The day's etiquette, like most holidays, is understandably vague: How do you publicly show your support? Is there a color to wear, petition to sign or event to attend? While some may choose to shower appreciation on their female loved ones, social media offers a bunch of ways to show your support for a variety of social good initiatives focused on women's rights.
Below you can find some interesting social good campaigns ranging from Twitter auctions to Daniel Craig dressed in drag (yes, really). The common thread, however, is the desire to not only "love" but to make an impact. Let us know in the comments what other sites and campaigns you've found, and share how you'll be celebrating International Women's Day.
What You Can Do
Equals: Equals is a community of charities rallied under music super-mega-star and activist Annie Lennox. The coalition has some heavy hitters like Oxfam, Care and Amnesty International. Focused on equal rights for women, they've released a series of striking ads like the above, asking James Bond (Daniel Craig) to consider some of the imbalances and unfair gender expectations, ending with a very serious Craig dressed in drag. The site also has an interactive timeline of events filtered by geographical region.
Twitchange: This social media celebrity auction house launched a short-term campaign in partnership with Tony Rocha and CARE to help young girls and women around the world. If you don't feel like jumping into an auction, Twitchange lets you skip and donate directly to the charity.
Vivanista: This site based around philanthropy has teamed up with CARE and Sprinkles Cupcakes to host "Cupcake Parties For A Purpose" through Meetup Everywhere. For anyone unsure of how to host a party around cupcakes, the site has put together a downloadable tool kit including a social media guide to help promote and raise awareness. Money raised through Vivanista will be donated to CARE.
Oxfam Photobook: Oxfam America has created an interactive photobook called "Ending Hunger Starts Here." While the site is focused around hunger issues, Oxfam has added more than 100 events having to do with International Women's Day and included a call to action featuring women. To participate, Oxfam asks that you take a picture holding a sign saying "Ending Hunger Starts with Women" and then upload it to the site. The photobook has already attracted activists, congress members, musicians and everyday people.
Google: It wouldn't be a major international day if Google didn't create a doodle to celebrate. Clicking on the image will take you to an international events page asking you to join women on the figurative (and literal) bridge. Events will take place on bridges world wide, including London's Millennium Bridge and San Francisco's Golden Gate Bridge. If you can't make it in person, you can show your support by checking in virtually. You can also donate directly to a variety of causes or women's rights charities listed below the map.
InternationalWomensDay.org: Finally, head on over to this site devoted to IWD 2011 for a slew of resources. You can purchase tickets, donate, read up on different organizations, see photos and videos, and learn how you can help beyond March 8. There is also a handy social media page with tips on how to promote and get involved on Facebook and Twitter, including suggested posts. Try searching for hashtags like #internationalwomensday, #iwd or #iwd2011 to find conversations.
