It has become common to see entertainment industry’s most powerful and influential people involved with social causes, but does it work? A very interesting piece on Mashable discusses different kinds of partnerships between celebrities and non-profit organizations.
The highlight is this: it is better when the artist is an
actual activist for the cause and takes it to their heart. This is a scenario
that both parts can beneficiate from: the organization gets some attention when
the celebrity shares with their million (and plus) followers on social media
channels – and then suddenly more people are aware of a good cause to fight
for.
I have mentioned before one of my favorites – and most
recent – partnerships: Emma Watson and the UN campaign HeForShe, in a previous post. Even though we are
talking about the United Nations, this falls to same category: celebrities
using their stardom for good, taking it to their heart and actually talking
about something they can relate to.
Star Wars: Force for Change
A cool new project that was happening rather recently was
the Star Wars: Force forChange. In a campaign similar to a KickStarter initiative, fans could
support nicef’s Innovation
Labs and Programs, and get amazing rewards in return. The major one was
to be part of the upcoming Star Wars: Episode VII, taking a friend with you; it
was also possible to have a private screening of the movie prior to its
release, in your hometown, and being able to bring 20 friends. JJ Abrams talks
more about the project in this video:
The winner has been announced, among thousands of
participants, proving that it is possible to use entertainment to get people’s
attention and to show them they can do something worthy of causing change. Whether
is ending hunger, fighting for education or developing new projects in your own
country, celebrities have shown they care. Do you?
This trend of celebrities sticking their reputations out there for a good cause is extremely important. Now more than ever we need to see these figureheads fighting for what they believe is right. In the wake of tragedies across the country, seeing those who people look up to actually standing for a cause is incredibly refreshing and inspiring. If someone with a lot of money and influence isn't standing up for a cause, why would the rest of us?
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