolation, and violence – makes it much easier. You recognize that you are not at fault. You realize this is actually, sadly, very common – and you aren’t alone. You realize people will understand. You see that it will only get worse if nothing is done. You get help with the process of safely leaving, taking legal action like getting a restraining order, and other things that are not knowledge anyone has until they need it.

74% of Americans know someone affected by domestic violence. And since you just read this article, now you definitely do too. I was able to come out of the dark and break the chains with help. Can you please help another hurting person do the same? Thank you.

If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic violence, the National Domestic Violence Hotline can help: 1-800-799-7233 (SAFE) or NDVH.org.

Learn more by following @12DaysGiving and the hashtag #12DaysOfGiving on Twitter.

And I’d love to connect with you on Twitter @CharityIdeas!

Podcast (iTunes) #2: Amy Neumann and @CharityIdeas – on ClaireDiazOrtiz.com

Thank you to one of my favorite Social Good Stars, Claire Diaz-Ortiz!  This piece originally appears on ClaireDiazOrtiz.com – http://clairediazortiz.com/podcast-2-amy-neumann-and-charityideas/

The podcast is also available for free on iTunes – “The Claire Diaz-Ortiz Podcast” >> “Amy Neumann & @CharityIdeas”

Podcast #2: Amy Neumann and @CharityIdeas

December 1, 2011 By ClaireD
Alright folks.  My second podcast episodeis live.  Join me as I chat with Amy Neumann (@charityideason the Twitters) about her passion for technology and how she got started in the business of world changing.  Here!

Click above for the podcast on ClaireDiazOrtiz.com or check it out on iTunes.

Twitter for Good #mybook

Filed Under: Blogging, Podcast

Next Post Best of the Interwebs This Week…

Previous Post The Twitter for Good Unconference {Announcement}

Social Good Stars: Twitter’s Claire Diaz-Ortiz (@ClaireD)

This piece originally appeared in the Huffington Post series, “Social Good Stars.” http://www.huffingtonpost.com/amy-neumann/twitter-for-good_b_1116429.html

Amy Neumann

Writer, speaker and social media consultant for nonprofits and businesses

Social Good Stars: Claire Diaz-Ortiz

Posted: 11/29/11 04:58 PM ET

Twitter , Claire Diaz Ortiz , Claire Diaz-Ortiz , Social Good Stars , Twitter For Good , Nonprofit Marketing , Social Media For Social Good , Twitter Claire Diaz Ortiz , Impact News

This is the second interview in a new Impact series, #SocialGoodStars. The people highlighted here are passionate, dedicated philanthropists, strengths to their communities, and social media masters. They also happily share their vast knowledge with others, making them shine as leaders in the Social Good world. You can read the first interview with Beth Kanter here.

“Too often we underestimate the power of a smile, a kind word, a listening ear, an honest compliment, or the smallest act of caring, all of which have the potential to turn a life around.”  ~Leo Buscaglia

The magic of Twitter lies in just that — the ability to connect with like-minded people in big and small ways, all over the world. And someone who knows all about that is Twitter’s own Claire Diaz Ortiz, who leads social innovation, philanthropy, and causes at Twitter since 2009. She is the author of Twitter for Good: Change the World, One Tweet at a Time, and is a frequent international speaker known for developing the TWEET model — a framework to help organizations and individuals best excel on Twitter. Claire holds an MBA from Oxford University, where she was a Skoll Foundation Scholar for Social Entrepreneurship. She is also the co-founder of Hope Runs, a non-profit organization operating in AIDS orphanages in East Africa.

Claire Diaz-Ortiz, Twitter’s own Force for Good.  Photo Courtesy of Claire Diaz-Ortiz

Since being panelists together at Dell’s Social Innovation Conference earlier this year, I have had the honor of speaking with Claire many times about social good and how Twitter has facilitated connections, awareness, action, fundraising, and the real-time flow of information globally. Here are a few key points of interest for anyone wondering how to get even more out of Twitter and social media for social good.

What do you consider most important for organizations who want to use Twitter for Good effectively?

First, developing a strategy is the answer to ‘What am I doing on Twitter?’ I created the 5-Step framework called T.W.E.E.T. to help with that and for using Twitter: Target, Write, Engage, Explore, Track.  It works because it’s simple.

