Twitter, Facebook, and Your Network - Powerful Tools for Change

So, I do the whole Twitter thing. I tweet (that’s fun to say!) fairly regularly. Once in a while it’s about something important, but most often it’s just random musings or happenings throughout my day. And... I admit that I follow A FEW celebrities on twitter. Not many – but a few who I think are witty enough to warrant reading what’s going on in their heads on a regular basis.

One of those celebs is Pete Wentz of Fall Out Boy. I’m not really sure why I started following him, but I randomly added him one day… probably just because I like his music. I've enjoyed following him and reading his updates... although I'll admit sometimes it's kind of weird, because it's not like we're friends and I really know what he's talking about when referring to his life happenings. It's a weird world, this whole social media thing. Weird... and powerful.


So a few weeks ago (yes, this post is way overdue) there was a bit of a buzz that Pete was about to hit 1 million followers. (Can you imagine a million people reading your life's updates?) He posted that there would be a surprise to celebrate the 1 million mark. I was really interested in what this surprise would be, and how he would celebrate it, so I was excited when he finally reached 1 million. When I saw what he was doing, I was even more excited. And appreciative.

Pete decided to illustrate the power of 1, and how that can turn into the power of 1 million. He set up a website where his followers (and others) can donate $1 to help people in East Africa through Invisible Children (which I blogged about back in March). Read his message and thoughts about using social media as a tool to help the world (& maybe even donate a dollar) here http://petewentz.com/post/140798299/the-million-tweet.

Pete is using his influence – in this case via one million twitter followers - to contribute. To help get something done. To fight. $1 isn't much... but when 1 million people give $1 it's suddenly very significant.

So Pete Wentz has one million followers. I have a whopping 36 followers on Twitter. Clearly, that doesn't begin to compare. So what about us?

We all have influence. It may not be a million people – but we have it. We all have a network – of friends, family, co-workers, heck even facebook friends and followers on twitter. And the fact that we can't each make an impact through 1 million people should not stop us from using the influence that we do have. It starts somewhere, and each act is significant. Remember what $7 can do in Africa? (If you don’t, check out my Feb. 22 blog about Mocha Club) Take a nod from Pete Wentz.

How can you use the influence you have in your network - however big or small - to contribute?

Thanks to Pete I’m re-energized and inspired to blog about world changers again after being a major slacker this summer! Peace, love & change!