SAN ANONIO, Texas — BlogCatalog.com, the premier social network for bloggers, has launched BloggersUnite.org, a new social network that allows members to submit nonprofit events from around the world and work together to promote awareness campaigns, raise funds, and take action.
BloggersUnite.org was developed out of an initiative as the first blogger-driven social awareness campaign on the Internet in 2007. The initial campaign raised funds to buy classroom supplies for students though the Omidyar Network-supported DonorsChoose.org. More than 1,000 students benefited.
Since, BlogCatalog.com has supported seven social awareness campaigns, with the largest, Bloggers Unite for Human Rights, held in cooperation with Amnesty International USA. As a result of the campaign, CNN tracked more than 1.2 million posts related to human rights, many of them calling for people to sign petitions, take action, and join Amnesty International or other human rights groups.
“The new network changed the dynamic of Bloggers Unite,” said Antony Berkman, president of BlogCatalog.com. ”While we’ll still coordinate three major underserved social awareness campaigns every year, BloggersUnite members can now submit and support their causes as well.”
Berkman says he hopes that the network will put a face on the bloggers and social media participants who want to do good in the world. Currently, there are 24 international events listed in the new network. These events will be joined by ten local events chosen by BlogCatalog members to encourage nonprofit organizations to become involved.
“We hope people think globally online and act locally offline,” said Berkman. “So members are invited to list both local and global events from all around the world. This will also help bring attention to many events that are global, but take place on different days on the local level.”
Submitted by BlogCatalog and Twitter members, the first ten local events include fundraising opportunities in cities from Vancouver, Canada, to Edinburgh, Scotland. The causes are equally diverse, ranging from Parkinson’s disease to therapy animal programs.
BlogCatalog.com is the premier social network for bloggers, with more than 170,000 active members. It was also the first blogger social network to develop a social awareness campaign; an RSS-enabled dashboard feature that delivers cross-network aggregation;
For more information, visit BloggersUnite.org or BlogCatalog.com
BloggersUnite.org — Highlights Ten Local Events
1. Golden Valley, Minnesota, USA | Twin Cities Walk for Parkinson's Disease
The Parkinson Association of Minnesota | http://www.parkinsonmn.org
On May 2, the Parkinson Association of Minnesota (PAM) is hosting a fundraising walk. The nonprofit, voluntary alliance, dedicated to improving the lives of those affected by Parkinson's disease, through fundraising, community building, advocacy, and increasing public awareness.
2. Las Vegas, Nevada, USA | 2009 AIDS Walk Las Vegas
Aid for AIDS of Nevada | http://www.afanlv.org/
On April 19, Aid for AIDS of Nevada will lead the AIDS Walk consisting of individual walkers and walk teams to raise funds for critical services and elevate public awareness. The AIDS walk is support by many organizations and celebrities, including Penn & Teller.
3. Portland, Oregon, USA | The Pet Effect Fundraising Luncheon
The Delta Society | https://www.deltasociety.org
On April 29, the Delta Society will host a free fundraising luncheon (no minimum or maximum donation) to raise funds for therapy animal programs and their handlers, which makes a difference by providing a human-animal bond.
4. Frederick, Maryland, USA | Run For Congo Women
Women For Women International | http://www.runforcongowomen.org
On April 11, Run For Congo Women will provide direct assistance through sponsorships that will help them to pay for food, medicine, and other lifesaving needs. Women and children are disproportionally affected in times of crisis like these. More women than ever will need the benefit of a sponsor to rebuild.
5. Puerta de Tierra, San Juan, Puerto Rico | Marcha Por Los Bebes
March of Dimes | http://www.marchforbabies.org
On April 6, The Puerto Rico March of Dimes chapter will march for babies, an event that raises money to support programs in your community that will help moms have healthy full-term pregnancies. It also funds research to find answers to the serious problems that threaten babies.
6. Edinburgh, Scotland, UK | The Moon Walk Edinburgh
Walk The Walk | http://www.walkthewalk.org/
On June 20, more than 12,000 women and men will walk the streets of Edinburgh in their decorated bras to raise money and awareness for the fight against breast cancer. Walk the Walk originated 11 years ago when 13 women power walked the New York City Marathon in their bras for breast cancer.
7. Boston, Massachusetts, USA | 2009 Walk For Hunger
Project Bread | http://www.projectbread.org
On May 3, more than 40,000 supporters will take part in Project Bread’s 41st Walk for Hunger. Walkers of all ages participate in an event dedicated to feeding hungry people. Project Bread served 43.4 million meals last year.
8. Vancouver, Canada | The Ride To Conquer Cancer
BC Cancer Foundation | http://va09.conquercancer.ca
On June 19-21, cyclists will bike for two days from Vancouver to Seattle. Funds will benefit BC Cancer Foundation to support breakthrough research and enhancements to care at BC Cancer Agency, throughout British Columbia.
9. Atlanta, Georgia | The Arthritis Walk
Arthritis Foundation | http://lmt.arthritis.org/
On May 2, the Atlanta chapter of the Arthritis Foundation will participate in the annual nationwide event that raises awareness and funds to fight arthritis, the nation’s most common cause of disability. It is an opportunity to help improve the lives of the 46 million men, women and children doctor-diagnosed with arthritis.
10. San Antonio, Texas | Be A Shavee
St. Baldrick’s Foundation Charity | http://www.stbaldricks.org/
On March 14, St. Baldrick's, the world's largest volunteer-driven fundraising event for childhood cancer research, will host a head-shaving event in San Antonio. Thousands of volunteers shave their heads in solidarity of children with cancer, while requesting donations of support from friends and family.
