Here's a story about how members of the Changemakers community are promoting play in India:
Twelve-year-old Pinky Gupta whizzes past defenders during an all-girl soccer match in Mumbai, India, launching the ball toward her opponents' goal. Her face flush with excitement, she radiates a zest for tapping her power, especially since this new-found resolve extends beyond the soccer pitch, helping her burst the limitations imposed on her as a girl growing up in Mumbai's slums.
Read more about this solution, or discuss this topic below.
Pass It Forward was founded by two people - a soccer professional and a teacher - who were seeking a way to combine soccer and social consciousness.
Our concept is simple: buy a soccer ball, and one ball will be donated to a child or an organization in need. Every child deserves the right to play.
Created on 04/3/2013 by associazionedynamocamp
We are the first and only Recreational Therapy Camp in Italy, specifically designed for children suffering from serious or chronic illnesses
It is completely free of charge for 6-17 years old children and families
First class medical assistance guaranteed 24hrs/day.All activities are centered on fun and regaining self confidence.Camp location is in a wonderful WWF affiliated reserve in Tuscany
Organization: Associazione Dynamo Camp onlus- below Dynamo Camp
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Associazione Dynamo Camp onlus- below Dynamo Camp
Organization's Country of Operation
Italy, PT, San Marcello Pistoiese
Type of Organization
Non‐profit/NGO
Year of launch of the organization
Years in Operation
Operating for more than 5 years
Has the organization received awards or honors? Please tell us about them
Associazione Dynamo Camp Onlus began the process for obtaining two prestigious certifications from SeriousFun: HITW Criteria, these are the quality criteria applied for all the 13 Camps which include high standards on a wide range of elements such as organisation, management, medical treatment, project management, hospitality, quality of the food, quality of the facilities and quality of the service. - ACA American Camping Association, these are the standards established by the prestigious American association which is a point of reference for all children's camps. The audits were carried out during the summer of 2009 and confirmed in 2012 and both were successful. Dynamo Camp is the only Recreational Therapeutic Camp estabilished in Italy which has a focus on the total well being of children (physiological, psychological). For this reason the Camp has several conventions with 40 main Italian pediatric Hospitals and 65 associations, They send the children to the camps and collaborate to the recruiting process of Dynamo Staff. With Tuscany Region, University of Florece and Meyer Hospital Dynamo Camp has signed a Memorandum of Understanding to collaborate on medical assistance and train doctors as volunteers at the camp. Dynamo has won in 2009 the Kresge Capital Challenge grant which has a social and economic relevance and show the strategic capacity of the project in terms of efficacy and effectiveness. Dynamo is part of AIEOP network in Italy- Italian Association of Pediatric Hematology Oncology and this membership represents a validation of the Benfits produced by the Recreational Therapy. In 2010 It has won a special mention from the Department for family policies of the Italian government. In 2011 it was awarded the Presidential Medal of accession for the activities.
We want to hear about your “Aha!” moment. Share the story of where and when the founder(s) saw this solution’s potential to change the world.
Dynamo Camp hosts 1000 children from 6-17 years and 200 families each year free of charge. Children suffer from onco-emathological diseases . Dynamo is part of SeriousFun net founded by Paul Newman in 1988. Enzo Manes a social entrepreneur of venture capital wanted to improve venture philanthropy in Italy and realized Dynamo Foundation after he met a mother of a child hosted in Newman's camp .
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At Dynamo Camp laughter is the best medicine
Explain what the "innovation" is about, e.g., is it the idea and/or the model you use to accomplish the idea, or your understanding of the target population, etc.?
Therapeutic Recreation is the scientific basis that inspires Dynamo Camp's activities carried out in a safe environment together with a high qualitative medical assistance to the children hosted at the Camp. The Therapeutic Recreation programme encourages these children to challenge themselves and to build their self esteem . The experience focuses on the discovery of unknown potentialities and of new ability to learn. Each activity at Dynamo Camp can be seen as a constructive and non-competitive personal challenge supported by the group, at Dynamo Camp play involves a balance between more demanding activities and individual or group work, allowing the children to have fun but also to relax and enjoy the experience.
Children' safety is of paramount importance at Dynamo Camp. Staff is carefully selected and trained and the team share all aspects of the camp experience with the youngsters providing constant supervision and support. The Camp has a fully equipped infirmary where routine procedures are directly provided by doctors and nurses specialised in paediatric oncohematology who guarantee continual medical care 24 hours a day. Dynamo Camp’s philosophy is to make sure the necessary medical assistance ready to react quickly, but also discreetly. This philosophy is a total innovation in the health care service because it focuses on the total well being of children not only on the medical aspect, neither on the care needs, but children as total person, who need primary to play, lo laugh, to hope, to gain their joy to be a child, this is a unique consideration of child
Describe how your innovation model is distinct from any other organization in your field?
Dynamo Camp is the only camp in Italy which combines the Therapeutic Recreation in a safe environment together with a high qualitative and full time medical assistance, carried out in a cheerful and brightly coloured environment which ensures the children to have a special experience in complete safety without feeling like they are in hospital. For our campers, Therapeutic Recreation means participating in an exciting adventure, sharing unforgettable experiences with peers and gaining confidence, with the serenity to move and act in a safe environment.The families of sicked children are not used to let children play. This is the new message of Dynamo Camp. It's an holistic approach that families share each other and become a new culture a new way to consider illness and disability.
What type of operating environment and internal organizational factors make your innovation successful?
Dynamo Camp operates to the highest possible standards of excellence; design and construction of the camp, selection and training of staff and volunteers, medical assistance and partnerships with hospitals, organisation and management of every aspect of the camp's programme and work, safety and supervision of the youngsters, maintenance and operation of the structure.
In particular, the staff is selected and trained and the team share all aspects of the camp experience with the youngsters providing constant supervision and support. The Medical Centre guarantees first class care both in terms of routine treatment and emergency intervention. This gives children the freedom to let go and enjoy themselves in a physically and emotionally secure environment and to show their deep mood.
How do you make sure you constantly innovate in light of (potential) external challenges, or your growth plan?
Each year Dynamo answers to new needs, new pathologies, and new families who ask to come and take part to this wonderful adventure. Dynamo has incresed during the years the number of children hosted, the pathologies, and the number of sessions. During the start up Dynamo was opened only during summer and Eastern and Christmas, now the calendar of sessions covers the whole year. Dynamo in these years has also implemented new services and new projects to better answer to children, families and stakeholder's needs. It has develloped two outreach projects from the camp to reach hospitals and association, to animate children who cant't reach the camp. because they are too ill. Radio Dynamo, Dynamo Art Factory are the two projects that are successfull in the field of music and arts.
This Entry is about (Issues)
read more↓↑ hide↑ hideThe systemic challenge you are trying to overcome (select one)
Realign the incentives in the public healthcare system in mature markets, or
Health area (target market) where the need is [select only one]
Care for rare diseases
Categories along the health continuum you are covering [select all that apply]
Social integration.
Please describe in more detail: what problem are you trying to solve in the organization's specific context?
The two main goals which Dynamo Camp is aimed to achieve is to gain children's self-esteem and socializations. Often children with disabling illnesses lack confidence in their abilities and have no opportunities to socialize with other children. Dynamo Camp gives them both the opportunity to build their self esteem by helping the children to succeed with fun in whatever activity they choose and to socialize with other children by finding themselves, outside of the hospital environment, in close contact with others who share their difficulties, by sharing their courage and outlook with those who can fully understand how they feel. It gives them a valuable opportunity to get to know many children and young people from other towns and backgrounds. For families is the opportunity for hope.
Stage that best applies to your solution [select only one]
Established (past the previous stages and has demonstrated success)
Core strategies of your business model [select all that apply]
Approaches to behavioral change at the individual level, Patient-centered design, Unconventional partnerships (between traditional healthcare players and players outside healthcare), Other.
If other, specify here:
promote a model of social service in healthcare innovative because it's focused on the entire well being of the hosted children
Most relevant tools you are using to implement the strategies outlined above [select only two]
Education/training, Others.
If other, specify here:
a new social culture in dealing with sick children as children first of all and after as patients
Please describe your solution in more detail
Recreational Therapeutic Camp can improve through their methodology the global well being of children. The 80% of children have hope to survive to their sickness. Thanks to these Camps they can grow as children and not only as survivors. If they cant't play, do sports, stay with peers, they will grow as depressed adults and with important behavioural deseases. In Italy there is only Dynamo Camp as a Recreational Therapeutic Camp, with this special approach which works with 40 hospitals, 65 associations to support children and families in their difficult path. The solution is to improve Dynamo sustainability so that the Camp could host more children in the next years and the Camp could answer to the need in a more significant way. Dynamo Camp is as good sucessfull solution for children
What are your vision and overall objectives?
Scope of Dynamo is to offer hundreds of youngsters each year, free of charge, the chance to “be children” and their parents and families a psychological and practical support to cope with the problems of caring for a sick child and help them to feel "alive". In order to meet these objectives, Dynamo offers (i) the fullest possible experience of childhood regardless of the effects of the disease; (ii) tries and normalises the experience of coping with serious or chronic sickness in childhood; (iii) provides for a safe physical environment; (iv) offers an emotional experience of fun and play, support and challenges; (v) encourages open, supportive, non-judgmental relationships between the children themselves and with staff and to foster friendship; (vi) strengthens, renews and raises hope.
What is your value proposition?
Dynamo Camp's values are: EXCELLENCE (it operates to the highest possible standards of excellence in terms of structure, staff, organization), SUCCESS (it helps the children to succeed in whatever activity they choose), SOCIALIZATION (it helps children who are subjected to intensive hospitalization lifes to socialize with other children who are able to understand each other), STAFF AND ASSISTANCE SUPPORT (staff are carefully selected and trained in order to guarantee full children's safety at the Camp and the medical centre guarantees first class care both in terms of routine treatement and emergency intervention), PLAY (children have the chance to learn new things and to overcome what they see as their limits by simply having fun, relaxing and enjoying the experience to the full).
