Seattle Social Media Profiles » Non-Profit Organization

Adnan Mahmud, CEO of Jolkona Foundation

admin — Mon, 14 Sep 2009 19:19:32 +0000

Jolkona Foundation. If you’re a Seattle local, I’m sure you’ve probably heard of it, but now it’s time to get to know one of the faces behind this amazing organization.

If you’re like me, you love giving to non-profit organizations; however, not being able to see the impact of your donation can be a bit frustrating. Well, not anymore, because when you donate to the Jolkona Foundation, you will receive tangible proof of your donation with a video, photos, or other material. In addition, with Jolkona, you have complete control over how your money is spent and to which causes it goes. And the best part about it? They’re fully utilizing social media in all of their efforts. Between their Facebook Connect integration with their website, to their blogs, to their YouTube videos, they are fully Non-Profit 2.0, and I think all other non-profit organizations should take notice of what they’re doing.

As you can tell, I’m a huge fan of what Adnan Mahmud and his wife and Co-Founder, Nadia, are doing with the Jolkona Foundation. I think it’s absolutely amazing stuff.

With that, please take a second to get to know Adnan, CEO of the Jolkona Foundation.

The Basics:

1. What is your name?
Adnan Azfar Mahmud

2. E-mail?
adnan at jolkona dot org

3. What is your occupation/company?
Co-Founder and CEO of Jolkona Foundation

4. What is the best part of your job?
Realizing every day that it doesn’t take million-dollar solutions to change people’s lives. There are small things that we can do that can go a long way in making the world a better place.

5. Originally from? When and how did you end up in the Greater Seattle area?
Originally from Bangladesh. I moved to Seattle almost six years ago when Microsoft hired me.

6. How can people find you on the web?
twitter.com/adnanmahmud

Social Media:

7. What is it about social media that attracts you?
That it is a relatively cheap way to reach a large community very easily. There is a low (negligible) barrier to entry, but the sky is the limit.

8. How do you utilize social media?
We use it as an effective marketing/PR vehicle to reach our supporters without spending big advertising money.

9. What is one thing the mainstream population should know about social media?
It is a lot more fun than people might think.

10. If people follow you on Twitter, what can they expect?
Random musings from a social entrepreneur with a wide array of interests who is focused on galvanizing the next generation of philanthropists.

11. How would you describe the social media scene in Seattle?
Nascent, fun, creative, vibrant, and full of potential.

12. Do you remember your social media “wow” moment? What was it?
Remember it very clearly—when Ashton Kutcher showed that he has just as much reach as a billion-dollar media giant.

13. What is one piece of advice you give to new users of social media?
You have got to have fun while using social media. If you think of it as a chore, it will be very unrewarding.

14. Are you currently working on any projects which involve the use of social media? If so, what are they?
Jolkona Foundation is a small non-profit startup that I co-founded, and we make extensive use of social media already and are constantly looking for ways to further invest in social media. Got any ideas?

15. Are there any social media events or conferences in the future you would like to let people know about?
Social Media Club Seattle’s monthly event is a definite must-attend for anyone in social media.

Just For Fun:

16. What are your hobbies?
Travel, music, collecting stamps (yup, some of us still do that!), any sort of sports but mostly beach volleyball and soccer, and meeting new people. I absolutely love meeting new people.

17. Favorite vacation spot? Thing to do there?
Some beach surfing, enjoying the sun, and sleeping!

18. Favorite restaurant in Seattle?
Umi.

19. Favorite things to do in Seattle in the summer?
Anything, as long as it gets me out of the home. But, I do like to play beach volleyball as much as I can. Wish I could do more of it!

20. Favorite quote?
“All you can do is make the most of the time given to you.” – some movie

21. Guilty pleasure?
Okonomiyaki. But, we can’t get them here, so I would have to go with cupcakes!

22. Favorite actor/actress?
This one is obvious: Angelina Jolie.

23. I really like it when…
Someone takes the time to say “Hello… how are you doing?” with a genuine smile and care.

24. One day I would love to…
Travel the world and hear the stories of all the different people and truly acknowledge and appreciate that there are other ways of being than the one I have grown up knowing.

25. If I could meet anyone, alive or dead, I would want to meet…
Way too many. I have so many questions that I would like the answers to!

