Social Citizens Makeover Finalists Revealed

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Finding your inner "social citizen" is something that we think takes a combination of time, patience and of course, the right social networking tools. Today we're pleased to announce the five finalists of our first ever Social Citizens Makeover Contest [2]. We'll be showcasing the "before" and "after" stories of each of our finalists individually, but as an introduction, we thought we would share their 250 character statement on why they (or their organization) are deserving of a 21st century makeover.

Finalists will receive a flip video camera, a $100 Apple gift certificate, a WordPress PremiumAccount, and a Flickr ProAccount. Plus, we're pleased to announce that each finalist will have two hours of individual consulting time with Peter Deitz [3]and the social media experts he has assembled at Social Actions [4].

And now, introducing our finalists...in no particular order:

Emily Waugh, Oklahoma Humane Society

I work about 30 hours a week doing pro bono marketing for the Oklahoma Humane Society. This organization is only 2 years old, and every day I meet people online who had no idea we existed. This work is my passion, the purpose of my life and yet it's difficult to squeeze in time for my real job, too! I have dived in headfirst to Web 2.0 and social media marketing, but a makeover would help me more efficiently use my limited time to help the Humane Society save more animals lives.

Matt Chesney, Zach's Red Wagon

I help my 11 year old brother that runs his own foundation. I do his facebook and other online social networking. This prize would give me the tools to be much more effective and in turn make his foundation the Little Red Wagon Foundation more effective. He believes as I do that change will only come when each of us tries and makes a difference.

Lauren Schwartz, Pennsylvania Campus Compact

I am working as an Americorps*VISTA through PA Campus Compact at a community college. I am responsible for establishing a new Center for Civic Engagement. It is challenging to get busy community college students involved and a "Makeover" would help me better connect with the students on the campus, fostering ideals of service, and creating a sustainable program after my term of service is over. I would love to take videos of the students service and broadcast the good work that is being done.

Charles Warpehoski, Interfaith Council of Peace and Justice

My work with the Interfaith Council of Peace and Justice has a great story to spread, great speakers and events to share, and great images to show; these tools would help me show and tell our story to more people and to listen to their responses. No longer would our speakers be limited to the audience in the room; the flip camera would let us share their message around the world. No longer would we fight to figure out how to show amazing images with our community; Flickr would make it easy to let people see the impacts of our work.

Rabbi Erica Rosenkranz, West Palm Beach, FL

I have dedicated my life to changing the world by becoming a rabbi and working with teens. I want to help teenagers realize the importance of helping others, volunteering, and giving money. We work diligently to help teens realize the importance of giving money as well as volunteering their time. Our hope is that they will continue to better this world for the next generation.

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