More Social Networks for Social Good

Previously, I wrote about two social sites other than the well publicized Jumo where you could engage in social activism. I asked for suggestions of others.

Thanks to those who provided ideas. I list them here with the caveat that I’ve only taken a quick look at each. I’m not endorsing them or guaranteeing user satisfaction.

I hope one or two of these prove useful to you during this holiday season and throughout the year.

• Ammado – On this social networking site for giving, individuals can connect with and donate to non-profits. Users can also join communities on various topics and friend others on the site. In addition, companies gain access to tools to help employees donate.

• Benefeast – This site enables a user to network with nonprofits and other members, but also provides tools for fundraising. For instance, members can sell items they want to get rid of on Benefeast, with the money going to a nonprofit they’ve chosen. Benefeast also offers tools to help people set up and run small fundraising events.

• Care2 – This grandfather of social networks for good has been in existence for 13 years. On the site, members can earn credits for various actions that they can then spend—for example for a day of safe drinking water for a child or work gloves for a disaster relief team. The site also offers articles, petitions to sign, a listing of volunteer opportunities, green job postings, community tools, and more.

• Kiva – On this well-known site, people can connect with entrepreneurs and small business owners around the world to provide microloans that enable them to grow their businesses. As of November 2009, Kiva has facilitated over $100 million in loans. Kiva now also offers community features such as lending teams and a Kiva friends online forum.

• WiserEarth – This website is the “social network for sustainability.” It offers a directory of nonprofits and NGOs, online forums, event listings, a job board, and more. Users can link up with other members and organizations on WiserEarth and share knowledge and collaborate.

Honorable mention: Help From Home is not a social network, but it is a Website that, like Sparked.com that I previously mentioned, enables users to microvolunteer. The site provides listings and links to various volunteer opportunities that take one, five, or 10 minutes.

For more social media and technology tidbits, follow me on Twitter, @evakl.

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