26. What would you like everyone to know about you?
I am just a man trying to find his way through this world.

Adnan Mahmud Links:

Adnan Mahmud on Twitter
Adnan Mahmud on LinkedIn
Adnan Mahmud on Flickr
Jolkona Foundation on Facebook
Jolkona Foundation on YouTube
SocialEarth: Jolkona Foundation Launches Website Targeting Young Philanthropists
BusinessPortal24.com: Jolkona Foundation Focuses on the Big Impact of Giving Back
The Seattle Times: Jolkona Foundation extends micro-giving to Seattle
The Seattle Times: Drop by drop, a current of young philanthropy grows

Comcast Newsmakers: Adnan Mahmud, CEO of Jolkona Foundation

Jolkona Foundation Video

Shauna Causey: SMC Seattle, Jolkona, & Comcast

admin — Mon, 20 Jul 2009 16:58:25 +0000

They say Superwoman is merely a character of non-fiction. I tend to disagree. I say she is very real and lives in West Seattle.

Among bright and passionate people in social media—or anywhere, for that matter—if Shauna Causey isn’t mentioned in the bunch, clearly you haven’t had the pleasure of meeting her. Always beaming with energy, Shauna is one of the most involved people I know. Besides doing her normal job as a communications and community relations for Comcast, she’s also an advocate for non-profits and serves on many boards, including SMC Seattle, Leadership Tomorrow, Reel Grrls, and Jolkona. And I don’t think this even covers it all—for one, I know she’s also involved with Twestival Seattle.

How does she find the time do all of that? Super powers. Yep, it’s true.

Get to know Shauna, wouldja?

The Basics:

1. What is your name?
Shauna Causey

2. E-mail?
ShaunaCausey@comcast.net

3. What is your occupation/company?
SMC Seattle Communications Director, Communications/Community Relations for Comcast, Washington state. I also serve on four non-profit boards.

4. What is the best part of your job?
Learning, promoting, simplifying and sharing great ideas, connecting people, working with non-profits, and having the chance to be involved in social media and work with some incredibly dynamic people.

5. Originally from?
I was born in Seattle and have never left. I live in West Seattle near Alki Beach.

6. How can people find you on the web?

Twitter: twitter.com/ShaunaCausey
Facebook: www.facebook.com/shaunacausey
LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/ShaunaCausey
Mister Wong article: tinyurl.com/mua7s8
FriendFeed: friendfeed.com/shaunacausey
YouTube: www.youtube.com/shaunacausey
UStream: www.ustream.tv/ShaunaCausey

I manage the Twitter, YouTube, and Facebook accounts for Comcast, Washington state:

Boards:

Social Media:

7. What is it about social media that attracts you?
The rapid acceleration of new ideas, the stage for new voices, the vehicle for social action. Making the world a little smaller by connecting people from all over the world.

8. How do you utilize social media?
It’s a major part of how I communicate both for work and personally. I listen and share information about high-tech and Comcast-related news, Social Media Club Seattle, and non-profit board service.

9. What is one thing that mainstream population should know about social media?
Technology is becoming personalized and social media is the venue to get information that matters to you. In its best use, it’s not simply a life-casting tool (“what are you doing now”)… It’s a way to share and receive ideas and mobilize people into action.

10. If people follow you on Twitter, what can they expect?
I’m a news junkie and I like social media and tech news and best practices, new ideas, stories, and anything relating to Seattle-area startups. You’ll also get Social Media Club Seattle info, non-profit and Twestival news and every once in a while, and something about what I’m doing (if it’s interesting enough to tweet). Probably around 90 percent news and ideas and 10 percent personal.

11. How would you describe the social media scene in Seattle?
Michael Arrington, Founder of TechCrunch,was recently in Seattle and joked about us being too nice in this city. Others say there’s a Seattle “freeze”and people in Seattle are difficult to befriend. I’d say yes, we are nice. Yes, it can be hard to break into some Seattle niches. But, Seattle’s social media scene has a transformative power that is melting that urban myth that there’s a “Seattle freeze” and helping us here in Seattle become more honest and transparent.

