HelpAttack! is a way for cause supporters to pledge and give each time they Tweet or update Facebook, but they can also give each time someone else Tweets.

We think this feature can be used in a powerful way by public figures, celebrities, marketers, and public relations professionals.  You might be working directly with a cause or nonprofit, or simply working on an issue related to one.  There’s no right way to use this feature, but here are some suggestions.

Get Someone’s Attention

Let’s say a bill is approaching a vote in the Senate, relating to exploratory oil drilling near national seashore.  Passionate supporters of the environment could demonstrate how strongly they feel by choosing a wavering Senator’s online activity for their donations.  A public figure who might ignore a petition signed by 75,000 people, but might take more serious notice if each Tweet from their account generated $25,000 for the Surfrider Foundation, or an environmental PAC.

Amplify Support

Lance Armstrong is an active, engaged Twitter user and also a tireless supporter of Livestrong and Lance Armstrong Foundation.  He has plenty of opportunities to drive support for his cause, and a huge audience.  Why would Lance ask his followers to pledge instead of donating directly?  Some donors want more than just a thank you email – they would feel more closely connected to the cause and their favorite superhuman cyclist.  They would also help Livestrong reach many new audiences: HelpAttack! donors frequently post to their Facebook and Twitter accounts about their pledges.

Fix A Mistake

What if @BPGlobalPR put up $1MM in matching funds if people also donate to cleanup efforts, every time the company Tweets?  What if Bob Parsons had a change of heart about handling the fracas around his big game hunts, and encouraged everyone to give to the Best Friends Animal Society when @GoDaddy Tweets?  Mistakes happen all the time, but how much farther would an apology spread – and how much more seriously would it be taken – if thousands of people were taking part?