Technology that Matters – Page 4

Technology that Matters April 30, 2014

Gratitude made simple

I am constantly being reminded by my teenage sons that I struggle with technology and change. Sadly, both observations are true. It takes something really inspiring for me to turn to technology for the solution. That is exactly what I felt, inspired, when a girlfriend introduced me to the Gratitude App.

For me, being happy begins with the simple act of being grateful. Whenever, I begin to feel self-pity or find myself turning slightly green with envy…I turn to gratitude. The shift is profound, every time. Sometimes, I write it down, sometimes I merely think to myself what makes me grateful? Now, on my phone is a way to simply log it, reflect, review and be reminded of all of life’s blessings.

I downloaded the Gratitude Journal, The Happy Tapper, and the first thing I see is the quote, “A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step.” I quickly list what I am grateful for and am instantly rewarded with a quote….and you know I love quotes. Every time you log your gratitude you receive a new quote, like this.

So the next time you are playing with your phone or feeling grumpy, go to the Gratitude app and give your self the best gift you can, feeling grateful and happy. Once you feel great, so does everyone around you.

Charity Matters.

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Technology that Matters January 22, 2014

LinkedIn and Volunteering, a perfect match

Everyday it seems there is a new technological way to get involved and it looks like today is no exception. Last week LinkedIn announced their latest tool, called Volunteer.linkedin.com, as a platform for volunteers to search for a volunteer fit by a variety of keywords such as; non-profits name, location,field of interest, etc…..For those of you not familiar with LinkedIn, it is best known as a corporate job networking site. In the past few years, I have to say it has become so much more and this is a perfect example.

I went to take a peak at some of the opportunities on LinkedIn and I immediately saw something for my husband. A non-profit organization called Bike and Build is looking for a board member who can help them 5-10 hours a month with marketing. My husband is a triathlete, avid cyclist, MBA and has been a VP of Marketing and is currently launching a product for the cycling/athletic market….so this seemed like a great fit.

What makes LinkedIn’s platform different from others is that LinkedIn realizes that your volunteering enhances your employment in a multitude of ways and that by volunteering in an industry that you area already involved with, such as cycling….you only enhance your resume, contacts and do the same for the organization that you are trying to help.

LinkedIn claims that,”41% of hiring managers consider volunteer work equally as valuable as paid work experience when evaluating candidates and unemployed people who volunteer are 27 % more likely to be hired than people who do not volunteer.”

So whether you are looking for a job or a way to use your skills to help someone else, this just might be the place to go to find that connection to make your life and someone else’s that much better.

Charity Matters.

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Technology that Matters January 6, 2014

One Today

Once upon a time it seemed like a little company called Microsoft was taking over the world, then one called Apple, and now it seems to be Google. As you all know, I have a love hate relationship with technology. Try, try as I do, I simply can not seem to keep up and adapt as quickly as I should. Just when I get frustrated, someone like Google comes along with a wonderful new way to use technology to help others, and that is when I simply love technology.

Google’s new app is called One Today. It is a mobile app for your phone that brings together people and nonprofits through the simple act of giving $1. This app is available only in the U.S. and lets people learn about different nonprofits every day, donate to projects that inspire them, and amplify their impact by matching their friends’ donations.

So, it is up to the non-profits you love to sign up for One Today and if they meet Gooogle’s requirements then you can share the project you care about with friends. One Today will also learn what types of causes matter most to you based on the projects you have donated to in the past. The more projects you give to on One Today, the better the app will become at presenting you with projects that are tailored to your interests.

So think about adding One Today to your phone and you can start finding ways to make $1 go to a cause you care about. A little love can go a long way.

Charity Matters.

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Technology that Matters November 20, 2013

Charity Miles, running with purpose

I never thought I would say this, but I love technology. Ok, I love technology that makes a difference. I also love running and today when my husband stumbled upon this amazing new app, I simply had to share. There is now a way for my run to earn money for causes I care about and its called Charity Miles.

Only a year and a half ago, Gene Gurkoff had a brilliant idea. He wanted to make a difference, more specifically to help his grandfather who suffers from Parkinson’s. Gene’s idea was to reach out to corporate sponsors and ask them to support us, the general public, every time we run, walk or ride. Making our every day workouts a charity race, that turns those miles into donations benefiting 25 amazing non-profit organizations. You can choose where each workout gets donated, with organizations that range from Autism Speaks, (Red), DoSomething.Org, Feed America, Soles 4 Souls and many more.

