Michael Messina's tumblelog

Every day across our country, millions of Americans take time away from their work, their studies, and their families to give back to their communities. Millions more Americans would like to help solve local problems, but they are wondering:

How can I get involved? Where can I make a difference?

Cities of Service is a bi-partisan coalition of the mayors of large and small cities from across our country who will work together to engage citizens to address the great challenges of our time. Founded in New York City on September 10, the coalition and its member cities will respond to the Edward M. Kennedy Serve America Act’s historic call to action by finding new and innovative ways to harness the power of volunteers to help solve pressing local challenges.

Cities of Service will lead a multi-year effort to engage other Mayors across the country by:

Developing a comprehensive service plan and a coordinated strategy focused on matching volunteers and established community partners to the areas of greatest local need.

Working with other mayors and elected officials to advance strategies and best practices that accelerate the service movement and produce measurable results.

Encouraging other mayors to join this national effort to engage our citizens.

Ensuring that the voice of cities is heard in federal legislative, policy, and program discussions related to service, which will help the country achieve the ambitious goals of the Serve America Act.

Read the press release
Declaration of Service
Learn more about Cities of Service

via citiesofservice.org

Posted via web from Michael Messina’s posterous | Comment »

How Important is Volunteerism and Service? To You? To Your Community? To Your Country?

Sun, 18 Oct 2009 14:48:28 -0400

Remarks by President Obama at 20th anniversary of Points of Light, Texas A&M University, as provided by the White House

….But here’s the thing. George Bush isn’t just a President who promoted the ethic of service long before it was fashionable –- he’s a citizen whose life has embodied that ethic. From his daring service as a Navy pilot during World War II –- enlisting the day he turned 18 –- to his time in Congress, at the CIA, and as U.N. Ambassador, Vice President and President.He easily could have chosen a life of comfort and privilege, and instead, time and again, when offered a chance to serve, he seized it. It was second nature to him -– the continuation of a proud family tradition that he and Mrs. Bush clearly passed on to their children and grandchildren. And one which he’s carried on throughout his quote, unquote “retirement.” How’s that working out, Mrs. Bush? (Laughter.) Spends it working tirelessly to help others, without fanfare or any expectation –- or desire –- for recognition.
Though I do recall one endeavor of his that actually drew quite a bit of attention. That was back in 2005, and some of you may remember this. He and President Clinton had agreed to come together to raise money for the nations devastated by the tsunami that killed nearly 230,000 people in Asia –- and that partnership between these two presidents would continue in the wake of Hurricane Katrina.As first, longtime friends and aides to both of them were suspicious — let’s tell the truth now. (Laughter.) They were convinced that the other guy was using their guy to burnish his own reputation. That’s how staffers are. But then when one operative expressed his concern to President Clinton, the president sharply rebuked him, replying, “This is much more important than politics.”
This is much more important than politics.That’s the conviction that drew these two outstanding leaders -– once fierce adversaries –- to join forces: the belief that there’s some things that are beyond politics; that there’s no place for partisanship when a great American city is underwater; that the R or D next to your name is irrelevant when nations in crisis need the world’s help; that certain moments call on us to stop the back and forth, and the bickering, to forget the old rivalries, and embrace a common purpose that is bigger than our differences. (Applause.)
And while — while you might not always know it from watching the cable news shows, or listening to folks on the radio, I think it’s clear that we stand at one of those moments. We’re seeing turmoil in our economy that’s left many people wondering whether their kids will have the same opportunities that they had to pursue their dreams. We face threats to our health, our climate, and of course our security, that have left many of our young people wondering what kind of future they’ll be leaving for their own kids.And if anyone here thinks that our government has all the solutions, President Bush and I will be the first to tell you that you’ll be sorely disappointed.
Government can build the best schools, with the best teachers — but we can’t run the PTA, or chaperone those field trips, or mentor those kids after school, or have them sit down and do their homework at night. We can pass the most comprehensive health reform bill — but Congress can’t be on the ground in our communities caring for the sick and helping people lead healthier lives.

