Bloggers have the power to make a difference in society. Many times when we think about blogging, we think of online diaries, which relate the daily events in the life of an individual, or blogging as a hobby, where we can talk about subjects that we feel passionate about.
Blogging is also taking off as a business tool, to expand the company’s brand on the Internet and market products and services.
However, we can take blogging a step further and use it as a tool to raise people’s awareness over a cause and encourage social justice.
So how can you use blogging to contribute to society’s development?
1. Volunteer your skill to a non-profit near you
Many non-profit organisations lack the resources (Money, skill, a pair of hands) to start and manage a blog talking about its cause on the internet. Some organisational heads also don’t yet appreciate what blogging can do for them.
To them, blogging seems like a luxury activity, when they need blankets to help keep the poor warm and food to feed them. As bloggers, we know the value of having a following; we have seen how online communities can be generous with their time and resources, when the situation warrants it.
So why don’t you volunteer to establish a blog for your favourite charity? Platforms like Wordpress and Blogger are free, and all you’ll need to do is tell the world about your small corner or the world, and how the non-profit you support is making a difference.
2. Talk about your favourite cause on days when your well is dry
I cannot count the number of times I have come across posts where the blogger says, “Sorry I don’t have a lot to say today.”
Instead of posting to tell us your creative well is dry, why don’t you use the opportunity to post about a cause you support on your blog? Obviously, it wouldn’t work if you inundated your readers with off-topic blah blah about your favourite cause, but doing it once in a while won’t hurt. And it will give your readers a closer understanding of you as a blogger and human being.
3. Teach your local non-profits how to blog
Organise a free workshop to teach your local NGOs how to blog. Where PC-based Internet access is not possible, show them how micro-blogging can be used effectively. Introduce them to Twitter and similar tools, so they can use them to tell their stories as and when they can to grow the number of supporters for their cause.
4. Host blogging sessions for a cause
Get together with your blogging buddies at the local pub or online, to blog about a specific cause at the same time. An example of such an event is the Keeping Jozi Cosy event, to be held by My Digital Life at a pub in Johannesburg.
The event aims to put together blankets for street children in the city. All local bloggers are invited, and all they have to bring is themselves and a blanket/R30 (the equivalent of $3).
5. Take part in a blog party
Invite your blogging network to blog about a common issue, which they can handle from different perspectives. And then on the chosen party day, publish the links to their stories on your blog and invite your readers to visit the links and comment on the various posts.
Biography
Damaria Senne is a writer and blogger based in Johannesburg. She chats about her adventures as a technology, business, development and creative writer at http://damariasenne.blogspot.com
Blogging is also taking off as a business tool, to expand the company’s brand on the Internet and market products and services.
However, we can take blogging a step further and use it as a tool to raise people’s awareness over a cause and encourage social justice.
So how can you use blogging to contribute to society’s development?
1. Volunteer your skill to a non-profit near you
Many non-profit organisations lack the resources (Money, skill, a pair of hands) to start and manage a blog talking about its cause on the internet. Some organisational heads also don’t yet appreciate what blogging can do for them.
To them, blogging seems like a luxury activity, when they need blankets to help keep the poor warm and food to feed them. As bloggers, we know the value of having a following; we have seen how online communities can be generous with their time and resources, when the situation warrants it.
So why don’t you volunteer to establish a blog for your favourite charity? Platforms like Wordpress and Blogger are free, and all you’ll need to do is tell the world about your small corner or the world, and how the non-profit you support is making a difference.
2. Talk about your favourite cause on days when your well is dry
I cannot count the number of times I have come across posts where the blogger says, “Sorry I don’t have a lot to say today.”
Instead of posting to tell us your creative well is dry, why don’t you use the opportunity to post about a cause you support on your blog? Obviously, it wouldn’t work if you inundated your readers with off-topic blah blah about your favourite cause, but doing it once in a while won’t hurt. And it will give your readers a closer understanding of you as a blogger and human being.
3. Teach your local non-profits how to blog
Organise a free workshop to teach your local NGOs how to blog. Where PC-based Internet access is not possible, show them how micro-blogging can be used effectively. Introduce them to Twitter and similar tools, so they can use them to tell their stories as and when they can to grow the number of supporters for their cause.
4. Host blogging sessions for a cause
Get together with your blogging buddies at the local pub or online, to blog about a specific cause at the same time. An example of such an event is the Keeping Jozi Cosy event, to be held by My Digital Life at a pub in Johannesburg.
The event aims to put together blankets for street children in the city. All local bloggers are invited, and all they have to bring is themselves and a blanket/R30 (the equivalent of $3).
5. Take part in a blog party
Invite your blogging network to blog about a common issue, which they can handle from different perspectives. And then on the chosen party day, publish the links to their stories on your blog and invite your readers to visit the links and comment on the various posts.
Biography
Damaria Senne is a writer and blogger based in Johannesburg. She chats about her adventures as a technology, business, development and creative writer at http://damariasenne.blogspot.com
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