We’re still in the first month of 2011 and change is in the air. Can you feel it? Indeed, this year has begun full of hope and possibility for massive social progress in our world. And as you might expect, young people are going online more than ever to connect with others and share those experiences. A new generation is beginning to lead the way through blogging and other forms of social media, courageously sharing our ideas, expertise and passion to inspire others to make a difference.
As a guide to what’s happening in the social change space, here are my top 10 bloggers to watch this year. Each of them writes at the intersection of nonprofits, philanthropy, social progress and life as they know it. Take a moment to bookmark all of these and make sure you subscribe, because I have a feeling these bloggers are going to teach us a LOT in 2011!
Allison Jones, allisonj.org
I’ve had the pleasure of knowing Allison for a few years now and have also had the opportunity to work with her through my company, Thurman Consulting. Not only is she a passionate professional in the work she does with nonprofits and social media, but she is a fearless voice for social justice on her blog at allisonj.org. She is also the mastermind behind the Nonprofit Millennial Bloggers Alliance and has recently launched two additional social change sites: OnlyUp.org and Do Good in Brooklyn. Allison’s my partner in crime for our monthly Twitter chat for young nonprofit professionals (#ynpchat), so another way to connect is to join us every first Wednesday of the month from 12-1pm EST online! Read more about Allison and follow her on Twitter.
Akhila Kolisetty, Justice for All
I’ve been reading Akhila’s blog, Justice for All, for about a year now, and it always blows my mind how brilliantly she writes about social change issues like human rights and criminal justice reform. Akhila is a recent grad and legal professional who volunteers with social justice organizations and shares her experiences around that work. She also writes poetically about the real deal of being a young person in the nonprofit field. And don’t let Akhila’s age fool you. She’s one of the youngest bloggers on my “must-read” list, but she has just as much, if not more, to teach. Read more about Akhila and follow her on Twitter.
Sam Davidson, samdavidson.net
Sometimes it’s hard for me to believe that Sam is my peer – he’s a masterful storyteller and social change agent who combines the personal with the professional in a way that inspires you to be whole. Drawing on his experiences in nonprofits and business, Sam’s blog offers tips and motivation to think differently about your life and work and how you interact with the world. He’s also just come out with a new book, 50 Things Your Life Doesn’t Need, and I can’t wait to read it. If it’s anything like his first book, it will offer the kind of practical information that will help you change your life, and indeed, your world. Read more about Sam and follow him on Twitter.
Elisa Ortiz, elisamortiz.org
I’ve known Elisa “in real life” for a while now. She and I have worked on projects together in our respective nonprofit association jobs and she is literally one of the most organized, effective professionals that I know. She’s also funny as hell. But the one unique asset that Elisa is bringing to the blogosphere right now is her experience as a manager and supervisor that she shares with other nonprofit professionals. Many young people have not had management experience yet, and she gives it to you straight about what it takes to succeed. Her blog offers real-life tips for thriving as a nonprofit employee. Read more about Elisa and follow her on Twitter.
Nikita Mitchell, Journeyful Life
I first found out about Nikita on Twitter and I believe we met in person not soon after that at a philanthropy event in DC. I soon began following her more closely online and was drawn in by her down-to-earth nature and curiosity about the nonprofit world. Her blog, Journeyful Life, shares her personal and professional growth with the world. Nikita offers valuable insight at the intersection of business and philanthropy as she works for a large corporation but also serves as a nonprofit board member and volunteer. Her experiences as a young person navigating work, life and giving are always interesting and enlightening to read. Read more about Nikita and follow her on Twitter.
Jessica Journey, jessicajourney.com
I’ve written about Jessica before. I’ve also interviewed her for my radio show. Oh yeah, and she’s also featured in my book. So, clearly I think Jessica is pure awesomesauce and worthy of your online reading time. Her blog offers smart, passionate, authentic commentary about nonprofits, fundraising, philanthropy, volunteerism and leadership. Jessica’s journey (no pun intended, but ha ha) is an inspiring one for educated young people coming into the field to make a difference in their own unique way as she is constantly developing herself and helping others do the same. Read more about Jessica and follow her on Twitter.
Ian David Moss, Createquity
Ian was one of the first men I came across in the nonprofit blogosphere who was writing in a way that I could connect with. His blog, Createquity, serves as a “hub for next-generation ideas on the role of the arts in a creative society” and he has recently added a writing fellowship component to the site. Ian writes intelligently about the arts, arts policy, Generation Y and community, bringing in the latest research to inform readers on what’s happening right now. What I really love about Ian though is that he’s a very passionate advocate of the arts, being that he’s an artist himself. Read more about Ian and follow him on Twitter.
Tara Connolly, Quarterlife Tango
I just recently became aware of Tara via Twitter and I’ve been following her insights ever since. Her blog, Quarterlife Tango, explores her experiences as a young professional working in North Carolina. As a recent grad, Tara has already worked with a number of nonprofits and acts as a savvy connector of people and resources online. Her posts border the personal as well as the artistic in a sort of wondering way that highlights the full journey of finding your true passion in life. Her blog is no ordinary nonprofit blog though, as it also incorporates smart disussion about Generation Y, entrepreneurship and community collaboration. I always come away from Tara’s blog thinking something new. Read more about Tara and follow her on Twitter.
Devin Mathias, More Donors Blog
I learned about Devin during my 31 Days to a Brand New Blog Challenge and had the chance to read his insights on social media, fundraising and philanthropy. As a young philanthropy consultant, Devin applies both his experience as a former university fundraising professional and his passion for nonprofits to his work. On his firm’s blog, Devin writes about the integration of fundraising and social media in a matter-of-fact kind of way, dispelling a lot of prevalent myths about tactics for nonprofit success. His posts are smart, engaging, and always worth a read. Read more about Devin and follow him on Twitter.
Tracey Webb, Black Gives Back
I’ve been following Tracey since she started her blog and its growth has been simply phenomenal. I’ve also had the pleasure of working closely with her through some of my consulting gigs and she is totally passionate about spreading the message of philanthropy all over the country. Just in the past year, Black Gives Back has expanded from Washington, DC to several other major cities like Atlanta and New York, highlighting the work of African Americans in those communities. 2011 promises to be another year of incredible growth for Tracey and Black Gives Back as the blog expands to support black philanthropy not just online, but offline as well. Read more about Tracey and follow Black Gives Back on Twitter.
What other young social change bloggers should we be checking for this year? Who else would you add to this list and why?
I’m always excited when people I know start blogging in the nonprofit space! Especially when those people are super smart and thoughtful like Rick Moyers, director of programs at the 