Government can give our troops the equipment they need, and the pay and benefits that they have earned, and nobody is working harder at doing that than Secretary Gates — but it can’t be there to offer a home-cooked meal to a military family stretched thin, or to make sure our veterans get the respect and appreciation they deserve in their communities when they come home. (Applause.)
In the end, when it comes to the challenges we face, the need for action always exceeds the limits of government. While there’s plenty that government can do and must do to keep our families safe, and our planet clean, and our markets free and fair, there’s a lot that government can’t –- and shouldn’t –- do. And that’s where active, engaged citizens come in. That’s the purpose of service in this nation.And that’s the point I want to emphasize today: that service isn’t separate from our national priorities, or secondary to our national priorities –- it’s integral to achieving our national priorities. It’s how we will meet the challenges of our time.
To this day -– despite all the evidence to the contrary –- there’s still folks with this notion out there that, well, service is nice, but it’s not really essential; it’s something you do once in a while to fulfill a requirement or to fulfill yourself, or for a year or two after college to put off getting a real job — (laughter) — I’m talking to you — (laughter) — the notion that the real work of changing this country is done by people with fancy titles and big offices out of Washington, D.C. But history tells a very different story. It’s the story of patriots who set forth the ideals that animate our democracy, and all those who fought and died for those ideals. It’s the story of women who reached for the ballot; and people who stood up, and sat in, and marched for justice. It’s the story of firefighters and police officers who rushed to those burning towers, and ordinary people who rushed to the aid of a flooded American city.
That’s always been the story of this nation –- the story of those who stepped forward in our darkest hours to serve it. Those who rose to answer the defining questions of their time: Colony or country? Free or half free? Separate but equal, or truly equal?Those folks weren’t in it for the money. Those folks were volunteers. Their service wasn’t “extra.” It was the work that changed this country.
The courage, the patriotism, the compassion that drove them to act are the same qualities we need today, as we seek to answer the questions of our own time. Will we continue to be a land of opportunity where all things are still possible for all people? Or a place where those born without advantages of wealth, health and good luck have the deck stacked against them? Will we engage with the world to confront our shared threats? Or hope against hope to defer them to the next administration, the next generation?The answer to these questions lie, in large part, with all of you –- the young people especially who are here today. And that’s why I feel so optimistic about our future, because you all are the most engaged, service-minded generation since the 1930s and ’40s, serving your communities in record numbers. Last year, applications to City Year tripled, and the Peace Corps had three applicants for every position. AmeriCorps applications were up 400 percent in just the first four months of this year alone.
Having come of age in serious times, you all don’t have a lot of patience for pettiness and bickering and the worn divisions of the past. Rather than arguing about whether, or how, we should do something, you’d rather just go out there and get it done.As President, it’s my mission to put that passion and commitment to work -– to build on the efforts of Presidents Bush, Clinton, George W. Bush and others to engage not just young people, but people of all ages and walks of life to serve their communities.
That’s why I was proud to sign the Edward M. Kennedy Serve America Act, expanding AmeriCorps, and Senior Corps, other programs that give people the chance to give back. (Applause.)That’s why we’ve created a new community innovation fund to seek out the most creative, effective nonprofit organizations in America –- ones that could be the next Harlem Children’s Zone or Teach for America –- and replicate their efforts all across this country.
That’s why this summer we launched United We Serve, a nationwide effort calling on all Americans to make service part of their daily lives. And we partnered with more than 400 organizations; made more than 250,000 service opportunities available on serve.gov; and watched as nonprofits, and foundations, and corporations, and individuals spent hundreds of thousands of hours serving their communities.So we’ve been doing everything we can to get people involved. And I’m pleased to have with us today my nominee to lead the charge on those efforts as CEO of the Corporation of National and Community Service, Patrick Corvington. Patrick, stand up and wave so we can all recognize you. (Applause.)
But I also want to be honest with you: While we’ll do our best to make it easy to get involved, the service itself won’t always be easy. People won’t always appreciate what you’re trying to do for them. You won’t always make the difference you had hoped for. And let’s be honest, some problems are so big, so stubborn, that even your best efforts will only help just a little bit.