12. Do you remember your social media “wow” moment?
Early this year, I planned a social media non-profit training (as part of a massive volunteer event called Comcast Cares Day#CCDay). I was unsure if it would be a success. In the end, we had around 25 seasoned social media people training 20 non-profits. Our hashtag was one of the top 10 words on Twitter across the world that day (thanks in part to the social media tent) and we garnered over 2,000 live-streaming views. I realized that using social media to forge opportunities, involve creative people, and reach an audience of interested people is extremely powerful. In this case, Chris Pirillo, Brad Butner, Charl Pearce, Kenji Onozawa, Jodi Church, Mike Foley, Doug Winfield, and so many others made it a great event. I am in awe of our social media community here.

13. What is one piece of advice you give to new users of social media?
Be generous with your time and attention. Listen. Remember that even though it’s a web-based tool, it’s still 100 percent about the people behind the avatar.

14. Are you currently working on any projects that involve the use of social media?
Yes, there are quite a few. I am always working on a few different projects that involve social media for work and for fun. I just joined the board of directors for Jolkona, an amazing local non-profit that does a great job of using social media. I am hosting a new show for Seattle 2.0, where we’re interviewing Seattle-area startups, called “Startup Builders.” I’m in the midst of planning the next Comcast social media training for non-profits (@Voluntweetup). I’m also helping Doug Winfield with Twestival, a non-profit event planned and executed on Twitter and working with Chris Pirillo to help with Gnomedex, a local tech conference. I’ve been having a great time helping some of our Seattle-area elected officials learn how to use social media. I’ve also got another idea in the works and hope to announce that soon.

15. Are there any social media events or conferences in the future you would like to let people know about?

Ongoing:Social Media Club Seattle monthly meetups. Info is at www.SMCSeattle.com.
August 20:Comcast Social Media Non-Profit Conference (twitter.com/Voluntweetup on Twitter). We hope to have these ongoing.
August 20-22: Gnomedex twitter.com/Gnomedex on Twitter or www.Gnomedex.com.
September 12: Twestival Seattle twitter.com/TwestivalSea.

Just For Fun:

16. What are your hobbies?
Beach volleyball, snowboarding, reading hyperlocal blogs like the West Seattle Blog, volunteering, and helping with local non-profit and tech events. I also enjoy perusing the real-estate market by using companies like Zillow and Redfin to find properties for friends.

17. Favorite vacation spot? Thing to do there?
Alderbrook Resort on Hood Canal is a favorite. The other one is a surfing and fishing village: Sayulita, Mexico. Great taco stands and the beach volleyball is always fun.

18. Favorite restaurant in Seattle?
Umi Sake House

19. Favorite things to do in Seattle in the summer?
Play volleyball on Alki Beach, relax in a hammock on the deck, and take my dog, Roxy, for walks around the neighborhood.

20. Favorite quote?
“They say that time changes things, but you actually have to change them yourself.” –Andy Warhol

21. Guilty pleasure?
Movies. I watch quite a few movies and enjoy watching them from my living room (On Demand). I also love anything with ice: snow cones, slurpees, frappacinos, and margaritas.

22. Favorite actor/actress?
That’s a tough one. Jeremy Piven, maybe.

23. I really like it when…
I see other people put somebody else’s needs before their own.

24. One day I would love to…
Volunteer for a service project in another country. I worked at an orphanage in Costa Rica for a few weeks in college and it was incredibly tough to pull myself away from civilization and technology at first. In the end, it was a life-altering experience that is one of my favorite memories.

25. If I could meet anyone, alive or dead, I would want to meet…
Wow, I’ve had some amazing friends and mentors that I’ve already been lucky enough to know. Other than that, I guess the famous people would be Jesus, Jim Gaffigan, Brian Regan, Tim Russert, Bruce Springsteen, Oprah, and Stephen Colbert. A pretty big mix of faith, news, comedy, music, and one zany personality.

26. What would you like everyone to know about you?
I’d rather know more about other people.

BONUS QUESTION: Who would you like to see featured on Seattle Social Media Profiles?
I’d love to see Tracy Record and Charl Pearce. They are dynamic amazing women and we’re lucky to have them in Seattle. Their Twitter updates are a wonderful mix of news and information and a great funnel for, in my opinion, the most interesting information in Seattle. Also, Kenji Onozawa. Have you heard of that guy?

