Online Activism Gets a Boost from ThinkMTV

Young people are encouraged to get online and get involved via MTV's new socially conscious social network.

Activism isn’t easy, but MTV is doing its best to make it a little more convenient for the average Joe and Jane. The television network attempted to light a fire under young do-gooders on Friday with the launch of ThinkMTV, a social network that makes activism its mission.

The site’s motto: “Get Educated, Get Connected, Get Heard, Get Active and Get Rewarded.  Parts of the site are aimed at accomplishing each of these things. Videos, blogs, video games, podcasts, news reports and pictures are supposed to get young people up to speed on issues. Organizing into like-minded “Think Tanks” allows them team up for a cause. The most productive members will have a shot at appearing on MTV, and other rewards will include scholarships, grants, and event tickets.

Where MTV is involved, celebrities are not far behind, and ThinkMTV is no different.  Celebrities with causes, such as Bono, Shakira, Rosario Dawson and others have presences on the network to rally young people for their support. Organizations including the United Nations, Boys & Girls Club of America, Declare Yourself and more also have spots carved out for them.

The site is currently in its beta version, but membership is open to college and high school students, recent grads, and invitees.