contact home links about where i've been n stuff

Wednesday, April 24, 2013

What is the Global Mom Relay?



If we’re friends on facebook, or if you follow me on twitter, or even if you’ve liked my blog’s facebook page, you’ve seen me sharing links which claim that if you also share it, a $5 donation will be made to one cause or another.

I know how this looks.

But it’s legit. Really.

And today I’ll explain it to you so that you can be assured that I’m not spamming you.

The Global Mom Relay has been going on since March 8th (International Women’s Day) and ends right around Mother’s Day. Every day a different post is featured, focusing on various campaigns (Girl Up, The Global Alliance for Clean Cookstoves, Mobile Alliance for Maternal Action (MAMA), and now Shot@Life). Money has been set aside (up to $62,500.00 per week) to be donated to different causes throughout the duration of the relay. How is that money donated? Through sharing on social media via the widget graphic on the Relay post. Each share unlocks a $5 donation.

And now I’ll answer your questions:

Where does the money come from?
Johnson & Johnson, and The Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, mainly.

Seriously? Bill Gates?
Seriously. Bill Gates.

Like those photoshopped pictures I see of him on facebook saying he’ll send $5,000 to anyone who shares a picture?
Um, NO. Exactly NOT that. The Gates Foundation works with the United Nations Foundation and has set money aside for this relay.

Why are they waiting for people to share the articles using social media? Why don’t they just donate the money?
Great question. I’m pretty sure it’s because these causes represented during the Global Mom Relay are causes that need not only money, but also awareness. By guaranteeing donations via social media shares, the aim of building awareness is achieved.

So I should just retweet the Global Mom Relay tweets? Or click Share on your facebook posts?
That helps with the awareness, but the only way to unlock the donation is by going to the article and clicking on the pink (or purple) Share button.

I don’t have Twitter or Facebook, but I want to play. What can I do?
There’s also an email share option. You have email, right?

We’re nearing the end of the Global Mom Relay, and the campaign featured right now is Shot@Life. I’d encourage you to subscribe to the Global Mom Relay updates and share any posts which you think are worthwhile (hint: they’re all super worthwhile).

It’s exciting to see social media being used for good in creative ways that make a tangible difference in the lives of people around the globe.

If you have any additional questions, please don't hesitate to ask.

***LOCALS: Don't forget about Shot@Life's First Birthday Bash, this Friday at four locations of The Sweet Tooth Fairy!***

No comments: