The Challenge: the reality of non-profit

Because you are reading this it’s clear that you have access to the internet. So I can assume you’ve seen the ALS Ice Bucket Challenge because there are probably five videos in your Facebook Newsfeed of people accepting the Challenge. If you’re unfamiliar with the Challenge it goes like this: donate $100 to ALS research OR dump a bucket of ice water on your head. People are typically nominated by friends and family.

The Challenge was a brilliant creation by the ALS Association to spread awareness and raise funds for ALS (also known as Lou Gehrig’s disease) research. The Association is one of many non-profit organizations harnessing the power of social media to spread the word about their cause.

It’s motivating people around the country to use personal social media accounts to support the ALS Association and victims of the neurodegenerative disease. But, as in every situation, there are people who find fault in the Challenge too.

Many of the people who dump ice water on their heads ALSO donate to the ALS Association. This includes me, my father and brothers. However, disbelievers have begun using the Challenge as a self-righteous platform to shame participators. I’ve seen more than one person fill my Newsfeed with a post like, “rather than pouring water on my head I actually made the donation, now I challenge John Doe and Jane Doe to do the same!” Perhaps not the intention, but it sounds condescending as though they’re shaming everyone who made a video participating in the Challenge.

Others have angrily typed a Facebook status about how they or their family have been affected by ALS and people should actually make a donation rather than pointlessly throw water on themselves. This is all true. And I’m positive that there are plenty of people who simply dump water on themselves and move on with their day without donating. But how many more people know about ALS now that the Challenge is trending nationwide?

The reality of the non-profit world is this: not many people give money for no reason. Think about the other charitable organizations you know of; The American Cancer Society puts on Relay for Life, people donate their time, but they’re also entertained with food, music and various activities. And how many 5Ks, half and full marathons benefit charities? The bucket of ice is simply a way to draw your attention, beneath the surface of that cold water it’s about a disease that can completely paralyze victims.

Here’s the reality of this social media campaign:

                -It has raised awareness of the disease

                -It has increased ALS Association donation over 1000% than last year

And that’s exactly why the ALS Association was create, to raise awareness and search for a cure. Don’t be angry with people who don’t donate because in the end they’re still spreading the word. Instead of shaming people who dump water on themselves be a champion for the cause!