This post details two important causes that you can help support just by using social media:

The first, is a project that my friend Geoff Livingston's agency is working on. Here's what Geoff says about it on his blog:

The Save Darfur Coalition’s "Be A Voice For Darfur" postcard campaign seeks to ensure that Darfur is a top priority for the Obama Administration. Obama has already promised “unstinting resolve” to end the Darfur Genocide. The effort, which aims for no less than 1 million postcards to be emailed, blogged and snail-mailed to President-elect Obama within his first 100 days in office.

The hottest part is the unveiling of a petition application developed in conjunction with Facebook Causes. Other social media components include an influencer relations campaign, and a Darfur Blogger Toolkit with videos, photos, and other resources at http://www.addyourvoice.org/pages/blogger_toolkit.

So please, send a postcard and help encourage the new President to keep his promise to Darfur.

This next cause is a charity that is close to my heart, The Salvation Army. Growing up, my mom always had us donate our outgrown clothing to The Salvation Army. Years later, in college, I enjoyed the spoils of The Salvation Army, when I started vintage shopping there.

But what brought The Salvation Army deep into my heart, was when they helped me and other NYCer's through the terrorist attacks on September 11th. Like many, many other people, I was the immediate on-site family friend filing missing reports for several friends who were killed in the WTC. Those first 24-hrs after the attacks in Manhattan, were darker and more heartbreaking than words can describe, but The Salvation Army was there for us. The news was bleak even in the first 24 hrs, but The Salvation Army was there with blankets, hot chocolate and food - the only warmth we had going through a grueling and cold time. I will never forget their smiles and their unconditional kindness.

So, do a little more for The Salvation Army this year, by starting your own online Red Kettle. I know times are tough, but if we all give a little, it will mean a lot.