This letter is part of a wonderful online surprise birthday party for Beth Kanter organized by Amy Sample Ward & Stacey Monk. You're invited to join the fun by sharing a post on how Beth has impacted your work -- and by supporting Cambodian students with a donation to the Sharing Foundation!

Dear Beth,

You've impacted my work -- and the world -- in so many incredible ways.

I still remember your first comment on my first NetSquared blog post, which pushed me to keep thinking about ways to evolve the social media landscape for change, and start acting to make those changes happen. It's hard to believe that was just shy of two years ago.

"Just read your analysis and discovered your blog! Hope you'll post more often to this blog because you have some good insights!"

Since leaving that comment, a lot has happened - and yet I remember how your early words of support gave me the confidence to move forward in the new world of networked social change. Whenever I work on collaborative projects (from Knowmore.org, to SocialActions.com, to 350.org) and we dream of a new way to leverage the web to connect communities for change, I reflect back on how you had a hand in that impact. In a profoundly connected sense, you've enabled thousands of people to shop more sustainably online, you've remixed a brilliant array of websites with ways to take action, and you've co-sparked a global movement to tackle the climate crisis.

And you've given me the greatest gift of all -- a more fulfilled, inspired, and hopefully inspiring life. This note may not seem enough cheesy 2.0 -- yet I hope it carries my great gratitude for your wired & world changing butterfly effects.

Many never-ending thanks - from me, and with so many friends & colleagues. Happy Birthday!

Onwards & upwards from here,

Joe