What are a few examples of nonprofits really leveraging the relationships from Twitter to impact awareness and fundraising or other key goals?

Pepsi Refresh showed what it means to pique the interest of the Twitter audience, and draw them to a site to learn more and take action. Pepsi took $20 million, and later included another $1.3 million for the Gulf, and used Twitter to help local causes be broadcast across the nation and beyond to win grants to help their communities by voting.

Mark Horvath, well-known as @hardlynormal on Twitter and founder of InvisiblePeople.tv, is another brilliant example. He travels the U.S. and Canada interviewing our homeless friends on video and gives them a voice, a voice everyone can now hear because of the reach of Twitter.

Twitter does numerous internal philanthropy projects, including your pro-bono Tweets for Good program and numerous resources. Can you talk about those?

Within our advertising platform, we offer pro-bono programs for non-profits already engaged on Twitter. Promoted Tweets are a tool advertisers use to promote specific campaigns via Tweets on Twitter. The Promoted Tweets for Good programs is an application-based pro-bono program serving a number of non-profit organizations each year. We offer a second type of Promoted Tweets for Good ad hoc to organizations involved in disaster relief in times of crisis or civil unrest.
Another useful resource is Hope 140, Twitter’s hub for being a “Force for Good.” It highlights ways to use Twitter for Good, along with several causes and helpful case studies. We’re always looking for more case studies to share creative ways nonprofits have used Twitter.

What do you see as helpful concepts that apply not only to Twitter but also to social media in general?

As Biz Stone says, “People are basically good… When you give them a simple tool that helps them exhibit that behavior, they will prove it to you every day.” Make it easy for supporters to learn, share, help, and grow. Start connecting and creating individual relationships. Make sure that when you first hop on and seek support, make it about real relationships, and not immediately about fundraising. Most people in the world don’t like to be asked for money immediately (on social media or elsewhere). Are there new people you’d like to connect with? Reach out! Are supporters already on a platform? Deepen those relationships. It’s also important to some extent to let your guard down. Open a window into your organization with a unique perspective. Social media is wide open for any cause to participate and draw strength from supporters.

Talking Social Good at the Social Media for Nonprofits Conference in San Francisco November 2011: Darian Heyman, Claire Diaz-Ortiz, and Craig Newmark. Photo Courtesy of Claire Diaz-Ortiz

“Be a Force for Good.”
~ Twitter’s operating principle

You can learn more about Claire at ClaireDiazOrtiz.com and follow her on Twitter @ClaireD. http://twitter.com/claired

For more details on using Twitter for Good, here is a short video of highlights from her book, and more tips and ideas at Hope140.org.

Amy Neumann is a writer, speaker and consultant on social good marketing. Check out her CharityIdeasBlog and follow her on Twitter @CharityIdeas.

Follow Amy Neumann on Twitter: www.twitter.com/CharityIdeas

39 Inspiring Men and Their Passion for Charity

This piece originally appeared in the Huffington Post: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2morrowknight/38-inspiring-men-and-thei_b_956168.html

2morrowknight, Amy Neumann and Yasamin Beitollahi

39 Inspiring Men and Their Passion for Charity

Posted: 09/16/11 04:50 PM ET

  Charity ,   Inspiration ,   Twitter , Feel Good Stories , Giving , Nonprofits , Passion , Slidepollajax , Social Good , Impact News

This is the latest post in our series, TwitterPowerhouses, which focuses on the contributions of people who’ve helped to expand, influence, and redefine how we view social networking.

A life of kindness and gratitude is tremendously powerful. And when applied to the charitable efforts making the world a better place, the results are often extraordinary. From across diverse backgrounds and all ends of the globe, these gentlemen exemplify a global view of sharing and helping others in their daily lives, and through the amazing networked nonprofits they support. They all embody the spirit of Booker T. Washington’s famous words: “If you want to lift yourself up, lift up someone else.”

Reluctant to talk about themselves, they deftly shift conversations from themselves to other people, or to one of their many projects. They are dreamers and visionaries. They like to imagine vibrant communities bursting with culture — music, art, history, theater, film — and full of people realizing their potential. But they’re not only dreamers, they want people to be a part of their dreams.

