Los Angeles (CNN) -- Smokey Robinson wants to use Twitter and Facebook to help solve some of the world's problems, such as the lack of water and food in developing countries. His "Smoke Alarm" system should be "far more effective" than organizing a telethon or charity concert because it is so much faster than physically getting artists together to raise awareness, Robinson said Thursday. "In this digital age we have the tools to level the playing field for those in need, so I'm calling on my friends and fans to lend their voices to mine, so we can collectively give voice to those who have none," Robinson said.NEW: Twitter can be "far more effective" than telethons, Robinson saysWhen an urgent need is identified, Smokey Robinson will send out a "Smoke Alarm"Millions of people should quickly see the call as other celebs retweet, Robinson saysElton John, James Franco, Eva Longoria and Hilary Duff are among first to join his cause
The celebs who join the Smoke Alarm feed will also post the alerts on their _ pages.