Rebecca Bollwitt shining example of using social media for the good of others

Growing up my parents instilled in me a sense of responsibility to give back to the community. It was expected that we would use our talents and gifts for the greater good. It should be no surprise that my father worked his whole life helping veterans paralysed in war and taught at medical schools, my mother (a nurse) taught sex ed in the public schools, one sister works with refugee claimants within Homeland Security, the other sister (also a nurse like mom) works with kids at NYU, my brother and I do our part, though not as publicly.

When I look around the social media space, and in Vancouver especially, I see Rebecca “Miss 604″ as someone who uses her profile not just for herself, but for others less fortunate as well. Rebecca is getting a well-deserved chance to highlight her work next month at CES:

4:40 PM Leveraging Social Media for the Social Good
(Rebecca Bollwitt – that’s me!)

[From CES 2009 and The Social Media Jungle » Vancouver Blog Miss 604 by Rebecca Bollwitt]

For all that might be said about self-promotion and personal brands, taking that network and influence to help others is a great thing. I am reminded to donate to the food bank because of Rebecca’s work. I’m reminded to make sure I give back because Rebecca is there reminding all of us to do it.

Right now I can’t think of a better use of social media than to rally people to help others. Are we a truly social medium if we don’t see our community as one that has a responsibility to help others? We are all people. We all live, love, and have the right to exist and have a decent life.

As the holidays are approaching we will all have the chance to give back.

Do.

Tagged as: charity, Miss604, Rebecca Bollwitt, social change, Social Media, social responsibility, Vancouver