Twaah— Tweee– I know it’s a mouthful, right? But since I first heard about Twestival, I have loved the concept. For those unfamiliar, here’s a look at the background and structure of what makes this twitter-festival exceptional.

The History of Twestival

The idea is simple:

Tweet. Meet. Give.

Twestival gives people an event where they can not only meet other twitter users, but also be a part of a global awareness and fundraising campaign. The first one took place on February 12th, 2009 in over 200 cities. The global campaign raised $250,000 for charity: water. But, that’s not the astounding number– try 55 newly drilled wells and 17,000 people reached with fresh water!

Modeling and Replicating Change

Twestival is providing a framework for you to be one of the many pieces in a global movement for change. In this movement fewer people are asking why they should participate and are instead concerned about HOW they can contribute. Leaders have to be responsible for stepping up and answering the call of the multitude who want to play a role in change making, but may not be sure how.

Twestival is back with an event to raise funds for a local cause in each city. This September 10th-13th, Twestival gives would-be change makers an outlet by providing the knowledge and guidance whereby they can create change in their own communities. For Twestival Local, organizers have been equipped with a more powerful toolkit for organizing their events and challenged to set and meet fundraising goals. Furthermore, teams in the various cities must work together with interested people in their location, using twitter as a crowd sourcing tool to select a cause, solicit help, and begin fundraising. All of this is done with a big community of individuals ready to support people as they face challenges. The result is the equivalent of a global crash course in DIY Philanthropy!

Igniting A Unique Age

The reality of the global village is that many of us are finding ourselves unwilling to settle for being over entertained and under challenged. We need to be empowered to see ourselves as change makers. We’re hungry for change and feeding off messages of hope through collective action.

“We now have the capacity to organize and take collective action together to deal with a problem or an injustice… this makes this a unique age in human history…“ ~British Prime Minister Gordon Brown

Events like twestival are igniting this unique age to action by helping us realize our ability to play small parts in bringing big solutions.

We’re powerful. Believe it. See it.

I will be a part of the team organizing Twestival Local in Bangkok. Equipping people with the means to create change here is exactly what In Search of Sanuk has been striving to do. I’m thrilled to see this happening on the global stage and eager to celebrate the change we’ve been initiating with our Bangkok Tweetups in unison with calls for change around the world.

~Dwight

You don’t have to be using social media to benefit from these tips. They can be applied to almost any social meeting, whether you’re managing events for a nonprofit or want to have a birthday where you do something to give back.

Small Stones, Big Ripples: Start with your friends and organize people around your plan to save the world. Refine your plan and make it realistic. Get the word out about what you’re doing and connect with other groups in your area. Soon you’ll find you have a small community. Choose a cause you’re passionate about and consider the variety of ways to contribute with your event. You may want to read my interview with Tom Potisit as an example of a small project making big ripples.

Transparency Required: Be ready to show people results. Transparency must be cultivated before, during, and after your event. Keep in mind, building integrity is about more than where the money goes. You should spend time connecting people attending your fundraiser with chances to participate in your cause. I love the feeling the day after the event when I have an inbox full of comments and emails to answer about how people can begin volunteering. As people see the benefits of what you’re doing they’ll be both more interested and more likely to give.

Plan Well, Care Less: Plan well and commit to your cause. When I decided something should be done to help urban refugees, I was determined to be a part of the solution whether or not my event was a success. I was able to care less in many situations because my commitment to change actually freed me from some of the anxieties of event organizing. Don’t let negativity or tight pockets shoot down your goals. When potential sponsors don’t answer your emails or return your phone calls, the need for change still exists. Social change DOES NOT require big sponsors or celebrities. Use me as proof. In Search of Sanuk has accomplished a great deal through our community and we haven’t hosted a sponsored event yet. How much more will you be able accomplish with all your connections?

The Law of Harry & Hurry: What I call the “Law of Harry and Hurry” is an extension of the above idea. No one wants a guilt trip about going to see Harry Potter instead of showing up at your charity event. People are busy. You can’t expect them to match your level of commitment, so don’t make them feel bad about their Harry or their hurry. Relax. Tell them not to worry if they can’t make it and make sure they know how they can get involved in other ways. You could always ask in a loud voice, “What do you have against ORPHANS?!” But I’m not sure how effective that would be. Show you’re committed with or without them. When they recognize this, they’ll be even more eager to work with you. In Bangkok we’re determined to make a difference, come take part.

