GirlMeetsGeek Teams Up With Minneapolis Tweeters to Show How Social Media Makes A Difference.

We’ve come together for #Haiti, and to help each other find jobs; we’ve networked and supported one another. Now, let’s support a Minnesota organization that has been helping our local homeless population for more than 25 years.

http://www.sharingandcaringhands.org/

Local tweeters can submit a fully-credited design towards a 12-month calendar we’ll sell to support Sharing and Caring Hands.

“Why Sharing and Caring Hands?” One woman started this organization over 25 years ago, and through her hands, (like through our fingertips on Social Media,) she has made a drastic difference in the lives of millions.

“But it’s a … religious organization.” A  Direct Message hit my inbox a few minutes ago. I took the time to reflect on what people might think and then I decided: I’m not a particularly religious person. I see ‘God’ everywhere. Where I see less of him, however: is in a box that is clearly stamped, “NON-RELIGIOUS.” For those that want to participate: I’m so happy to have you. For those that are turned off that it’s religious, I apologize. However: Sharing and Caring hands serves EVERYONE without asking denomination, creed, ethnicity or orientation. I’ve already gotten a few messages stating how ‘blindly’ I chose this organization. Did you know that your donations to #Haiti went to the Red Cross and the Salvation Army? Do your research on those. Religion seems to found these organizations- and quite honestly? If we need to start being so P.C. to only help those that have no ties to any diety: We’re gonna miss the point. We’re helping PEOPLE. Not a belief system.

“Have you actually been there?“ A few times, actually. I was able to play with children there when in High School and serve breakfast a few weekends during volunteer events. It’s an incredible place and the energy is contagious. I’ve volunteered hundreds of places since and for some reason: none match the enthusiasm and memories I’ve had at Sharing and Caring Hands.

“What’s the Theme?”  Simple: How Social Media Makes A Difference. What you’ve witnessed, what inspires you and the passion behind our screens.

“How much will the calendars be?“ Hi. I’m Kate and I’m the princess of frugality: the queen of thrift and the duchess of dime. They will be affordable, and incredible. With people already asking for dimensions and specifics: I know we’ll have a fantastic array of art, photography, words and mixed media.

“Who can submit?“ Anyone on twitter. It’s that simple. If you’re using Social Media for the greater good? You have a ticket to be a part of a remarkable and revolutionary event.

“But the calendar is going to start 3 months into the year.” Uh-huh. It’ll be rocking great. And you’ll be jealous when everyone else has one.

“What are the dimensions?” Please go here for a handy article on sizing and design. The trim size of the front part of the insert is 4.75″ high x 4.75″ wide; the trim size of the tray card is 4.625″ x 5.906″. The height is slightly less than the front to allow the front cover of the jewel case to fit inside the back cover. We’re doing jewel-case style calendars. They are easy to transport, incredibly easy to print, easy to stuff and fantastic as gifts.

“But… how are you gonna…” The best part of Social Media, (especially Twitter?) We come together in amazing ways. Some will submit, others will volunteer to help us sell it. I’ve already contacted local printers to see if we can exchange advertising on the back and on Twitter for printing. If you are a local printer and would like, ‘in?’ We would love you. Contact: thegirl@girlmeetsgeek.com

Submissions: Please have in my inbox by Monday, February 1st, 2010. Please make sure to credit your @TwitterUsername on the bottom right. We will be voting on designs the following week.

Because I always take on too much: I need help with the following. (See below for the #TweetPlea)

Dear Twitter: There’s no way I can do this alone. Therefore, I need your help. Submit ideas, pass the event on, and for goodness sakes- we’ll need people to have a stuffing party. Most of all? I’d love volunteers to get jewel cases. Right now? I want to sell 500 calendars. We’ll figure out pricing after we hear back from the printers, etc. I’d love to see coupons in here for local businesses, etc. Let’s throw this idea around, and to use @AmySBryant’s words- WE PLAY BIG.

Important Dates:

• February 1st, 2010 – Submissions Due
• February 8th, 2010- Voting Starts
• Februrary 12th, 2010- Voting Ceases
• March 1st, 2010- Stuffing Party. Location TBA. (Can you say… #TweetCrawl?)
• March 2nd, 2010- They go on sale. We puff up our chests and shed tears at how again: Twitter has made a difference, (in possibly the lives of people who don’t even know what Twitter is.)

Email Submissions to: thegirl@girlmeetsgeek.com Please mark the subject field: Twitter Calendar Submission

“Never underestimate the power of dreams and the influence of the human spirit. We are all the same in th

is notion: The potential for greatness lives within each of us.”  – Wilma Rudolph