Claire Diaz-Ortiz, leader of Social Innovation at Twitter Inc., and author of the book Twitter for Good, is brilliant in the international community of philanthropy and is someone all three writers on this post respect. Her ideas, and Twitter, have led countless people toward social good. The Networked Nonprofits we support – 2morrowknight with SeeYourImpact, Amy with United Way, and Yasamin with The 1010Project – are impacted by her work. And by Twitter. As are all of the men highlighted here. In fact, if it weren’t for Twitter, we may not have had the honor of talking with all of them and sharing their insights.

In a world that will soon have 7 billion people, these men understand how important it is to engage non-profits that help raise our standard of living, expand our worldview, and give us hope for the future. Indeed, together, we thrive!

Authors’ Note: In case you missed it, here’s Part 20 of the series: The Social Media Vision of Jessica Northey.

Click here for the original article SlideShow!

88 Favorite Social Good Quotes (in 140 or less)

What are you thankful for in this beautiful world?

Thank you to everyone who makes a difference in big and small ways every day!  This is a perfect time of year to express gratitude and thanks.  Here are 88 Tweetable social good quotes to inspire and share positive ideas.

I am grateful for so many things, including great friends around the world, online and off! ~Amy          aka @CharityIdeas

New! Download the printable color PDF here!

Click here for the NEW printable color PDF!

