Start #chasingthegood
We want your posts, Tweets and pictures of the little bits of good happening around you.
Things we chase: Dreams. Soul mates. Money. Adventure. The bus.
Now we want you to chase the good. And once you start chasing it, we know you’ll catch it.
#chasingthegood is Our Better World’s new movement to crowdsource social media content featuring everyday people in Asia doing good in small ways. It’s a hashtag with one purpose: to celebrate, honour and share the good that each of us encounters in our daily lives.
#chasingthegood gathers your Tweets about friendly bus drivers; your Facebook posts about helpful colleagues; your Instagram posts about that awesome neighbour who recycles everything.
And it’s so easy to get involved. Got a story about a kind gesture from a stranger, a welcome-home surprise from your family, or some unexpected generosity from a friend? Share it on your usual social media platform, use the hashtag #chasingthegood and we’ll find it, share it, and let the world know that good is catching on.
So start posting. Start Tweeting. Start #chasingthegood.
On Twitter, Vine and Instagram:
Post/Tweet your #chasingthegood story
Use the hashtag #chasingthegood so we can find it and share it!
On Facebook:
Visit Our Better World’s Facebook page
Write a post or upload a photo or video on our Timeline
Use the hashtag #chasingthegood and we’ll share it!
Everywhere else:
Using a platform we haven’t mentioned? Don’t worry! Just be sure to include the #chasingthegood hashtag and we’ll find it! Or, to be safe, email the link to our Community Manager, Noelle: noelle@ourbetterworld.org
IF YOU'RE NOT SURE ABOUT APPROACHING STRANGERS...
The People of Singapore is a great collection of photos and stories of conversations with strangers.
Robin, the street photographer behind this project, shares the secret to talking with people in the street:
The question I get asked most often is: "How do you stop strangers on the street and get them to talk with you?"
So I'm going to divulge my secrets.
The fact is, not everyone is willing to talk with strangers. And I have no magic spell to get them to talk with me. The trick is to figure out who is willing to talk to you in the first place.
It's a simple skill but one that takes a bit of practice:
THREE STEPS
Step One: Make eye contact. If a person avoids your eyes, they will be uncomfortable or even annoyed if you talk with them. Making eye contact starts with glancing - it doesn't mean glaring at them like a stalker! Just be casual. If they don't return the eye contact, move on to the next person. Eventually, someone will look back.
Step Two: Did they make eye contact? Great! Now smile warmly. Does the person smile back? That's a big door opener. But if they look away, go find someone else. Smile warmly, OK? Not like you're a cannibal and just spotted dinner.
Step Three: Walk towards them and say, "Hi!" Be friendly, but casual. Strangers who get too close are considered creepy. If you’ve made it this far, you can just start talking. Congratulations! You are talking to a stranger.
NOW WHAT?
So what are the best lines to start a conversation?
I have two tried and tested openers:
1. Be honest and just say what you noticed about them: "I love your t-shirt. Where did you get it?" or "That tattoo is amazing. Does it mean something special?"
2. Simply ask directly: "Would you mind if I took your photo?" They will usually ask why you want their picture and you can take the conversation from there. Remember to be honest and warm. People can tell if you are insincere.
THE BEST TARGETS
Still feeling nervous? There are two groups of people who are usually quite easy to talk with. These are good 'targets' for beginners:
1. Those with a dog. Dogs are great ice breakers. Conversation is easy to start from there: "Is it OK if I pet him? He's really cute? What's his name?"
2. Elderly people alone. Old folks are often lonely. They have a lot to offer and not many people who will listen to them. Just say "hello auntie" or "hello uncle" and that's often all it takes to start an amazing conversation.
SOME RULES
Generally speaking, avoid approaching people who are in a group or with another person. People with their friends are very self-conscious and may feel awkward if you try talking with them. So it's best to go up to people who are on their own.
Do NOT take pictures that make someone look like a freak or a laughing stock. Always try to take photos that show the person is worthy of dignity and respect. If someone is poor and begging, the image may be moving, but it may not be how they would like the world to see them.
ALWAYS get permission. Get permission to take the photo and permission to post it on social media. It's true that not everyone does this. But if a person is going to trust you enough to talk with them and let you take their photo, you should return that trust by telling them how you will use it.
YOU CAN DO IT!
So are you ready to hit the streets?
Of course the hardest part about approaching strangers is the fear of rejection. And the truth is, you will be rejected from time to time. If a person doesn't want to talk to you or doesn't want you to take their photo, just say, "Sure no problem. Take care."
There are many reasons someone may not be comfortable having their photo taken. It's not about you so don't take it personally. Learn to get over the disappointment of rejection. Just keep going.
Eventually you will meet some very interesting people and make great connections. And once that happens, you will realise the city is rich with stories you haven't heard and friends you haven't met.
Any questions or ideas? Get in touch with Noelle at noelle@ourbetterworld.org.
