explore.org Championing the Selfless Acts of Others
Reviewed by Giselle Carr
Issue 8 Summer 2011
After the March 11th earthquake and tsunami impacted Japan, the plethora of online responses to the disaster and causes to send aid rippled out at a near equal pace. One of the campaigns which resonated with me the most was a Facebook initiative by Dog Bless You, a non-profit that was attempting to raise $100,000 through sponsors, by having 100,000 Facebook fans. The goal was to send search and rescue dogs to Japan, including Dog Bless You and explore.org founder Charles Annenberg’s dog, Lucky. Within 36 hours the goal of 100,000 fans was met and exceeded, thanks in part to brief documentaries about the dogs.
Designed to strategically use emerging technology and communications media, explore.org showcases individuals (including animals) who have dedicated their lives to improving the human condition.
Through the power of documentary films and photography, the mission of explore.org is to create a portal into the soul of humanity, helping people to benefit from others by learning about their work and connecting with them. In terms of media and sharing the message, the site is primarily designed as a community destination where people can engage in dialogue and share stories by embedding their favorites on blogs and social networking sites.
The company’s core characteristic of lifelong learning is reflective of the good life in its truest sense – a life of inspiration and aspiration; a life dedicated to selflessly helping those who cannot help themselves; a life that explores the meaning of life itself.