7 Ways to Make a Difference

By Courtney Carey

We have all been watching the news in horror as Friday’s unimaginable tragedy in Japan unfolds. As of this morning, the official death toll had reached just over 1,500, but many are expecting that number to rise above 10,000 people. While the initial earthquake and tsunami have passed, the aftershock, mourning and recovery efforts have just begun.

If you’re like me, you feel a sense of helplessness when watching the news about this devastating tragedy. I find myself wondering what I can do to help and make a difference. Technology has made it possible for anyone to make a difference, no matter how big or small the contribution. Every little bit counts.

An article from Mashable details seven simple ways that anyone can make a difference and contribute in the relief efforts:

1. Text to Donate: The American Red Cross has launched another Text Campaign to aid in the relief efforts in Japan. All you have to do is text REDCROSS to 90999 and $10 will be contributed to their efforts.
2. Donate Through Facebook: By logging in to your personal Facebook page you can donate $10-$500 through the American Red Cross’ Causes page: http://www.causes.com/campaigns/154523/
3. Play Virtual Games: Through playing the popular online games FarmVille, CityVille and FrontierVille you can help make a difference in the Japan relief efforts.
4. Embed a Code: By embedding a simple code on your website or blog, you can encourage others to get involved and help spread the word about relief efforts.
5. “Like” a Facebook Page: $1 of every “like” on the Dog Bless You Facebook Page (up to $100,000) will be donated to relief efforts. This page has reached the $100,000 goal.
6. Support through Twitter: There are several hashtags on Twitter that allow you to help with relief efforts and stay up-to-date with the latest news.
7. Donate on iTunes: Apple has created a donation page on iTunes on which you can choose to donate $5 to $200 towards the cause.
   

These seven ways to help are just a few of many options out there. For more detailed information on the relief efforts mentioned above, visit the Mashable article, “Japan Earthquake & Tsunami: 7 Simple Ways to Help.”

Courtney Carey is Manager of Social Media at Maroon PR. Contact her at Courtney@Maroon PR.com

Google Steps up During Times of Disaster

By Courtney Carey

Yesterday, a devastating earthquake hit the historic town of Christchurch in New Zealand. As of this morning, officials stated that 75 people were killed and 300 are reported missing. Among all of the tragedy, there is some positive news. At least 120 survivors were pulled from the wreckage and many people are stepping up to help. One household name that is making a huge impact is Google.

Google helps individuals sort through billions of bits of information for its users every day. Now, the company is expanding and using their immense database for an incredible cause. Google launched a Person Finder web page that will attempt to reunite missing friends and families. The Person Finder site was created along with the U.S. Department of State after a devastating earthquake that hit Haiti in January, 2010. Google’s person Finder sites were also used in response to earthquakes in Chile and China.

The website allows users to search for a missing person by entering an individual’s name into a user-created database. If a match is not found, the user can leave information and a message about the person. Users can also leave information about themselves in case others are trying to locate them. As of late last night, more than 6,500 records were created on the site.

Google is also working on crisis response pages that would include lists of helpful resources, emergency contact numbers and real-time updates from popular social media sites, such as Twitter and YouTube.

Google is setting an incredible example of how modern technology can be used to truly impact the world and make a real difference in peoples’ lives. Thanks to Google, people have a chance to be reconnected with their family and friends after going through an unimaginable disaster. I really admire what they are doing and I hope that the People Finder web page continues to successfully reconnect loved ones.

Courtney Carey is Manager of Social Media at Maroon PR. Contact her at Courtney@MaroonPR.com