Using Social Media to Do Good

We've all seen Ashton Kutcher rise to Internet glory by amassing a Twitter following that now numbers more than 2.3 million. So in a year of soaring unemployment, housing & health care misery, and political instability, who cares about a movie star with a megaphone?

Well sometimes people can surprise you.

A few celebrities and big brands are turning their captive Twitter audiences into “followers” of another sort, by asking them to join into conversations about helping others and donating their time to worthy causes.

Ashton Kutcher and Demi Moore are working with KelloggCares to raise funds to feed the hungry in the US, and using their substantial Twitter following to get people involved. Mashable is transforming social media influencers into cause-marketing advocates by launching The Summer of Social Good. This is the first large scale online charitable campaign to raise funds strictly through the power of Social Media and the Internet. The best part, 100% of the funds collected will be donated to four charities, including Livestrong and the Humane Society.

Social media, celebrity endorsements and the interactive Web have enabled many charitable organizations to extend their geographic reach and increase awareness for many of the philanthropic causes that are especially relevant in today’s economic climate.

It’s always a good time to unite people toward the common good.