Who is your customer(s)?
The project directly reaches 1.067 children aged 6 to 17 suffering from serious or chronic illnesses under treatment or in remission for not more than four years and 200 families, coming from Italy (83,5%); Germany (6,5%); Middle east (8,8%); and other foreign countries (1,2%). 200 families of the children hosted have been positively affected from the opportunity offered to their children. After the session of Dynamo Camp some families meet and create informal networks that involve information, comparing experiences, and support in practical situations. The siblings also learn to cope with their brother or sister's sickness. In addition when the brother or sister is at the Camp, they can spend bonding time with parents that is not often available.
Families feels huge psicological support
What approaches to you use to reach your customers?
The camp receives medical and scientific support through the partnership with the Meyer Hospital in Florence, which is the specialistic children's hospital closest to the Camp. Dynamo Camp cooperates with 40 Italian and 14 foreign hospitals and health centres which send children to Dynamo Camp in through 2007 to 2012 to Dynamo Camp and with 65 associations which help Dynamo recruiting staff to select children. Families tell their positive experience when they come back home, and other families want to come and live the same experience. During the sms campaign Dynamo has the possibility to let several people know its experience and this communication reach new customers and potential stakeholders that could be new Dynamo's friends and supporters or volunteers.
What are your primary activities?
The range of activities includes: Horseback Riding/Minifarm and Nature (allows contact with nature), Photography and Video and Arts and Crafts (express creativity and imagination), Music (explore of sounds and rhythm), Archery (allow personal accomplishments), Adventure/Climbing Courses and Low Exercises (confidence building exercises), Theatre (express children personality), Recreational Therapy in Water (specifically suited for children with motor difficulties and duly heated for children with particular diseases, such as sickle-cell anaemia), walks and overnight at Dynamo's Oasis, Radio Dynamo (which reaches all the national children hospitals) and Dynamo Arts Factory (express kid's potentialility by working with artists asked to launch creative challenges or realize a work of art).
Who are your peers and competitors? What problems could these players pose to your success or growth?
Sometimes hospitals due to burocracy or lack of communication don't communicate the opportunity for the children hosted in their structures, to go to Dynamo Camp, even if it's free of charge. It's a big opportunity but some hospitals have internal associations which are competitors, even if they don't have a camp like Dynamo Camp. In these case the process of recruiting is very hard for Dynamo as there isn't sometimes a real attitude to cooperate and to realize an effective network of services in the Third Sector. The non profit sector could be more effective and efficient, by supporting a global strategy of raising funds for special needs and choosing serious partner and reliable instead of acting in a self attitude and style.
What other challenges - individual, organizational, or environmental – are you currently facing or might hinder future success of your business, and how do you plan to overcome those?
Since Dynamo tries to achieve each year the budget in order to support the projects and to host all the children free of charge, a challenge could be raising money during the global economic and productive crisis of these years. Dynamo, however, is confident to being able to find ways, ideas and opportunities to raise money for the well being of their children. In particular, Dynamo works to raise money in the different sectors: Corporation, Individuals, big events, sms campaigns, Foundation and Public funds. In the last 6 years of activities this fund raising strategy producted always its effect and reached the expected results, which are reflected in Dynamo's financial statements. A new challenge is to find new countries interested in sending their sicked children to Dynamo Camp.
Briefly describe your growth strategy going forward
The main goal for Dynamo Camp is to make the Camp sustainable through a diversified fund raising campaign. For this reason Dynamo intends to support the Academy (the social enterprise) to reach new stakeholder (corporations, agencies) offer different service, that produce business and the income will be distributed to the association.
What dimensions for growth are you currently targeting for your innovation [select all that apply]
New market(s)/country(ies).
What makes your business "ready" for growth?
Dynamo has already dimostrated its strong and effective business plan and economic model. From the beginning it has developed its offer in activities, number of children hosted and diseases treated at the Camp. At the end of 2012 the Camp hosted 1.067 children (on 2007 they were just 60) with specific onco-emathological diseases and 200 families (in 2007 there were none), througout 16 sessions.
What are your key growth objectives?
To host new children, new pathologies, realizing new buildings to have more space. Dynamo has several ideas to implement its services: realize a new gym to let children try sports with bad weather in an interior space equipped. To offer activities related to cinema and movies to complete the range of activities: sports, arts, nature, animals, theatre. To host more families of disabled children.
What is your timeframe for growth, in the short and mid-term? What are the growth milestones and key activities going forward?
On a strategic point of view, Dynamo wants to host more children, more pathologies and families in the next years, to improve its impact on new people so that the Recreational Therapy will be diffused. New services and actvities offered in the Camp will let it more interesting and suitable for all. The association will also reach children hospitalized that can't reach the Camp or association of parents of disables children. In this case the Recreational Therapy, through the outreach program, can supports more families and needs. On a financial point of view Dynamo has to let the camp sustainable in different economic ways: by the fundraising activity of the Association, with the emerging activity of the Social Enterprise and through the new developmental projects of Merchaindising and Food
read more↓↑ hide↑ hideWhat has been the impact of your solution to date?
Each year in Italy more than 10,000 children are affected by serious or chronic illnesses. They must undergo invasive therapies that oblige them to spend long periods of time in hospital. The disease not only forces them to deal with fear, fatigue and often side effects, but also restricts their social life with children their own age and threatens to compromise the peace of mind, confidence and sense of fun so typical during childhood. The program is needed in the community because as of 2012, it is the only camp in Italy that offers its free program directly to 1.067 children (and indirectly to their families at home) and to about 200 families (Numberr of hosted children and families have stedily grown over the years from 2007, the first year of Dynamo's activity). The camp gives the children and families the opportunity to enjoy a period of recreation in a safe, protected environment. This environment guarantees first class medical attention and the constant supervision of qualified staff who encourage the growth of a child's self-esteem. The program is beneficial to the community since there are no other structures in Italy granting the same opportunities to sick children and their families. Other solutions for sick children are mainly focused on the medical aspects of treatment. At Dynamo Camp children are provided with recreational opportunities. Dynamo Camp is also beneficial to its local community and area: 80% of its suppliers are local ones.
What methods for quantification of social impact are you applying (if at all)?
Children, Families,volunteers are asked to fill in different questionnaires at the end of each session to tell about their experience. Feedbacks are then evaluated by DC's staff. Th evidence is that every camper/family wants to come back to the Camp, because the Camp's experience is life changing as for social effects, approach to sickness,medical care, self esteem. A recent Yale University-SeriousFun research (all camps have worked together) confirms the positive impact on children of the Recreational Therapy.
An other side effect is that some families begin to help and to support each other, once back home. The children hosted at Dynamo Camp come from all over Italy (north, centre and south) Germany, Iraq, Syria, Jordan, Latvia, Bielorussia and Serbia.
Could your solution work in other geographies or regions? If so, where?
Dynamo Camp is part of SeriousFun Children's Network (former "a Hole in the Wall Camp Association") founded by Paul Newman, the Hole in the Wall Camps were created in 1988 with the opening of the Hole in the Wall Gang Camp in Connecticut. Currently there are 16 camps fully operational worldwide (California, Colorado, Connecticut, Florida, Ireland, Hungary, France, United Kingdom, Israel, Japan, Michigan, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Sout Africa, Washington) and others in the process of realisation. Many provisional camps, locally designed, with culturally applicable program are temporarily opened in many parts of the world Cambodia, Chennai, Ethiopia, Haiti, Hanoi, Ho Chi Min city , Lesotho, Malawi, Mysore, Paraguay, Swaziland, Uganda.
What is your projected impact over the next 1-3 years?
Our aim for the close future is not only to maintain the number of hosted children, but also to increase it; to increase the number of children from different countries that have no access to SeriousFun Children's Network camps; to increse the number of pathologies hosted at the Camp;to increase the variety of activities and services offered at the Camp to render it more accessible and suitable for all. To make the Camp more and more self sustainable and more balanced as for funding sources. The other project is to reach through outreach programs more associations, for example for disable children, in order to bring them hope and support, even if they can'T reach the camp and live this wonderful experience. To make a better communciation, to let more people know the Camp and get involved
read more↓↑ hide↑ hideElaborate on your current financing strategy
We are committed to implement and keep on developing a balance among funding sources: Philantropic and revenue generation approach are exploited together.
-As for philanthropy: our activity has been historically financed via donations from: (2012 figures)
Individuals 46%
Corporates 27%
Private Associations/organizations/foundations 25%
Government 2%
Over the years we have successfully worked to change the weight of sources: at the beginning of our activity funding from corporations was preponderant and funding from individuals was residual (84% vs 7%), now individuals have a central role in our fundraising strategy and we intend to further move towards crowd funding.
-As for revenue generation:
We’ve decided to make our business model more sustainable and less dependent on donations:
1) Starting from the beginning of its activity Dynamo Camp has developed a merchandising department, to trade branded outdoor gear.
2) in 2010 we’ve set up Dynamo Academy srl Impresa Sociale, a social business whose mission is to cover some of Dynamo Camp’s facility, maintenance and structure-related costs;
3) in 2013 we have set up Alimentare Dynamo, whose mission is to trade specialty food products in Italian supermarkets and to convey 100% of profits from its activity to Dynamo Camp’s project. We have signed a multi-year trading agreement with IperCoop Firenze, top Italian player in the large scale retail arena, that guarantees to AD discounted trading conditions, top visibility in its point of sale, organizational/logistic support.
