Use Your Computer To Help You Give Back

We all want to make the world a better place (well at least all YDT readers do).  So here is a round up of do-gooding websites that help the cause.

If We Ran the World: If you ran the world, what would you do? That’s the question the beta website of the same name asks visitors when its homepage pops up.  The idea behind this sentiment is action branding.  You can chart your progress and connect with other ambitious do-gooders following their ideals.

Act Bolder: This do-gooder website challenges individuals to make little changes every day—simple things like eat more fruit, wash your clothes with cold water or go a day without a car.  After you complete your challenge, you report back and get free coupons and discounts to businesses like Whole Foods or Seventh Generation.  Completing the challenges is based on the honor system—so be true to yourself. 

Causecast: Named a “One Stop Philanthropy Shop” by Tech Crunch, Causecast is the online destination to get involved in all things “cause.”   It connects organizations doing good with individuals who want to give back through engaging stories, social networking, events and more.

Kickstarter: Kickstarter is an innovative resource that allows people to invest in individual projects and businesses ranging from non-profit documentary work to starting up a homemade Ginger Ale Company.  You’ll find a variety of individuals trying to kickstart their dreams and  throw in some coin to support them.

GOOD: We can’t say enough good things about GOOD. They offer an amazing quarterly magazine feautring compelling content and donate 100% of the proceeds from the magazine to charities.  Plus they’ve got a great online forum, blog and social community that is actively engaged in everything from environmental causes to educational advocacy.  Check them out and get the good stuff at www.good.is.

Shareable: Shareable is a nonprofit online magazine that shows what is possible in the world when we share. Inspired by the success of organizations like Kiva, Creative Commons, Wikipedia and others that thrive on the goodness of sharing, it showcases the latest and greatest in the common good.

Image via Good Magazine