So, when I ran today (that’s my phone after the run above) a whopping 3 miles, I donated my run to The Wounded Warrior Project, in honor of Veterans Day. Charity Miles saying is,” Every Step Counts.” Since June 2012, runners, walkers and riders have logged enough miles from Charity Miles to go from earth to the moon and back….three times.

I think Charity Miles is onto something great. So download their app, put on your shoes and hit the road to make your life and someone else’s, that much better. They are right at Charity Miles, “Changing the world is a team sport.” That is my kind of team.

Charity Matters.

Copyright © 2013 Charity Matters. This article may not be reproduced without explicit written permission; if you are not reading this in your newsreader, the site you are viewing is illegally infringing our copyright. We would be grateful if you contact us.

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Technology that Matters October 28, 2013

What’s Sevenly?

A few weeks back I wrote about The Tipping Point of kindness that is currently happening all around us. The signs of great change, just continue to grow. I recently heard about a perfect example of that change, a new organization called Sevenly.Org . Their goal is just that, to make the world a better place.

It all began in January of 2011 when two young entrepreneurs named Dale Partridge and Adam Chavez got together with the mission of leading a “generation towards generosity.” Their belief was simply that people mattered and their goal was to create weekly cause campaigns where customers could purchase products that gave $7 to a weekly charity. They wanted to both “unlock a way to crowd-fund for causes, but to drive massive social awareness as well.” On June 13th, 2011 they began to do just that.

They refer to their model as a” funnel.” The approach begins with targeting the millions of people who have never given to charity before, they wisely asked for the gift of social influence first. Then they showcase cool products to buy, with each item purchased a $7 donation goes to the cause that is highlighted that week. Lastly, they are encouraging their customers/donors to connect on a deeper level with these causes.

The result is brilliant. In the past few years Sevenly has had millions of people donate their social influence, and hundreds of thousands buy awareness products for the causes they support. In addition, they have raised over 2 million dollars and counting for these causes. More importantly, they are living proof that the Tipping point of kindness is a reality. That Tipping point is doing exactly what they set out to do…move a generation towards generosity and make the world realize that people matter. Now that is Sevenly!

Charity Matters.

Copyright © 2013 Charity Matters. This article may not be reproduced without explicit written permission; if you are not reading this in your newsreader, the site you are viewing is illegally infringing our copyright. We would be grateful if you contact us.

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Technology that Matters September 30, 2013

Swap Serve

As most of you know I am a big believer in volunteering. Simply giving any talent, skill or time you have to a cause you care about and expecting nothing in return….except the great feeling you get from giving.

Well, it seems all of that is about to change. There is a new game in town and its called Swap Serve. Swap Serve has a little different approach to volunteering. They are trying to align non-profits with volunteers. Here is what makes this different, in exchange for your time, local businesses reward you with free stuff, such as coffee, donuts, movie tickets, etc.

Here is how it works:

I’m not sure if this is the way of the future, a win-win or defeating the point of volunteering? Regardless, anything that gets people out helping one another is a success in my book. So check it out and see if Swap Serve has come to your town yet. Do me a favor, if they haven’t, just keep on giving your time. There is no greater gift to give.

Charity Matters.

Copyright © 2013 Charity Matters. This article may not be reproduced without explicit written permission; if you are not reading this in your newsreader, the site you are viewing is illegally infringing our copyright. We would be grateful if you contact us.

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Charity Matters Inspiration July 15, 2013

Can you hear me now?

The universe works in mysterious ways and I continue to be in awe of how these stories come to my attention. This one is no exception and indeed a story that needs to be heard. I have to admit I know very little about hearing loss and the deaf but I do know the story of Bill Austin and his mission is one worth listening too.

Bill Austin is a doctor who wanted to make a difference in the world and he has certainly done that. What began with making one hearing device for an elderly man turned into a business that is the leader in hearing devices. What is so incredible about this man is that it wasn’t about the business, it was about making a difference.

So, in 1984 Bill Austin and his wife,Tani, began the Starkey Hearing Foundation. Their mission, “So the World May Hear,” is about bringing understanding between people through caring and sharing. They believe caring develops trust and by sharing we find our humanity.

Today the Starkey Hearing foundation has supplied over 1,000,000 hearing devices to people suffering from hearing loss all over the globe. Albert Schweitzer’s quote, “The purpose of human life is to serve and show compassion and the will to help others.” lives thru amazing people like the Starkey’s whose purpose is heard loud and clear.