Passion Wanted: Attract passionate people to your event. When we host the Bangkok Tweetup, I’m always amazed at the how diverse the crowd can be. They love travel, they’re business owners, and an array of other interesting pursuits. Remember, when all else fails cold beer and cool people wins you more high quality members than any amount of themes, raffles, or door prizes. Spend less time printing fancy name tags and more time engaging people about your cause and encouraging them to meet the other great people who came.

I hope these suggestions have been helpful. We’re volunteering almost every weekend and we’re hosting Twestival Bangkok in September. We will keep providing outlets for change to happen here. Let me know what you’re doing where you are!

“Dream big, work smart, start local.”

~Dwight

The Community is Growing – Through the internet, travel, and your help spreading the word we’re gradually growing. Please get involved no matter where you are by joining us on facebook or by sharing great content on twitter. If you have written or done something that fits here please contact us so we can share.

Splintering Your Brand – The conclusion of this series is coming up, where I’ll give some simple, practical tips to help in your project management. As a bonus, I’ll be sharing an interview with Tom Potisit of the Global Expedition for the World’s Greatest King. After flying around the world Tom recently held an exhibition to sale his photographs. Hear how his project developed and how he’ll use the money he raised to reinvest into his country.

Microphilanthropy – Before the end of the month I plan to announce our own microphilanthropy project. This means we will be directly helping people and reporting the results here. Donations will be accepted on the website (tax-deductible for US residents). This project will be our own version of the 100 Friends project. This is a big step and we’ll need you to play a role.

The Urban Garden Project – This project is moving along. We have already raised about 6000b ($200 US) through our May charity tweetup event. The next big event is LUSH, a poolside dance party at the Fraser Suites Sukumvit on June 19th. We’ve had some obstacles overcoming the issue of limited space for making a garden accessible in community centers and slums. BUT we’re persistent and we’re engaging more people on this project to find a way to make it happen (If it was easy, someone would have already done it).

Washington Leadership Academy – I’m speaking next week in Bangkok to encourage students to get active helping people. In addition to my lecture they’ll visit the UN and some other ngo’s and non profits. After a few days they’ll have a chance to put what they’ve learned in action and I’ll tag along for their projects outside the city. Should be fun and I will report back more to let you know how it goes.

“Dream big, work smart, start local.”

~Dwight

When & How: May 1st-3rd. Volunteers take the bus or their own vehicle from Bangkok to Buriram bus station on Friday morning, May 1st. Pick up is at 2 P.M. at Buriram bus station (If you take the bus we recommend the 9am from Mo Chit using the company Nakorn Chai air, the ride will take 6 hours).

Cost: The cost of this weekend is 2,800 Baht per person. This covers two nights homestay accommodation, food, trees to be planted, entertainment and a donation to the elephant fund.

Activities: During the volunteer weekend, we are bringing the second elephant to the elephant island. Volunteers will prepare the arrival of the elephant and create more living space and food for the two elephants. There is a lot of work to be done at this new project, but there will be chances to spend time with the elephants and learn about the local culture. See the schedule here.

Accommodation & Food: Stay with your own Isaan family for a weekend! You’ll have a private room with your roommate, fan and mosquito net. Be aware: there’s no AC, and it’s hot now! We provide all meals (Isaan style), water, coffee, and tea. If you have special requests, such as vegetarian food, please let us know in advance. Snacks and other drinks can be bought in the village.

More: For a detailed schedule and project details, click here.

Join if you can! For more info on the plight of elephants in Thailand and how you can help, please see our article National Treasure or National Tragedy?

Click here to see the original invitation in Thai and English.

More Art + More Wine + More Prizes = Sanuk

Here’s why you don’t want to miss next Saturday’s party:

• Exhibition – The exhibition includes many works done by refugees and asylum seekers at the Bangkok Refugee Center. Most the artwork was done by children. However, some of the smallest children have experienced more turmoil than most of us can imagine. Come and support them and have a chance to see special donated artwork from artists in Thailand, Japan, and the United States. We’re joining forces!

“Have a chance to see special donated artwork from artists in Thailand, Japan, and the United States. We’re joining forces!”

• Wine Tasting – Remember your admission includes wine tasting from 6-8pm. Be there early to enjoy the wine as you place bids on the pictures made by refugees and the special guest art. By your request we’ll have a chilly surprise waiting for all the wine connoisseurs.

