What you’ve got.
If you read this blog regularly, then you know that I rarely deviate from the business topic of social media.
But, there’s a first time for everything.
Recently, I was approached to help with a social media campaign called the Blue Key Campaign (#bluekey). You might have seen my tweets about the campaign, its a true grassroots social campaign. Since joining I’ve been spending a lot of time counting my blessings. The Blue Key Campaign is a show of support to those who work with some of the 43.7 Million people in the world who are considered refugees. Just think about that number for a moment. To put it into perspective of topics that dominate the American conversation right now:
There are about 8.9 Million Unemployed workers in the USA (source: National Alliance to End Homelessness)
42 Million people in the USA received retirement benefits from Social Security (2009)
There are about 38 Million Immigrants in the USA (source: Wikipedia.com)
This is an international humanitarian problem that dwarfs so many others, but we rarely hear about it. Why? These people have no voice other than the UNHCR, who has over 6,000 staffers working with and for refugees around the world. So let me repeat: there are over 43 MILLION people in the world who have been displaced from their homes due to political upheaval or war and almost 49% of them are women and children. People in countries like Somalia, Congo, Afghanistan where life is hard enough when you have a an actual roof over your head. And being a refugee in these places can go on for years, over 7 Million refugees have been so for over 5 years. I’ve started a list of things that I am grateful for that I have because I am a refugee:
10 Things I am grateful for…because I am not a refugee
Unlike so many causes, a small donation to their efforts can make a huge difference. I’ve shown my support by purchasing a BlueKey which I have on my key ring, I also made an additional donation which will help make the lives of these refugees more livable. It will provide them with tents for shelter, fresh water and a small sense of normality.
I’m asking you to consider purchasing a $5 BlueKey as well. When you do, if you comment on this post, let me know that you’ve purchased your key and let me know what YOU are grateful for because you aren’t a refugee and you’ll be entered to win a random drawing for your choice of one of the following three items:
1) 1-hour consulting FREE on any social media topic of choice.
2) Free ticket to the Mari Smith event in Honolulu Oct. 20th, 2011
3) $35 Amazon Gift Card.
You’re choice. If you make an additional donation to the cause, you’ll get two entries into the drawing. For my Hawaii readers, let’s show the world that Aloha is contagious. Here in Hawaii, we give more to most causes than most. Let’s add this to our list. We live in paradise – these people literally live in hell.
Thank you in advance for your generosity. I truly appreciate it!
P.S.: I’ll do the drawing on Oct. 11, 2011 so don’t delay!
More information:
