According to a study by World Vision, an international relief and development group, "eighty percent of teens use social media and 44 percent say they’ve become more aware of the needs of others as a result of their use of social media like Facebook and Twitter. Furthermore, "34 percent “friend”, “like” or “follow” charitable organizations or causes they believe in."
In an age where fundraising income has dramatically decreased, I think it's safe to say public awareness about charitable causes has greatly increased with the advent of the internet and social media tools like Facebook, Twitter and YouTube. The Internet Generation and Millenials are generations who can spread news like wildfire using a tool even more powerful than their debit card: their social networking account.
Social media has empowered younger generations to have influence and a platform to contribute to good causes, even if they don't make a ton of dough, have a famous name or a prestigious diploma. In the twenty-first century, all it takes to make positive change overnight is a Wi-Fi connection, a Mac and a message.
Disclosure:
In the interest of full disclosure, I must state that I am employed by a company in the humanitarian and relief sector, however, my blog posts are not related in any specific way to my job, nor do they or will they convey proprietary information or necessarily convey the views of my employer. Advocacy and volunteering for non-profit is my passion both professionally and personally, but this blog does not relate to my professional job.