• Raffle – As with the Grand Opening there are many things we’ll be giving away that evening. They include art done by the refugees, art lessons with Chalit Nakpawan, gift certificates for beauty products and other surprises.

“No fighting in the streets or breaking bottles over anyone’s head to walk away with what you want. Just make sure you’re the highest bidder at the end of the night!”

• Silent Auction – Make sure you participate in our silent auction. For a this type of auction all you have to do is find the form of the painting you want and make a bid on it! No fighting in the streets or breaking bottles over anyone’s head to walk away with what you want. Just make sure you’re the highest bidder at the end of the night! Give your registration # and contact info and the price you want to bid.

“This project will be the beginning of many more because of you!”

• Great Company – Come mix with people volunteering for the BRC, working for the UNHCR or working on all kinds of various projects to create change in our community. Jump in! This is what ISOS was created to encourage. This project will be the beginning of many more because of you!

See you there at 6pm and here’s the map again so you can be sure you find us:

Click To See This Larger

On Thursday we had the long awaited Grand Opening Party for our project Picture From My Mind: Depictions of Hunger, Homelessness and Hope. This gallery will be on display until we end with our Silent Auction and Finale Party on Feb. 28th, 2009. Here are a few pictures from a great night:

Arthur Mangan, BRC, Invites People To Help Refugees

In The Auction Room

Wine Tasting

Great Company

Volunteers!

Gracious Hosts

Prizes!

Sanuk!

For more go to our Flickr account or search “In Search of Sanuk” on facebook to find our page and see the gallery loaded there. Enjoy!

To see the original invitation in Thai and English click here.

Registration begins at 6pm. When you come to the gallery and pay to enter, you will be registered to buy art, have a chance to donate volunteer time to the BRC, and be entered in our raffle.

ISOS Raffle. As the night goes on we’ll give away pieces of art made at the Bangkok Refugee Center, art lessons from Chalit Nakpawan, wine, and more! Drawings will be made by influential artists like Kongpat Sadapitak and some of Thailand biggest hearts like Anchanida Premchaona, owner of Boungiorno Coffee & Wine Bar, and others!

Welcome! Around 7.30pm, hear from Dwight Turner, Founder of In Search of Sanuk and Chalit Nakpawan, Artist and Owner of Moddy Restaurant and Gallery.

The Cause. Next we’ll take a minute to remember the purpose of this big party: to help  asylum seekers and refugees. We’ll lend our ear to Arthur Mangan, Director of the Bangkok Refugee Center and Rufino Seva, the Project Manager.

The Gallery. Most of the art featured was made by refugees at the Refugee Center. You will notice that not all of the art is happy or optimistic. We hope this will give you a chance to reflect on how lucky we are to be from stable countries like Thailand and the US and use our good fortune to help these refugees from all over the world. Especially with the recent ugly news about treatment of refugees, we can no longer afford to look away. Explore the gallery and prepare your heart to make a contribution.

Wine Tasting from 6.30-8pm. Are you already adjusted to Thai time and know you’ll be late? Leave early and get there for the free wine. Don’t worry, after 8pm, you’ll still be able to buy a cheap glass of wine (120B) or a cheap bottle (800B) and benefit the refugee center.

Sick Friday. For everyone calling in sick on Friday, the party will continue to 11pm, but we encourage you to come early and have time to take in everything.

Map. Finally here’s a detailed English map with instructions. Some of our volunteers got lost and thought this would be helpful for everyone coming to the event. Take a look and see you there!

What: V-Day Bangkok 2009, a benefit production of Eve Ensler’s The Vagina Monologues, raising funds for Emergency Home for Women and Children, part of the “Association for the Promotion of the Status of Women” under the Royal Patronage of H.R.H. Princess Soamsawali

Goal: To raise awareness to stop violence against women and girls and funds for our beneficiaries – 90% of the proceeds will go to Emergency Home for Women and Children, part of the “Association for the Promotion of the Status of Women” under the Royal Patronage of H.R.H. Princess Soamsawali; the remaining 10% will go to V-Day’s 2009 Campaign to end violence in the Democratic Republic of Congo

When: February 27, 28 and March 1, 20:00 (8PM)

Where: Patravadi Theater (Standard Tickets are 400B and up, see Total Reservation)

Sponsored by: MTV Exit, Marissa Baratelli, Midas PR

Other Related Events: Nomad holds a VIP fundraising dinner for V-Day on February 17th, 8PM-11PM. Event includes a four-course dinner, a live auction featuring exciting items, a “sneak preview” performance, and a speech by the President of Emergency Home. (See vdaybkk.blogspot.com for more.)

