Help change the world…with conversation.

You want to make the world a better place, and you already have causes that are close to your heart – the environment, education, cancer prevention, animal rights, or ending hunger. But with your schedule, it can be hard to find the time or money to get involved.

So what if you could create change with something as simple as an instant message to a friend? Now you can with Microsoft’s i'm Initiative.

Here’s how it works. Pick an organization here, then change your display name on Live Messenger to include the organization’s code. It’ll look something like Tude Palma *unicef.

Each time you start a conversation with WIndows Live Messenger, Microsoft will make a contribution to your preferred organization. (Bonus: there’s no cap to how much Microsoft is willing to give. Seriously, the sky’s the limit.) And all your friends get to see the cause you choose.

You already IM with the people you care about– and now you can help the causes you care about too. The Red Cross. The Boys and Girls Club. Stopglobalwarming.org. And so many more great social causes.

It’s all about making a difference. Not with a big, bold gesture, not by spending a lot of time or money. But through the simple, everyday act of saying hi to a friend.

So pick your favorite charity and start chatting.

A little gossip never helped anyone. Until now.