They might just help one person. They might just help one corner of a neighborhood. But those are the efforts that matter the most. It’s through that struggle, the fact that it’s hard, that the difference is made –- not just for others, but for yourself. That’s how you young people in particular will discover your strengths and weaknesses and the depths of your compassion and courage. It’s how you will grow –- and how you grow closer to the people you serve.
And once you’ve formed those connections, you’ll find that it’s a little harder to numb yourself to other people’s suffering. It’s a little harder to convince yourself that their struggles aren’t your problem. It’s a little harder to just stand by as a bystander.Once you’ve tutored young people in a struggling neighborhood, it’s hard not to care about that ballot measure to fund their school. Once you’ve volunteered at a food bank, it’s hard not to care about poverty and unemployment. Over time, the needs of the people you serve become your stake in the challenges of our time.
In the end, service binds us to each other –- and to our communities and our country –- in a way that nothing else can. That’s how we become more fully American. That’s what it means to be American. It’s always been the case in this country — that notion that we invest ourselves, our time, our energy, our vision, our purpose into the very fabric of this nation. That’s the essence of our liberty — that we give back, freely.You don’t have to devote your entire career to service –- though I hope that many of the students here will. But I’m asking you to have a public service mindset. I’m asking that no matter where you live, or what job you do, or what obstacles you face, you’re always looking for ways to make service part of your life.
Whether through it’s — it’s through your workplace, your house of worship, or your local school. Whether it’s in your own neighborhood or another where the need is greater. Whether you offer some special skill, or just an extra set of hands and a sympathetic ear.I know you’re busy. I know that sometimes, even if you don’t like to admit it, service can feel a bit like a chore.
But if Mallory Myers can repeat last year’s success and get more than 12,000 students to perform more than 20 — a hundred —- let me try that again — 1,200 — it’s so much that it boggles the mind — (laughter and applause) — Mallory, 12,000 students and 1,200 service activities in this community –- (applause) — if Mallory can do that, then surely you can round up a few friends to volunteer in your community too.Q That’s right. (Laughter.)
THE PRESIDENT: That’s right. I got an “amen” back here. (Laughter.) If President Bush could fly 58 combat missions when he was younger than many of you here today –- and keep on fighting even after he was shot down and nearly captured by the enemy –- then surely you can keep going when your service project gets a little tough. (Laughter.) Don’t you think? (Applause.)If 11 year-old Erin Buenger — whose all-too-short life touched so many in this community –- could travel to Washington and lobby members of Congress for cancer funding while going through chemotherapy, if she could raise money by making lanyards and writing her own cookbook –- all while making the honor role –- then surely you can find the strength to serve even when you face challenges in your own life. (Applause.)
And that, ultimately, is the idea at the heart of President Bush’s vision: that each of us has a role to play, and all of us have something to contribute. He didn’t call for one blinding light shining from Washington — (laughter) — he didn’t just call for a few bright lights from the biggest nonprofits; but he called for “a vast galaxy of people and institutions working together to solve problems in their own backyard.” (Applause.)And today, 20 years later, think for a minute about the impact that he’s had. Think of the thousands of people and organizations who’ve been named Points of Light –- and the countless others he inspired to do their part. Think of all the people they touched and the lives they changed –- and all of those who were helped who went on to help others. That’s the extraordinary ripple effect that one life, lived humbly, with love for one’s country, and in service to one’s fellow citizens, can have. May we each strive to make that kind of difference with our own lives.

Thank you, President Bush. Thank you, Texas A&M. God bless you. God bless the United States of America. (Applause.) ###

Source: http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/washington/2009/10/barack-obama-george-h-w-bush-texas-speech-text.html

Posted via web from Michael Messina’s posterous | Comment »

How Important is Volunteerism and Service? To You? To Your Community? To Your Country?

Sat, 17 Oct 2009 09:42:57 -0400

Remarks by President Obama at 20th anniversary of Points of Light, Texas A&M University, as provided by the White House

