Feel-Good Marketing Friday - Jumo

Have you heard of Jumo? Created by Facebook co-founder, Chris Hughes, this new platform is designed to connect “individuals and organizations working to change the world.” A social network with a soul, Jumo is already attracting some major attention. But what set’s this new venture apart from previous philanthropic sites, like Change.org and is it enough to capture both the hearts and wallets of social networkers the world over?

What is Jumo?

Hughes described Jumo as a platform that combines “philanthropy, volunteerism, and social networking” all in one place. The company’s name itself translates to “together in concert” in the African language of Yoruba. And while the site is currently just a few pages (and links to the company’s Facebook page and Twitter account, of course), there are already high expectations for the budding venture. A recent article in the Huffington Post noted that Jumo currently employs three people and has already raised more than $2 million.

Will it Succeed?

I hope so, and with Hughes at the head, it likely will. While Hughes is best known for his fo-founding role with Facebook, he was also the architect behind My.BarackObama.com, which has been toted as building the most successful network of volunteers that any American presidential campaign has ever seen. The man knows his networks, and you can bet he’ll build Jumo in a way that makes global development cool and technologically-hip.

Once the site launches in the Fall, people can expect to find a hub of giving – a place where charitable organizations and individuals can connect and create a stronger future. From animal activism to environmental issues, the scope of causes represented on Jumo will likely be expansive. If the site is built correctly, it will become the base camp for disaster response, providing people with a central location to get information on developing stories and safely donate funds. The true test of the site’s success will be it’s ability to keep causes fresh in people’s minds – and the money flowing continuously.

Get Involved Now

Even though Jumo hasn’t launched yet, it’s already looking for user feedback. If you’re interested in learning more about Jumo, check out their Facebook page. Fans can recommend causes that should be included in the Jumo launch (and receive a cool $5,000 if their recommendation is accepted).

Do you think Jumo will be a success? Why or why not? Leave a comment and let us know!