Technology for Change: Care2.com
“Be the change you wish to see in the world.” – Mahatma Ghandi
B Corporation Care2 and its founder and CEO Randy Paynter align perfectly with both the quotation above and the intentions of Singlebrook’s Technology for Change campaign. Paynter established Care2.com in 1998, when the arrival of the Internet supplied a platform for him to launch his own global improvement initiatives. The purpose of Care2 is to “make it easy for everyone to live a healthy, green lifestyle and impact the causes they care about most.” The group’s 15,000,000+ member count serves as a clear indication of its power for impact.
Anyone can join the Care2 online community at no cost. Creating an account enables the user to take advantage of opportunities to learn about important causes, find ways to live a healthier and “greener” life, and take actions that will make the world a better place. The site even has a reward system called “butterfly rewards”, with which users can earn credits by getting involved in issues they care about. Specific ways to earn credits include commenting on Care2 Cause articles or polls, creating or signing online petitions, sending eCards, or simply just visiting the Care2 site. This reward system encourages philanthropic activities; participants can redeem their credits in numerous ways, all of which directly benefit a worthy cause. Credits can be used to donate a toy for a shelter dog, a seed packet for a Sudanese family, or work gloves for a disaster response team, among other donations. When a Care2 member makes a contribution, his or her action is posted under the “gifts happening now” headline on the Care2 site.
In addition to “butterfly rewards”, Care2 offers a plethora of other tools for members to enjoy. Users gain instant access to online articles with tips relating to everything from health and wellness to crafts and design, all underscored with healthy and green viewpoints. The site also supplies artistic eCards that can be sent to friends and family for almost any occasion.
Care2 provides a multi-faceted social media outlet that promotes discussion, advocacy and engagement in worthwhile causes. By encouraging and facilitating socially and environmentally-responsible behaviors, this B Corp distinguishes itself as a leader in the technology for change movement.
