Maybe this logo looks familiar to you…it represents a joint effort between many of Charlotte's media outlets (print, broadcast, online) to "understand the charitable needs of the community, and find ways to help."

In the wake of the ongoing financial crisis and recession, local charities and nonprofits have been among the hardest hit by the fiscal belt-tightening of everyday Americans. In response, these media source, which include the Charlotte Observer, WFAE (National Public Radio), Creative Loafing and others, have banded together to create a unified effort called Charlotte Mission Possible.

The program organizers are making every effort to make Mission Possible a community effort. In a recent conversation with Mike Collins of WFAE's "Charlotte Talks," (listen to the show at "Mission Possible & Crowdsourcing"), Matt Spangard of Edison Nation (a national website for idea realization) encouraged listeners to log on and submit their ideas for "new ways" to raise funds, spread awareness, harness volunteers, etc.

As we move forward with Speak Up Magazine Project, we're grateful for the existing efforts and energy of so many passionate individuals and organizations throughout the Charlotte region. Though the need is great and may seem overwhelming, we're truly blessed to live in a city where people's hearts haven't hardened to the needs of the less fortunate.