Share of revenue generation in total income of organization (in percent)
Direct sales to patients or other beneficiaries (in percent)
the institutional activity is free of charge, the address of our social businesses is the stakeholders' market. 100%
Of the possible sources of these sales listed below, check all that apply to your current strategy
Friends and family, Individuals, Caregivers, Private businesses.
Licensing fees, e.g., for technology/franchise model (in percent)
Of the possible sources of these licensing opportunities listed below, check all that apply to your current strategy
Service contract with organizations, e.g., government, NGOs (in percent)
Of the possible sources of the service contracts listed below, check all that apply to your current strategy
Explain your revenue generation strategy in more detail
Merchandising: product sold in shop or on site to stakeholder
Dynamo Academy(DA): social business that manages the Camp’s facilities when it doesn’t host sick children to cover part of Dynamo fixed costs. Organizations, corporates, individuals can hold meetings in an exclusive setting, while exploiting the Camp’s outdoor and indoor structures for training/teambuilding purposes, community service, employee volunteering programs.
DA intends to become a role model for training on Social Business-Corporate Philanthropy dedicated to high-school and master students, at the Camp
Alimentare Dynamo (AD): following Newman’s Own business model, we have set up a juridical entity to trade specialty food products to the big public and allocate 100% of the profit from this activity to DC
Share of philanthropy in total income of organization (in percent)
Philanthrophy strategies you are using
Diversified strategy.
Explain your philanthropic approach in more detail
Individuals: different approaches are used: SMS campaign, 5X1000 (Italian Government gives the option to citizens to choose a charity to which designate the 5X1000 of their tax debt), Ambassadors (individuals commit to raise among friends the minimum cost of hosting a sick child for 1 session by organizing different events. Christmas gifts and letters, Events: Dynamo Bike Challenge (individual fund raising approach)
Corporate: multi-year agreements including different kinds of support: money, in-kind and skill donation, employee volunteering programs, Private grant-making foundations in major gift area: big grants focused on special projects . Government: our strategy is not to rely on Government support on a long standing basis, but we sign specific agreements on defined projects.
Expand on your selections; explain how you will sustain funding over the next 1-3 years.
As for the philanthropic approach:
In the future we intend to keep on balancing our funding sources, moving towards a crowd funding model, still maintaining a strong grip on multi-year agreements with financially sound corporations and private foundations. We are also organizing for the year 2014 the Dynamo Adventure Challenge: a unique experience and event in nature (in the wondeful oasis affiliated with wwf) that engages participants in a challenging outdoor treasure hunt, raising funds for Dynamo Camp in a powerful and life-challenging adventure.
We also intend to work on our cost structure, having our partners bear part of our operating costs via in-kind donations (both physical goods and professional skills)
GENERATING INCOME
As for the income generating part of our funding strategy:
We intend to further tap the huge potential of Alimentare Dynamo, the food social business, by expanding into new, diverse products and into more points of sale across all of Italy, following Newman’s Own approach: Newman’s Own every year distributes about 30mn dollars of net profits to different non profit organizations across the world.
We intend to set up a separate business for our merchandising department, with a dedicated apparel/outdoor gear branded line and new sale channels.
Dynamo Academy: we want to further develop the corporate business (foreign companies) and further expand into education with agreements with primary Italian and international partners like we are already doing with Bocconi University. Dynamo wants to improve the culture of social entrepreneur.
Created on 03/31/2013 by Magical Voice
Most people’s lives are limited by their thinking.
The Magic of Think™ helps children overcome self-limiting thoughts by teaching and reinforcing the core values of inner strength before bad habits become entrenched. Strong children create strong adults.
The world of “Think” incorporates award-winning songs, fun stories, animated characters, games, lessons and activities dealing with some of life’s most difficult problems.
Activity & Audio Books with Music CDs in a 7 book series based on social and emotional learning. Progressing to multiple platforms.
Organization: The Magic of Think
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Is your organization a
Hybrid
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The Magic of Think: Everything begins with a thought. We help children improve their thinking.
Select the stage that best applies to your solution
Growth (your pilot is up and running, and starting to expand)
What problem is your organization committed to solving? In particular, share what is innovative about your approach.
Most people’s lives are limited by their thinking.
The Magic of Think™ helps children overcome self-limiting thoughts by teaching and reinforcing the core values of inner strength before bad habits become entrenched. Strong children create strong adults.
The world of “Think” incorporates award-winning songs, fun stories, animated characters, games, lessons and activities dealing with some of life’s most difficult problems.
Activity & Audio Books with Music CDs in a 7 book series based on social and emotional learning. Progressing to multiple platforms.
Creates meaningful discussions between a mentor (teacher, parent, grandparent, guardian, friend) and child benefiting both.
Like a nursery rhyme, our messages are remembered for a lifetime becoming a positive anchor in times of need.
What are your organization's top three priorities in the next year?
1. Help children worldwide
2. Find a partner or sponsor to help expand the program to reach more children
3. Generate sales to continue our work
Need #1
Message & Brand Strategy
Need #2
Consumer/Audience Acquisition
Based on your first choice of the eight technical categories you selected above, what is your specific project need? Please be specific!
We need your help in increasing brand awareness and generating sales.
1.
A passionate and sincere long-term desire to help children worldwide
2.
A partner that is comfortable being instrumental in bringing change to the way children learn
3.
A partner that sees the power of brands like Harry Potter, Club Penguin, Hello Kitty, etc. and uses that platform to educate
Will support from American Express be focused on your organization overall or a specific product/service? Please describe.
Support from American Express will be focused on our organization overall. We need help progressing to the next stage.
Have you focused on the above area previously? If so, please explain, including whether you have worked with outside consultants before.
The University of BC liked the project and helped with the curriculum. We also received help from an outside contractor with our Facebook page.
Are you able to commit 3-5 hours/wk over 10-12 weeks?
Yes
Are you able to meet virtually or at a convenient in-person location?
Yes
Are you able to meet in the city where your organization is based?
Yes
1.
Identify the strongest segment of my market and brand
2.
Establish a long-term partnership
3.
Increase sales and distribution
What has been the impact of your solution to date?
We won Best Song at the Hollywood Music in Media Awards, received a fantastic review from Billboard Discoveries, and were chosen to be in the Grammy and Oscar gifts to the nominees. The University of BC Education Department helped us develop lessons and activities for our series of books (K to Grade 3.) We test marketed The Magic of Think™ with teachers, homeschooling mothers, and grandparents. The testimonials have been phenomenal. The children in both public and private schools have been captivated by the stories performed “in character.” The children love the music and listen to it day and night. We have also been receiving enthusiastic reviews from parents with Special Needs and Gifted children. Children open up on issues that have not been discussed before. Eg. being bullied.
What is your project future impact after receiving professional support from American Express?
Receiving support from American Express would greatly assist us in achieving our goal of reaching and helping every child in the world. Rich or poor, regardless of color or nationality. Long term, stronger children become stronger adults, who will be more equipped to make the world a better place.
This Entry is about (Issues)
Created on 03/29/2013 by azinicus
We're committed to making learning fun by applying deep concepts of play into our educational applications. We want children to have fun while learning key concepts and be challenged to grow their understanding. We feel that this can be done effectively using the principles of play and using the concept of flow that has been so prevalent in the gaming world, but applied to learning.
Organization: Bright Bot, Inc.
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Founder and Lead Brainiac
Organization Country
United States, DC, Washington
Country where this project is creating social impact
Is your organization a
Hybrid
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Awesome Education Apps with Highly Engaging Gaming Principles
Select the stage that best applies to your solution
Start-Up (a pilot that has just begun operating)
What problem is your organization committed to solving? In particular, share what is innovative about your approach.
We're committed to making learning fun by applying deep concepts of play into our educational applications. We want children to have fun while learning key concepts and be challenged to grow their understanding. We feel that this can be done effectively using the principles of play and using the concept of flow that has been so prevalent in the gaming world, but applied to learning.
What are your organization's top three priorities in the next year?
1. Increase our existing application's revenues to sustain continued development of both the company's growth and that of our app concepts.
2. Raise any additional funding to help support development of 2 new core learning apps that have gaming as a fundamental method behind learning.
3. Work with both educators and gaming experts to build the a standards based body of knowledge for a broader community of app developers and educators to use to gain greater impact with these concepts.
Need #1
Staffing Capabilities
Need #2
Consumer/Audience Acquisition
Based on your first choice of the eight technical categories you selected above, what is your specific project need? Please be specific!
First we need key skill sets filled in the areas of mobile development, design and game/education theory. I see a staff of 4 being fully capable of building the initial 2013 apps that will prove these strong concepts with real and profitable products. With a small core team of awesome designers and developers, we will have all the tools necessary to build and iterate on some really amazing apps that will inspire young minds. We already have a great team of designer, developer and founder/executive, now we need a gaming and learning thinker and funding to support the staff full time to really kick things off.
Our first play + learning concept, Secret Agent Alpha, is a game that is oriented toward building strong penmanship, alphabet and word learning skills, as well as potentially foreign language learning eventually as we expand the concept. We hope the principles of competition and rich gaming based character shorelines will help children learn key skills while having a blast doing it.
2.
High standards and expectations on delivery
3.
A deep belief in play/gaming as a vehicle for learning
Will support from American Express be focused on your organization overall or a specific product/service? Please describe.
Organization overall. We would need infrastructure support, marketing support, and all the relationships that a startup needs to fully succeed. We have a very agressive and serious goal, and we don't want to do this lightly or timidly, so we need exposure to the best people in the areas of gaming, learning and mobile design/development.
Have you focused on the above area previously? If so, please explain, including whether you have worked with outside consultants before.
