Raise Your Voice About Poverty - Sign Up for Blog Action Day!
Often the most uncomfortable things in this world don’t get talked about, even if they’re among the most important things in this world, simply because we don’t like to talk about them.
Poverty is one of those issues, and oftentimes it goes with little notice, despite its extreme effect on people’s lives.
On October 15, 2008, if you are a blogger, you have the chance to raise your voice about poverty, and join the voices of thousands and thousands of other bloggers speaking about poverty … on the same day. It’s called Blog Action Day — go check it out.
Last year, you might recall that I helped FreelanceSwitch’s Collis Ta’eed start Blog Action Day, and it was an amazing success. Thousands of bloggers, large and small, united on one day to talk about one issue — the Environment.
This year, the Blog Action Day topic is Poverty. If you have a blog, I highly encourage you to go sign up now. We’ve just launched today, and already there are more than 600 blogs signed up — as of this writing (there will probably be hundreds more by the time you read this). I expect thousands to sign up, representing millions of readers, within the next few weeks.
What do you have to do to participate? Do you have to take a pre-determined stance on Poverty? Not at all. All you have to do is blog about Poverty on Oct. 15, 2008 … and do it in any way you like. If you want to talk about the causes of Poverty, feel free to do so. If you want to write about what people can do, or about the history of it, or about how it relates to technology or the environment or simplicity or happiness or business or whatever you like to blog about … please do so. You can write whatever you like … as long as you blog about it on Oct. 15.
Already nearly 20 of the Top 100 blogs in the world have signed up, along with hundreds of smaller blogs. Participating blogs (as of this writing) include such major blogs as Lifehacker, Tech Crunch, Mashable, Problogger, Copyblogger, Daily Blog Tips, Smashing Magazine, ReadWriteWeb, GigaOm, Inhabitat.com, PronetAdvertising and more.
As you can probably tell I’m super excited about this. This is yet more proof that there is so much good in this world, and despite there being so much suffering, there are people who care, people with compassion, people willing to raise their voices to do good for others.
Please join us and be one of those people!
Update: A day after launch and we already have about 1,700 blogs representing more than 3.1 million readers! Thanks for participating!
- Posted on 15 August 2008 in Happiness |
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Comments (43)
Tony - SparkVictory Says:
August 15th, 2008, 9:38 am
Hi Leo — I just signed up. What a great way to get involved and bring awareness to an issue that is often overlooked. I’m looking forward to uniting, sharing ideas and making a difference.
Andrew Galasetti Says:
August 15th, 2008, 9:43 am
Thanks so much for letting us know about this Leo. I signed up my blog Lyved. I would be glad to discuss poverty on October 15. It’s a topic I’m very passionate about since I grew up poor.
Thanks again,
Andrew
Shanel Yang Says:
August 15th, 2008, 9:43 am
Poverty doesn’t have to be difficult to discuss. I do it all the time to teach people how to overcome it! Great idea and of course I’ll participate!
Writer Dad Says:
August 15th, 2008, 9:53 am
I will be there for sure. Incidentally, my post today is about money intelligence with your children.
Ann at One Bag Nation Says:
August 15th, 2008, 11:27 am
I’m in! It’s wonderful to have an organized way to blog for social change. I hope by then to have another blog launched, so I’ll sign them both up - thank you!
Shannyn Says:
August 15th, 2008, 11:42 am
I have signed up for this even though my blog is nowhere near as successful as yours!
I really appreciate that you posted this- I wouldn’t have known about it!
Metroknow Says:
August 15th, 2008, 11:44 am
Count me in as well - just signed up AlmostFit. Thanks for the reminder!
ScottyDoo | Blending Zen Says:
August 15th, 2008, 11:50 am
Just signed up and posted a banner on my site. Thanks!!
Chris - Zen to Fitness Says:
August 15th, 2008, 11:57 am
Great post, will be signing up this afternoon. Very good of you to raise awareness through your blog!
banji - Lesson In Life Says:
August 15th, 2008, 13:11 pm
It is very sad that in some country people die from hunger, while in another, people die from overeating.
