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Need more proof of the organizing power of social networks? Look no further than the USA Today article covering a massive worldwide protest organized via a Facebook event that gathered close to 100,000 people in 165 cities around the world--all in less than a month's time.
Protesters united to take a stand against the continued brutalities carried out by Columbia's largest rebel group. Known as the FARC, the group is responsible for hundreds of kidnappings and continues to hold several high profile hostages.
The thousands who gathered wanted to send a clear message to the FARC to stop kidnapping and release the hostages they're holding. Though turnout was the strongest in Bogotá (where estimates range from 500,000 to 2 million people), the international scale demonstrates both widespread awareness of the issue and solidarity with the Columbian people.
This is a perfect illustration of the organizational power that Facebook and other social networks have. With over 64 million active users and 250,000 more joining daily, Facebook in particular can be an excellent network to use to plan and coordinate events, gather support for a campaign, increase publicity for your organization, or collect donations (though the jury is still out on this one).
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