We have not worked with outside consultants yet, but we're very interested in collaborating with forward thinking organizations like the Institute of Play, Disney, PBS, and others who are currently trying to bring their traditional publishing models and rich assets into the modern digital world.
Are you able to commit 3-5 hours/wk over 10-12 weeks?
Yes
Are you able to meet virtually or at a convenient in-person location?
Yes
Are you able to meet in the city where your organization is based?
Yes
1.
2 Profitable play based learning applications by end of year 2013
2.
A highly connected network of changemakers who have a passion for education and gaming that will support our initiatives
3.
The foundation of some really key principles of play and learning that we can share with others and push the field forward
What has been the impact of your solution to date?
We have had 92,000 paid downloads for our existing app My Story which is a rich story telling app that allows children in K-8 to tell their stories using rich drawings, pictures and audio and publish their books as assignments or to share with their family and friends. This app is very well received in classrooms, and we hope to build on those relationships as we move further into the concepts of play + learning. My Story also makes us profitable, which is a great place to be compared to other startups who have to raise seed or angel level funding first.
What is your project future impact after receiving professional support from American Express?
We feel that with support from American Express, we will be able to fund the design and development of our first of two play based learning apps for 2013. It will not provide all of the funding needed, but the exposure and networking support will actually give us a lot to work with that we would otherwise have to build manually. The funds will also help pay for some expert consulting on the concepts of play within gaming so we can put a solid foundation behind what we're going to develop and put on the App Store.
This Entry is about (Issues)
Created on 03/28/2013 by Heidi Echternacht
Kinderchat is dedicated to fostering a global dialogue among the Early Childhood community. Educators are often stressed and isolated both from each other and the larger educational community. Kinderchat creates a joyful global community space for those working with Young Children.
Organization: #Kinderchat
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Is your organization a
Non‐profit/NGO/citizen sector organization
The information you provide here will be used to fill in any parts of your profile that have been left blank, such as interests, organization information, and website. No contact information will be made public. Please uncheck here if you do not want this to happen..
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Established (past the previous stages and has demonstrated success)
What problem is your organization committed to solving? In particular, share what is innovative about your approach.
Kinderchat is dedicated to fostering a global dialogue among the Early Childhood community. Educators are often stressed and isolated both from each other and the larger educational community. Kinderchat creates a joyful global community space for those working with Young Children.
Open, constructive and engaging dialogue is a simple and yet continually overlooked strategy for improving education, schools and the teaching practices of those working with Young Children. Through Kinderchat, Early Childhood educators have the opportunity to connect with other innovative and creative educators, researchers, parents, companies and policy makers, keeping our vibrant community at the cutting edge of innovative educational practices and Professional Development.
What are your organization's top three priorities in the next year?
1. Formalize operations, grow and develop more positions and responsibilities within the community, seek financial support and advice to insure stable future of the community.
2. Expand, deepen and strengthen connection to more in the Early Childhood community, including policy makers, organizations and the public.
3. Continue to develop and support our teachers. Professional Development credits for participants, develop teacher leaders and localized chapters, continue to connect classrooms through high and low tech, increase overall reach and impact.
Need #1
Peer Benchmarking Analysis
Need #2
Digital Marketing Strategy
Based on your first choice of the eight technical categories you selected above, what is your specific project need? Please be specific!
We need help understanding the reach of our organization and the challenges we face as we move forward. We need help to identify the strengths and weaknesses of our community and where we can improve and further scale the project. We need help creating specific roles that adress the needs of the community and a set of outside eyes to help us think about where we realistically want to be in five or ten years both financially and structurally.
1.
Positive working relationships, solid ethics, knowledge base and experience
2.
Honesty, humility, hard work and good communication skills
Will support from American Express be focused on your organization overall or a specific product/service? Please describe.
Support from American Express would be focused on the overall organization of Kinderchat. Working with a company like American Express would be more than we could ever have dreamed of for this labor of love we call Kinderchat!
Have you focused on the above area previously? If so, please explain, including whether you have worked with outside consultants before.
While we have been operating for three years, have stayed true to our goals and continue to grow at exponential rates, we haven't received any formal advice or structural help from any organization or company. Our mentors and friends include iEARNUSA and various individual researchers and educators. We work to continuously craft the community under the "form follows function" mantra. Kinderchat is a grass roots, flexible, creative, dynamic and continually evolving community, firmly committed to the structure and function of an organic network.
Are you able to commit 3-5 hours/wk over 10-12 weeks?
Yes
Are you able to meet virtually or at a convenient in-person location?
Yes
Are you able to meet in the city where your organization is based?
Yes
1.
Know where to begin to seek funding
2.
Know where we need to strengthen and improve our methods and reach
3.
Increase focus and targeted approach to further develop and strengthen the community
What has been the impact of your solution to date?
Increased job satisfaction among Early Childhood Educators, a deep sense of community leading to global classroom exchanges among classrooms of Young Children. We've developed teacher leaders and community moderators who give passionate testimony that the community has revitalized their teaching, saying they couldn't imagine us not being there. In three years, we have become a key hub for those in the Early Childhood community, creating global databases of Early Childhood blog directories and an accessible library of resources for the public.
We've hosted Raffi and Ellen Galinsky, been mentioned in Forbes magazine, academic publications, research papers and community directories. Kinderchat is considered an outstanding example of an educational online community.
What is your project future impact after receiving professional support from American Express?
Streamline "work flow" and know what jobs are of high priority and how and where to focus efforts moving into the future. It's hard to choose only two of the supports as there is a little of each that would be incredibly helpful! I am just grateful to have the chance to apply to work with American Express and to dream of the possibilities of making this labor of love something that will live into the future for teachers, classrooms, young children and the public.
This Entry is about (Issues)
Created on 03/22/2013 by Calcetin
Potenciar la comunicación y socializacion del tratamiento del VIH/SIDA
Inspirar iniciativas que comiencen y terminen en la ciudadanía.
Organization: MUMS, Movimiento por la Diversidad Sexual
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Is your organization a
Non‐profit/NGO/citizen sector organization
Do you work with any social organizations?
How did you hear about the competition?
A partir de un mail que llego al presidente de la organizacion a la que represento. Me contaron del proyecto informalmente.
The information you provide here will be used to fill in any parts of your profile that have been left blank, such as interests, organization information, and website. No contact information will be made public. Please uncheck here if you do not want this to happen..
read more↓↑ hide↑ hideSelect the stage that best applies to your venture
Idea (you're ready to start)
This Entry is about (Issues)
Summary: What specific issue or problem does your Venture address?
El Estado Chileno, siguiendo las directrices de OMS, a través de la ONU, ha señalado que la mejor forma de prevenir el contagio del VIH/SIDA es hacerse el examen que lo comprueba. Nosotros sentimos que si bien esta postura es valida, encontramos potencial en hacer participe a la ciudadanía de un proceso formativo y educativo, que de forma ludica y directa sea capaz de hacer plataformas publicas donde haya reflexiones relativas a esta materia.
Misson Statement: What will your venture do?
Nuestro proyecto busca generar voluntarios jóvenes,con vocación de liderazgo, que vengan desde la comunidad, en sus diversos espacios (juntas de vecinos, colegios, liceos, universidades, clubes deportivos) y cuyo interés sera potenciar sus habilidades comunicativas y su conciencia de un tema de relevancia social cotidiana, como el VIH/SIDA; que ello sirva para profundizar en otras temáticas derivadas de este problema, y que puedan educar y conversar con otros agentes sociales para sensibilizar en estos temas, pero para tambien incentivar una cultura propositiva y abierta a la socializacion de problemas.
The Model: Walk us through a specific example of how your solution makes a difference; include your primary activities
Suponiendo que un joven universitario heterosexual, que estudia medicina, quiere entrar a ser parte de este proyecto, entra a la capacitacion, aprueba, y se convierte en un monitor para otros jóvenes, sentimos que puede difundir su forma de entender el problema (seguramente abundante en conocimientos medicos), y puede recibir retroalimentacion de otras esferas (sociales, de genero) en la interaccion con otros lideres. Esto necesariamente implica que cuando eventualmente deba tratar este tema a lo largo de su vida profesional, tenga herramientas diferentes para acercarse al problema. Y asi, este ejemplo es transversal a realidades y disciplinas varias, como el derecho, el trabajo social, y las personas que trabajan en consultorios, hospitales, u organismos de voluntariado y asistencia.
The Community: Define the community that you work on behalf of. What population is affected? Are there other organizations working in this space?
Nos centramos en la comunidad local porque el alcance del proyecto seria muy complejo de otra forma. Nuestro publico objetivo son los jóvenes de entre 18 y 24 anos, los cuales sentimos son un sector etareo mas receptivo a este tipo de actividades. Entendemos que la población joven, sin embargo, esta sujeta a variados estímulos diferentes según el área urbanística en la cual habitan, y por eso queremos que este proyecto opere a nivel territorial, es decir, que cada comuna de la ciudad tenga un espacio determinado para trabajar. Somos una comunidad pionera en este tipo de trabajos, los cuales implican solamente a la ciudadanía, y que pongan el tema del VIH/SIDA como el tema fundamental.
Founding Story: What inspired your venture? Why?
Me parece que muchas veces ignoramos o preferimos caer en la soberbia de pensar que los lideres y factores de cambio son unos pocos virtuosos y escogidos; siento que un buen factor de cambio debe no solo cambiar su realidad existente, sino influenciar a otros a que lo hagan. Me inspira ver a otros jóvenes teniendo herramientas directas de cumplir sus aspiraciones, y de tener un lugar en una sociedad profundamente individualista.
Define your Venture in 1-2 short sentences
Potenciar la comunicación y socializacion del tratamiento del VIH/SIDA
Inspirar iniciativas que comiencen y terminen en la ciudadanía.
read more↓↑ hide↑ hideWhat do you want to accomplish in your first year?
Quiero hacer este conversatorio dos veces al ano. La primera vez que lo ponga en practica, espero conseguir 2 voluntarios-tutores minimo por comuna, que formen a 4 voluntarios-alumnos minimo. Para ambos semestres la idea es hacer un feed-back con los voluntarios-tutores y que esto permita una mejoria para los anos siguientes, asi como la proposicion de nuevas dinamicas y juegos. Alcanzar tambien un posicionamiento en las redes sociales, con una mediana cantidad de seguidores.
Set your first goal or milestone for your Venture Team in the next 6 months that will bring you to your vision
Conseguir gente dispuesta a ser voluntaria y a comprometerse con este proyecto
Task 1
Hacer un conversatorio entre los jovenes voluntarios-tutores y poder formarlos en un taller de 3 sesiones.
Task 2
Acudir a espacios a los que suelen acudir los jovenes, pegando flyers y afiches, de forma sistematica
Task 3
Generar el twitter, el facebook y la pagina web de este proyecto.
Set a second goal or milestone for your Venture Team in the next 6 months that will bring you to your vision
Hacer los tramites que sean necesarios para conseguir el lugar y los implementos necesarios para efectuar las sesiones.
Task 1
Hablar con las municipalidades (Autoridades locales de cada comuna) para conseguir un lugar en el cual efectuar los talleres
Task 2
Confección de un juego de mesa que tenga preguntas y respuestas relacionadas al VIH/SIDA
Task 3
En caso de no tener lugar, hablar con juntas de vecinos y costear los arriendos.
Set a third goal or milestone for your Venture Team in the next 6 months that will bring you to your vision
Posicionar esta iniciativa en la sociedad y en la comunidad.
Task 1
Generar una red de organismos de voluntariado con al menos 3 asociaciones del país.
Task 2
Tener una reunion con las autoridades locales para contarles acerca de los dividendos que resulten del proyecto.
Task 3
Terminar generando una red de voluntarios que trabajen solo para este proyecto, en la formación de nuevos tutores.
read more↓↑ hide↑ hideHow will your Venture define success in the short term (1-12 months)?
Estableceré dos criterios para medirlo.
El primero, tiene relación con la cantidad de gente.
El segundo, dice relación con una evaluación de impacto, que resultara de la sesión de feed-back que se tenga con los voluntarios-tutores, en los cuales se tengan en cuenta interrogantes como la cantidad de información aprendida en el taller, la calidad de las herramientas utilizadas y la cantidad de gente que parece mostrar interés comprometido.
In the long-term (1-3 years)?
Me parece que el indicar principal es, lógicamente, la continuidad de este proyecto. Seguir reclutando gente y generando espacios de discusión; ahora bien, en alcance que espero llegar a obtener, es tener la posibilidad de implementar este proyecto en alguna otra región del país.Como indicador, no solo denota, en mi opinión, la sostenibilidad de la idea, sino que cuento con elementos básicos que permitirán una ampliación eventual mayor.
How will you measure success?
El indicador principal es la cantidad de gente asistente a este proyecto y la cantidad de comunas donde logro ser emplazada con el numero mínimo de participantes que establecí anteriormente. De la misma manera, otro indicador relevante serán las sesiones de critica y evaluación que se tendrán con los voluntarios-tutores a fin de cada taller; quienes poseerán una pauta evaluativa con ciertos aspectos los cuales deberán calificar de 1 a 5. Con estos "ciertos aspectos" me refiero a: Calidad Organizacional, Efecto de las dinámicas, Tiempo de duración, etcétera.
read more↓↑ hide↑ hideHow will you recruit new members for your venture?
La primera forma de reclutar será a través de mi propia red social y de amistades cercanas, luego avanzaremos a través de redes sociales virtuales donde sabemos que podemos llegar a un gran número de personas que quiera participar en este gran emprendimiento para y por la sociedad en la que estamos compartiendo.
How will you appoint new leaders and transfer leadership when the founding members want to leave the team?
Estaremos en constantes capacitaciones y reuniones, donde estaremos atentos a los talentos latentes de los participantes, con el fin de potenciarlos para y animarlos a ser agentes de cambio para cuando se les requiera.
How will you continue your project in 6-months time or once you have spent all of its initial capital?
Luego de insertarnos como un grupo consolidado en sociedad, apuntamos a seguir optando constantemente en concursos y proyectos municipales o comunales,. Pero principalmente, cuando existen personas con ganas y disposición, todo lo demás es secundario...
Created on 03/16/2013 by seattlekaranja
Popit4aprofit is a resource website that high school students or even any students could go to learn about programs and organizations they should be in. We try to help organizations be resourceful for students, and we link them to internships, college fairs, parties, and programs they should be in.
Created on 03/15/2013 by Paige Nelson
Growing up should be healthy, safe, & fun!
MYO ("mee-yo"): Mine. Yours. Ours. focuses on achieving a thriving adolescence for area teens. MYO is about personal development, understanding others, and making the world a better place.
Organization: RYASAP : The Regional Youth/Adult Social Action Project
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RYASAP : The Regional Youth/Adult Social Action Project
Organization Country
United States, CT, Bridgeport
Country where this project is creating social impact
Is your organization a
Non‐profit/NGO/citizen sector organization
The information you provide here will be used to fill in any parts of your profile that have been left blank, such as interests, organization information, and website. No contact information will be made public. Please uncheck here if you do not want this to happen..
read more↓↑ hide↑ hideSelect the stage that best applies to your solution
Established (past the previous stages and has demonstrated success)
What problem is your organization committed to solving? In particular, share what is innovative about your approach.
Growing up should be healthy, safe, & fun!
MYO ("mee-yo"): Mine. Yours. Ours. focuses on achieving a thriving adolescence for area teens. MYO is about personal development, understanding others, and making the world a better place.
MYO recognizes the power of youth to make positive change in their lives, the lives of their peers, and in the world. MYO is a network of youth programs, a process of leadership, an online community, and a calendar of engaging events and activities. All MYO programs are facilitated by MYO AmeriCorps Members, who are trained to be excellent youth workers and grow the field of youth dev.
MYO works because it has become a brand that is cool and youth feel brand loyalty. In buying into the brand, teens buy into positive outcomes and healthy norms of behavior.
What are your organization's top three priorities in the next year?
1. Grow MYO AmeriCorps into the nation's leading youth worker training program and most popular service program for 17-23 year-olds.
2. Develop MYO products for the marketplace.
3. Edit and publish MYO curricula and training materials
Need #1
Message & Brand Strategy
Need #2
Digital Marketing Strategy
Based on your first choice of the eight technical categories you selected above, what is your specific project need? Please be specific!
MYO, as a brand, needs help in maintaining a cohesive message that captures different voices: one that elicits youth involvement and also parent support--specifically, one that positions MYO AmeriCorps as a great opportunity for young adults. An articulated recruitment campaign is necessary to grow and sell the AmeriCorps component.
Support is needed in optimizing different channels and sustaining momentum. Coming from a nonprofit perspective, MYO needs lessons from the for-profit marketplace in how to "sell", maintain customer loyalty, and release products. A blog, www.myospace has been a successful channel and social media (all under "myospace"--fb, twitter, etc) is active; yet, assistance is needed in linking the message across all platforms and creating a customer base that is trackable and reachable. Many points of entry are necessary and training staff to manage is a hurdle that time does not provide for; due to lack of resources, things get neglected and tools to help support the small business aspect of product development would be helpful. Advice on copyrighting, trademarking, accepting funds, etc is wanted. Legal help in protecting the voice of minors would be helpful.
Will support from American Express be focused on your organization overall or a specific product/service? Please describe.
Support would be focused on RYASAP's MYO work, arising from the YouthINC division of the overall organization.
Have you focused on the above area previously? If so, please explain, including whether you have worked with outside consultants before.
MYO was developed from a 4 year grant award from the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, during which support was offered from outside consultants in policy and in communications (Spitfire). Other support from management consultants (KJR) has been used to orient new staff and from marketing consultants (Ruder Finn and Red Poppy) to attract press. The logo itself was developed in partnership with a social media firm, Carrot Creative.
Are you able to commit 3-5 hours/wk over 10-12 weeks?
Yes
Are you able to meet virtually or at a convenient in-person location?
Yes
Are you able to meet in the city where your organization is based?
Yes
1.
To create an aligned marketing strategy that launches the brand into the teen market
2.
To articulate a cohesive and cool recruitment campaign for MYO AmeriCorps
3.
To gain knowledge and perspective on how to grow a brand that does good for the world
What has been the impact of your solution to date?
Through the MYO programs, which recognize the power of youth to make positive change in their lives, the lives of their peers and in the world, RYASAP's YouthINC division is making significant impact. YouthINC has expanded MYO AmeriCorps, which fosters the development of high quality youth directors, to 75 Members per year, teaching 860 students the Safe Dates Curriculum in the 2011-2012 school year, working with 7 schools and reaching 954 total youth weekly with additional MYO programming. Small youth groups, “MYO groups”, were implemented after school for older teens and during school for younger teens. In addition to the social media and marketing components, including the websites myospace.org, over 25 activities and events such as the MYOscars and MYOthello (search either on fb)
What is your project future impact after receiving professional support from American Express?
MYO will become a recognized brand in the marketplace that stands for positive outcomes and benefits the teens themselves, through profits and through the intrinsic buy-in of a "cool brand": MYO Pop-Up shops to play games, do homework, and hang out with friends, MYO shirts sold in the mall next to cool brands, MYO shirts being worn by teens doing service projects, MYO arts nights with positive message, MYO games where teens can have fun, be healthy, and play. The logo is secured and the tools to sustain growth are in hand.
