Social software technologies have clearly changed the ways we interact and collaborate with each other in both our professional and our personal lives. We can keep in touch with our friends or business associates via social networks like Facebook, MySpace or LinkedIn. You can share upcoming trips and travel itineraries with co-workers on Dopplr and TripIt. Post your pictures on Flickr so Aunt Mildred in Boise can see the great shots you took during your vacation to Disneyland. Have something to say to the world? Start a blog...and it doesn’t have to be the old fashioned written variety either. You can podcast, video blog on YouTube or phone in an audio update to your blog with Utterz.
Chances are, you’ve done your fair share of posting, tagging, poking, Digg!-ing, commenting, rating, twittering, Jotting or blogging today. I love these technologies and tools, and I’m a firm believer that they can make us more productive and effective in our efforts to collaborate with others, express ideas, learn from others and maintain relationships that we might otherwise let slip away. Besides, they’re just plain fun!
But the thing that really fires me up is the potential of unleashing social networks and technologies to make a difference in the world in which we live. Most people who know me well know that I am a 5 year survivor of bladder cancer. Since my diagnosis, I’ve become increasingly active in the cancer community, primarily through the Lance Armstrong Foundation (www.livestrong.org). Recently, the LAF has launched an initiative known as the LIVESTRONG Army. This nation-wide program seeks to establish a local LIVESTRONG Army in every community in the United States to mobilize volunteers and coordinate efforts to make the fight against cancer a national priority. I’ve volunteered to lead the efforts in my community, and I’m very excited about the opportunity to make an impact for this cause.
So here is the question I pose to you: Can social networks help cure cancer? Can we leverage these tools and networks to get like-minded people to join a great cause? Can we use them to mobilize and equip people with the knowledge and motivation to contribute? Can they be used to serve those who are currently battling the disease?
Please share your ideas! As I kick off efforts for the LIVESTRONG Army Lewisville/Flower Mound, I hope to incorporate as many tools as possible to help fight this battle. After all, social networks and technologies are all about unifying people and sharing knowledge. And in the fight against cancer, “Unity is Strength. Knowledge is Power. Attitude is Everything”.
LIVESTRONG!