SHAUNA CAUSEY LINKS

VIDEO: Shauna Causey at SMC Seattle

Jeris JC Miller: The Compassionate Action Network’s Social Media Person

admin — Mon, 18 May 2009 15:42:51 +0000

Within Seattle, it seems more and more non-profits are adopting social media into their communications arsenal. One example of this is the Puget Sound Blood Center, who’s social media person, Sean DeButts, has been doing an excellent job of using the medium to raise awareness of issues surrounding blood donations, organizing it’s members, and communicating with the public. Recently, I had the opportunity to visit with another social media person doing great work for non-profit organizations in our community. Please let me introduce to you Jeris JC Miller of the Compassionate Action Network.

Thank you again, Jeris, for giving me the opportunity to come chat with you. I had a great time.

The Basics

1. What is your name?
Jeris JC Miller

2. E-mail?
dakini_3@hotmail.com or jerism@msn.com

3. What is your occupation/company?
Seattle Children’s Hospital, where I support the Chief Medical Information Officer and the Clinical Nurse Specialist Knowledge Holders in Clinical Care Guidelines and Clinical Policy web development effort.

4. Originally from? When and how did you end up in the Greater Seattle area? (if applicable)
A suburb 20 minutes south of Portland (Lake Oswego, OR).

5. How can people find you on the web?
LinkedIn, Heart of Matter Blog, Compassionate Action Network (CAN).

Social Media

6. Why do you like social media?
I honestly believe that Seattle is ground zero for a 21^st-century, humanistic, social media revolution. I believe that Seattle is poised to lead the way in a new kind of technology revolution based on sustainable business practices and commerce balanced with compassion.

7. How do you utilize social media?
At the moment, I am focused on digital storytelling in a variety of formats. I am also filming humanitarians and insightful scientific thinkers and podcasting their seminars.

8. What is one thing that mainstream population should know about social media?
That beneath the apparent noise, there is a subtle organization.

9. If people follow you on Twitter, what can they expect?
I tell the truth from the center of my heart… it’s the best I can do.

10. How would you describe the social media scene in Seattle?
Ripening into an explosive global force.

11. Do you remember your social media “wow” moment? What was it?
I was sitting in front of TweetDeck one night and experienced a “perceptual shift” or an “Aha” moment… I was sitting back watching all of these amazing, unique, and brilliant people connect and converse with one another in very simple clear statements. I perceived a subtle underlying organizing order beneath the apparent “chaos” of “Twitter noise.” ”What a repository of original thought!… It’s poetry in motion!” That was my “Aha” moment!

12. Are you currently working on any projects which involve the use of social media? If so, what are they?
Digital storytelling projects on behalf of CAN and filming and podcasting humanitarians and global thinkers.

13. Are there any social media events or conferences in the future you would like to let people know about?
#sxswi Austin, TX. Gnomedex.

Just For Fun

14. What are your hobbies?
Writing, photography, meditation, yoga, bicycling, wine (Pinot Noir).

15. Favorite vacation spot?
France, Dharamsala, India, and Bhutan.

16. Things to do there?
Barge trip through Burgundy while I bicycle between Chateaux!

17. Favorite restaurant in Seattle?
Dahlia Lounge (If I’m in the mood for art food).

18. What is your favorite food?
Salmon and crab.

19. Favorite things to do in Seattle in the summer?
Bike over to Discovery Park; listen to amazing music all over this city!

20. Most embarrassing CD you own?
Undoubtedly something by Sting… if my punk friends knew, they would confiscate my black nail polish….

21. Any hidden talents?
None that have manifested so far… but I’m a work in progress… you never know!

22. What would you like everyone to know about you? Other interesting facts?
Although I am a very ordinary person, I have an extraordinary gift of being at the “right place, at the right time, with the right skills.” As a result of this gift, I have worked with and been influenced by some of the most visionary thinkers of my generation:

