Hello World. My name is Jessi Lee and I am a graduate student in Quinnipiac University’s M.S. in Interactive Communications program. The purpose of this blog is to investigate ways for non-profits & charity organizations to succeed through social media and discover how design can impact change for the greater good. I define success by an increase in donations, volunteers, community support and revolutionary campaigns.We all know that most of the tools to accomplish these tasks online are free or affordable…what I’m looking for here are ways that organizations around the world are using creativity, communication, and ingenuity in a meaningful and impacting way.

Some questions I have are:

• How can a non-profit organization communicate to the public through social media?
• How can social media increase donations, volunteers, action and movement online?
• Can Social Media be a vehicle to revolution and grassroots change?
• How can design impact this change?
• How can a nonprofit have an online presence without bombarding people?
• How can a nonprofit stick out online?
• How can a nonprofit look dignified and trustworthy online?
• What interactive tools are nonprofits using?
• Are there any interactive tools the public is using to support nonprofits?

OK, so I have MORE questions than answers at this point. I don’t know the answers to any of these questions now, but I’m hoping I will! I’m going to be dipping my toes into this ocean of social media/interactive communications as it relates to nonprofit work, the greater good and revolutionary change.

I should explain two things first of all: The reason I am pursuing this line of inquiry is due to my volunteer work at a local animal shelter. I am a board member and active volunteer for an animal rescue organization in Connecticut and this work has greatly influenced my future goals and worldly aspirations.  After I graduate from Quinnipiac, I want to pursue my goals to work in marketing, e-communications for a nonprofit I believe in or I will create my own.

Secondly, you’re probably saying, “what’s up with the name of your site”? Well as a native New Mexican, Cicadas hold a special place in my memory.  I remember every summer listening to the chorus of cicadas all working together to harmonize. With this memory, I decided to dedicate this blog to the idea of investigating methods to synergize community involvement to create a chorus of informed, responsible citizens dedicated to the greater good.

I believe many people around the world are already using social media and interactive methods to create their own chorus of supporters…This blog is dedicated to those accomplishments. Please join me in my adventure into this vast ocean of interactive communications.

Thank you!