SEM Challenge is a project for the search engine marketing community to use their online skills to make a real difference in the offline world. Several top search engine marketing experts have banded together to combine their knowledge and skills and work to directly impact the lives of struggling communities in the developing world.

The challenge? To help a growing NGO (Non-Governmental Organization) - FORGE - continue their work and meet their fundraising goals through a pro-bono search engine marketing campaign designed to increase awareness of their mandate. Learn more about the cause here.

 Who Are We Working With?

FORGE is a US-based NGO working with displaced communities in Africa. Since its founding in 2003, FORGE has implemented over 60 community development projects serving more than 70,000 refugees in four refugee camps in Zambia and Botswana.

 What Are We Doing?

After 5 years of operations, FORGE is facing financial difficulties threatening its ability to continue operations (read the full story by FORGE's founder here). Their recently launched interactive website allows people to get more involved and support specific projects that FORGE runs, but they are having trouble getting the word out. This is where the "SEM Challenge Team" steps in -- to increase the website's visibility doing what we do best -- search engine marketing.

 Why Are We Doing This?

We all have the power to make a difference in other people's lives, but it's easy to lose sight of that idea in the midst of our daily lives. We also often wonder what possible use our skills can be to those living in such different cultures and economic circumstances. Sometimes, though, there IS a clear opportunity to make an impact using the skills and knowledge we possess -- and this is one of those instances. By working together, we can help FORGE reach their goals by building on a premise we know to be true -- the potential of SEM to channel the power of the Internet to effect change.

 What Is Our Goal?

Our goal is to help FORGE raise $100,000 to run 25 new initiatives by funding every project currently listed on FORGEnow.org within 100 days of the start of the campaign, by doing what we do best -- search engine marketing. Over these 100 days, we'll work to develop a strong, sustainable SEM campaign and increase awareness and traffic to the website. If we succeed, we'll help FORGE develop a new community of supporters and donors.

 How Can I Help?

We're glad you asked! The purpose of this project is to show how people can come together and accomplish goals that would be impossible to achieve otherwise -- and doing it selflessly out of a desire to help those in need.

If you'd like to help, there are two ways you can contribute:

	First, visit FORGEnow.org and consider sponsoring one of their pending projects. Even a $25 donation can go a long way into helping others live better, more rewarding lives. Best of all, you'll be able to monitor and view the progress and impact of your sponsored project as it develops!
	Second, consider spreading the word about this website and FORGE on your blog, website, or professional and personal networks. We all know the power of the Internet to create awareness. Let's put that power to work to help this worthy cause!

Who's Forge?

WHO'S INVOLVED:

	Greg Laptevsky Pay-Per-Click / Google Greg Laptevsky is a PPC & SEO specialist with years of industry experience. Greg is Yahoo! Search Marketing Ambassador and a Certified Google Professional. E-Mail Greg.
	Todd Mintz Search Engine Optimization Todd Mintz is the Director of Internet Marketing & Information Systems for S.R. Clarke Inc. He is also a Director & Founding Member of SEMpdx: Portland, Oregon's Search Engine Marketing Association. E-Mail Todd
	John Robbins Social Media Marketing John is a SEO and Social Media specialist for Anvil Media.  He utilizes all that is social online, to help increase visibility and awareness of client initiatives. E-Mail John.
	Derek Edmond Website Usability Derek is the Director of SEM Strategies for KoMarketing Associates, an online marketing firm specializing in B2B SEO, PPC and Social Media Strategies. E-Mail Derek.

Organized by Boris Mordkovich