Folks, many of you may know that I don't tend to change things that are working just fine. You may have noticed this from all the change that's happened to craigslist over the years. (yes, the Mrs. reminds me I'm not as funny as I think I am...)
My team, however, finally convinced me that it's time we make craigconnects.org, the online hub of the philanthropic initiative I'm focusing almost 100% of my time on, more modern and accessible.
craigconnects.org was first built in 2011, and it's hard to believe that was more than 4 years ago. I wanted to create a web-based initiative to help people work together for the common good using the Internet. The purpose of craigconnects, since the beginning, is to identify, connect and protect orgs engaged in work that's truly sustainable; that means socially responsible, self-perpetuating and replicable.
- Giving back to the community - In partnership with CrowdRise over the last few years, we've raised $7.6M+ in the campaigns I've supported. The money was raised for Hurricane Sandy aid, for vets and milfams during the Veterans Charity Challenge, and for nonprofits during the Holiday Challenge over the last few years.
- Comfort kits for the military - We teamed up with the American Red Cross in December 2011 to find out what folks thought was the #PerfectGift, on Twitter, in an effort to raise $10K for military comfort kits.
- #Squirrels4Good - #Squirrels4Good campaign was really successful in 2012. Each time someone used the hashtag #Squirrels4Good, I donated $1 to the National Wildlife Federation. We raised $10K in 48 hours. Those squirrels really are urban survivors.
- Voter's rights - I keep working with good folks focusing on Voter Suppression issues, and created an Infographic about Voter's rights, Think You Have the Right to Vote? Not so much! There are some bad actors that are trying to pass legislation that will keep eligible people from voting.
- Raising the voices of others - Over the past few years, I've gotten emails from orgs daily asking for support for their campaigns. I tell 'em to email me the links to their posts, and that they should ask their supporters to do the same. Here's a little post about how to easily share your posts for the most visibility.
- Internet freedom - In 2013, I asked I asked people who've really impacted the community, how does the Internet give you a voice? Their answers really highlighted the importance of Internet Freedom.
- Funding women-led startups - I supported the Women Who Tech's first-ever Women Startup Challenge, where more than $365K was raised to fund women-led startups.
- Nerdly advice - An Open Letter to Young Nerds is an honest piece of advice that talks about the biggest lessons I wish I knew at age 22.
- Infographics - The new site's got a page dedicated to all the infographics we've created over the years, from the Rise of Women Startups to the Prevalence of Online Harassment.
- Composting toilets - I've recently commissioned a second memorial toilet in my hometown. I'm calling it the Craig Newmark Memorial Latrine #2. The first one's in Jericho.
- Areas of support - You can see a full list of all the orgs I support and all the boards I'm a part of if you click here. It's the most recent version, and craigconnects wouldn't be what it is without those folks with their boots on the ground.
Hey, I'm a nerd, and I only understand how to do things like helping out and treating people like people, and treating people like I'd like to be treated. I don't really understand when people do otherwise. That's what craigconnects has been about since the beginning, and that's what's keeping it going, folks.
Truth is, a nerd's gotta do what a nerd's gotta do.