I’m in, Leo. Thanks
conrad Says:
August 15th, 2008, 13:24 pm
great contrast with your previous post; there ARE things we shouldn’t be ok with — and poverty is one.
Bud Says:
August 15th, 2008, 14:01 pm
I am in the process of getting my blog set up, but I will surely be a part of it. I particated in my school’s 30 hour famine, an event in which we fasted for 30 hours, while doing activites that reminded us what needs to be done, it truly was a life changing expreinece. We did a visual aid of 50,000 thumb prints on paper and posted it on the wall represeting the amount of children that die each and every day due to lack of food, needless to say every one was in tears. Leo keep up the good work!
"Motivate Thyself" Says:
August 15th, 2008, 14:31 pm
This is REALLY EXCITING! I’m all over this. I’m already chewing on what I will cover. As a motivational blogger I am always talking about ways to improve your quality of life. But this will give me a chance to focus on a particular level of lifestyle and do it in conjunction with thousands of other bloggers. Thanks for the heads up and good for you for helping start this great event!
Maria | Never the Same River Twice Says:
August 15th, 2008, 15:28 pm
I’m definitely on board for this one. Blog Action Day is a great example of the power of social media to raise awareness about an issue and mobilize action.
Thanks for spreading the word, Leo.
Marelisa Says:
August 15th, 2008, 15:41 pm
What a great idea, of course I’ll join. I guess this will get a lot of people thinking about poverty and what they can do to help eradicate it.
Overcoming Lifes Obstacles Says:
August 15th, 2008, 16:07 pm
I’m in. I work in Social Services so I have seen a lot. I’m looking forward to being involved in blog action day.
Sara at On Simplicity Says:
August 15th, 2008, 16:21 pm
I’m in! I’m very excited about the topic, and it sounds like tons of other folks are as well. Has anyone thought about making a compilation or ebook of the best posts and donating the profits?
Miss Gisele B | myBeautyMatch.com Says:
August 15th, 2008, 16:51 pm
I like this idea. We are so many bloggers and we can join forces and make a difference!
Count me in Leo!
Miss Gisele B.
Her Ticking Clock Says:
August 15th, 2008, 19:38 pm
It shows how powerful blogging has become. I will definitely join and also do early posts to spread the world.
Leo Says:
August 15th, 2008, 19:39 pm
Thanks for signing up, everyone! It means a lot that you’re participating.
@conrad, who said: “great contrast with your previous post; there ARE things we shouldn’t be ok with — and poverty is one.”
I think that’s what many people misunderstood about my post. I pointed out in my post that there is suffering and violence, but that what is needed is not judgment but compassion and love. In the case of poverty, compassion is exactly what is needed. I also pointed out that we should not stop trying to do good, even if we accept the world as it is. :)
Jef Says:
August 15th, 2008, 22:12 pm
Good point. What happened to all of these issues? Poverty, homelessness, etc. Big in the 80’s into the 90’s, almost forgotten about these days.
Jim Says:
August 15th, 2008, 23:43 pm
I’m puzzled by this. What do you hope to accomplish? “Raising awareness”? Who is not aware of poverty? It is not an overlooked subject by any stretch of the imagination. Politicians are always yapping their gums about it. Turn on the news and there’s a story every night about some effect of poverty. Go to most grocery stores and there’s a bin for the local food pantry. America once even fought the War on Poverty. Guess what? Poverty won.
This project seems more like a way for people to feel good about themselves without actually doing anything. Those 600 bloggers would do well to donate a couple of bucks to a charitable organization, or their time to help someone in need instead of finding ways to generate page views.
Her Ticking Clock Says:
August 16th, 2008, 0:13 am
I’m not trying to RUIN the flow, but,
You have a very nice website design. Who designed it?