Charity Matters.

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Technology that Matters June 24, 2013

HopeMob

While I am not the most tech savvy girl around, I do love ways that technology can make a difference in someone’s life. When I come across inspiring ideas, I simply need to share. Since I can’t save the world, but rather make a little difference everyday where I can, I thought this might be something you might enjoy as well.

This new technology is called HopeMob and its exactly what it sounds like – a mob of people bringing hope.

Just as Flash Mobs dance and bring spontaneous joy and laughter, HopeMob will bring caring strangers together to create sudden, yet organized relief and hope all over the world! HopeMob’s mission is to see a need and swarm it.

The founders are two young guys named Shawn King and Brad Kellough and they are some of the most respected social entrepreneurs and humanitarians in the world. Their social media and web projects have raised over $5,000,000 for charity, received over 100 million web hits, and recently won the Mashable Award for Most Creative Social Good Campaign.

Who knew a mob could be such a great thing? I guess anything that brings hope, is always great.

Charity Matters.

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Technology that Matters April 22, 2013

Crowdtilt

I may not be the most tech savvy person out there but every once in a while a great new idea or platform comes along that is so simple, its brilliant. Crowdtilt is just that. So obviously, I had to share.

Crowdtilt is a new online platform that allows you to set up a campaign (whether it’s for a great cause or an office collection for a retirement gift). Once you enter the goal amount and campaign you simply tell your friends via email, Facebook, however you choose too. Once the campaign “tilts” everyone’s credit cards are charged and the money is deposited into your account.

[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ktA-iPRf6cQ]

Crowdtilt founders, James Beshara and Khaled Hussein, hope that Crowdtilt will eventually be used to change the world for the better, but until then they’re fine if you simply use it to go in for a group gift.

So the next time you are trying to rally a crew to support your cause, give Crowdtilt a try. An easy way to make a difference.

Charity Matters.

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Causes March 27, 2013

Operation Photo Rescue

As we begin to get organized for Spring Break, a bunch of items start coming out for packing, the most important being the camera. Capturing memories of precious moments spent with loved ones is a universal tie that binds us all together. The nostalgia of past trips and looking back at photo albums (yes, real books….a thing of the past, I know!) lead me to this amazing story.

In 2006, in the wake of Hurricane Katrina, one Kansas woman decided an important way she could help families suffering from their enormous loss and grief of the storm’s aftermath. She would restore some of their damaged photographs. That kind gesture turned into the non-profit Operation Photo Rescue.

When a natural disaster strikes, what is the first item we rush to save? Our photos, which hold the key to our history, our past and our lives. Once victims are safe and have their basic needs met, they begin the process of searching for any remaining possessions. At this point Operation Photo Rescue starts their online fundraising efforts to underwrite their work.

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What began as a simple gesture has today turned into a global initiative. This entirely volunteer run organization now has a network of over 2,000 volunteers representing 77 countries where high end cameras digitally copy the damaged photos for restoration. Over 9,000 images have been restored in the past eight years.

The organization’s motto is, “Insurance doesn’t restore memories but we do,” The group’s President, Margie Hayes said recently, “As so often happens when people bring in their damaged photos, you learn that some of the photos are the only ones left of a relative that is no longer living. To be able to restore that memory is beyond words.”

Charity Matters.

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Technology that Matters March 8, 2013

Thank God its Friday! Friday Five

Who doesn’t love Fridays? They are for most of us the best day of the week! Fridays bring casual dress, anticipation of the weekend and a general overall happiness for most of us. Who ever thought of combining that great feeling with that same feeling you get from giving? The answer: a guy named Mike Berman.

Mike wanted to find a way to “harness the positive energy that Fridays have to offer and use that energy to do some good. Simply stated, people are more inclined to do good when they feel good.”

So he came up with a plan, to quit his job, follow his passion and begin Friday5.Org Take a look, its pretty cool.

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Mike is part of the growing group of today’s Social Entrepreneurs, people who are finding a way to combine a passion for doing good, mixed with a little capitalism and technology. The result is so simple and yet so powerful.

He recently quoted, Twitter’s co founder, Biz Stone by saying, “That speaks to one of my fantasies, which is that philanthropy is the future of marketing…If people take their marketing budgets and try to use them for good, you’ll end up with something more”.

I think Mike has found a way to make Fridays, even that much better! Happy Friday everyone!

Charity Matters.

