'FeelGood' About Social Media

According to its Web site, FeelGood  "is a program, a youth movement, that transforms students into life-long social entrepreneurs and responsible global citizens – a.k.a. changemakers.” More detailed information and a super sweet video can be seen here, but the most important thing to note is that FeelGood is a non-profit organization started by two college students 6 years ago and has grown into something with a presence around the country. But how does one rinky-dink grilled cheese stand on the campus of the University of Texas turn into something present on over 20 college campus across the US and initiate change in numerous countries around the world? Good question.

Once FeelGood was established as a legitimate non-profit, it was in their hands to spread the word about themselves. The organization immediately became a partner of The Hunger Project (THP), throwing them right into the middle of an established worldwide network. 

In this case, THP could be considered the core of the network. Many smaller non-profits, such as FeelGood, partner with THP to help them reach their end goal, but pretty much all of the major decisions, such as money allocation, are made by those at THP. 

Edge of periphery. This is where FeelGood come in. FG and other partner organizations are key components of THP because they help the "hunger network" grow by connecting with with other networks. They do this by bringing in new people and ideas. FeelGood is an excellent example of this! 

FeelGood's administration is made up of 4 people: Kristin Walter and Talis Apud--the two women who started the org--Corin Blanchard and Kern Beare. These four do the most work for the organization and make a majority of the org.'s decisions, but they leave a lot up to the college chapters scattered around the nation. 

Because FG partners with THP, they spread their message along with one of their own. College students have serious potential to create change, and when they gather together for a change such as world hunger, serious (good) damage can be done. Over 20 chapters across the country are their own mini orgs. who now belong to the larger network of THP. 

FG and THP both have multiple social networking tools, such as Twitter and Facebook, but even simples things such as email helps the organizations keep in touch and share ideas rapidly. It's amazing to think that a network like this is comprised of smaller entities scattered throughout the WORLD, and yet they all have easy means to keep in touch. 

Since both FeelGood and THP have a mission to end world hunger, it is very pivotal that they establish social capital with their audiences and partners. Social capital is what makes relationships last--trust and reciprocity. Both non-profits have established this capital through the use of social media by frequently posting videos and updates on their progress. That way, donors and those involved can see that their donations and time have been put to good use. If non-profit is painted in a good light, what would stop someone from spreading the good word?