I am sure by now everyone (who is anyone) has heard of Twitter (and hopefully you all know the Awearness Blog is on Twitter as well). The site has been around since 2006, but in 2008 it became more than just a virtual socializing tool when a group of Twitterers based in London decided to organize an event where the local Twitter community could socialize offline. They met the faces behind the avatars, enjoyed some entertainment, had a few drinks — the most inspiring part of this event was the tie-in with a food drive and fundraising effort for a local homeless charity.

The bulk of the event was organized in under two weeks — via Twitter, naturally — and utilized the talents and financial support of the local Twittersphere to make it happen. According to Twitter, around the world similar stories started appearing of local Twitter communities coming together and taking action for a great cause.

Based on this trend, Twestival was born — the vision was that if cities were able to collaborate on an international scale, but working from a local level, it could have a spectacular impact.

On February 12th, 175+ international cities will be hosting a Twestival to bring Twitter communities together in an effort to raise money for a charity near and dear to my heart, charity: water. Twestival is organized entirely by volunteers around the world and 100% of the money raised from these events will go directly to support charity: water projects. By rallying together globally, under short timescales, for a single aim on the same day, the Twestival hopes to bring awareness to the global water crisis.


Here is a video of Scott Harrison, founder of charity: water, speaking about Twestival.


You can support the Twestival efforts for charity: water by:

1. Attending one of the events detailed on the city sites listed on Twestival website.
2. Uploading or buying music at Twestival.fm.
3. Taking part in the t-shirt design competition.
4. Donating to charity: water.

I will be volunteering at the event here in NYC at M:2, and encourage everyone to get tickets! It should be a great time, and for a great cause — the headline act for the event will be Eclectic Method.