….But here’s the thing. George Bush isn’t just a President who promoted the ethic of service long before it was fashionable –- he’s a citizen whose life has embodied that ethic. From his daring service as a Navy pilot during World War II –- enlisting the day he turned 18 –- to his time in Congress, at the CIA, and as U.N. Ambassador, Vice President and President.He easily could have chosen a life of comfort and privilege, and instead, time and again, when offered a chance to serve, he seized it. It was second nature to him -– the continuation of a proud family tradition that he and Mrs. Bush clearly passed on to their children and grandchildren. And one which he’s carried on throughout his quote, unquote “retirement.” How’s that working out, Mrs. Bush? (Laughter.) Spends it working tirelessly to help others, without fanfare or any expectation –- or desire –- for recognition.
Though I do recall one endeavor of his that actually drew quite a bit of attention. That was back in 2005, and some of you may remember this. He and President Clinton had agreed to come together to raise money for the nations devastated by the tsunami that killed nearly 230,000 people in Asia –- and that partnership between these two presidents would continue in the wake of Hurricane Katrina.As first, longtime friends and aides to both of them were suspicious — let’s tell the truth now. (Laughter.) They were convinced that the other guy was using their guy to burnish his own reputation. That’s how staffers are. But then when one operative expressed his concern to President Clinton, the president sharply rebuked him, replying, “This is much more important than politics.”
This is much more important than politics.That’s the conviction that drew these two outstanding leaders -– once fierce adversaries –- to join forces: the belief that there’s some things that are beyond politics; that there’s no place for partisanship when a great American city is underwater; that the R or D next to your name is irrelevant when nations in crisis need the world’s help; that certain moments call on us to stop the back and forth, and the bickering, to forget the old rivalries, and embrace a common purpose that is bigger than our differences. (Applause.)
And while — while you might not always know it from watching the cable news shows, or listening to folks on the radio, I think it’s clear that we stand at one of those moments. We’re seeing turmoil in our economy that’s left many people wondering whether their kids will have the same opportunities that they had to pursue their dreams. We face threats to our health, our climate, and of course our security, that have left many of our young people wondering what kind of future they’ll be leaving for their own kids.And if anyone here thinks that our government has all the solutions, President Bush and I will be the first to tell you that you’ll be sorely disappointed.
Government can build the best schools, with the best teachers — but we can’t run the PTA, or chaperone those field trips, or mentor those kids after school, or have them sit down and do their homework at night. We can pass the most comprehensive health reform bill — but Congress can’t be on the ground in our communities caring for the sick and helping people lead healthier lives.

Government can give our troops the equipment they need, and the pay and benefits that they have earned, and nobody is working harder at doing that than Secretary Gates — but it can’t be there to offer a home-cooked meal to a military family stretched thin, or to make sure our veterans get the respect and appreciation they deserve in their communities when they come home. (Applause.)
In the end, when it comes to the challenges we face, the need for action always exceeds the limits of government. While there’s plenty that government can do and must do to keep our families safe, and our planet clean, and our markets free and fair, there’s a lot that government can’t –- and shouldn’t –- do. And that’s where active, engaged citizens come in. That’s the purpose of service in this nation.And that’s the point I want to emphasize today: that service isn’t separate from our national priorities, or secondary to our national priorities –- it’s integral to achieving our national priorities. It’s how we will meet the challenges of our time.
To this day -– despite all the evidence to the contrary –- there’s still folks with this notion out there that, well, service is nice, but it’s not really essential; it’s something you do once in a while to fulfill a requirement or to fulfill yourself, or for a year or two after college to put off getting a real job — (laughter) — I’m talking to you — (laughter) — the notion that the real work of changing this country is done by people with fancy titles and big offices out of Washington, D.C. But history tells a very different story. It’s the story of patriots who set forth the ideals that animate our democracy, and all those who fought and died for those ideals. It’s the story of women who reached for the ballot; and people who stood up, and sat in, and marched for justice. It’s the story of firefighters and police officers who rushed to those burning towers, and ordinary people who rushed to the aid of a flooded American city.
That’s always been the story of this nation –- the story of those who stepped forward in our darkest hours to serve it. Those who rose to answer the defining questions of their time: Colony or country? Free or half free? Separate but equal, or truly equal?Those folks weren’t in it for the money. Those folks were volunteers. Their service wasn’t “extra.” It was the work that changed this country.
The courage, the patriotism, the compassion that drove them to act are the same qualities we need today, as we seek to answer the questions of our own time. Will we continue to be a land of opportunity where all things are still possible for all people? Or a place where those born without advantages of wealth, health and good luck have the deck stacked against them? Will we engage with the world to confront our shared threats? Or hope against hope to defer them to the next administration, the next generation?The answer to these questions lie, in large part, with all of you –- the young people especially who are here today. And that’s why I feel so optimistic about our future, because you all are the most engaged, service-minded generation since the 1930s and ’40s, serving your communities in record numbers. Last year, applications to City Year tripled, and the Peace Corps had three applicants for every position. AmeriCorps applications were up 400 percent in just the first four months of this year alone.
Having come of age in serious times, you all don’t have a lot of patience for pettiness and bickering and the worn divisions of the past. Rather than arguing about whether, or how, we should do something, you’d rather just go out there and get it done.As President, it’s my mission to put that passion and commitment to work -– to build on the efforts of Presidents Bush, Clinton, George W. Bush and others to engage not just young people, but people of all ages and walks of life to serve their communities.
That’s why I was proud to sign the Edward M. Kennedy Serve America Act, expanding AmeriCorps, and Senior Corps, other programs that give people the chance to give back. (Applause.)That’s why we’ve created a new community innovation fund to seek out the most creative, effective nonprofit organizations in America –- ones that could be the next Harlem Children’s Zone or Teach for America –- and replicate their efforts all across this country.
That’s why this summer we launched United We Serve, a nationwide effort calling on all Americans to make service part of their daily lives. And we partnered with more than 400 organizations; made more than 250,000 service opportunities available on serve.gov; and watched as nonprofits, and foundations, and corporations, and individuals spent hundreds of thousands of hours serving their communities.So we’ve been doing everything we can to get people involved. And I’m pleased to have with us today my nominee to lead the charge on those efforts as CEO of the Corporation of National and Community Service, Patrick Corvington. Patrick, stand up and wave so we can all recognize you. (Applause.)
But I also want to be honest with you: While we’ll do our best to make it easy to get involved, the service itself won’t always be easy. People won’t always appreciate what you’re trying to do for them. You won’t always make the difference you had hoped for. And let’s be honest, some problems are so big, so stubborn, that even your best efforts will only help just a little bit.