His Holiness the XIVth Dalai Lama and His Holiness the XVII Karmapa
I have been very gifted to receive Chenrezi(g) Vows, whose root teaching is Compassion from the Dalai Lama (1993) and the 17th Karmapa (2008).
Lynn Margulis
Co-Author of the Gaia Hypothesis (with James E Lovelock). Margulis & Lovelock’s pioneering non-linear dynamical system research on the interconnection of the earth’s biosphere with the world’s oceans provides much of the scientific underpinning for Al Gore’s Earth In Balance and An Inconvenient Truth.
Riane Eisler
The Chalice & the Blade and The Real Wealth of Nation’s author provides a compelling look at re-thinking prehistory and the rise of dominator cultures to the present while challenging our existing notions of what an American Partnership System of Governance could look like.
Ellen J Langer
Renowned Harvard Social Psychology professor and Counter Clockwise author, whose groundbreaking research on aging determined that much of our culture’s aging process is dependent upon social cues!
Richard J Davidson: Pioneer of the field of Affective Neuroscience
I first saw Dr. Davidson present his breakthrough research results at MIT in 2003 at a Mind & Life Institute Conference with the Dalai Lama. Davidson’s research suggests that advanced meditation practitioners develop synaptic connections, which introduces the notion of brain neuroplacticity as well as highly stabilized cognitive brain states in advanced meditators.
Ian MacKaye and Henry Rollins
I have been heavily influenced by DC hardcore’s dynamic duo MacKaye and Rollins. MacKaye left Teen Idles and went on to found Minor Threat, Fugazi, The Evens, and Discord Records, and Rollins went from the Idles-sometimes-roadie to SOA, Black Flag, Rollins Band, Spoken Word, and hosting The Henry Rollins Show on the Independent Film Channel. MacKaye and Rollins are founders of DC Hardcore Straight Edge DIY movement, which significantly influenced Noah Levine and Brad Warner’s Dharmapunks writing and my own dharmapunXX writing which also borrows heavily from Olympia, WA, RiotGrrrl.

Jeris JC Miller Links

Leann Underwood: Microsoftie, SM Consultant

admin — Wed, 06 May 2009 14:50:11 +0000

At Chris Pirillo’s last tweetup, I had the great pleasure of meeting Leann Underwood, the next featured member of our great social media community here in Seattle. Coming to us by way of Nebraska, Leann is a current Microsoftie who, in her free time, consults with non-profit organizations on how to integrate social media into their marketing strategies. Honestly, a lot of fun to converse, the next time you see Leann go say “Heya Leann!”

The Basics:

1. What is your name?
Leann Underwood

2. E-mail?
leannu@hotmail.com

3. What is your occupation? Company?
International Project Engineer, Microsoft.

4. Originally from? When and how did you end up in the Greater Seattle area? (if applicable)
Born in Nebraska. Random events lead me here. I started my career as a webmaster.

5. How can people find you on the web?
Google “Leann Underwood” or @Tierrah on Twitter

Social Media:

6. Why do you like social media?
I am passionate about easily available knowledge. Social media is an extension of the Internet revolution that made information freely available throughout the world. Instead of a one-way flow of data, social media allows people to engage in dialogue all over the globe!

7. How do you utilize social media?
I use social media to learn new topics; networking with co-workers; meet new people; and create community around common interests.

8. What is one thing that mainstream population should know about social media?
It can seem overwhelming at first. However, if you approach it as with any new technology, say when you received your first cell phone, take baby-steps and find what fits. I have no doubt that you will find a venue that will suit your needs.

9. If people follow you on Twitter, what can they expect?
I use Twitter to primarily share information about trends in social media, a little humor, and a little about the art scene in the United States.

10. How would you describe the social media scene in Seattle?
Very active and enthusiastic. I would say, come to a tweetup or a social media event. You will meet lots of people who will be interested in meeting you.

11. Do you remember your social media “wow” moment?
I have a primitive, rare breed dog, a Norwegian Lundehund. I have a mention of it in my profile and have chatted with a couple of people in Norway about their dog! I think that is the beauty of social media: instant community.

12. Are you currently working on any projects that involve the use of social media?
I’m involved with a Seattle non-profit group with Charl Pearce. We consult with non-profits on how to integrate social media into their marketing plans.

Just For Fun:

13. What are your hobbies?
Art; walking my dog; gourmet cooking.

14. Favorite vacation spot? Thing to do there?
Costa Rica-any beach will do. Las Vegas-Valley of Fire, Hoover Dam, Red Rock Canyon, and the rollercoaster in Primm.

