Ideally, internet-led social movements would form a symbiotic relationship with their “on-the-ground” counterparts. Using social media outlets to propel a social cause cannot merely be a two-way dialogue—online and offline activism should not exist as diametrically opposed efforts. Think of online and offline activism efforts working towards the same goal as a meta-coalition, bringing solidarity and strength to a movement by providing consciousness, protection, connection, and documentation.

Creating an awareness and consciousness around an issue is the first step in building and articulating a movement’s demands and priorities. Blogging and micro-blogging serve as digital fliers or zines, while the social networks provide both a virtual printing press and a soapbox upon which activists can stand, free of the sponsorship and ratings constraints shackling the mainstream media.

Read the Full Article at GOOD

August was declared National Children’s Vision & Learning Month in 1995. The goal of this national observance is to help educate parents and educators about the critical link between vision and learning.

COVD thanks Larry Fitzgerald, Arizona Cardinals 2008 NFC West Champions’ wide-receiver and Pro Bowl MVP, for helping us promote our 2009 campaign. According to Fitzgerald, “The public doesn’t realize that you need over 17 visual skills to succeed in reading, learning, sports, and in life. Seeing ‘20/20’ is just one of those visual skills.” says Larry Fitzgerald.

In 2008, the COVD public awareness campaign for National Children’s Vision & Learning Month generated a record number of State and City Proclamations. COVD continues the success with new Proclamations for 2009.

Visit http://www.covd.org/ for more information on how to get involved.

Why Profit May Belong in the Charity Business
Aaron Steinberg | October 26, 2006

Before Google went public, founders Sergey Brin and Larry Page informed potential investors that they wouldn’t be seeing all of the company profits. A small percentage of it would be set aside for a charity project to be determined later. Last month, Brin and Page finally revealed what they planned to do with those company funds when they announced the founding of Google.org, a charity operation designed—modestly, humbly—to solve all the world’s problems and provide us all with awesome electric cars besides.

That rich internet entrepreneurs would want to start a charitable organization is about as surprising as Bill Gates’ wardrobe. The corporate form Brin and Page chose for their new charity, however—that was something completely different.

Read the entire article at ReasonOnline »

So join us Friday, Feb. 6th, by dressing up your family, friends, and even web presences in red! For more information, visit: www.hearttruth.gov

The World Aids Campaitn was established to support and promote a global campaign on HIV and AIDS. The campaign strengthens and connects together many of the AIDS-related advocacy and campaigns happening in our countries and regions – each are supported by a multitude of groups who are demanding that their governments and other key stakeholders deliver on previous promises and commitments on HIV and AIDS.

Check out: http://www.worldaidscampaign.org

Travis

-Raffstar Team

All around the world, World Diabetes Day is marked in over 130 countries and diabetes associations all over the world.

International Diabetes Federation member associations, individual members and health professionals around the world organise an extensive range of activities which vary from country to country. Anyone can join in!

More than 200 million people worldwide have diabetes. Many of them do not receive the care that they need. For more information visit the International Diabetes Federation and World Diabetes Day websites.

The International Diabetes Federation is the only global advocate for people with diabetes and their healthcare providers. They are a non-governmental organisation in official relations with the World Health Organisation and the Pan American Health Organisation.

Their mission is to work with their member associations to enhance the lives of people with diabetes. Since they first took up the diabetes cause in 1950, they have evolved into an umbrella organisation of 183 member associations in 142 countries.

Source: Count Me In Calender