I remember the instant that the tragic earthquake hit Japan.
It was during a “tweetup” or Twitter meetup with some of my favorite social media friends at sushi restaurant in Irvine, Calif. that I saw tweets about a major earthquake in Japan.
Busy with both our work and personal lives, we managed to keep in touch via social media. But we craved personal connections and delectable sushi at Sushilicious, a restaurant created in the spirit of technology.
We snapped photos of each other, captured videos moments and reconnected with each other as we shared in these enriching moments during that dinner.
When I came home, I checked on my Twitter feed again and focused on the full gravity of the devastation of the earthquake that struck northern Japan.
Then I was in utter shock upon seeing the tsunami and its horrific impacts following the information on Twitter and on cable TV news.
Twitter — quickly becoming society’s go-to communications tool during a crisis — skyrocketed to more than 1,200 messages or tweets in the Tokyo area within an hour after the 9.0-magnitude earthquake that knocked out phone service.
It wasn’t surprising to see the cover story of Tuesday’s USA Today: “Japan Crisis Shows Social Media Muscle.” I’ve written about the power of social media — not only in social engagement, but also in real-time crisis communications, giving a speech on it during last year’s first worldwide “Social Media Day” event sponsored by the social media website “Mashable” and hosted by the Orange County Register.
Within days of the disaster, numerous fundraising efforts began with the help of social media.
The one closest to my heart was organized by concert organizer Viet Anh, who last year mobilized a group of Vietnamese-Americans entertainers in Orange County, Calif. to raise more than $100,000 at an event called “Viet Love 4 Haiti.”
Last week, I helped share information with news media outlets and social media users about vocalist Y Lan and more than 60 of the top Vietnamese entertainers’ fundraising effort at a benefit concert called “Viet Love 4 Japan.”
The Vietnamese community — many of whom were rescued by Japanese vessels in the Pacific Ocean during the refugee exodus of the late 1970s and early 1980s — overwhelmingly showed their support. Many of my own social media friends who were smiling with me in our sushi tweetup also participated in the fundraising efforts.
The international Vietnamese community either followed the concert in person, via live-streaming video, with social media or on cable TV.
“Japan accepted the refugees who escaped Vietnam by boat,” Y Lan shared with the Orange County Register after a lunchtime new conference that I help conduct earlier in the week. “There is also a large Vietnamese community living in Japan that has been affected by this disaster. It is time for us to repay our debt to Japan.”
Photo courtesy of Jen Le
Photo courtesy of Jen Le
The eight-hour event raised a whopping $300,000 for the American Red Cross with every penny going to victims of the Japan disaster.
It’s a tribute to the power of people to mobilize to try to make a difference in the face of utter devastation. My friends in Southern California and throughout the world are living examples that social media is making a difference when it matters most — in times of crisis.
Ted,
What I love about you is that you are always at the forefront of showing the true power and magnificence of Social Media. The ability to mobilize resources and have a huge impact so quickly is a true testament to connectivity,hope, and the power of the human spirit.
Thank you so much for sharing!
Don’t ya love his big picture thinking D?
Hey Ted,
I love how you took it upon yourself to lend a helping hand without thinking; everybody can be good during good times, but during devastation and tragedy – that’s when you show your true character, and this is why I’m such a big fan of you. Great post, great education on how Social Media isn’t just for business, but for unifying and strengthening the bond when times get tough. Prayers to the victims in Japan, and kudos to the warm hearts who helped in any way possible!
Beautifully said Paul. And I agree with your point, that our true character shines through during the tough and tragic times.
Paul,
Your work with ConnectOC has been a tremendous example of utilizing social media for good. Although we’ve all been so busy with both our personal and professional lives, we can always make time to help each others, especially those in grave need. As you get ready for your big wedding, I hope to catch up with you and Jen soon. My best wishes as you plan the big first day of the rest of your days, years and lifetime together.
My best,
Ted
I am always touched and moved by your posts Ted. You use social media to shrink the globe and connect us in such meaningful ways. You show how us beautifully easy it can be to learn about real people and their stories and how to make a big difference. I love it!
Agreed Gina, perfectly put.
Ted: Thank you for this piece. I appreciate all the work you put in helping organize and get the word out about this fundraiser. It’s a beautiful thing how the Vietnamese community gets the opportunity, to return the favor and serve their Japanese brothers in their time of need. Thank you for being bold, and for taking time out of your life to support and write about this experience.
Rochelle,
Thank you for your example of service. You are among the ones that inspire to do good. I always appreciate your leadership in social media and your friendship.
Warmest regards,
Ted
Thank you Ted for always leading the way on how social media can be used as a positive impact on the lives of many; those near and those far away. You continue to champion social media as THE change agent for good; I love that!
Great work Ted; as always!
i like this story that you bring it for everybody