Critical to this vision is the growth and prominence of MYO AmeriCorps as a premier service program, widely accepted as a great experience for the college-aged set. With a clear and attractive recruitment campaign, MYO AmeriCorps can expand its reach and impact.
This Entry is about (Issues)
Created on 03/14/2013 by McKenzy Haber
Wounded Warriors Happiness Course will help soldiers replace their triggers with happiness on the golf course by skillful teen golfers teaching Wounded Warriors golf and Wounded Warriors mentoring teen golfers. This service will be no sacrifice because everyone shares what they can: wounded warriors-guidance, teens-golf skills, marine officers-administration and players-golf lessons, tee times, and everybody has foursomes of fun.
Created on 03/6/2013 by Marvin J Mathew
We are a platform for the future leaders of America, its youth, who are studying abroad to foster dialogue and build their globally competency. Understanding sports as a lowest common denominator between cultures, we employ sports as our means to connect.
Created on 03/5/2013 by Priyanka Prasad
aProCh ( a Protagonist in every Child) is a community based initiative which works FOR and WITH the children of the city. The main idea is to create a Child Friendly City-A city which makes the child feel safe, happy and a place from which the child derives fun, joy and opportunity. Children today need to explore the wider world and a child friendly city would make this dream a reality by giving them an opportunity to safely explore and provide them with learning too.
Organization: aProCh
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Is your organization a
Hybrid
The information you provide here will be used to fill in any parts of your profile that have been left blank, such as interests, organization information, and website. No contact information will be made public. Please uncheck here if you do not want this to happen..
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aProCh - a Protagonist in Every Child
Select the stage that best applies to your solution
Growth (your pilot is up and running, and starting to expand)
What problem is your organization committed to solving? In particular, share what is innovative about your approach.
aProCh ( a Protagonist in every Child) is a community based initiative which works FOR and WITH the children of the city. The main idea is to create a Child Friendly City-A city which makes the child feel safe, happy and a place from which the child derives fun, joy and opportunity. Children today need to explore the wider world and a child friendly city would make this dream a reality by giving them an opportunity to safely explore and provide them with learning too. Development is essential for the economy but what use is the development if we are missing out on the fun and joys of childhood, To do this aProCh has undertaken different initiatives Like Street Smart, Parents of the Park ,Move'ing Experience, Tees Ka Dum and Koshish to design ‘childhood’’ for our children.
What are your organization's top three priorities in the next year?
aProCh focuses on one of its initiatives for this year that is Tees Ka Dum: This initiative is a One on One Tutorial Program geared towards providing basic education in Math & English for the children from the Municipal school. The programme has garnered excitement amongst the children and has helped motivate them to take up education and go through with it. The programme has made the children aware about education and its real world context while making studies and curriculum more exciting and hands on to the children from the underprivileged background.
aProCh also focuses on it initiatives Koshish : aProCh has undertaken the responsibility to educate the parents of the students studying under Right to Education (TE) Act at Riverside school. The school has embraced the spirit of the Act ( Compulsory Education to children from 6 to 14 years from the lower economic background) from the academic year 2011 -12. The focus in Koshish is to make the programme an all inclusive one and replicable by all schools.
We see ourselves working towards integrating the idea of aProCh at the city level and beyond. There has been a positive response to this initiative in Ahmedabad city. Today we want it to reach out to more cities and celebrate the creation of a space and city which is child friendly and celebrates the childs childhood.
Need #1
Digital Marketing Strategy
Need #2
Consumer/Audience Acquisition
Based on your first choice of the eight technical categories you selected above, what is your specific project need? Please be specific!
We need assistance to reach to more people, cities, schools and NGO with digital marketing. We need to make people aware about the events happening in Ahmedabad in order to reach to more children. We need Consumer and Audience Acquisition so that more children get benefited and more organisations or sponsers come forward to support the initiatives
1.
Common belief- A partnership or a relation always exists on mutual trust and common/shared beliefs or value system.
2.
Networking- Who would help us take our initiative to different cities and countries with the same belief system.
3.
INTEGRITY- While mutual values are primary the core of a stable partnership is integrity. This can be built from trust.
Will support from American Express be focused on your organization overall or a specific product/service? Please describe.
We would like American Express to help us in fundraising, reaching to more corporate for adopting this as an CSR activity. American Express would also be able to help us in digital marketing ..making our ideas and product reach more cities, more people and around the globe.
Have you focused on the above area previously? If so, please explain, including whether you have worked with outside consultants before.
No. We have not worked with outside consultants before. We believe that American Express embodies the true essence of a trusted partner and hence we would like to get our guidance from you to achieve our goals. As before, we reiterate, that it is essential for same value systems and integrity from a partnership and these are qualities we see in American Express as our counterpart till date.
Are you able to commit 3-5 hours/wk over 10-12 weeks?
Yes
Are you able to meet virtually or at a convenient in-person location?
Yes
Are you able to meet in the city where your organization is based?
Yes
1.
Tees Ka Dum – making education exciting and available for underprivileged children.
2.
Koshish ( RTE) - make it a sustainable model in all schools
3.
Making more cities child friendly by opening more recreational spaces for children.
What has been the impact of your solution to date?
aProCh has reached to almost 75,000 children till date. The impact has been such that in Ahmedabad, the children have conceptualised and created legacies for city like 8 Child Friendly Zebra crossing across the city, have designed sculpture on Traffic awareness, installed in park, various murals across city. This is a First of Its Kind Initiative.
aProCh has been able to open 3 Tees Ka Dum Center across Ahmedabad and has been able to reach around 250 students to provide basic education and Well being. These children have performed well academically as well as presented them at shows like India’s got talent, Sab TV program, at Kankaria Carnival in Ahmedabad. It has started its chapters in different cities namely- Ahmedabad Rajkot, Baroda, Kolkata, Aurangabad and Surat.
What is your project future impact after receiving professional support from American Express?
We have been able to make a huge impact in Ahmedabad. We also have started chapters in Ahmedabad, Kolkata, Surat, Auragabad and Rajkot but we haven't been able to sustain the idea in other cities. This is mainly due to lack of funds and our reach to different cities. We would want American express to help us in reaching to different cities and create awareness. We would also want Koshish program to be an inclusive program in all schools.
This Entry is about (Issues)
This project also has a Changeshop where you can read more about its latest progress.
Go to Changeshop: Feeleez.
Created on 03/2/2013 by Feeleez
Feeleez offers tools to build and support emotional development in children and their caregivers. We have made it our mission to help children, parents, teachers, therapists, counselors, and caregivers receive and offer empathy. Our tools are used by, and made available to, a diverse global community.
The centerpiece of the Feeleez mission is our matching game. Twenty five pairs of sturdy card tiles use facial expressions and body language to illustrate brave, sad, worried, surprised, amazed, etc. With ideas for use at play and in the classroom.
Our entire line of tools include:
Organization: Feeleez
Visit websitemore ↓↑ hide↑ hideOrganization Country
United States, MT, Misla, Missoula County
Country where this project is creating social impact
United States, MT, MIssoula, Missoula County
Is your organization a
Hybrid
The information you provide here will be used to fill in any parts of your profile that have been left blank, such as interests, organization information, and website. No contact information will be made public. Please uncheck here if you do not want this to happen..
read more↓↑ hide↑ hideSelect the stage that best applies to your solution
Growth (your pilot is up and running, and starting to expand)
What problem is your organization committed to solving? In particular, share what is innovative about your approach.
Feeleez offers tools to build and support emotional development in children and their caregivers. We have made it our mission to help children, parents, teachers, therapists, counselors, and caregivers receive and offer empathy. Our tools are used by, and made available to, a diverse global community.
The centerpiece of the Feeleez mission is our matching game. Twenty five pairs of sturdy card tiles use facial expressions and body language to illustrate brave, sad, worried, surprised, amazed, etc. With ideas for use at play and in the classroom.
Our entire line of tools include:
A matching game.
A poster.
A learning guide.
An ABC eBook.
Parenting with empathy workshops.
Parent coaching.
Life coaching.
An empathy hotline.
Please visit us at:
www.feeleez.com
What are your organization's top three priorities in the next year?
- Increase awareness of our message and brand
- Increase our market
- Develop additional tools
Need #1
Consumer/Audience Acquisition
Need #2
Digital Marketing Strategy
Based on your first choice of the eight technical categories you selected above, what is your specific project need? Please be specific!
Since Feeleez is already generating sales the goal is to increase the market penetration of Feeleez .
We need to increase brand awareness. Feeleez branding has already been well received by Ashoka, educators, therapists, parents and others but increasing awareness is crucial.
We need to establish channel/distribution partners to introduce not only our mission but also our product.
We need to develop a more enhanced digital market presence through additional search engine optimization.
We need to expand into other, more defined, markets. Feeleez is a small business, and thus far our focus has been on local and internet sales.
Also, our project is in great need of consulting help, especially with regard to developing a SWOT analysis for the company. Aid of this sort will allow us to better understand the market in which we play.
There is a need for Feeleez in both the marketplace and the social structure of our community so once consumers become aware of our product they are excited to forge a relationship with Feeleez. In this light our challenge is simply to make our mission and our product better known and profound social impact develops from there.
1.
Communication. We strive to be extremely timely, empathetic, and sincere in our communications with our partnerships.
2.
Mission driven. Our message is simple and direct. Supporting children and caregivers in developing empathy is what we do.
3.
Innovative. Our product and aesthetic are unique. We aim to bring this fresh form of emotional education to our partnerships.
Will support from American Express be focused on your organization overall or a specific product/service? Please describe.
Nathan McTague and I (Natalie Christensen) are the heart and soul of the Feeleez organization. We have created a product, manufactured it, and have sales to show for it. Feeleez is now at a point where we need help taking it to the next level. We consider sales to be the benchmark for success in that regard.