They might just help one person. They might just help one corner of a neighborhood. But those are the efforts that matter the most. It’s through that struggle, the fact that it’s hard, that the difference is made –- not just for others, but for yourself. That’s how you young people in particular will discover your strengths and weaknesses and the depths of your compassion and courage. It’s how you will grow –- and how you grow closer to the people you serve.
And once you’ve formed those connections, you’ll find that it’s a little harder to numb yourself to other people’s suffering. It’s a little harder to convince yourself that their struggles aren’t your problem. It’s a little harder to just stand by as a bystander.Once you’ve tutored young people in a struggling neighborhood, it’s hard not to care about that ballot measure to fund their school. Once you’ve volunteered at a food bank, it’s hard not to care about poverty and unemployment. Over time, the needs of the people you serve become your stake in the challenges of our time.
In the end, service binds us to each other –- and to our communities and our country –- in a way that nothing else can. That’s how we become more fully American. That’s what it means to be American. It’s always been the case in this country — that notion that we invest ourselves, our time, our energy, our vision, our purpose into the very fabric of this nation. That’s the essence of our liberty — that we give back, freely.You don’t have to devote your entire career to service –- though I hope that many of the students here will. But I’m asking you to have a public service mindset. I’m asking that no matter where you live, or what job you do, or what obstacles you face, you’re always looking for ways to make service part of your life.
Whether through it’s — it’s through your workplace, your house of worship, or your local school. Whether it’s in your own neighborhood or another where the need is greater. Whether you offer some special skill, or just an extra set of hands and a sympathetic ear.I know you’re busy. I know that sometimes, even if you don’t like to admit it, service can feel a bit like a chore.
But if Mallory Myers can repeat last year’s success and get more than 12,000 students to perform more than 20 — a hundred —- let me try that again — 1,200 — it’s so much that it boggles the mind — (laughter and applause) — Mallory, 12,000 students and 1,200 service activities in this community –- (applause) — if Mallory can do that, then surely you can round up a few friends to volunteer in your community too.Q That’s right. (Laughter.)
THE PRESIDENT: That’s right. I got an “amen” back here. (Laughter.) If President Bush could fly 58 combat missions when he was younger than many of you here today –- and keep on fighting even after he was shot down and nearly captured by the enemy –- then surely you can keep going when your service project gets a little tough. (Laughter.) Don’t you think? (Applause.)If 11 year-old Erin Buenger — whose all-too-short life touched so many in this community –- could travel to Washington and lobby members of Congress for cancer funding while going through chemotherapy, if she could raise money by making lanyards and writing her own cookbook –- all while making the honor role –- then surely you can find the strength to serve even when you face challenges in your own life. (Applause.)
And that, ultimately, is the idea at the heart of President Bush’s vision: that each of us has a role to play, and all of us have something to contribute. He didn’t call for one blinding light shining from Washington — (laughter) — he didn’t just call for a few bright lights from the biggest nonprofits; but he called for “a vast galaxy of people and institutions working together to solve problems in their own backyard.” (Applause.)And today, 20 years later, think for a minute about the impact that he’s had. Think of the thousands of people and organizations who’ve been named Points of Light –- and the countless others he inspired to do their part. Think of all the people they touched and the lives they changed –- and all of those who were helped who went on to help others. That’s the extraordinary ripple effect that one life, lived humbly, with love for one’s country, and in service to one’s fellow citizens, can have. May we each strive to make that kind of difference with our own lives.

