Key Points from the Lecture by Kevin Bacon

Introduction

• Kevin Bacon opens by reflecting on mortality and self-involvement.
• Shares a humorous story about not making headlines if a plane with bigger stars crashed.

Six Degrees of Kevin Bacon

• The concept: Any actor can be connected to Kevin Bacon in six steps or less.
• Origin: Four college students created the game in 1994, connecting actors via movie projects.
• Initial Reaction: Bacon was horrified and insecure, fearing it was a joke at his expense.
• Interaction with Creators: Met the college students, felt disarmed by their intelligence and humor.
• Realization: "This will die out soon," but the game had unexpected longevity and cultural impact.

Personal Challenges and Reflection

• Post-9/11 world and personal challenges led Bacon to desire making a positive change.
• Inspiration from Paul Newman’s charitable efforts.

Launching 6Degrees.org

• Idea Development:
  • Bacon sought something associated with himself that could do good.
  • Acquired 6degrees.org domain to start a philanthropic initiative.
• Collaborated with Network for Good to use the concept of celebrity influence for charity.

Early Efforts and Challenges

• Initial attempts at Sundance to engage celebrities for charity support.
  • Mixed success; challenges in asking peers for help.
• Learned donations to charity are personal and not driven solely by celebrity influence.

Evolution of the Concept

• Shifted focus to empowering regular people to become "celebrities" for their own causes.
• Introduced a $10,000 grant challenge based on number of donors, not total donation amount.

Success Stories

• Examples of individuals who raised awareness and funds for personal causes using badges.

Continued Growth and Adaptation

• Partnered with corporate sponsors and explored new initiatives like Good Cards.
• Emphasis on staying current with digital trends and engaging college students.
• Acknowledges learning curve and necessity of nurturing the project.

Conclusion

• Emphasizes connectivity and the global impact of local actions.
• Encourages using the internet as a tool for positive change.