Last month, the creator of #FollowFriday explained how the phenomenon began in the Mashable article #FollowFriday: The Anatomy of a Twitter Trend, and we previously produced a short post on FollowFriday for beginners called How FollowFriday Works - it's a basic introduction to this Twitter game.
But what if we could use #FollowFriday to generate interest in good causes? That's what we're doing today by suggesting our favorite 5 charities and non-profits to follow on Twitter this week. Don't forget to check out last week's Follow for Good picks for more great Twitter accounts to follow.
Which 5 “follow for good” Twitter accounts should we recommend next Friday? Let us know in the comments!
Follow Friday: Recommended Twitter Follows
@AmericanCancer - Every month, Mashable picks a "social media charity" to promote in our sidebar as part of our Twitter Brand Sponsors program. This month, we welcome the American Cancer Society, which uses Twitter to share links about the worldwide fight to end cancer. Follower count: 3,686
@autismspeaks - April 2nd was Autism Awareness Day, but it's not too late to join the organizer, Autism Speaks, on Twitter and become part of the movement that's creating a bright future for those with autism spectrum disorders. Follower count: 515
@sharestrength - Share Our Strength is a nonprofit working to end childhood hunger in America. Last month social media users raised over $15,000 for this cause through the 12for12k initiative, while the celebrity-backed Social Media Smackdown raised a further $1,555. Let's keep the momentum going! Follower count: 1,786
@charitywater - Charity:Water, which brings clean and safe drinking water to people in developing nations, has been part of some of the most successful social media fundraisers to date. In September 2008, Mashable's Twitter followers donated $3,536 to the cause, while in February 2009, we became the media partner for Twestival, which raised $250,000 to build new fresh water wells. That said, Charity:Water is just getting into Twittering itself, so please do join them! Follower count: 382
@onecampaign - Founded by Bono and Bobby Shriver with support from Bob Geldof, the ONE campaign aims to bring attention to proven solutions to poverty issues, including the prevention of AIDS and malaria, giving children an education and providing economic opportunity. The campaign has been very active on Twitter this week, sharing links about the G20 summit and its outcomes for those in poverty. Follower count: 1,472
