So, some bits of news to share as we move into the official January 1 launch date for the 12for12k Challenge.

1. The 12for12k press release is now live. You can see the social media version of it (complete with videos and images) here:

http://pitch.pe/2605

My thanks to Dana Willhoit for her help in writing the release and subsequent distribution.

2. There are now more blog badges, as well as banners, to choose from if you wish to promote 12for12k on your own blog, website, or anywhere else. These can all be found here:

http://12for12k.org/promote-12for12k/

The best way to spread the word (apart from telling your friends, family and colleagues) is visually, so hopefully these will help you.

3. With the charity War Child having been chosen as the one we’re supporting in January, the donation page is now open. At the minute it’s credit card only but War Child is working on a Paypal option as well. All donations are tax-deductible and you’ll receive a receipt for that purpose. Donations can be made here:

http://my.e2rm.com/personalPage.aspx?registrationID=581366

The official 12for12k video is being worked on by our creative partners as we speak, and should be ready for release soon. If you want to take part in the video, you can find out how here:

http://12for12k.org/2008/12/21/get-involved-in-the-12for12k-video/

So, exciting times and very busy to say the least! I want to thank you all for your support, and remember – although we’re looking for 1200 people to make the challenge work, the more the merrier. If you know someone that would take part, please feel free to bring them on board.

Thanks again, and have a wonderful and safe 2009 – here’s to making the first charity a success!

Currently being worked on by Susan Murphy, Cheryl Gain and Kathryn Jennex, the video will accompany the challenge with a powerful visual message and I’m excited to see what the girls come up with. Now we want your help!

Simply record a video message of yourself saying any of the following words – “12 for 12″, “Join us”, “12″ or “I’m in”. If you really want to personalize it a little, have the 12for12k logo displayed somewhere – on your computer screen, on your phone, printed off and in your hand – anywhere. You can see some examples from us on the 12for12k drop.io page now.

Once you’ve recorded your message, save it into either an .avi or Quicktime format and upload it to the 12for12k drop.io page (all videos should be under 100MB). When it’s been uploaded, leave your details in the comment box for your video so we know who you are – name, where you live and Twitter username (if you have one). And that’s it!

Our creative team will sift through the videos and choose a selection of clips to use. Don’t worry if you’re not in the first video – we’re planning on releasing seasonal updates throughout the year, so we will definitely try and involve everyone at some stage!

The 12for12k Challenge wouldn’t be possible without your support – this is our way of saying thank you. Looking forward to seeing your videos!

My sincerest thanks to Peter Frasca of drop.io for offering the company’s services and also to our creative partner Susan Murphy for working with Peter to set up this account – it’s going to be a great addition to the 12for12k project!

Here are Susan Murphy (left) and Cheryl Gain – currently editing the official 12for12k promo video – showing off one of the new designs for the promotional banners and blog badges. Details of the badges – and how you could be involved in the video – will appear soon.