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We will post more about the APSW and all they for for women later, but for now you can check out their website. Click here for More about V-Day’s international efforts.

“I have learned something far more complicated than anything in a text book–surviving as a refugee.“

ISOS: Ryan, have you had any opportunities to go to school?
I was 17 when I came to Thailand, I did not finish high school and the refugee center only provides very basic education to the refugee kids. As I have to support my family financially, my education ended. But over time, I have learned something far more complicated than anything in a text book–surviving as a refugee.

ISOS: What are you risking by living here?

Having the official UNHCR refugee status doesn’t mean it is legitimate for me to stay in Thailand. In fact, I could be arrested by the police at any moment and be sent to the detention center. Fortunately, I have never come across any police or been asked to show my legal certificate in my past three years in Bangkok. This may be because my Chinese features are not very different from Thai features.

“…I could be arrested by the police at any moment…“

ISOS: Are you able to find housing here?
For two years, my parents and I stayed in a tiny 12 square meter studio. Three months ago, my friend found a small apartment owned by his friend and rented it to us for a very low price. The condition is much better than the studio we used to live in. The only problem is in order to go to the Refugee Center I need to travel for 2 hours.

ISOS: Are there any other aspects of living here that makes life difficult for refugees?
With no legal status, everything becomes a lot more difficult. Also, there are many different emotional challenges living as a refugee, to me the biggest challenge is the sense of loneliness and the desperation of getting my life back on track. But there is not always much I can do since my life is no longer in my control.

“A refugee will never have a real life in this country, the only hope for them is to rebuild their lives elsewhere.“

ISOS: What would you need to take back control?
Resettlement. A refugee will never have a real life in this country, the only hope for them is to rebuild their lives elsewhere.

Resettlement is usually not something any individual is able to help with. Getting an education is my next biggest need, if I am to truly feel I have some sort of say in what’s to become of me and my family.

ISOS: What are your best and worst experiences in Thailand?
My best experience in Thailand has been working at the refugee center with refugees and volunteers from all over the world.

Waiting for two years for my refugee status to be granted was definitely my worst experience in not only Thailand, but my entire life. It is terrible even to think about.

ISOS: What do you want to do in the future?
I am looking forward to working in human rights or doing something to help refugees, but first of all, I have to find a country that will accept me.

ISOS: Is your experience similar to other asylum seekers and refugees?
They all pretty much go through the same suffering as I did, and I believe they’re all hoping to be resettled more than anything else they’ve ever hoped.

“…I believe they’re all hoping to be resettled more than anything else they’ve ever hoped.“

ISOS: Thank you Ryan both for your time and your encouraging bravery.

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Ryan has an amazing story to tell. His experience encompasses both the resilience and hope ISOS loves to highlight. Leave an encouraging note and come show your support for the BRC during the art exhibition!

See Part One of Ryan’s Interview or see causes for more info on the BRC.

The artwork used above will be featured in a special ISOS exhibition. See Picture From My Mind for details.

First review information about the Bangkok Refugee Center (or see the brief explanation under causes) to familiarize yourself with the BRC.

OK! Here are some ways ISOS could use your help:

- Contribute! We’re looking for artists who don’t mind donating a peice or two for sale. This is a great way to give to this cause and promote your art also. All peices are subject to approval and we only ask that the peices you submit follow the theme of the gallery, Pictures From My Mind: Depictions of Hunger, Homelessness and Hope.

- Sponsor! You or your company can sponsor this event. This will allow ISOS to increase it’s marketing campaign and increase the quality of our show, while promoting your group or business. Remember the chief goal is to bring awareness to people in Bangkok about the plight of asylum seekers and refugees. The more people we inform, the more change we will see happen.

- PROMOTE! Tell your friends. Post it on facebook, hi5, and your blog. Invite people in your social groups (for instance coworkers or your sports team). Link people to this site.

- Party! Do you have a birthday during  February? Do you just want to round up a bunch of friends for a good cause? Plan a party at Moddy during our exhibition to help further promote this cause. See! You don’t have to think too hard about how to help people and make it sanuk also!

- Volunteer! We will need to prepare the pictures for display. Select some to be auctioned. Organize them accordingly. Decorate the venue according. Decide how to really give people the refugee experience.