On this blog I try to not only high light conversations relating to blogging, social media, business and learning, but also giving back to the community.

It’s the giving back part that I’ve always been most interested in – ways that through our online worlds we can help make change happen.  This is what the United Way is doing in Ottawa and I’m so happy about it.

Firstly, it’s worth noting that the United Way Ottawa is extremely active in social media.  They are a fantastic case study in how it can be done by non profits – Twitter, Facebook, YouTube – all serve to engage volunteers, stakeholders and potential donors. How they are approaching social media is reflective of how they are learning and growing as the landscape for charities is changing and requiring a greater online presence.

This morning I was invited to attend the  kick off breakfast for this year’s United Way campaign.

It was a morning of mingling, eating and listening as we heard first hand from recipients who have received assistance from United Way funded programs.

For the past couple of years, I have been the Kindness Week blogger for the United Way and in my last post for that week I wrote that kindness happens year round.  This is a belief I hold dearly.

What are they funding?  What difference are they making?

Check out this video for first hand accounts of how support for these programs is really making a difference (ps: You may recognize some local faces too!)

The United Way Campaign has officially begun.  This year, the goal is to raise 33.5 million dollars.  No easy task, but in a city as caring and giving as Ottawa I know it can be done.

But this goal won’t happen alone.  This is a community need and community opportunity.  We all have a role to play.

To start, I’m leaving the United Way logo up at the top of this blog to remind me that the work they do, kindness and support is a year round goal.

Then I’m going to think of other ways to help through out the year.  I haven’t firmed anything up yet, but I’ll share once I do!

Together, we can make change happen.