Have you ever been a part of a movement? I mean a real tried and true event created to inspire others to do good in the world and be a blessing to someone other than themselves. A life-changing part of history that will always be remembered by those involved. I just experienced such an event, thanks to social media.
If you followed all of my tweets, Instagram pictures and Facebook updates last week, you probably know that I was fortunate enough to be part of the Jersey Love Social Media for Social Good retreat. 40 bloggers joined together in Atlantic City and Belmar, NJ to announce that the Jersey Shore is back and open for business. As a New Jersey resident, I was ecstatic to see that these women were willing to come on their own accord to help my state get back on it’s feet. They were women from all walks of life, with their own stories to tell, but they came here to tell OUR story.
Throughout the (sometimes rainy) weekend, each blogger shared their experience with their followers. We were treated like VIP at Ceasar’s Palace in Atlantic City, enjoying wonderful meals, hotel suites and room service. On our beach day in Belmar we spent quality time with one another, while enjoying the ambiance of DJais, a well-known club that is a big part of the history of Belmar and the Jersey Shore. D6 sports gave us surf lessons and introduced their new D6 Surf Skimmer. D6 Sports could have launched the release of their new surf toy anywhere, but they chose New Jersey. They chose a group of ambitious bloggers to get the word out. That says something about the power of what we do, and how we share on social media.
After 3 days on the hashtag #JerseyLove, a week of reflection of our experiences, over 3,000 photos on Instagram, over 6,000 tweets and 80 million impressions, social media will play a big part in the growth of business we’ll see at New Jersey beaches this summer. Thanks to New Jersey Digital Moms and Social Media Moms, NJ residents can not only show that we’re stronger than the storm, but that an online influence can be used towards a love worth fighting for. A love for New Jersey.
Looks like a fun event!!! How fun, thanks for sharing!!
Thanks for commenting, Kelsey!
That is so awesome! It’s amazing the amount of impact social media can have and for such a great cause, too.
Yes it really is, Aly. We can make a difference, one tweet at a time.
I was seeing that hastag in my Twitter stream a lot. Sounds like a fantastic event and such a great cause!
We were tweeting fools all weekend! We had a great time and felt blessed to be able to help those on the comeback from the storm.
Awesome event! I think social media does a lot of good. It’s great for spreading the word and getting people from all over involved in a cause.
That is so true. It helps us see the country and the world as a smaller entity, and we can see those that may not live near us as neighbors and online friends that we want to provide help and support to. This trip showed just that.
Woohoo, looks like so much fun. Love the pictures of everyone!
Thank you, Lisa!
Looks like a lot of fun! Social Media can be the best FREE advertising out there!
That’s so true, Brianne! I think social media is still seen as a sleeping giant, but it can do so much when it comes to helping others. This is especially true if you live no where near those in need but would like to help.
The group became a different place the day you joined! We are lucky to have you in New Jersey and I am lucky to have you in my home state. You always make me smile even if it is raining in belmar NJ! 🙂 xoxo