Randy's Blog 

Care2’s community powered News Network (C2NN) is a fantastic way to keep up on the most interesting stories of the day. What makes it work are passionate members who scour the web for great stories to post on C2NN, discuss and often vigorously debate the issues, and  then vote for the stories noteworthy enough to make Care2’s front page. Michael C. is one of C2NN’s top contributors.
 
I recently interviewed Michael to find out what makes him tick:
 
RP: What is one thing that other Care2 members might like to know about you (that you haven’t posted on your profile)?  
MC: I intimately care about mankind. What we do, or don’t do, constantly affects the earth and the life on it. In fact, we’ve just been learning in recent years just how much of an impact we really have. 
 
We need to learn to be better to the earth, the animal kingdom and one another. There is so much we can do on a humanitarian level; many people don’t realize that. We haven’t even scratched the surface.
 
We need to learn to GIVE.  GIVE without the expectation of reward or other reimbursement.
 
RP: How did you first find Care2?
MC:  I was looking for a place where I could interact with socially and environmentally conscious people. I believe I found Care2 through a link on wikipedia.   
 
RP:  What causes are you most passionate about?
MC:  Organic & green lifestyles, the environment, civil rights, women’s rights, fighting sexism in the media, safer & earth friendly cosmetics, and of course animal rights.
 
RP:  What do you enjoy most about the Care2 News Network?
MC:  I really enjoy that’s it’s user submitted and that you can see which stories are the most important to people. I like the idea of golden notes; it provides the incentive for to keep C2NN user submitted. I also like the idea of being able to inform and educate others.
 
RP:  What tips do you have on how to get the most out of C2NN?
MC:  I’d have to say when looking for stories to post, find ones that are useful, informative and effective in stimulating dialogue among other members. The most popular stories on the web are not always the most informative.
 
If you know of some people suffering with their health, or who have a disability, post some news that might help inform others on their health and disability. Stories about environment and animal rights are always popular and usually always informative.
 
Posting news that goes on locally in your area is also important too. Many times what happens in one part of the world is happening many other places too.
 
RP:  How has the Care2 community made a difference in your life?
MC:  Care2 is much different than MySpace, Friendster, etc. because you tend to meet QUALITY  people on Care2. The friendships I’ve developed with those on Care2 are much deeper and more extensive than on other sites. I believe it really has to do with the fact that you have to step outside of yourself and care about other issues and other people to be an activist.
 
RP:  If you could instantly change one thing in the world, what would it be?
MC:  True and complete acceptance of one another. I don’t always like to use the word tolerance because when you tolerate something that means you are putting up with something. When you accept something, you are generally at peace with the person or situation at hand.
 
RP:  What gives you hope? What inspires you?
MC:  My personal relationship with God. I know that whatever happens, God will lead me in the right direction to go. God will lead me to the right people who need my help. God will also lead me to those who have the wisdom and counsel that I need.
 
RP:  During each team meeting at the Care2 headquarters an employee gives out a “Make a Difference Award” to a colleague they’d like to recognize for his/her contributions.  If you could give a “Make a Difference Award” to a fellow Care2 member today, who would give the award to, and why?
MC:  Just one? Wow that’s tough. I think it would be a tie between Cate Groves and Just C. I have learned so much from both of these truly remarkable women.

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You can see the stories Michael has recently posted on C2NN here.

Over 900 of his stories have hit the Care2 front page.

Thank you Michael for making a difference!