Wherever one turns he can find someone who needs him.  ~Albert Schweitzer
Unselfish and noble actions are the most radiant pages in the biography of souls.  ~David Thomas
The breeze, the trees, the honey bees – All volunteers! ~Juliet Carinreap
There are two ways of spreading light: to be the candle, or the mirror that reflects it.  ~Edith Wharton
The time is always right to do what’s right. ~Martin Luther King Jr.
I can no other answer make, but thanks, and thanks. ~Shakespeare
It’s easy to make a buck.  It’s a lot tougher to make a difference.  ~Tom Brokaw
Volunteers do not necessarily have the time; they just have the heart.  ~Elizabeth Andrew
Feeling gratitude and not expressing it is like wrapping a present and not giving it.  ~William A. Ward
No duty is more urgent than that of returning thanks.  ~James Allen
Thanks are the highest form of thought; gratitude is happiness doubled by wonder.  ~G.K. Chesterton
How beautiful a day can be, when kindness touches it! ~George Elliston
Thousands of candles can be lighted from a single candle. Happiness never decreases by being shared. ~Buddha
Appreciation is a wonderful thing.  It makes what is excellent in others belong to us as well.  ~Voltaire
The hardest arithmetic to master is that which enables us to count our blessings.  ~Eric Hoffer
No act of kindness, however small, is ever wasted. ~Aesop
The deepest principle in human nature is the craving to be appreciated.  ~William James
The smallest act of kindness is worth more than the grandest intention.  ~Oscar Wilde
Even if I knew that tomorrow the world would go to pieces, I would still plant my apple tree. ~Martin Luther
Gratitude is the memory of the heart.  ~Jean Baptiste Massieu
How wonderful it is that nobody need wait a single moment before starting to improve the world.  ~Anne Frank
I am a little pencil in the hand of a writing God who is sending a love letter to the world.  ~Mother Teresa
Better to light one small candle than to curse the darkness. ~Chinese Proverb
We can’t help everyone, but everyone can help someone. ~Dr. Loretta Scott
It matters if you just don’t give up. ~Stephen Hawking
We make a living by what we get, but we make a life by what we give.  ~Winston Churchill
Things of the spirit differ from things material in that the more you give the more you have.  ~Christopher Morley
Act as if what you do makes a difference.  It does.  ~William James
You must have chaos within you to give birth to a dancing star. ~Nietzsche
Nobody made a greater mistake than he who did nothing because he could only do a little.  ~Edmund Burke
Philosophy is not best expressed in words; it is expressed in the choices one makes. ~Eleanor Roosevelt
Not only must we be good, but we must also be good for something.  ~Henry David Thoreau
It is when you give of yourself that you truly give.  ~Kahlil Gibran
The willingness to share does not make one charitable; it makes one free.  ~Robert Brault
You shouldn’t go through life with a catchers mitt on both hands.  You need to be able to throw something back.  ~Maya Angelou
The highest forms of understanding we can achieve are laughter and human compassion. ~ Richard P. Feynman
Every person feels instinctively that all the beautiful sentiments in the world weigh less than a single lovely action.  ~James R. Lowell
It is the greatest of all mistakes to do nothing because you can only do little – do what you can.  ~Sydney Smith
If you think you are too small to be effective, you have never been in bed with a mosquito.  ~Betty Reese
We cannot live only for ourselves.  A thousand fibers connect us with our fellow men.  ~Herman Melville
Among its other benefits, giving liberates the soul of the giver. ~ Maya Angelou
Wherever there is a human being, there is an opportunity for a kindness.  ~Seneca
Those who bring sunshine to the lives of others cannot keep it from themselves.  ~James Matthew Barrie
Never worry about numbers. Help one person at a time, and start with the person nearest you. ~ Mother Teresa
If you haven’t any charity in your heart, you have the worst kind of heart trouble.  ~Bob Hope
What this world needs is a new kind of army – the army of the kind.  ~Cleveland Amory
If you want others to be happy, practice compassion.  If you want to be happy, practice compassion.  ~Dalai Lama
I always prefer to believe the best of everybody, it saves so much trouble.  ~Rudyard Kipling
There is no greater loan than a sympathetic ear.  ~Frank Tyger
A kind word is like a Spring day.  ~Russian Proverb
Kindness is in our power, even when fondness is not.  ~Samuel Johnson
The most important trip you may take in life is meeting people halfway.  ~Henry Boye
When I was young, I admired clever people.  Now that I am old, I admire kind people.  ~Abraham Heschel
Let no person pull you low enough to hate him. ~ Martin Luther King Jr.
The best portion of a good life – little, nameless, unremembered acts of kindness and love.  ~William Wordsworth
You cannot do a kindness too soon.  ~Ralph Waldo Emerson
If you wish to experience peace, provide peace for another. ~Dalai Lama
By swallowing evil words unsaid, no one has ever harmed his stomach.  ~Winston Churchill
Being considerate of others will take your children further in life than any college degree.  ~Marian Wright Edelman
The power of a touch, smile, kind word, listening ear, smallest act of caring… all have potential to turn a life around.  ~Leo Buscaglia
Peace, like charity, begins at home. ~ Franklin D. Roosevelt
A kind heart is a fountain of gladness, making everything in its vicinity freshen into smiles.  ~Washington Irving
I have no special talents. I am only passionately curious. ~ Albert Einstein
If you want to lift yourself up, lift up someone else. ~ Booker T. Washington
I’m always doing things I can’t do.  That’s how I get to do them. ~ Pablo Picasso
Where there is charity and wisdom, there is neither fear nor ignorance. ~ St. Francis of Assisi
Peace begins with a smile. ~ Mother Teresa
Don’t raise your voice; improve your argument. ~ Desmond Tutu
Do what you can, with what you have, where you are. ~Theodore Roosevelt
It only seems impossible until it’s done. ~ Nelson Mandela
Remember that everyone you meet is afraid of something, loves something and has lost something.  ~H. Jackson Brown, Jr.
Do good by stealth, and blush to find it fame.  ~Alexander Pope
If we cannot be clever, we can always be kind.  ~Alfred Fripp
The only people with whom you should try to get even are those who have helped you.  ~John E. Southard
To cultivate kindness is a valuable part of the business of life.  ~Samuel Johnson
I was born not knowing and have only had a little time to change that here and there. ~Richard Feynman
The more sympathy you give, the less you need.  ~Malcolm S. Forbes
In about the same degree as you are helpful, you will be happy.  ~Karl Reiland
The greatest good you can do for another is not just to share your riches but to reveal to him his own.  ~Benjamin Disraeli
The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others. ~ Gandhi
Always be a little kinder than necessary.  ~James M. Barrie
Action expresses priorities.  ~ Gandhi
Life is a gift, and it offers us the privilege, opportunity, and responsibility to give something back by becoming more. ~ Tony Robbins
The highest use of capital is not to make more money but to make money do more for the betterment of life. ~ Henry Ford
If you can’t feed a hundred people, then just feed one. ~ Mother TeresaIf you think you can, or think you can’t, you’re right. ~ Henry Ford
Be the change you wish to see in the world. ~ Gandhi
Smile at a stranger, and make two people happy. ~Amy Neumann

Make it a wonderful day!