133 cities, 1500 volunteers $400,000 to be raised

Following the success of the first global Twestival on February 12th 2009, in which hundreds of cities participated, Twestival returns in September with a local twist on "Twestival" - the 100% volunteer-run, charity fundraising events for people who know each other through the micro-blogging service Twitter.

The first 24 hour "‘tweet-up' with a social conscience" inspired thousands and raised $250,000 for charity: water, and Twestival Local looks to be even bigger. Volunteer teams in cities across the world have come together to survey their communities, nominate causes, plan events, gather sponsors and raise funds. A pooling of efforts, knowledge, contacts, time and skills is putting finishing touches to events from Buenos Aires and Santa Barbara to Bangalore to Birmingham.

Global organiser Amanda Rose said, 'It is incredible to see how an idea to bring people offline to meet, combined with a cause has developed around the word so quickly. I have encouraged cities to find a local charity to support and establish fundraising goals directly related to a project so we can use social media to show people exactly where their money is going.  More than ever, causes need our support and by tapping into our network online and off we've been able to offer a talent pool to help with websites, free consultancy and in most cases a little Twitter training.'

Global partners across all countries for Twestival are Amiando, Citrix Online, Blurb and Causecast. For the full list of cities, or to get your tickets go to http://www.twestival.com/.

CITRIX
Citrix Online known for GoToMyPC®, GoToMeeting® , and other online collaboration products is a Twestival Global and Local Partner, providing official Twestival organisers with access to Citrix Online tools to assist with event planning. Demonstrating how you can collaborate with an online presentation to join forces and make a difference in your local community with secure web conferencing software.

AMIANDO
Twestivals are more than just events, they bring together people who make a change by supporting their local charities. amiando is proud to be a global supporter for Twestival with our ticketing services. We handle global Twestival payments in over 15 currencies worldwide and ensure a reliable and safe transfer of raised funds to the charities.

CAUSECAST
Causecast was selected by Twestival to help review each of the 150+ nonprofits, making sure they are all legitimate and transparent, and ensuring volunteer efforts have a major impact in all cities. Causecast is a social action network that connects, promotes and empowers individuals, businesses and nonprofits with resources and tools that transform interest into action, directly influencing positive change.

BLURB
Global Partner Blurb® will be working with to Twestival to publish an event book featuring images and stories from events in 133+ cities worldwide. Blurb is creative publishing platform that allows anyone to design, publish, market and sell bookstore-quality books.