15. Favorite restaurant in Seattle? Favorite food?
Too many to pick just one! I love fresh, innovative food.

16. Favorite things to do in Seattle in the summer?
Barbeque in the backyard; people watching; clubbing in Pioneer Square.

17. Most embarrassing CD you own?
Soundtrack to Titanic.

18. Any hidden talents?
I can wiggle my ears.

Leann Underwood Links:

Eric Berto: Seattle’s Geek Giant

admin — Fri, 01 May 2009 16:02:04 +0000

Driving among Volkswagen Bugs and finding a Sherman tank-that pretty much describes the first time I ran into Eric Berto. It was at an SMC Seattle event and, despite having had encountered “the Geek Giant” online several times, it had not occurred to me that maybe his Twitter handle was more than just a clever name. Let me assure you: It is not.

At a towering 6′8″, Eric is a hard guy to miss in Seattle’s social media community (especially next to this Asian guy). Currently working as a Corporation Communications Manager at Right90, Eric is a regular at many of the social media events held around Puget Sound. He also attended Chris and Ponzi Pirillo’s Gnomedex conference as well as the last SXSWi. When he’s not working from his home in Kent, he can be found rooting for the Seahawks at the Hawk’s Nest in Seattle.

If you see Eric around, definitely say “Hi” to him. He’ll be more than happy to talk social media, Seattle sports, and beer with you.

The Basics:

1. What is your name?
Eric Berto

2. E-mail?
ericberto@gmail.com

3. What is your occupation? Company?
Corporation Communications Manager at Right90.

4. Originally from? When and how did you end up in the Greater Seattle area?
Grew up in Ojai, California, but have been coming to the area every summer since I was six. Moved up here full time in 2000 and graduated from Western Washington University.

5. How can people find you on the web?
The Geek Giant Blog

Social Media:

6. Why do you like social media?
I like the fact that it is totally opt-in. You get out of it what you put into
it. Since social media is totally passive, it allows those that hustle to rise
to the top.

7. How do you utilize social media?
I’m (a little too) active on Twitter, I occasionally blog and my day job allows me to implement some of these same methods as part of a sound public relations strategy.

8. What is one thing that mainstream population should know
about social media?
It’s OK to be yourself.

9. If people follow you on Twitter, what can they expect?
It’s like mining for gold. You sift through the rest of it and you’re bound to find a nugget. Oh, and Seahawks talk too.

10. How would you describe the social media scene in Seattle?
Diverse array of interests. It’s still social networking here, instead of
social marketing.

11. Are there any social media events or conferences in the future that you would like to let people know about?
I’m pretty easy to pick out of a crowd, so you’ll be able to find me wherever I’m at.

Just For Fun:

12. What are your hobbies?
Die-hard Seahawks fanatic; I’m as much of a beer geek as I am a grammar geek; housework; and I am learning some hunting skills.

13. Favorite vacation spot? Thing to do there?
Anywhere warm, with a beach and Cuban cigars.

14. Favorite restaurant in Seattle? Favorite food?
My kitchen, but it’s in Kent. In Seattle proper, I’ll have to go with the Hawk’s Nest, the only true Seahawks bar in town.

15. Favorite things to do in Seattle in the summer?
Mariners games; fishing; camping; working on my house.

16. Most embarrassing CD you own?
What is this CD you speak of? I’d have to say Backstreet Boys “Black and Blue.” I’ve also been to a Britney Spears concert.

17. Any hidden talents?
I am able to write press releases faster than a speeding bullet. I can
launch a blog in a single bound. I am stronger than a mass-pitched press
release.

18. What would you like everyone to know about you?
I like turtles.

Eric Berto Links:

Eric Berto at Gnomedex

Sean DeButts: Puget Sound Blood Center’s Social Media Guy

admin — Mon, 27 Apr 2009 19:30:28 +0000

Sean DeButts is one of many members of our community here in Seattle using social media as a communication tool for nonprofit organizations. As the man behind Puget Sound Blood Center’s social media program, Sean is showing the many great uses of using social media to improve our community. Thank you again for the great interview, Sean!

