But First, Let Me Take a Selfie: Celebrating National Selfie Day

Happy National Selfie Day!

Today, we’re celebrating the evolution of the selfie. A global phenomenon that’s now an essential part of social media, fundraising, and community-building for charities. Whether you're an activist, fundraiser, or simply a passionate supporter of your cause, selfies have become a powerful tool to connect with your audience and amplify your message.

The Origins of the Selfie

Hold onto your butts, this is about to get nerdy with a history lesson.

While we might think of selfies as a contemporary trend, their origins go way back. In 1838, American photographer Robert Cornelius took the world’s first self-portrait using a makeshift camera.

Fast forward to 1914, when Russian Grand Duchess Anastasia Nikolaevna captured herself using a Kodak Brownie box camera, and again in 1934, when Swedish photographer Helmer Larsson used a tree branch to press the camera’s shutter a humble precursor to today’s selfie stick.

But it wasn’t until the early 2000s, when platforms like MySpace and Instagram exploded, that the selfie as we know it today gained real traction.

Here's my first ever Facebook selfie from 2007

Pop culture icons like Paris Hilton and Britney Spears popularised it, and soon, we were all snapping selfies to share our experiences online.

As an elder millennial, I’m proud to say my generation helped perfect the art, complete with iconic duck faces and high-angle shots!

The Rise of 'Selfie'

In 2002, Australian Nathan Hope coined the term ‘selfie’ in a cheeky post of his injured lip saying 'sorry about the focus, it was a selfie'. By 2012, the word had gained so much momentum that it was officially chosen as Oxford Dictionary’s Word of the Year. With the rise of Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter, the selfie became much more than just a snapshot, it became an essential way for people to share their lives and personalities with their communities.

For UK charities (you've been waiting for me to bring this back around to you haven't you?), the selfie has evolved into a vital tool for building relationships, raising awareness, and supporting campaigns. The rise of social media has enabled charities to connect with supporters in more personal and authentic ways, allowing people to share their causes in a visual, engaging format.

From Snapshots to Social Impact

The selfie has come a long way. It’s no longer just about vanity, it’s about visibility. From UK-based charity campaigns to global causes, selfies have become a powerful tool for raising awareness.

Just look at the millions of selfies shared during #MeToo or #BlackLivesMatter. Charities are now using selfies to engage supporters, create content for fundraising campaigns, and drive awareness about important issues. For example, the Ice Bucket Challenge raised millions for ALS research, with thousands of people sharing videos and selfies as they took part.

Today, we see similar campaigns leveraging the power of selfies to raise funds, increase engagement, and spread awareness across social media. As a charity, your supporters can be your best advocates, so why not let them share their own stories through selfies?

Why Selfies in Charity Campaigns Matter More Than Ever in 2025

In 2025, selfies are more important than ever in the charity sector. Whether it’s showcasing the impact of donations, highlighting volunteers, or celebrating milestones, selfies are a fantastic way for charities to showcase the human side of their work.

It’s not just about taking photos, it’s about sharing real moments, stories, and emotions that connect with supporters on a deeper level.

Selfies are also key for grassroots fundraising efforts. Encouraging your supporters to take and share selfies with your charity’s branding or a specific hashtag can amplify your message and bring in new donors.

Embrace the Power of Self-Expression on National Selfie Day

So, this National Selfie Day, let’s embrace the power of self-expression. Encourage your supporters to share their selfies, celebrate their involvement, and show off the positive impact your charity is making. From fundraising events to awareness campaigns, selfies can help build connections, raise funds, and inspire others to join the movement.

Happy National Selfie Day to all the UK charities and their incredible communities! Let's keep sharing our moments, one selfie at a time. 🤳🌟