Making A Difference: Celebrities Who Use Social Media For Advocacy

Leonardo DiCaprio has joined efforts to protect the Masungi Georeserve, joining other notable figures who use their platforms for positive impact.

Leonardo DiCaprio has recently added his voice to the calls to protect the Masungi Georeserve in the Philippines.

On Instagram, the Oscar-winning actor and environmental advocate shared Masungi’s story. He described how much of the area was illegally deforested in the late 1990s, and how local communities helped restore its ecosystem.

“From these conservation initiatives, trees were able to grow taller, wildlife numbers slowly increased, and more locals became involved in protecting this ecosystem,”  DiCaprio wrote. He posted photos of the popular hiking site east of Metro Manila. 

The actor said Masungi’s success is now “in jeopardy.” The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) is threatening to cancel the agreement that protects this area from land grabbing.

“This cancellation would set back the success of an internationally acclaimed conservation effort and leave the area vulnerable again to mining, logging, and illegal developments,” he added.

“Conservation successes like Masungi serve as a reminder that the Philippines can become a leader in sustainability, eco-tourism, biodiversity protection, and climate action,” the actor said.

DiCaprio tagged Philippine President Ferdinand “BongBong” Marcos Jr. on Instagram, urging him to intervene and continue protecting Masungi.

He also shared a link to the Protect Masungi petition.

Leonardo DiCaprio is not the only celebrity advocating for a cause. Actresses like Angelina Jolie and America Ferrera, as well as football player Tim Tebow, have also used their social media platforms for advocacy.

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Angelina Jolie

Angelina Jolie first joined Instagram to raise awareness about the crisis in Afghanistan. 

According to Grazia Magazine, Angelina’s humanitarian work includes her respected role as a special envoy for the United Nations Refugee Agency. 

Despite her Instagram account, the usually private actress and mother of six has no other public social media profiles.

Tim Tebow

Asia Society reported that football player Tim Tebow was born in the Philippines. He helped fund a children’s hospital in Southern Davao. According to the US-based charity CURE, the hospital cost 3 million US dollars and has 30 beds. It opened in mid-2013.

The Tebow CURE Hospital specializes in treating bone diseases and injuries. It also includes a “Timmy’s Playroom” where children can undergo surgery. They plan to build similar playrooms in children’s hospitals worldwide, with Davao being the first location.

Tebow’s parents were missionaries, and he was born in Manila in 1987.

“I’ve always had a special place in my heart for the country where I was born. I’m very excited about this project,” Tebow said. He also added that the hospital will save and change thousands of children’s lives.

Tim Tebow also has his own foundation, the Tim Tebow Foundation, where he advocates on social media for various causes.

America Ferrera

Glamour named America Ferrera as one of this year’s global Women of the Year for her commitment to social justice. 

Ferrera actively shares her advocacies on Instagram. She uses her platform to raise awareness about various social issues, engage with her followers, and inspire action.

“I can’t remember a time when I didn’t want to fight injustice to bring change in this world,” Ferrera said, according to the Los Angeles Times.

Banner photo by Thore Siebrands via Wikimedia Commons.