The Basics:

1. What is your name?
Sean DeButts

2. E-mail?
SeanDeButts@gmail.com

3. What is your occupation/company?
I am a Donor Services Coordinator at Puget Sound Blood Center, and I am helping design and implement PSBC’s new Social Media Program. It will allow donors to use their MySpace, Facebook, and Twitter profiles to schedule blood donations, organize blood drives, send out messages about blood shortages, and invite friends.

Puget Sound Blood Center has 11 blood centers in Western Washington-from Bellingham to Vancouver-and has blood drives in almost all towns and cities.

4. Originally from? When and how did you end up in the Greater Seattle area?
I’m a lifelong Western Washingtonian. I was born and raised in Kirkland, attended Western Washington University in Bellingham, and decided I could come home again.

5. How can people find you on the web?
I’m always happy to exchange ideas, create opportunities, connect people, and chat. Contact me via:

Twitter: @SeanDeButts and @BloodCenter

LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/pub/dir/sean/debutts

Facebook (Seattle Network)

On Social Media:

6. Why do you like social media?
One word: Innovation. Organizations and individuals are finding novel uses for social media at an exponential rate, and I’m excited to take part in it. I’m especially interested in how nonprofits and emergency services are successfully using social media. For example, Social Media Club Austin helped organize a tweetup blood drive in July that recruited 100 donors, and @Twestival tweetups in February raised U.S.$250,000 for
clean water in developing countries. Around Seattle, @SeattleNP, @ShaunaCausey, and @SimChabe are holding voluntweetups to educate local nonprofits on how they can use social media effectively as well. Now is the time to get involved!

Sources for above information:

SMC Austin Tweetup

Charity Water.org

@Twestival tweetups

7. How do you utilize social media?
At the most basic level, I use it to keep maintain relationships with friends and to help PSBC help patients in our local hospitals. I keep a pulse on relevant innovations in the Twittersphere, cultivate relationships with potential evangelists for PSBC, and scope out new business opportunities.

8. What is one thing that mainstream population should know about social media?
Social media will be permanent and ubiquitous features of our society. Familiarize yourself with them now because they are how you and others will keep in touch and do business. Going without social media will be like going without a phone!

9. If people follow you on Twitter, what can they expect?
On the business side, I will tweet about local nonprofit activities, PSBC’s social media program, useful health and blood donation facts, blood shortages, and volunteer opportunities. On the personal side, I will tweet about my local activities related to my hobbies (below in 12).

10. How would you describe the social media scene in Seattle?
The social media scene in Seattle is incredibly inclusive and fermenting with all kinds of new uses for social media. There is such an overabundance of ideas that practitioners blog them, share them, and tweet them for free. You used to have to pay for such services! On top of that, the community is growing very quickly-I’m thankful that @SMCSeattle and other groups hold regular tweetups so that everyone can put faces to Twitter handles.

11. Are there any social media events or conferences in the future that you would like to let people know about?
I know someone who might be having such an event-I will get back to you soon about that.

Just For Fun:

12. What are your hobbies?
Marathon training, skydiving, my literature blog The Inkwell Review, social media, Chinese culture, organizing hikes through Meetup.com, business networking, science fiction (Clark, Asimov and Star Wars especially), self-edification, volunteer work, Alan Moore comics, and freelance journalism.

13. Favorite vacation spot? Thing to do there?
Moran State Park, on Orcas Island. Working there was the best summer of my life. You can hike among old-growth Douglas firs, swim in mountain lakes, hike miles of trails, and view all of the San Juans from the top of Mount Constitution. On top of that, you can hitchhike anywhere on Orcas Island.

14. Favorite restaurant in Seattle? Favorite food?
My favorite restaurant is I Love Sushi, and my favorite food is California rolls.

15. Favorite things to do in Seattle in the summer?
During the summer, my favorite activities are out of doors. This summer, I will be training for the Rock and Roll Marathon on June 27, and I will go skydiving in Snohomish County on July 18. On top of that, I will be organizing several hikes in the Cascades and Olympics through Pacific Northwest Hiking Group on meetup.com

16. Most embarrassing CD you own?
The most embarrassing CD I own is “The Black Mages,” a rock CD with music drawn from the Final Fantasy Series. That’s not so embarrassing, but it is a bit geeky.

17. What would you like everyone to know about you?
I’m very approachable. Contact me any time if you want to exchange ideas, find a connection, or collaborate on a project.