“In his timely book,
CauseWired: Plugging In, Getting Involved, Changing the World (Wiley, 2008), Tom Watson tracks the growing trend of activists creatively using online media to generate new forms of involvement, support, and fundraising. Watson presents a series of case studies and anecdotes from his personal experience to analyze networked activism and provide a set of principles, as well as a few words of caution, for effective online organizing. All in all, the book provided a great read.” (
FliptheMedia.com, February 2009)
"It's a fascinating read, not least because the principles he outlines for effective online organising are based on his own experiences. He has clearly identified the ways in which the network (Kiva.org) is making a difference, and given us a valuable primer in the ways in which those who want to change the world can make effective use of the tools and services now available." (BBCNews.com; 11/4/08)
"Journalist Tom Watson explores where technology and social action meet in this new release. Coining the phrase "CauseWired", Watson describes a movement that's tapping the web in creative ways to generate interest in activism-from organizing to raising funds." (The Business Review; 1/9/09)
"The campaign would not have happened if I hadn't read CauseWired. It is that simple. I think I knew everything I needed before the book, but CauseWired gave me something that I hadn't given it credit for in my earlier review: detailed, specific inspiration. The examples in that book gave me some confidence and momentum I would otherwise have lacked. If its effect on my life is the measure of a book's worth, then CauseWired ended up as the most valuable book I read in 2008." (additiverich.com, January 14, 2009)
"Watson, veteran consultant, journalist, and entrepreneur, gives us CauseWired: Plugging In, Getting Involved, Changing the World, published last month by Wiley. It's an important book. Why? Because what Watson analyzes here is a trend that will affect the entire non-profit sector and has implications for how change will happen in the future. His personal reflections speak to a deep engagement in the sector, which lends color to this book and makes for an engaging read. Watson provides an excellent road map of understanding about this new, wired (and wireless) approach to generating support. Anyone interested in the future of philanthropy should read this book, because the future has arrived." (The Green Skeptic Blog, December 8 2008)
"Anyone interested in using online activism against the death penalty should take a look at the new book, CauseWired: Plugging In, Getting Involved, Changing the World. It is about using online activism to change the world. The author, Tom Watson, also has a blog that is worth a look." (Grits for Breakfast Blog, November 2008)
"It is required reading. Not just because of the importance of the subject matter, not just because increasingly your business demonstrably has to stand for something, but also because it is filled with lessons in low cost marketing and you just know you're going to be expected to market smarter in the coming years." (makemarketinghistory.com, 10/24/08)
“In sum, this is a must-read for anyone in this burgeoning social-media-for-social-change space. It is recommended reading for anyone who wants to better understand what’s taking place on the social web in general. We’re officially adding it to our sidebar of recommended reading. And we look forward to hearing about your reactions to CauseWired…and which pages you were compelled to dog-ear for future reference.” (maxgladwell.com, October 2008)
“I want to change things, and some things really need changing. If you have ever felt like that, then this is a book for you. It is not a "how to" book in the way of thousands of other pointless pages of lists. This is a down in the dirt, first hand reportage on some of the largest social movements on the Internet and what made it work for them.” (blog.david.bailey.net, 10/5/08)
“If you’re in the nonprofit world and haven’t yet taken advantage of the online space, then this book is full of great ammunition for you to take to your executives to persuade them that it’s the right thing to do.” (endlessplain.com, 9/23/08)
"Causewired is the first book focused on making sense of social media in the nonprofit world. Watson not only gets it—but he also explains why social media matters in understandable terms. Tom Watson’s Causwired, is must reading for anyone in the nonprofit world." (Blackbaud.com, September 17, 2008)
CauseWired: Plugging In, Getting Involved, Changing the Worldor today's super-wired, always-on, live-life-in-public young Americans, thecauses they support define who they are. Societal aspirations have so permeatedthe "net-native" population that causes have become akin to musical tastes, choices, and "blog bling." Redefining twenty-first-century activism, CauseWired: Plugging In, Getting Involved, Changing the World identifies some of the best examples of the cause culture in action and will motivate you to launch yourself down the path of wired social change.
This authoritative book showcases wired causes in action—from Facebook causes and campaigns on MySpace to startups like Kiva, DonorsChoose, and Change.org. It covers the massive societal impact of online social networks in raising money for charity, changing the political climate, electing candidates, and raising consciousness for causes, from the local to the global.
Expertly describing how rapid advances in media and technology and in the ways you communicate are changing how you support causes, this insightful book:
Suggests that what some refer to as online social activism and peer-to-peer philanthropy is quickly becoming an influential political and cultural sector
Reveals how new technology and the human urge to communicate will create the basis for a golden age of activism and involvement
Describes how increasing the reach of philanthropy improves the openness of government and our major social institutions
Explores how a super-wired, socially networked cause will change how corporations approach consumers, how charities ask people for money, how candidates seek votes, and how ordinary Americans view their place in the world
Shows how you can participate in organizations in a way never before possible—by organizing communities of donors, creating volunteer opportunities, and engaging in direct dialogue
Offers real-world stories of success and introduces you to some of the people—famous and almost unknown—powering this movement
Causes matter to today's consumer and they especially matter to companies, to stock prices, to sales, and to brands. An empowering road map for anyone serious about understanding the social impact of causes on the social web, CauseWired: Plugging In, Getting Involved, Changing the World will change how you respond to that underlying human impulse to help others by leveraging your online social network to effect positive change, improve your communities, and change your world.
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