We believe that a focus on the centerpiece of Feeleez- Matching Game, makes the most sense at this point. We have found that the game is often the initial purchase our customers make and that this purchase serves as the bridge to further purchases of additional products and services.
Have you focused on the above area previously? If so, please explain, including whether you have worked with outside consultants before.
No, we have not received help from outside consultants before. Our success thus far has been entirely based on word of mouth, social media marketing, and a successful product that fills a need in the marketplace.
Are you able to commit 3-5 hours/wk over 10-12 weeks?
Yes
Are you able to meet virtually or at a convenient in-person location?
Yes
Are you able to meet in the city where your organization is based?
Yes
1.
Access to Amex's ability to transform Feeleez by linking into, or creating a strategy for establishing larger distribution.
2.
Benefit from Amex's ability to elevate the level of our brand - i.e. make Feeleez a household name.
3.
Utilize Ashoka and AMEX to help deliver our mission of empathy.
What has been the impact of your solution to date?
Feeleez has been in business for five years. In that time we have developed five potent products, a website, two social media blogs, and a system of emotional support for caregivers by way of coaching, consulting, courses, and community. We sell to accounts and customers throughout the United States and Canada and receive requests for distribution in Europe almost weekly. We have sold over four thousand empathy games alone which are shared with innumerable children via parents, therapists, teachers, and social workers.
Each time a child is offered the chance to play the Feeleez Empathy Game they are being offered the opportunity to be heard, to develop emotionally, and to establish a sense of empathy for others. We believe that the impact of greater empathy in the world is priceless.
What is your project future impact after receiving professional support from American Express?
Receiving professional support from American Express would have a great impact on our company and on the world at large. Feeleez would use this support to grow our audience and penetrate further markets. This not only makes a difference to the bottom line of our company, (increasing our sales many times over), but to the social community in general. For each game purchased by a parent, or teacher, there are many children that have access to that game. The game symbolizes the opportunity to develop emotionally. This increased emotional awareness and sense of empathy is then shared with that child's circle - including children on the playground, adults in their neighborhood, and members of their family. Empathy is the antidote to aggression and bullying, and the foundation for peace.
This Entry is about (Issues)
Created on 03/2/2013 by Nandini Mazumder
Kutumb was founded in 2002 to address the gap in the education system that is accessible to the children living in the underprivileged sections of society (in urban slums). Many of these children went to government schools and had challenges in learning due to lack of infrastructure available (or unavailable) in these schools. As a result of the poor quality of education, many young people faced severe learning disabilities and often dropped out of school after class 5 or 6.
Organization: The Kutumb Foundation
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Is your organization a
Non‐profit/NGO/citizen sector organization
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The Kutumb Foundation - Enabling People (NGO)
Select the stage that best applies to your solution
Growth (your pilot is up and running, and starting to expand)
What problem is your organization committed to solving? In particular, share what is innovative about your approach.
Kutumb was founded in 2002 to address the gap in the education system that is accessible to the children living in the underprivileged sections of society (in urban slums). Many of these children went to government schools and had challenges in learning due to lack of infrastructure available (or unavailable) in these schools. As a result of the poor quality of education, many young people faced severe learning disabilities and often dropped out of school after class 5 or 6. Kutumb's main goal was to make learning a fun through non-traditional methods and creative processes,to address different learning needs in children, inculcate the value of self-learning in them and prevent them from dropping out. Building language skills for a holistic personality development is the focus at Kutumb.
What are your organization's top three priorities in the next year?
The organisation is striving to develop the alternate-education program, INDRADHANUSH. We are trying to bring a more strctured and planned approach to the program to add value to the existing practices. The biggest goal of the organisation is to engage young people and educate them to enable personality development for better career options and also to serve as intelligent and healthy members of their community who will be the spearheads of social change and progress in the coming future. The 3 top priorities of the organisation is therefore to build internal resources and facilitate organisational growth.
a. Fundraising and Resource Mobilization
b. Build staff capacities to implement the the alternate education and sports based life-skills to promote holistic development. The two main values that will be promoted through Kutumb's core programmes are: i. gender sensitivity and equity and ii. active pluralism or promote ideas of understanding and celebrating identities, communities, ethnicity and cultural heritages and
c. The 3rd priority will be to use resources to train young people as community leaders and create peer-leaders from each of the 3 communities where work.
Kutumb envisions that eventually all of the programmes at Kutumb will be spearheaded by Kutumb peer-leaders and they will receive due honorariums to motivate them as most of them belong to extremely poor backgrounds. All of these programmes will need much of investment in terms of energy, ideas, time and financial resources and hence resource mobilization and fund-raising will be at the base of all these initiatives.
Need #1
Staffing Capabilities
Need #2
Peer Benchmarking Analysis
Based on your first choice of the eight technical categories you selected above, what is your specific project need? Please be specific!
We need engaged and skilled professionals who can help us build our educational and sports based programmes to promote gender sensitivity and equity, and build the active pluralism project to promote ideas to enable an understanding and celebrate diverse communal, ethnic and cultural identities and finally, a team of dedicated community workers to create peer-leaders from each of the 3 communities where Kutumb works. However, this means the growth of the orgaization has to be synchronized with the growth of the staff and aims and goals have to be clearly defined. The staff need to monitored and evaluated at regular intervals to boost performance and keep motivation levels high. To constantly update with the latest techniques and best practices across development organisations all over the world.
Will support from American Express be focused on your organization overall or a specific product/service? Please describe.
Funding and resources are a big issue and hence resource building will be a major need. Capacity building in the staff will be another crucial area of work. The motivation of the staff and synchronizing their goals with the organisations goals will be very crucial too.
Have you focused on the above area previously? If so, please explain, including whether you have worked with outside consultants before.
Previously we have worked with consultants from IBM through an independent initiative called 'Whiteboard'. Whiteboard members meed regularly and help NGOs build capacities for better functioning. Whiteboard members are all mostly from corporate backgrounds and some are from development disorganization who have enough experience on administration, fund-raising and management and impart their knowledge as volunteer-consultants.
Are you able to commit 3-5 hours/wk over 10-12 weeks?
Yes
Are you able to meet virtually or at a convenient in-person location?
Yes
Are you able to meet in the city where your organization is based?
Yes
3.
Aligning organisational growth with the growth of individual staff
What has been the impact of your solution to date?
Kutumb is a grass-roots level organisation that began working on education for children living in the slums and streets of Delhi in 2002.The original community - the Khan Market Labour Camp Slums were demolished in February, 2009 and mostly displaced to Savda-Ghevra J.J. Colony, 35-40 kms away from Khan Market. So Kutumb's students are mostly from immigrant, servant families living in the servant quarters around Khan Market, Pandara Road, Golf Links, Lodhi Estate and Kotla. In 2010, we expanded Goal of Life, Kutumb's life-skills based football programme to Nizamuddin and in 2011 program won an award! In 2011, we connected to Kutumb's original community in Savda-Ghevra and initiated a health program and started a computer resource center in 2012.
What is your project future impact after receiving professional support from American Express?
Fund raising and resource mobilization for organisation building.
This Entry is about (Issues)
Running has the potential to develop character and sporting spirit among the individuals. People stay healthy and adopt healthier life-styles if they are into it when young.
Mighty Runners program's objective is to instill the sport of running at a young age and provide a common platform to the children. By engaging school children and providing them with systematic training and online tools for training, we plan to bring together children across different schools. Such program has the potential to develop and give the country some of the best distance runners and marathon runners.
Created on 02/22/2013 by letem_play
LETEM is a 501(c)(3) non-profit that brings music to kids throughout our community. We provide instruments and teach clinics to low-income kids and school or youth programs.
O Projeto AmarGen propõe a utilização da expressão artística como ferramenta em processos de prevenção e de tratamento para dependência química.
Neste momento em que a sociedade vive uma verdadeira epidemia de dependência química e o alcoolismo é a doença que mais mata os pacientes com esta problemática, este projeto inovador oferece uma ótima alternativa para abordar a questão, com uma mudança de paradigmas na prevenção e no tratamento de saúde mental.
OpEPA creates opportunities to reconnect with Earth providing impact educational experiences that allow to - Explore, Discover, Learn, Experience, Feel, Become
Created on 01/15/2013 by cipangoreng
Electronic devices are inching into every aspect of our society. By using electronic learning systems that created specifically made for them will gives a lot of benefits to their educational development. This product will become a smart format for a handheld learning tool.
read more ↓↑ hide↑ hideTell us about yourself/your team.
A student who often think out of the box and highly motivated.
What makes you an intrapreneur? What are the skills, capabilities, and personality traits that make you an intrapreneur?
Having an entrepreneurial mind set, and I want to apply it to our community.
Primary country where this project is creating social impact
Additional countries or regions
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read more↓↑ hide↑ hideSelect the stage that best applies to your solution
Idea (you're poised to launch)
The Need: What social or environmental problem are you trying to solve?
1. Developing a product that will assist and facilitate parents,teachers and children that improve the Malaysia's education since using technology is still in low level. They still depend on an old style learning.
2. Reducing manufacturing costs so that everyone's can afford the product.
3. Limited local learning apps.
The Solution: What is your solution? Be specific!
1. Develop a product that will interest students & children (Gadget that have screen,audio visuals and interaction) & affordable to everyone.
2. Achieved by using free open source operating system (Android)
3. Offer local apps developer to create for local market.
The Solution: Why is this solution innovative for your company and industry?
Integrating the product with educational apps. Educational activities primarily involve tech that interest the students. The product would serve the purpose of providing a learning gadget with learning apps that created for every students in Malaysia.
The Model: Walk us through a specific example of how your solution makes a difference; include your primary activities.
