SXSW: Doing More

In the heart of the “Live sound capitol” South by Southwest brings in 9 days full of interactivity, films and of course music. This 9-day event stretches all across Downtown Austin. Year after year, SXSW brings in thousands of visitors to the Austin area. Visitors pour in from all areas of the U.S. ready to hit the streets for good times and great music. This year, SXSW celebrates its 25^th year anniversary. Once I thought the creators and sponsors of the festival couldn’t out do themselves, they prove me wrong.

While visiting their website, I noticed, they now give out non-profit scholarship. SXSW Interactive selected the five most innovative ideas and awarded. One of this year’s winners is Erika Righter for Concert for Kids. As a recipient, you receive a free SXSW Interactive badge (a $750 value) to give to their designated non-profit in order to attend the SXSW Interactive Festival. This allows the non-profit attendees to interact and meet innovators in media and technology. Applying for the scholarship, candidates and their supporters must write a 300-word essay explaining what the designated organization does and the challenges it faces. The essay should also focus on how the organization will use technology and media to further its goals beyond fundraising.

This is excellent news for my company as well as all other not for profit organizations out there. Feed Your Ears. Feed Your Ears is a non-profitable organization based out of Austin, Texas. Their mission: to inspire the world to raise awareness and fight hunger by integrating music and education, will be applying for the scholarship next year.  The scholarship would allow Feed Your Ears to make more connections, both locally and nationally. We’d use the opportunities to learn new methods of technology, while integrating the new technology to help market and promote Feed Your Ears.  Although, social media is a great to reach out to your target market, solely it’s not enough. Feed Your Ears will take the knowledge we learn and expand on it.

Look for Feed Your Ears at SXSW in 2012.  Feed You Ears! Support the movement or start your own. Music is powerful. Let it speak to those who are less fortunate. Lets change the world, one ear at a time!

To read more, please visit http://sxsw.com/node/5634