Biz Stone named AOL social impact adviser

On the heels of its acquisition of HuffPo, AOL is naming Biz Stone its adviser for social impact

Following AOL's controversial layoffs of some 900 people to make room for the incoming Huffington horde, the company has announced a few big changes, such as the addition of several new journalists. But what's catching most people's attention is the announcement of Twitter co-founder Biz Stone as AOL's Strategic Adviser for Social Impact. 

What is a strategic adviser for social impact, you ask? Good question. In his new position, Stone will advise on social impact and cause-based initiatives, develop a community service platform, and encourage other companies to implement socially responsible corporate practices. Stone will also be responsible for creating a video series that will spotlight philanthropic companies and execs. 

"The definition of success is changing as we begin to understand the value of helping others," said Stone in a statement. “My goal in partnering with AOL and The Huffington Post Media Group is ambitious but vitally important. Together we will rally companies to think about new ways of doing business, share best practices, and strive for positive impact at all levels -- from global to local."

In keeping with its commitment to best practices, the Huffington Post Media Group and AOL are announcing the kick-off of their "30-day Service Challenge" to encourage AOL/HuffPo staffers to volunteer in their local communities. For their part, Arianna Huffington and Tim Armstrong will be teaching a class to New York City children at the Urban Academy of Arts and Letters in Brooklyn, NY. The class is part of the Citizen Schools program, which encourages professionals to work with local public schools to create enriching after-school programs for kids in underserved communities. Additionally, AOL will be donating $50,000 to Citizen Schools.

The 30-Day Service Challenge will lead up to AOL's "Monster Help Day" on May 20th, its second annual company-wide day of service. 

The announcements come on the heels of AOL's official acquisition of the Huffington Post, which ultimately resulted in the layoffs of 900 people in the US and India. So...it sounds like they have quite a bit to give back. 

Image source: businessweek.com