Thank you, President Bush. Thank you, Texas A&M. God bless you. God bless the United States of America. (Applause.) ###

Source: http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/washington/2009/10/barack-obama-george-h-w-bush-texas-speech-text.html

Posted via web from Michael Messina’s posterous | Comment »

Every little thing is going to be alright

Tue, 29 Sep 2009 11:04:11 -0400

via blip.fm

Thank you Bob Marley. No matter how bad it gets, if you sing this song, as you probably know… it helps! Cause every little thing is going to be alright… yes, I sing aloud often!

Posted via web from Michael Messina’s posterous | Comment »

Chicken Noodle Soup for a Rainy New England Day

Sun, 27 Sep 2009 12:37:55 -0400

Ingredients

2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil

1 medium onion, chopped

3 garlic cloves, minced

2 medium carrots, cut diagonally into 1/2-inch-thick slices

2 celery ribs, halved lengthwise, and cut into 1/2-inch-thick slices

4 fresh thyme sprigs

1 bay leaf

2 quarts chicken stock, recipe follows

8 ounces dried wide egg noodles

1 1/2 cups shredded cooked chicken

Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper

1 handful fresh flat-leaf parsley, finely chopped

Directions

Place a soup pot over medium heat and coat with the oil. Add the onion, garlic, carrots, celery, thyme and bay leaf. Cook and stir for about 6 minutes, until the vegetables are softened but not browned. Pour in the chicken stock and bring the liquid to a boil. Add the noodles and simmer for 5 minutes until tender. Fold in the chicken, and continue to simmer for another couple of minutes to heat through; season with salt and pepper. Sprinkle with chopped parsley before serving.

Chicken Stock:

1 whole free-range chicken (about 3 1/2 pounds), rinsed, giblets discarded

2 carrots, cut in large chunks

3 celery stalks, cut in large chunks

2 large white onions, quartered

1 head of garlic, halved

1 turnip, halved

1/4 bunch fresh thyme

2 bay leaves

1 teaspoon whole black peppercorns

Place the chicken and vegetables in a large stockpot over medium heat. Pour in only enough cold water to cover (about 3 quarts); too much will make the broth taste weak. Toss in the thyme, bay leaves, and peppercorns, and allow it to slowly come to a boil. Lower the heat to medium-low and gently simmer for 1 to 1 1/2 hours, partially covered, until the chicken is done. As it cooks, skim any impurities that rise to the surface; add a little more water if necessary to keep the chicken covered while simmering.

Carefully remove the chicken to a cutting board. When its cool enough to handle, discard the skin and bones; hand-shred the meat into a storage container.

Carefully strain the stock through a fine sieve into another pot to remove the vegetable solids. Use the stock immediately or if you plan on storing it, place the pot in a sink full of ice water and stir to cool down the stock. Cover and refrigerate for up to one week or freeze.

Yield: 2 quarts

via foodnetwork.com

Hmmm… this will hit the spot tonight and hopefully clear up my kids’ runny noses. I never put turnips chicken soup - that should be interesting.

Cool chicken noodle soup recipe by Tyler Florence. You got to love the food network.

Posted via web from Michael Messina’s posterous | Comment »

Media Distribution: Traditional, Social, and a Hybrid

Thu, 24 Sep 2009 15:14:37 -0400

via flickr.com

I love this slideshow - what a great visualization of the progression of media distribution, from traditional (1.0) to social (2.0) and a hybrid (1.5).

We’ve all seen them. But I really think this is a nice combination of clarity and creativity. And these images help to tell the story for you.

Kudos to designdamage on flickr.

Posted via web from Michael Messina’s posterous | Comment »

Report: 9 Scientifically Proven Ways to Get Retweeted on Twitter

Tue, 22 Sep 2009 23:00:16 -0400

via fastcompany.com

Fascinating. According to this article by Dan Macsai, Hubspot’s viral marketing scientist Dan Zarrella “spent nine months analyzing roughly 5 million tweets and 40 million retweets” to formulate “The Science of Retweeting.”

There is a lot of interesting information that I’ve been curious about in Dan’s analysis. I especially like the Time of Day graph - good stuff. The afternoon tends to work better for me too, and I can honestly say that I’ve personally contributed to the Friday, 4pm spike. Who doesn’t like to do a little tweeting before the weekend?

