{"id":8141,"date":"2013-09-11T19:23:24","date_gmt":"2013-09-11T23:23:24","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.relishments.com\/blog\/?p=8141"},"modified":"2013-09-14T15:45:21","modified_gmt":"2013-09-14T19:45:21","slug":"hls13dogood-live","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.relishments.com\/blog\/hls13dogood-live\/","title":{"rendered":"#HLS13DoGood – Using Your Platform for a Cause LIVE!"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"\"<\/a><\/center>As you know, because I can’t stop talking about it, tomorrow I’ll be headed to Minneapolis for the 5th Annual (and my 4th) Healthy Living Summit.\u00a0 One of the sessions I’ll be attending is Using Your Platform for a Cause: Philanthropy and Blogging, <\/strong>as described by the HLS site:<\/p>\n

Blogging gives someone an audience, no matter how small or large, and an important platform that can be used to raise awareness (and money) around great causes. Philanthropy is an expansive world, and there are a number of things to consider before aligning yourself with a cause. Attend this session to learn how to focus on a cause that aligns well with your brand, and how to effectively use your voice to give back to the issue of your choice. While raising funds is important, raising awareness is even more beneficial to non-profit organizations: this session will cover how to best partner with organizations both locally and nationally, and how to creatively and effectively tell the story of your cause. Interesting case studies, about Plate Share<\/a> and Girls on the Run<\/a>, will be used to further illustrate and dive deeper into the presentation\u2019s content.<\/p><\/blockquote>\n

I’m really looking forward to this session.\u00a0 But I know not everyone will be coming to the summit.\u00a0 And that’s okay! I’ll be live blogging Using Your Platform for a Cause from 2:00 – 2:45 pm (central time!).\u00a0 Live blogging means that I’ll be updating this post as the session progresses and hitting publish constantly.\u00a0 It’s almost like being there!\u00a0 All the other sessions will be live blogged and live tweeted as well.\u00a0 You can see the full list on the summit website.<\/a><\/p>\n

So, check back right here on the 14th! \u00a0See you then!<\/p>\n

\n

Using Your Platform for a Cause: Blogging and Philanthropy live blog<\/h3>\n

Katie Levans began the session thanking the sponsors, then kicking off the session.<\/p>\n

There are tons of blogs on the internet, each with individuals with varied interests and skills behind them. \u00a0When these like-minded people connect, huge networks can be created. \u00a0Social media allows all of us to have a voice and make a difference.<\/p>\n

3 questions:<\/p>\n

Why should I get involved with a cause?<\/p>\n

How do I choose a cause?<\/p>\n

What kind of impact can I really make?<\/p>\n

There are many non-profits available and many are understaffed and rely on volunteers to run their organizations. \u00a0Volunteer time is very valuable. \u00a0If you don’t have time, you can give time and skills to charities.<\/p>\n

Non-profits are often looking for people to do administrative tasks such as computer work. \u00a0Our blogging skills are very important to these organizations. \u00a0Donating time allows you, as a blogger, to expand your audience.<\/p>\n

Another benefit is building your portfolio. \u00a0The writing content or photos you create can be used.<\/p>\n

Non-profits have boards of directors with influential and connected people.<\/p>\n

At the end of the day, the biggest benefit is making a difference in the world.<\/p>\n

Think about local, national and international non-profits and charities. \u00a0It is important to think about your blog’s audience and your personal interests. \u00a0Where those two things intersect is the sweet spot for connecting philanthropy and blogging. \u00a0Where do your skills and passions overlap? \u00a0Is there an organization that aligns with that overlap? \u00a0Both Katie and Mary Uran shared 5 of their skills and 5 of their passions.<\/p>\n

Before signing on to work with a charity, think about the following: Which organizations match your passion? Where is their money spent? And how much goes to the cause? Who runs the organization? What proof of concept do they have to show their impact?<\/p>\n

75-80% of the funds should be going to the cause.<\/p>\n

Non-profits that have been around for a while have annual reports. \u00a0Newer ones have business plans. \u00a0Check them out. \u00a0GuideStar is a database of non-profits which provides important information. \u00a0Charity Navigator is another site that provides financial information on non-profits. \u00a0The National Center for Non-Profit Statistics and the IRS also have information.<\/p>\n

Philanthropic Blogging Ideas:<\/p>\n