Together, We Can! How Collaboration Will Help Us All Build a Better World in 2009.

If you care about improving the health and well-being of individuals and communities, you are undoubtedly facing a challenging year ahead.

Philanthropy is down. Government funding is down. Public appetite for social good is down. But, before you put this article down, here are a few reasons that there is a reason to look up, and look ahead. For one, there is no shortage of empathy in today’s world. Many people who heretofore thought that social challenges were something that only happened to someone else, are now finding that they can happen pretty close to home. And empathy mobilizes people to take action. For another, there is no shortage of hope. Our new President was elected on promises of hope, and seems determined to keep as many of those promises as he can, inviting us all to be part of the solution. And, there is no shortage of compassion and commitment. Rather than flee the current climate, those of us who have devoted our lives to making the world a better place for all are motivated to work harder-and more collaboratively, in the year ahead. Why? Because we all know that now more than ever, it is the right thing to do. So what are we doing, and what can you do?

Get Together. This year, our agency is serving as co-developer of the Opportunity Collaborative. This will be a unique, collaboration-centered global gathering and online community of philanthropists, social entrepreneurs, nonprofits and others seeking permanent solutions for global poverty alleviation. You can join us or form your own collaboration. Learn more at www.opportunitycollaborative.net.

Get Connected. Social media offers exceptionally leveraged opportunities for nonprofits and socially conscious enterprises to attract, keep and grow relationships that will help them to prosper. This year, our agency is offering social media training throughout the United States exclusively for socially responsible organizations through our Connected for Good training series. To learn more, contact me at mmarosits@e-worldways.com.

Get Vocal. The data are indisputable. The more you stand up, the more you stand out. And, the more you prosper. For profit companies that develop social responsibility initiatives, cause marketing programs or simply stand up for a better world perform better on virtually every measure of business success-profit, reputation, influence and more. A small investment in a big cause can yield extraordinary dividends. For a complimentary evaluation of your social marketing and cause marketing potential, and insights into the best online and offline practices for 2009, contact Stewart McMeeking smcmeeking@e-worldways.com.

As you look ahead to 2009, the people you know and the quality of your connections with them may just well be the key to a year you celebrate-versus a year you’ll be happy to put behind you.

Here at Worldways, if you help people, we’ll help you. We’ll take your side. Please let me know if you take action to Get Together, Get Connected or Get Vocal and how these tactics are working for you. Or, let me know if you need help getting started or leveling up. Together, we CAN build a better world in 2009.