Review
"It's a fascinating read, not least because the principles he outlines for effective online organising are based on his own experiences. He has clearly identified the ways in which the network (Kiva.org) is making a difference, and given us a valuable primer in the ways in which those who want to change the world can make effective use of the tools and services now available." (BBCNews.com; 11/4/08)
"Journalist Tom Watson explores where technology and social action meet in this new release. Coining the phrase "CauseWired", Watson describes a movement that's tapping the web in creative ways to generate interest in activism-from organizing to raising funds." (The Business Review; 1/9/09)
"The campaign would not have happened if I hadn't read CauseWired. It is that simple. I think I knew everything I needed before the book, but CauseWired gave me something that I hadn't given it credit for in my earlier review: detailed, specific inspiration. The examples in that book gave me some confidence and momentum I would otherwise have lacked. If its effect on my life is the measure of a book's worth, then CauseWired ended up as the most valuable book I read in 2008." (additiverich.com, January 14, 2009)
"Watson, veteran consultant, journalist, and entrepreneur, gives us CauseWired: Plugging In, Getting Involved, Changing the World, published last month by Wiley. It's an important book. Why? Because what Watson analyzes here is a trend that will affect the entire non-profit sector and has implications for how change will happen in the future. His personal reflections speak to a deep engagement in the sector, which lends color to this book and makes for an engaging read. Watson provides an excellent road map of understanding about this new, wired (and wireless) approach to generating support. Anyone interested in the future of philanthropy should read this book, because the future has arrived." (The Green Skeptic Blog, December 8 2008)
"Anyone interested in using online activism against the death penalty should take a look at the new book, CauseWired: Plugging In, Getting Involved, Changing the World. It is about using online activism to change the world. The author, Tom Watson, also has a blog that is worth a look." (Grits for Breakfast Blog, November 2008)
"It is required reading. Not just because of the importance of the subject matter, not just because increasingly your business demonstrably has to stand for something, but also because it is filled with lessons in low cost marketing and you just know you're going to be expected to market smarter in the coming years." (makemarketinghistory.com, 10/24/08)
“In sum, this is a must-read for anyone in this burgeoning social-media-for-social-change space. It is recommended reading for anyone who wants to better understand what’s taking place on the social web in general. We’re officially adding it to our sidebar of recommended reading. And we look forward to hearing about your reactions to CauseWired…and which pages you were compelled to dog-ear for future reference.” (maxgladwell.com, October 2008)
“I want to change things, and some things really need changing. If you have ever felt like that, then this is a book for you. It is not a "how to" book in the way of thousands of other pointless pages of lists. This is a down in the dirt, first hand reportage on some of the largest social movements on the Internet and what made it work for them.” (blog.david.bailey.net, 10/5/08)
“If you’re in the nonprofit world and haven’t yet taken advantage of the online space, then this book is full of great ammunition for you to take to your executives to persuade them that it’s the right thing to do.” (endlessplain.com, 9/23/08)
"Causewired is the first book focused on making sense of social media in the nonprofit world. Watson not only gets it—but he also explains why social media matters in understandable terms. Tom Watson’s Causwired, is must reading for anyone in the nonprofit world." (Blackbaud.com, September 17, 2008)
Product Description
For today's super-wired, always-on, live-life-in-public young Americans, the causes they support define who they are. Societal aspirations have so permeated the "net native" population that causes have become like musical tastes. CauseWired illustrates wired causes in action, bringing real-world stories to readers.
- Tracks the massive societal impact on causes of online social networks-from blogs, to video, to the rise of social networks
- Reveals the extraordinary influence of online social networks-in raising money for charity, in changing the political climate and electing candidates, and in raising consciousness for causes
From Facebook causes and campaigns on MySpace, to a raft of new startups and innovative projects like Kiva, Change.org and DonorsChoose, this immensely relevant book delivers actionable research and recommendations to help readers launch their own successful wired social campaigns.
From the Inside Flap
or today's super-wired, always-on, live-life-in-public young Americans, thecauses they support define who they are. Societal aspirations have so permeatedthe "net-native" population that causes have become akin to musical tastes, choices, and "blog bling." Redefining twenty-first-century activism, CauseWired: Plugging In, Getting Involved, Changing the World identifies some of the best examples of the cause culture in action and will motivate you to launch yourself down the path of wired social change.
This authoritative book showcases wired causes in action—from Facebook causes and campaigns on MySpace to startups like Kiva, DonorsChoose, and Change.org. It covers the massive societal impact of online social networks in raising money for charity, changing the political climate, electing candidates, and raising consciousness for causes, from the local to the global.
Expertly describing how rapid advances in media and technology and in the ways you communicate are changing how you support causes, this insightful book:
Suggests that what some refer to as online social activism and peer-to-peer philanthropy is quickly becoming an influential political and cultural sector
Reveals how new technology and the human urge to communicate will create the basis for a golden age of activism and involvement
Describes how increasing the reach of philanthropy improves the openness of government and our major social institutions
Explores how a super-wired, socially networked cause will change how corporations approach consumers, how charities ask people for money, how candidates seek votes, and how ordinary Americans view their place in the world
Shows how you can participate in organizations in a way never before possible—by organizing communities of donors, creating volunteer opportunities, and engaging in direct dialogue
Offers real-world stories of success and introduces you to some of the people—famous and almost unknown—powering this movement
Causes matter to today's consumer and they especially matter to companies, to stock prices, to sales, and to brands. An empowering road map for anyone serious about understanding the social impact of causes on the social web, CauseWired: Plugging In, Getting Involved, Changing the World will change how you respond to that underlying human impulse to help others by leveraging your online social network to effect positive change, improve your communities, and change your world.
Join the CausedWired Discussion: www.causedwired.com
From the Back Cover
"In CauseWired, Tom Watson has written the seminal book on peer-to-peer philanthropy and its counterpart movements in politics and branding."
—Charles Best, Founder, DonorsChoose.org
"Whether you're a net-native college student or a geezer like me, CauseWired is required reading if want to understand the future of activism and engagement. Tom Watson gives deep, insider perspectives on the transformative potential of social networking and other innovations for linking communication and compassion."
—Mario Morino, Chairman, Venture Philanthropy Partners
"With eloquence and enthusiasm borne of deep experience in the world of social change and philanthropy, Tom Watson describes the intersection of causes and technology and shares a compelling vision of a philanthropic future powered by the social web. This is an essential book about one of the Internet's most important functions: bringing people together to help make our world a better place."
—Peter Daou, Internet Advisor to Senator Hillary Clinton
"CauseWired is a fascinating look into the rapidly evolving world of the Internet, social networking, and social change. Watson demonstrates how individuals are using new digital outlets and tools—most importantly, blogging, social networking, and online giving platforms—to explore how we may each act to impact the critical events of our day from the 2008 election to Hurricane Katrina and Darfur. His engaging writing style and breadth of perspective help us see not only what is happening today, but what will happen in the years to come as we each act upon our potential to change our world and communities."
—Jed Emerson, Managing Director for Integrated Performance, Uhuru Capital
"If you don't want to be left behind in our new wired society—or if you're already behind—this book is a must-read! Tom Watson has produced what could be a marketing bible for the field of philanthropy and a primer for individuals who want to help change the world."
—Judy Miller, Director, Hilton Humanitarian Prize
