One of the main cons about donating to or supporting a social movement is that tracking one's contribution is difficult if not totally impossible. Many times, after money is donated, its destination is unclear to the doner. The doner would not like for their contribution to go unacknowledged. One of the main reasons why people do not donate or contribute their time or effort to social movements is because they are unsure of how their contribution will help. One way social movements can better establish their movements is by following through with their contributors. This can be in the form of a thank you tletter detailing where their money is going, a tax write off to ensure that the money went where it was designated to go, or other form of gift. For example, a common trend social movements set were plastic armbands. After donating or contributing to a movement, that group would give that person a rubber armband. It was most likely in neon colors so it was noticeable. That band screamed to everyone, "Yes, I donated my money for a good cause," and it was looked at a stylish and selfless. If a cause was popular enough to demand the attention of celebrities, it would become fashionable to wear the band. One example is the
Livestrong yellow plastic wrist band. Lance Armstrong's movement to spread the word about prostate cancer was effective as he redeemed each $10 donation with a stylish wristband. Many people began donating to the cause more for the wristband than for the actual cancer research fund.
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| Celebrities in support of Lance Armstrong's prostate cancer foundation, Livestrong. Featured actors, actresses, professional baskeball players, newcasters, and singers like Hilary Duff, Lisa Leslie and Lance Armstrong. |
People respond positively to incentives and thus it is a good idea for movments to reward their contributors. Just for a doner's security, movements could also allow people to track their donations like how FedEx, the United States Postal Servive or other delivery mediums allow customers to track their packages. After making a contribution doners could receive a receipt with a number that can be tracked online as it went from the foundation to its destination.
Funny how we need that verification to know that we've done a good deed. If only a sense of accomplishment were enough, eh?
ReplyDeleteWith the idea of a receipt, I think it makes a lot of sense. I for one would certainly hate to be bamboozled out of my money and unfortunately that is the case a lot of the time.
However, I think you talk a lot more about the rewards we get as contributors rather than the follow up method social networks may want to implement to ensure that support doesn't go so far as a click. I suppose the bracelets are, in a sense, advertisements for others to go out and do good as well, and that point can be argued. But bracelets, to my knowledge, are bought in stores or in stands (I think).
I think the direction of the question pertained to what social networks could to to make sure support was followed through on, so you might want to put your shoes in those of a creator of a group on facebook trying to get more people involved past "liking" the group. (:
I never considered putting myself in their shoes but that is a good suggestion. If I could inspire people to join a movement, I would ensure that I would keep them updated on how their contributions are helping and make sure they feel my gratitude.
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