Copyright © 2013 Charity Matters. This article may not be reproduced without explicit written permission; if you are not reading this in your newsreader, the site you are viewing is illegally infringing our copyright. We would be grateful if you contact us.

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Technology that Matters September 5, 2012

Lotsa Helping Hands

With Labor Day and summer sadly behind us and the reality of back to school as well as the demands of life that come with it, this time of year can be bittersweet. While we may secretly crave the routine of the school year we quietly mourn the freedom of long summer days and the relaxed lifestyle that fades as fall approaches.

For 65 million American caregivers, the long days of summer and a carefree life are no longer their reality. Everyday, regardless of the season, means caring for a loved one. whether it is an elderly parent or a sick spouse…which is exactly what happened to Barry Katz, the founder of Lotsa Helping Hands.Com

Like most non-profits, this one started with a life throwing a real curve ball. Barry Katz’s wife, Carole, was diagnosed with ovarian cancer and during the four years of her illness their life was turned upside down. Barry juggled caring for his wife, 2 young daughters, his job and the overwhelming offers from friends and family to help. Sadly, when Carole lost her battle with cancer Barry realized the enormous burden that caregivers face and their challenges. He was determined to do something about it.

In 2005 Barry called his friend, Hal Chapel, a technology entrepreneur and asked for his help in launching Lotsa Helping Hands. Barry and Hal were motivated by “their belief that the power of community empowers the individual, and the growing acceptance of social entrepreneurship to link both business and social change.”

[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9zBMlBRYKro&feature=relmfu]

So whether you are taking care of an elderly parent, want to help a local military family or a friend that is sick, Lotsa Helping Hands believes that you can create community to help one another in times of need. Barry Katz lost his wife but her legacy of kindness and compassion for others endures. Caring for a caregiver or just one another is a beautiful legacy for us all.

Charity Matters.

Copyright © 2012 Charity Matters. This article may not be reproduced without explicit written permission; if you are not reading this in your newsreader, the site you are viewing is illegally infringing our copyright. We would be grateful if you contact us.

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Technology that Matters August 20, 2012

Give it Forward

While I love telling the stories of my non-profit heroes almost more than eating peanut butter and chocolate, I am equally inspired by the host of young entrepreneurs that continue to create new and amazing ways to positively impact the lives of others. This story is exactly that.

Give it Forward.Com is an amazing way for people to fundraise for something they care about online that isn’t necessarily a non-profit but a personal cause.

The story of how GiveForward got started as a personal fundraising website is kind of long, but the short version is this:

After Hurricane Katrina, Desiree wanted to create a company that allowed small-scale donors to have a bigger say in where their donations were going. She was disappointed that the only way to raise money online was if you were a non-profit and she wanted to try to help an individual or family in need. So, in early 2008 she set out to create a site that would let anyone raise money for anything.

Around the same time, Ethan having raised money for a major non-profit in a marathon, thought there should be an easier way for marathon runners to raise money for any charity, not just the charity affiliated events .

A mutual friend introduced Desiree and Ethan, and within a couple of months they had formed GiveForward. Here is how it works.

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So whether you are trying to raise money for cause or a friend that is ill and needs some help, this incredible tool makes it possible for you to Give Forward. Thanks Desiree and Ethan for making it so easy for Charity Matters.

Copyright © 2012 Charity Matters. This article may not be reproduced without explicit written permission; if you are not reading this in your newsreader, the site you are viewing is illegally infringing our copyright. We would be grateful if you contact us.

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Technology that Matters January 25, 2012

The Snoball Effect

I know its January and in parts of the world it is snowing but now regardless of where you live you can create a snowball effect of giving thru the incredible new website called Snoball.

Snoball is a new social media concept that lets you donate to over 1.6 million nonprofits through customizable micro-donations or one-time gifts. Share your causes with friends, and watch your snoball effect grow! Here is how it works.

[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VpuNvcnlPKI]

Once you’ve created your account, you can interact with other users and nonprofits via Your Story. From there you can share new Snoballs you’ve created, let your friends know about new charities you’ve discovered, and share stories and anything else that crosses your mind.

My son is already planning his football season, with each touchdown he scores he will create a Snoball for Children’s Hospital Los Angeles. Now that is a snoball fight that I welcome, any day!

Charity Matters.

Copyright © 2012 Charity Matters. This article may not be reproduced without explicit written permission; if you are not reading this in your newsreader, the site you are viewing is illegally infringing our copyright. We would be grateful if you contact us.

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