It is every man’s obligation to put back into the world at least the equivalent of what he takes out of it. — Albert Einstein

I have a lot to make up for.

I firmly believe as Einstein did, that we must put back more into the world than we take out.

I have taken a lot out of the world.

side note: There are plenty of wrap posts about BlogWorld. This wont be one of them. Instead, here is a wrap up sentence: The beauty of BlogWorld is not what you take out of it, but what you put back.

While wondering the exhibit hall, I was talking to a friend. When he talked about getting drunk later, I explained to him that I no longer drink. When asked why, I gave my standard response: “Because I was a cokehead for 4 years.” Almost immediately, the woman he was walking with leaned over and said “did you just say you were a cokehead?” And thats how I was introduced to SocialVibe.

In their own words, SocialVibe allows a person to use their online influence to make a difference.

In the blogging world, words like traffic and page views are often interchanged for importance and quality.

This concept is grossly warped. The only importance that a blogger has is in his (or her) ability to influence by becoming an important member of a community.

Why do people read your blog? Is it the information? Or is it the trust that you have built with your readers?

I dont get many pageviews. There are many blogs that dwarf mine. But, I have worked hard (and continue to work hard) at being a good and valuable member of our community. I try to give information and insights that are helpful. I try to be helpful.

So when I learned about SocialVibe from their highly passionate editorial director Sarah Townsend, I knew it was going to be something that I would get involved with.

And involved I am. You will see on the left side of my blog a widget highlighting the cause I have chosen: DoSomething.org. Its a great cause, as it speaks to me directly. Its about action not talk.

I highly suggest getting involved. SocialVibe is a great way to do just that.

But SocialVibe is not the only cause I am getting behind.

Recently, a rep from DonorsChoose was in Boulder, and she asked to take me to coffee to get my thoughts about the site and the program. As a former fundraiser and an often donor to DonorsChoose, I was quite excited at the prospect.

I learned a lot about this site that does micro-funding of teacher projects. They have funded tens of thousands of school projects over the past eight years. They have embraced the blogging community, and often have blogger challenges. (In fact, I began to read Fred Wilson’s blog because of the DonorsChoose challenge he was doing last year.

Soon, I will launch a DonorsChoose bloggers challenge. If you are interested in getting involved, leave a comment. I am in the process of recruiting some of the better known bloggers around town (and perhaps across the country). Watch for some of your favorite bloggers to start putting the DonorsChoose widget on their blogs…

Finally, here is the kicker. DonorsChoose is one of SocialVibe’s causes. You can combine these two fantastic online charity facilitators in one swoop.

Regardless, take a leap. Do Something. Put as much in as you take out. Show the true power of your blog.

Be influential.

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