Leo Says:
August 16th, 2008, 0:34 am
@Jim: I’m sorry you feel that way. I think there is a major lack of awareness, especially when it comes to Third World poverty. It’s a huge issue for billions of people, and yet most people in the First World know very little about it. You may be an exception, but ask the people around you — what are the causes of Third World poverty? What are the effects? How many children die of preventable diseases every day? Why?
And more importantly, what can we in the First World do about it? Most people feel overwhelmed by this topic, and do nothing. And yet, it’s a completely solvable problem, if the First World countries would simply take action. They don’t, because of a lack of awareness by the electorate.
Now, what will Blog Action Day do to solve that? It won’t solve much, but when you face a problem this big, it’s important that you at least start a *conversation*. And that’s what this is — simply starting a conversation that needs to be held.
Regarding donations: this action will raise well more than 600 bloggers could possibly donate. Last year we raised a LOT of money for charity (I can’t say how much off-hand) and this year I will bet we do the same.
@Her Ticking Clock: A friend, a professional, designed it … however he’s not available for design work anymore. :)
"Motivate Thyself" Says:
August 16th, 2008, 3:40 am
@ Jim: I completely understand where you’re coming from. It’s hard not to be skeptical about something like this and I see how you could feel this way. But, though I can’t speak for everyone, I can give you my thoughts on how this event may be beneficial.
First of all, the thousands of bloggers who participate will, themselves alone, become more aware and hopefully more concerned for the needs of the poor. And then, of course, their readers will be given many, many different perspectives of the issue, the causes and ways they can help. Sure, for many it will just be another day and another blog post, but I think we can be confident that some will be moved to action. And even if only one more person became aware and involved, it would be a success. Because what’s the alternative, another day of blogging about “whatever”. In other words, it certainly can’t hurt. But to go even further, I see HUGE potential in the event and am very excited!
In regard to it just being a way for bloggers to get more page views, I don’t doubt that that’s one of the driving factors for a lot of bloggers. And hey, I wouldn’t mind if it helped my blog grow. But either way, it’s up to the individual to keep their priorities straight and that goes for ANY day of blogging.
Just my thoughts.
selfdiver Says:
August 16th, 2008, 6:25 am
I’ve just signed up. I am neither rich nor poor but I will try to give my view about the poverty.
Pete Says:
August 16th, 2008, 6:27 am
@Jim
Then don’t participate. But saying that a group of people dedicated to spreading awareness about poverty is a waste is just an uneducated comment. 600 blogs talks to millions of people. Instead of the 600 bloggers donating a couple of bucks, why not inspire millions to want to help.
This narcissistic view that the bloggers are just trying to increase pageviews is incredibly shallow. Maybe this action day will accomplish nothing, or maybe, a young person may read about it, be inspired, and dedicate their life to it. Either way, you, me, or anyone else will not be the judge.
What you need is some faith. You don’t just do things in life you can see the results to. If I gave $5 to poverty stricken people, what does that do? No, these bloggers are going to try and make it a world conversation. We all need to help, not just 600 bloggers.
Dorothy Says:
August 16th, 2008, 14:19 pm
How wonderful it would be if every blogger involved in this project left the computer and then reported on what they did physically to fight poverty. Other than donating money and talking, how about volunteering at the local food pantry or buying and donating groceries. How about taking a poor neighbor to dinner. Find out who are the proud poor, the unseen poor are in your community and help them with a food package…that poor grandmother down the street, the working woman with several children, the old geezer who is stretching his Social Security check.
There are those for whom poverty is a business, and others who stretch the meaning of the word. Try helping the unseen poor, the proud poor if you want to be doing God’s work.
thomas Says:
August 16th, 2008, 21:30 pm
Wow, what a great idea! I can just see the tears of gratitude on the faces of all those who actually live in poverty when they discover that a bunch of bloggers have decided to “raise awareness” about their poverty. I’m sure that will be of great benefit to them - much more than, oh I don’t know, giving them something to eat, or some clothing, or a place to stay, or helping them find a job.
