Digital Social Activism

There has long been an acceptance of the idea that print and broadcast media have both the ability to shape public opinion and the possibility to create social change. I'm sure there are any number of journalists who choose the field simply because they want to expose the "bad guys" in the name of truth and justice.

Now, it makes just as much sense that with its intercontinental reach, the Web can be just as effective at influencing the global community. And because it can be quite inexpensive to create to maintain a simple website, it would also make sense for philanthropic organizations would begin reaching out through the web to broaden their reach without significantly increasing overhead costs.

I must admit that I never really thought about the concept until I read one of my classmate's blog entries. She mentions several Web sites dedicated to advancing social causes, but the one that really caught my attention was freerice.com. One that site, you can essentially play a word game that tests your vocabulary. Then, "For each word you get right, we donate 20 grains of rice through the United Nations to help end world hunger." While 20 grains may not sound like much, it adds up. According to today's site, they donated 171,527,040 grains of rice yesterday. Now that is a lot of rice.

I hate to have such a cynical view, but there are many people who are unwilling to help others without getting something out of it for themselves. They may not "get" anything physical from this site, it becomes a game, a competition with yourself. I gave it a try, and I got to more than 1,000 grains of rice; and it was exciting!

Now, I just happened to have the Rachel Ray Show on the other morning, and chef Mario Batali was there acting as a judge for an NFL player, Super Bowl party cook-off. But in addition to that, he was plugging a new cook book. "What does this have to do with anything," you might ask. Well, this cookbook is free and you can download it from the Internet. And when you do, Barilla (the pasta people) will donate $1 to America's Second Harvest, a charity that helps to fight hunger in the United States. You can even choose whether your dollar goes to the national food bank or to one in a city/location of your choice.

I like to cook, and I like cookbooks, so I'd be happy just getting a free cookbook. But knowing that it helps a charity, even a little, is just icing on the cake (slight pun intended). So while I wouldn't advertise on a regular basis, I'll make an exception.

Go get a free cookbook. Go play some word games. It's fun for you, and it may actually make a difference in someone else's life.