Shlomo Rechnitz and his unique philanthropic gestures over the years are great examples of stories that the media rightfully lent coverage to. The consequences of such coverage can indeed be positive in a myriad of different ways. First and foremost, it’s no secret that our nation’s youth consume inordinate amounts of television and spend considerable time browsing the web.

It’s also no secret that there are sadly a lack of role models that our youth can turn to in society. For that reason, positioning accomplished philanthropists and their particular acts of generosity in the limelight is something so important. Indeed our nation’s youth are impressionable; and while there are those out there who could qualify as positive role models for them, those people rarely get the recognition they deserve.

In many ways the story of Shlomo Rechnitz personifies not only the American dream, but also what we educate our children to do with whatever professional and financial success they may achieve. Through innovation and creativity, Rechnitz successfully created numerous American businesses that have afforded thousands of people employment opportunities. Beyond that, he has given back to his community in a multitude of different ways.

Over the years those in the media who have covered his acts of philanthropy deserve plaudits, even while doing so against Rechnitz’s wishes. Ensuring that members of the youth demographic have a role model like Rechnitz they can seek to emulate, is indeed a public service.

The post Media Coverage of Philanthropy: Shlomo Rechnitz appeared first on Social Media Explorer.

We’ve seen charity campaign platforms that have been developed over time that have sought to revolutionize the way people give charity. Indeed the advent of the internet has helped mobilize coalitions representing diverse backgrounds of people who are giving money to worthy causes that they are passionate about.

From a social media standpoint, Josh Nass believes this is a trend that will only accelerate with time. Ultimately, there’s little doubt it is having a wonderfully constructive effect of making philanthropy more available to people of all backgrounds.

The magnitude or sizes of donations that people contribute is of little material significance. It is the act of benevolence itself, that has and deserves to be recognized. As giving becomes more available to people of all persuasions and backgrounds, philanthropy itself will be redefined for the better.

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There’s something about being around young children; beyond their energy, freshness, and laughter.  Children are wise without knowing it. Fearless learners and compassionate leaders; children live in a world where everything matters and everyone has value.

I loved seeing their faces light up when I told them how smart they were making me. They smiled with pride and appreciated the praise; but I am not sure they understood how true those words were.

I can honestly say, everything I needed to know about social media and life; I learned in kindergarten.

It was there, I learned to:

• Notice beauty and wonder all around me
• Never take a day, or even an hour for granted
• Find evidence of life and growth in the most unlikely of places
• Listen with a mind and heart wide open
• Dream big and celebrate little
• Capture the extraordinary in the ordinary and everyday things
• Most Importantly … Love Unconditionally

The world is what we make of it, and children know that. To fully embrace the potential the web holds; we need to be more “child-like” in our approach.  The web depends people’s ability to move through it with respect and grace; to demonstrate community and social responsibility, and to fully experience it with love.

If you have not had the privilege of spending your day in the presence of such genius minds, I leave you with a “taste”.  Enjoy the lessons from my teacher and friend, Adora Svitak.  As you watch her amazing TED talk, think about what you can teach your students about being more “childish.” (You’ll wanna take notes, I promise!)

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The post Everything I Learned About Social Media I Learned In Kindergarten appeared first on Social Media Explorer.