This is nothing more than an exercise in mental and cyber self-pleasuring. You are enjoying the illusion of actually doing something to help people without actually doing anything.
“Blogging for social change” forsooth. WAKE UP - real poor people need real help, not blog posts.
What are you going “raise awareness” about next year? Cancer? Lot’s of people get that and die of it - maybe a blogging day “raising awareness” about cancer will help!
Get over yourselves, for goodness sake.
Stephen Baugh Says:
August 17th, 2008, 4:59 am
Thanks for pointing this out to us. I’ve just signed up and will of course post on the day.
Thanks for the wonderful information on your blog.
Warmest
Stephen
Tabs Says:
August 18th, 2008, 3:32 am
August 18, joining tonight or should I say this morning. Thanks for the heads up.
-Tabs
Heimdall Says:
August 18th, 2008, 7:22 am
@thomas:
If the desired outcome is action that makes a change in the lives of poor people, then how can such action be induced? Perhaps we must first raise awareness on a large scale to induce intentions, which lead to decisions, which eventually culminate in appropriate action.
As of yet, nobody stated what this action should (or should not) look like. I can perceive your message from many viewpoints, for instance as a premature judgement, but also as a valuable admonition. I certainly hope that the bloggers will encourage people to take “real” action and not “just donate money”. I am looking forward to the actual results.
If you must judge at all, then I suggest that you judge a tree by its fruits, not by its roots. :-)
@Leo:
Wonderful idea - I’m all in!
thomas Says:
August 18th, 2008, 12:42 pm
@Heimdall
Thank you for the eminently reasonable response. My tone was immoderate in my original comment, and you do a nice job of correcting me by example.
I agree that the effort should be judged by its fruit. Does the foreseeable fruit merit all the hoo-hah and elevated rhetoric surrounding this endeavor? It’s hard to see how - your best case is that a handful of random people reading these blogs might possibly be inspired to do something substantial. Or not. That hardly seems to be value for money, so to speak.
Just talking about things (and “raising awareness” is really just an American leftist pious euphemism for talking about things) rarely accomplishes much, particularly when it’s a conversation limited largely to an insular group of like-minded people, which is what the bloggers likely to participate in this “event” constitute along with their readers. Just talking only effects change if there’s someone responsible who can be shamed into changing something, and I don’t see that happening here, do you? Can you really think that this will do anything more substantial for the poor than those ubiquitous, fatuous “Free Tibet” bumperstickers did for Tibet a few year back?
What this will undoubtedly do is help a bunch of bloggers feel good about themselves, as if they had done something real. And therein lies the real shame, for I have no doubt that many of you do indeed have good intentions, and that energy and attention is being diverted into what is essentially a worthless enterprise where it could be accomplishing something, however small.
600 bloggers could feed six hundred people on 15 October without even trying very hard. That would be 600 fewer hungry people on 15 October people than you will probably have now, however many people participate in this “event”.
Just my $,02
Chris @ Lifestyle Project Says:
August 18th, 2008, 14:41 pm
I’m in, a great way to collectively raise an issue!
Mandiann Says:
August 19th, 2008, 16:45 pm
This is such an amazing idea. I am all signed up. Thank you!
daily5list.com Says:
August 21st, 2008, 5:33 am
I’ll be writting to take part in this great day…
thats one of the best initiatives of collaborative blogging I know
hope it’s goes bigger than the last year
Erik Says:
August 21st, 2008, 10:46 am
If you want to see a working example of online people making change, look at:
http://www.childsplaycharity.org/
Less talking, more doing.
Natalia Says:
August 22nd, 2008, 18:36 pm
Thanks for care about everything that matter.
I believe in the power of join forces, voices, everything for a good cause.
I will be blogging that day and so on about poverty.
ACTION is the key for get everything.
Let’s do it then.
cheritycall Says:
October 27th, 2008, 4:11 am
Hi, Give something for help those hungry people from Africa or India,
I made this blog about them:
on http://tinyurl.com/556poc
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