World AIDS Day 2011

Today is World Aids Day. In 1987 the Names Project Foundation started the initiative to create a quilt to remember loved ones who had fallen victim to AIDS, heighten awareness about the (then) new illness and inspire action in people. The quilt weighed 54 tons and was composed of more than 47,000 panels dedicated to more than 90,000 individuals around the world. Today that quilt is a representation of how far we have come in this fight. But its not over. The digital quilt initiative, put into action with the help of the ad agency I work for, is a reminder that there is so much more work to be done, but that there are always little ways that you as an individual can become part of a global movement. Show your love and support and become a part of something big today. Show compassion, remember with love, and do not judge. ♥

Below is an image of the piece of the quilt I made this morning. Make your own at http://www.2015quilt.com/

The original AIDS memorial quilt in Washington DC in 1987.

How Non-Profits Are Using Social Media [INFOGRAPHIC]

Extremely insightful infograph I happened upon today and thought I'd share! This was initiated by Craigslist founder Craig Newmark, when he decided he wanted to find out which Non Profits used social media in the most effective manner. Causes gain traction through conversations, and now, more than ever, those conversations are taking place via online platforms. Its important to understand how to best utilize social media, when to use it and what specific platforms are the most appropriate to use in order to maximize the effect of of your efforts. Best of all, most of it is free!

How Non-Profits Are Using Social Media [INFOGRAPHIC]

The Power Antiretroviral Drugs

Wow.  I stumbled upon this recently and was literally moved to tears.  Its beautiful work done by The Topsy Foundation, it was also a winner for TED's "Ads Worth Spreading" contest.







The message of ARVs is definitely an important one.  But more needs to be done in order to make these life saving drugs more accessible and more importantly, affordable to people around the world.  

The Girl Effect

As if Wieden + Kennedy doesn't do enough amazing work....

Here's work from the Nike Foundation called the "Girl Effect".




This is beautiful advertising.  People don't feel harassed by it, in fact, they're compelled to share it.  Cudos to W+K and Nike.