To top off the sweet analysis, from the little interaction I’ve had with Dan, he seems like a really nice guy. Dan also (apparently) has a book coming out called The Social Media Marketing Book.

Posted via web from Michael Messina’s posterous | Comment »

The Collective Focus Group

Thu, 17 Sep 2009 14:19:20 -0400

via darmano.typepad.com

Just trying to archive all these really amazing resources out there. Using social media as a market research tool is something I think all social media geeks are familiar with.

It’s that whole “listening” thing that is pretty much the first step of every simple social media strategy. It’s what you do after you listen - that’s the key.

And by listening, you learn something new about your audience everyday. You potentially save millions in market research that might not even be as good as reading your collective feeds.

And if you are really listening, you learn something new about yourself, everyday.

I absolutely love the social media community. I used to “like” them a lot. I think I have learned today that I really love them - they are my peeps!

Posted via web from Michael Messina’s posterous | Comment »

Social Media Toolkit by International Red Cross

Thu, 17 Sep 2009 13:53:21 -0400

via redcrossyouth.files.wordpress.com

This is a really nice looking publication that covers a ton of information about social media and how large organizations like the Red Cross can use across their organization and local chapters. Well done!

Posted via web from Michael Messina’s posterous | Comment »

Social Media Demographics

Tue, 08 Sep 2009 00:42:30 -0400

Social media is here to stay,” says Lynn Franco, Director of The Conference Board Consumer Research Center. “Online social networks are more than just a fad among the younger generation. They’ve become an integral part of our personal and professional lives. They’re an effective way to keep in touch with people, connect with friends and family, and network with colleagues. Social media will also transform marketing as we know it. They’re powerful communication tools, and are becoming an essential part of successful marketing strategies.

via consumerinternetbarometer.us

According to this study, 43% of the online community uses social networks. My biased statement is that number sounds a little low, but according to PEW Internet & American Life Project (PEW), it could be a little high or we’ve seen a huge boom in folks trying out social networking since January 2009.

PEW reported that 35% of the online population used social networking sites in January 2009: http://www.pewinternet.org/Infographics/Generational-differences-in-online-activities.aspx.

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Social Media Is...

Sun, 06 Sep 2009 22:03:20 -0400

via slideshare.net

Right now, I’m searching, digging, far and near for any definitions, visualizations, expressions, opinions of social media.

My primary audience is someone that may use social media but doesn’t even know it. Or someone that “doesn’t have time for it” or doesn’t care to have time for it. Or better said, I’m really investigating ways to bring social media down to earth.

Right now the idea called web 2.0, social media, whatever you want to call it… it’s on a pedestal, as it should be. You may have heard that it is a fundamental shift in the way we communicate - it is. You may have heard that it is changing the way we do business - it is. You may have heard that it is a social revolution - it is. And you just may have even heard that it’s a fad - it’s not.

But here’s a key point for me with the new participatory web - it is much easier for an individual to launch themselves full-throttle into the social media opportunities with very little barriers, and dirt cheap.

Like anything else, when you start adding groups of people… it gets sticky. The bigger the group, the stickier it gets. So what do we do? How can we get people to get it? Talk about the million dollar question. Ask me tomorrow, and I may have a different answer. But today is my answer is that you can’t, you cannot make people “get it” that fall into one of the primary audience categories I listed above.

Hear me out. Now there are some gifted folks out there who can articulate what social media means in myriad of ways to just about anyone. Those geniuses, the books, the conferences - all good! But until they actually do it for themselves, they will never truly “get it.” They will just be impostors in a new world of communication where transparency is currency.

Enter the presentation, “Social Media is…” a conversation. And you know what? If you had to pick one word, just one word, I’m pretty sure many in the field would agree - social media is a conversation. Take away the “social media candy,” take away the technologies - what do you have? People. People talking to other people. People expressing themselves to the world, to other people, to groups, to organizations…

And how are they expressing themselves? For every person that has a distinct personality and specific interest, there is a unique place and way for that person to communicate what they are passionate about. And it’s their preference how they want to do that and what online tools make sense for them.

Does it really matter which platform, whether it is this blog software or that one? Microblogs or full-out blogs? Photos or videos? For organizations, marketers, strategists - yes, to some degree it does matter and for varying reasons.

