Telethons have proven a successful way for organizations to raise money through the support of TV viewers and the US National Parks Foundation has brought that success to the online world as part of its 'Find Your Park' campaign. The foundation put together a Facebook Live "view-a-thon" hosted by Bill Nye.
The Find Your Park view-a-thon was a collaboration between the National Parks Foundation and Mashable. Throughout the 45-minute video, Bill Nye taught viewers about some of the 413 national parks in the US. Because the video was a livestream, Nye and Joshua Laird, Commissioner of the National Parks of New York Harbor, were able to field questions submitted by viewers in real-time.
Find Your Parks is a campaign in honor of the 100th anniversary of the National Parks Foundation, and its goal is to raise awareness about the effects of climate change on the parks.
Why This Trend Is Growing
- Livestreamed Fundraising Events
- The success of the 'Find Your Park' view-a-thon showcases the potential for livestreamed events to raise money and engage online audiences.
- Online Education and Virtual Tours
- Bill Nye's educational livestream highlights the growing trend of online education and virtual tours, presenting opportunities for organizations to provide interactive and informative experiences remotely.
- Climate Change Awareness Campaigns
- The 'Find Your Park' campaign's focus on raising awareness about the effects of climate change on national parks demonstrates the potential for similar campaigns in promoting environmental consciousness.
Industries Being Reshaped
- Nonprofit Fundraising
- Livestreamed events like the 'Find Your Park' view-a-thon offer nonprofit organizations an innovative way to engage donors and raise funds online.
- Tourism and Travel
- The popularity of virtual tours, as exemplified by Bill Nye's view-a-thon, presents opportunities for the tourism and travel industry to offer immersive digital experiences to potential customers.
- Environmental Activism
- The climate change-focused 'Find Your Park' campaign highlights the potential for environmental organizations to leverage digital platforms and social media in raising awareness and mobilizing support.
