Responsibility
I have lots of pictures to post in the coming weeks but I thought I might just write something to see if it sparks any converstation.
I have been thinking a lot about social responsibility lately. I think mostly because of my faith in Christ, and how He cared for people and commanded us as believers to care for people. I think in my conservative southern upbringing (that I am thankful for), one of the things that was not a big emphasis in the church was caring for the world. Although, it was very much a part of the community, as I saw the small communities that I lived in take care of those in need. As I have been thinking of this social responsibility, it seems to crop up more and more in so many places that I believe it to be something that is becoming somewhat of a movement. Bono seems to be the modern day pied piper when it comes to helping the world. I am no big U2 fan, not any more than the next guy, but the fact that Bono has used his fame to effect change in the world is what it’s all about. He has started Red which is encouraging some of the hippest companies to create a special product in the color red and donate the proceeds to provide anti-retroviral medicine to those dying of AIDS in Africa. I love the fact that it is not a charity, it is a business model. It gives consumers the opportunity to spend the money they were going to spend (although maybe a bit more) with a company who cares. Hobby Lobby is a chain of craft stores that supports ministry organizations with its profits. Fast Company had an article in it’s latest issue on stocks and mutual funds that are created with companies that invest their money in charities and aid type organizations. I read a lot of blogs. Thanks to David Jay, a photographer in SoCal, I was turned onto the blog of Seth Godin. One of the recent posts was for a web site, www.yournameontoast.com. It is a brilliant marketing idea (in my opinion). You give them money, they write your name on an actual piece of toast and photo it. Then you are put in line according to how much money you spent. I did it, and was at one time the first in line because I spent $50. The reason I did it was that I thought it might increase a little web traffic, it was very creative, and most importantly, all of the money will be donated to charity. I might get a few hits from random people in random places that will never hire me to photograph anything. That will be kind of cool to see who might end up on my site. But most importantly I spent the money in a place that will use it to make someone’s life better. So, the point, if you are going to participate in free commerce, and the opportunity presents itself, spend your money with a company that will be socially responsible with their profits. It’s the wave of the future.
I have been thinking a lot about social responsibility lately. I think mostly because of my faith in Christ, and how He cared for people and commanded us as believers to care for people. I think in my conservative southern upbringing (that I am thankful for), one of the things that was not a big emphasis in the church was caring for the world. Although, it was very much a part of the community, as I saw the small communities that I lived in take care of those in need. As I have been thinking of this social responsibility, it seems to crop up more and more in so many places that I believe it to be something that is becoming somewhat of a movement. Bono seems to be the modern day pied piper when it comes to helping the world. I am no big U2 fan, not any more than the next guy, but the fact that Bono has used his fame to effect change in the world is what it’s all about. He has started Red which is encouraging some of the hippest companies to create a special product in the color red and donate the proceeds to provide anti-retroviral medicine to those dying of AIDS in Africa. I love the fact that it is not a charity, it is a business model. It gives consumers the opportunity to spend the money they were going to spend (although maybe a bit more) with a company who cares. Hobby Lobby is a chain of craft stores that supports ministry organizations with its profits. Fast Company had an article in it’s latest issue on stocks and mutual funds that are created with companies that invest their money in charities and aid type organizations. I read a lot of blogs. Thanks to David Jay, a photographer in SoCal, I was turned onto the blog of Seth Godin. One of the recent posts was for a web site, www.yournameontoast.com. It is a brilliant marketing idea (in my opinion). You give them money, they write your name on an actual piece of toast and photo it. Then you are put in line according to how much money you spent. I did it, and was at one time the first in line because I spent $50. The reason I did it was that I thought it might increase a little web traffic, it was very creative, and most importantly, all of the money will be donated to charity. I might get a few hits from random people in random places that will never hire me to photograph anything. That will be kind of cool to see who might end up on my site. But most importantly I spent the money in a place that will use it to make someone’s life better. So, the point, if you are going to participate in free commerce, and the opportunity presents itself, spend your money with a company that will be socially responsible with their profits. It’s the wave of the future.
posted by Jason Wallis at 9:19 PM
0 comments
