I'm about to start interning at jhr (Journalists for Human Rights), an amazing international media development NGO that seeks to mobilize local media in various post-conflict African countries to help raise awareness about human rights and empower marginalized populations to make a change. I thought I'd help spread the word about their latest campaign.
Founder Ben Peterson's birthday is on September 8th and instead of accepting gifts for himself, he's asking friends and fans of jhr to donate $32 for his 32nd birthday. It's an incredible initiative that has really taken off. Launched only a few days ago, jhr has already managed to raise 94% of the$3,200 goal! Every dollar raised helps fifteen more people aware of their rights. Kind of crazy how little it takes to make such a huge impact...so help support jhr by clicking here.
I was wondering what kind of strategies jhr used to yield such results and according to Ben's blog, they only "sent out one email, posted one blog, put together a short video request and issued a single tweet asking supporters to donate". Craziness! Always knew the power of social media but I've never actually worked on a campaign that made use of it, which is why I'm so stoked for this internship. Can't wait to play around with social media and discover it's super powers!
augmented reality
Okay, so I've been checking out a few augmented reality apps that are being developed and it is just absolutely ridiculous how far we've come in terms of technology. I'm not even gonna lie...this stuff seriously blows my mind! The things that people come up with these days is amazing. Some of the stuff is actually really helpful like my personal fave, the Nearest Tube app that directs you to the nearest subway station. But as always, there are two sides to the coin and so I bring to your attention the above video, TAT's Augmented ID. The concept that someone can just use their iPhone and find all of my online profiles is too creepy. I'm all for information at your fingertips but uh, don't you think this is a little much?
bridges
This never gets old. I swear I revisit this video every few months and it's still as good as the first time I saw it...always to the point, and always, always relevant. This particular line is resonating with the happenings of my life right now...
"Understand that friends come and go,but for the precious few you should hold on, work hard to bridge the gaps in geography and lifestyle."
This summer has brought a whole lot of new people in my life and in very little time, I've grown to love each and every one of 'em. But as with every relationship, friendships need time and nurturing and the distance that separates us makes this no easy feat. It always takes such a great deal of effort to maintain these relationships, but I don't care...I love it. I'll always make the time for it...cuz that human connection makes it all worthwhile...
direction
If I get this internship, I will honestly die of happiness. I haven't wanted anything so bad like this in soooooo long! The job is absolutely perfect for me and it would just really set me towards the direction I've always been dreaming about. Oh please, oh please! I want this so bad! I'm keeping my fingers crossed!
AHHHHHH! I'm melting in anxiety and excitement!