Yesterday I came across a banner ad for Blog Action Day while traversing the web. Interested by the title and graphic design, I followed the link to discover a pretty cool initiative started by a handful of (hippy, vegan, Baha’i) bloggers. The idea is this:

What would happen if every blog published posts discussing the same issue, on the same day?

One issue. One day. Thousands of voices.

The issue for the inaugural Blog Action Day is The Environment. I like the idea of focussing a wide variety of blogs on a single (multifaceted) issue, especially when it’s the central concern of our time. So far, around 3600 blog(ger)s have signed up for the event. The initiative seems to be relatively nonpartisan, which will hopefully increase its impact across perspectives (as opposed to ‘preaching to the choir’). In their FAQ, they state the following:

2. Does Blog Action Day have a specific agenda?

As much as is possible we are aiming not to push any particular agenda. Aside from the choice of theme each year, we encourage bloggers to write their own opinions, give weight to what they think is important and to be themselves.

We believe in unity in diversity, not uniformity.

3. Why the environment?

We have selected the environment as the 2007 theme both for the clarity of its importance and the undeniable urgency that issues like global warming and pollution have. It is an issue that can relate to virtually any subject, any blog and anybody.

The organizers have suggested several options for participants to help make the day a success. The first is to post on the environment on October 15th. They suggest writing about how the issue is important to you, how you go about decreasing your environmental impact, and what you think should be done to promote environmental protection. The second is to donate your day’s earnings to the environmental charity of your choice (four of the big ones are officially associated with the initiative – Greenpeace, the National Wildlife Federation, The Sierra Club, and The Conservation Fund). Finally, they suggest helping to spread the word about the day, as I’m doing here! As I devote 1% of my earnings to 1% for the Planet, I’m not sure whether I will be donating my day’s earnings (*most days $0! But I guess my monthly average divided by thirty) to one of the charities.

I’m also not sure exactly what elements of the issue I’m going to write about yet, but I’m excited to contribute to the day. I’m interested to see what others write, whether Blog Action Day is covered in the mainstream media, and how the concept of collaboratively focussing on a single topic flies in the blogosphere. I think it’s an idea with a lot of positive energy behind it. It’s really easy to register, so if this is something that interests you, add your voice to the chorus. See you October 15th!