But in general, for your everyday person just trying to figure out their own version of the definition of social media, I really don’t think it matters all that much. So going back to the conversation analogy… if you are expressing yourself online in our days, whether through comments, posts, photos, videos - WHATEVER! And you are exchanging information with people, discussing, you know having a conversation…. then you know what social media is…. to you. So if social media is a conversation, then it just might be one things that means something different to everyone.

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Dear City Year Corps: Do You Believe In Me?

Fri, 04 Sep 2009 15:17:05 -0400

via cityyear.tumblr.com

This video was just posted to our Facebook page - thank you Rachel White!

I wanted to share this with the entire City Year community, especially our 2009-2010 corps:

The message in this video is very clear and relative to what you are doing. And it is at the heart, the core, of our program. You are about to go into classrooms all across America. You will be a tutor. You will be a mentor. You will make a difference to students. You will change their lives. And you, yourself, will change and grow as a person. You are on a journey, a marathon, and the work that you are going to do is not easy. It’s going to be hard, and it’s obviously not about the money.

I want to say to all of you, inspired by this young man, Dalton Sherman…

I BELIEVE IN YOU City Year corps!

Please believe in yourself. Believe in your team. Believe in your students. Believe in your community. Do you believe in me?

Please share this inspirational message. We want to hear from you.

Tell us why we need to believe in you. Tell us what this message means to you and the journey you will soon embark on. Tell someone else that you believe in them. City Year Alumni and Community: please feel empowered to chime in and share your thoughts and experience.

You can share your comments or upload a video to our Facebook page http://www.facebook.com/cityyear.

If you want to share a blog post or video post, with our entire City Year community, you can send it to post@cityyear.posterous.com. The subject line is the title of the post, the email body is the text of the post, and you can attach pretty much any media that you want, see http://posterous.com/faq for details.

Just keep it clean. I’m not even going to put all the rules in here because I believe in you.

With Gratitude and Respect,

Michael Messina
Your (Online) Community Builder at City Year

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Boston going with solar trash compactors?

Thu, 03 Sep 2009 17:16:27 -0400

Just caught this image on the way to the train stop at downtown Boston - Solar Trash compactors!

I remember posting something a while back about Philadelphia converting to a solar trash system. Not only was it better for the environment - less gasoline to compact trash, less trash pickups/dropoffs - it also was projected to save Philadelphia a ton of cash. I’m pretty sure it was around $1M/year.

Cool fact about this photo: the building in the background is the offices of the Boston Metro Area Planning Council (MAPC), an organization that is working to “Make a Greater Boston Region.” The MAPC is the regional planning agency for 101 cities/towns in the Boston area. I’m actually an intern there right now, working with some really cool and smart people looking to improve the Boston area in so many ways. BlackBerry services provided by T-Mobile, City Year’s Official Wireless Communications Partner

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Here’s a reblog from the inspirational Gary Vaynerchuk....

Thu, 03 Sep 2009 15:01:00 -0400

Here’s a reblog from the inspirational Gary Vaynerchuk. His passion and frustrations of why big businesses don’t get it resonates with me and so many others in the social media realm. I think he is probably the ultimate social media evangelist and spokesperson of our day. Of course their are so many other great contributors and minds, TONS! He’s just “got it” and it’s like in hollywood or sports, it’s just one of those things you can’t teach. Good stuff. Gary is also a New York Jets fan - I think he just developed and is implementing the official Jets’ new media strategies. I won’t hold that against him. Gary, if you are listening, maybe you’ll catch this in 6 months - I’m sorry but the New England Patriots are going to stomp the Jets again…

gary:

Why is everyone waiting for IT to HAPPEN
I am just tired of brands and companies waiting for it to happen because by the time they react the ship will sail and this is the biggest ship we have ever seen.

Having trouble viewing this video? Try the Quicktime version.

Social Media Handbook Toolkit

Wed, 02 Sep 2009 22:33:39 -0400

via wharman.posterous.com

This was provided courtesy of Wendy Harman. Thank you!

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Now Comparing: Posterous, Tumblr, Twitpic, Tweetphoto, Whrrl

Mon, 31 Aug 2009 14:48:47 -0400

via alexa.com

I was curious to compare web traffic of emerging microblogging sites (Alexa), from popular microblogs Posterous, Tumblr, and twitpic to emerging microblogs like whrrl.com and tweetphoto.

Of course Posterous and Tumblr are a little more “bloggy” but if people are going to twitpic and commenting more, how much does it matter which service you use? It gets more complicated as the organization and goals get bigger. If you are an individual - why not test them all out?

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