The Marketplace: Who are your peers and competitors? Identify others also working to address the needs you are and what differentiates you from them. What challenges could these players pose to your success or growth?
Peers would include the mobile phone telcos and giant electronic companies .
From current research, there are a lot of product that is similar to this idea currently exists, however it's very expensive and not all of Malaysian's can afford it and no product that specifically made for learning. It's all in one and parents cannot control it out of box (need to install and search for apps first)
Being first to market would definitely mean a larger portion of the consumer market.
This Entry is about (Issues)
read more↓↑ hide↑ hideFounding Story: We want to hear about your "Aha!" moment. Share the story of where and when the founder(s) saw this solution's potential to change the world.
During my assignment when I were asked to develop a new product that helps children learn fast and interest them by using latest technology.
What has been the impact of your solution to date?
There has been no impact to date as it is currently an idea
What is your projected impact over the next 1 to 3 years?
Initially used for education in developing nations, the product could easily be moved across to be used and sold in developed nations
What barriers might hinder the success of your project? How do you plan to overcome them?
Costs and challenge to convince every parents that this is a very good product for their children.
read more↓↑ hide↑ hideWhat is the benefit or value you're creating for your business?
A product for the company and manufactures would potentially increase market share. This product could also be used for another industry other than education industry in the long term, such as in careers.
How are you leveraging internal resources (funds, time, knowledge, etc.) to support this initiative?
At the moment this is still an idea.
Expand on your answer, explaining the long-term funding and support plan.
Tell us about your partnerships across your company and externally that are key to your project's success.
Manufacturing and then marketing would be key. More the quality apps developer are key to our project's success.
What internal support have you gotten for your project? What kind of push-back have you received?
Approximately 60 words left (425 characters)
Created on 01/15/2013 by amiridina
The community empowerment link is about empowering communities through mobilizing the community residents, local NGOs, individuals, businesses, city halls, CSR to realize the residents common dreams that can be realised in 4 days. It offers training, product development, access to the market to the selected producers.
read more ↓↑ hide↑ hideTell us about yourself/your team.
We are a diverse team coming from different background and ages. While some of us have an extensive corporate experience, other are experts in development or social entrepreneurs, Several members are former scouts.
What makes you an intrapreneur? What are the skills, capabilities, and personality traits that make you an intrapreneur?
We came into a conclusion and after several deceptions that we are unable to make any change through the political game, therefore we decided to use our skills and expertise on making a change on the ground, empowering communities in a pleasant way, while playing. Sometimes people would think that we are crazy, and we believe that crazy people are those who change the word. We are passionate about people, we believe in people and in ourselves and we are determined to succeed.
Primary country where this project is creating social impact
Additional countries or regions
The information you provide here will be used to fill in any parts of your profile that have been left blank, such as interests, organization information, and website. No contact information will be made public. Please uncheck here if you do not want this to happen..
read more↓↑ hide↑ hideSelect the stage that best applies to your solution
Idea (you're poised to launch)
The Need: What social or environmental problem are you trying to solve?
Poor people living in rural areas, represent almost 14.8 million inhabitant of the population in Egypt, 41.4% of which live in Cairo’s rural areas. Their real problem is that they believed that they can't do anything to change their realities, because they are poor.
The Solution: What is your solution? Be specific!
Empower rural communities with the capability to address their economic challenges on their own terms, and improve their living conditions while maintaining their culture and preserving their environment. The first phase is using the Oasis Game Methodology (http://prezi.com/mi4r_modjbll/oasis-game/) to mobilize the residents to realize their common dreams for the community that can be realized in 4 days using the community's natural resources and reducing, reusing, recycling and we try also to mobilize the city hall, individuals, businesses, CSR, local NGOs, to provide services and raise fund. And invite volunteers to participate in the 4 days hands on. The second phase is to follow - up with the community's socio - economic initiative and offer legal help, management training, product development, branding, marketing and sales of selected products n local and international markets.
The Solution: Why is this solution innovative for your company and industry?
The idea is simple and it's based mainly on the collaborative work of the community's residents, volunteers, local NGOs, businesses, corporate social responsibilities department, international donors, city halls to achieve a community dream, instead of working as an organization to make what we think is better for the community. This what has always been happening. It's a positive methodology to empower a community focusing on the community's assets.
The Model: Walk us through a specific example of how your solution makes a difference; include your primary activities.
The Marketplace: Who are your peers and competitors? Identify others also working to address the needs you are and what differentiates you from them. What challenges could these players pose to your success or growth?
Fair Trade Egypt and the Productive Family Project, We believe that we will be working on different categories of products and that at a certain point we want to access the wide network of buyer within the International Fair Trade Organisation. We would also use the expertise of certain producers within the productive family project to train our producers. We believe that the relationship will be more cooperative than competitive.
This Entry is about (Issues)
read more↓↑ hide↑ hideFounding Story: We want to hear about your "Aha!" moment. Share the story of where and when the founder(s) saw this solution's potential to change the world.
April 2012, I have known about this program Warriors Without Weapons offered by Instituto Elos, Santos - SP, Brasil. I was selected to attend the one month program and to work in the community of Morro Santa Maria. I have seen the methodology work from mapping the beauties, resources, people; through getting the experts opinions; mobilizing resources from the community and business in 2 days; realizing the dreams in 4 days (a park for the children, a cultural center for youth in a container, the seed of a women cooperative in a container + training the women on new design + branding) . I have also worked adjusting the supply chain process in a Fair Trade Organisation in Egypt dealing directly with the producer and I have seen, I know that work change people lives, They managed to educate their children, to build new houses, to start learning to read and write, to legalize their businesses and hire more people.
What has been the impact of your solution to date?
Our solution is still an idea, but soon we shall start.
What is your projected impact over the next 1 to 3 years?
From 9 to 12 communities empowered per year to create and successfully pursue sustainable economic opportunities. Safe work opportunities mainly for women and girls, who tend to spend all her earning on her family we expect less hanger, more children will be able to go to school (example of Fansina project in St. Catherine, Sinai - Egypt). Training, product development and an access to local and international markets.
What barriers might hinder the success of your project? How do you plan to overcome them?
1) Political instabilities and policies toward poverty alleviation.
2) Cultural or religious barriers to penetrate the community.
3) The diversity of the communities which means that we will need to be creative enough to be accepted each time we decide to penetrate a community.
We are living with political instabilities and able to sell our idea to political leaders. We are are divers group of people from different backgrounds and with various experiences. We believe that our diversity will help us overcome the religious and cultural barriers and think of creative ways to penetrate into a new community, using our wide network of people.
read more↓↑ hide↑ hideWhat is the benefit or value you're creating for your business?
The project starts with the support of individuals, businesses, CSR who hire our services of facilitating an Oasis Game in a Community, NGOs or Int'l donors. We will depend on international donors to bring in an expert designer to work with selected artisans / works and Egyptian designers, we will depend on CSR programs to offer the cooperative management team selected training. We will achieve the sustainability from a 20% net profit from the sales of the communities products in outlets in Cairo and later from export..
How are you leveraging internal resources (funds, time, knowledge, etc.) to support this initiative?
2 people are giving 100% of their time, the rest are working or volunteering on part time basis.
Expand on your answer, explaining the long-term funding and support plan.
The long term funding should come from the sales of products from the communities.
Tell us about your partnerships across your company and externally that are key to your project's success.
In the future we wish to partner with either Fair Trade Egypt or the Productive Families Organisation.
What internal support have you gotten for your project? What kind of push-back have you received?
The project is still an idea.
Created on 01/14/2013 by aesconcept
Approximately 40 words left (320 characters).
read more ↓↑ hide↑ hideTell us about yourself/your team.
I am a problem solver having so much passion to change my world. I want to become a notable innovator, world-changer and a transformer of the African continent using technology, business ideas and leadership skills to solve various problems facing mankind in order to make the world a better place. Am also passionate about creating ventures and enterprises optimized for social impact and community welfare
What makes you an intrapreneur? What are the skills, capabilities, and personality traits that make you an intrapreneur?
I am enthusiastic about exploring edges of innovation within and outside my discipline. I have computer technology skills, excellent communication skills, leadership abilities and resilient. I am passionate about change , product invention and process innovation.
Primary country where this project is creating social impact
Additional countries or regions
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read more↓↑ hide↑ hideSelect the stage that best applies to your solution
Start-Up (a pilot that has just begun operating)
The Need: What social or environmental problem are you trying to solve?
Project CEDAFEC addresses the problem of information and communication technology phobia and low usage for educational activities in elementary schools across Nigeria. We identified high cost of software and poor internet facilities as the major impediments to technology usage in the classroom. There is a high level of phobia for technology because it is not usually embedded into teaching and learning from elementary level.
The Solution: What is your solution? Be specific!
Project CEDAFEC offers technology embedded curriculum, teaching and learning to provide remedial opportunities for classroom content. Project CEDAFEC focus on motivating and engaging learners using technology, encouraging innovation and collaboration in the classroom by teaching creative thinking and technology applications in various subjects.We provide technology engagement for learners, professional development trainings for educators and school administrators on how to adapt open source technology and educational resources for teaching and learning activities. We help the educators and school administrators to adapt technology to teaching practices and a paperless school administration.
The Solution: Why is this solution innovative for your company and industry?
Project CEDAFEC solution is innovative because it embed open source educational resources and technologythereby eliminating the cost of using proprietary software which can be utilized for teaching and learning activities. It offers a fun way to learn thereby extending educable moments for school pupil. It also enable and give every child the advantage of ICT from elementary level. Our solution makes learning and teaching effective and encourage collaboration in the classroom
The Model: Walk us through a specific example of how your solution makes a difference; include your primary activities.
Our programme consists of in-school periodic events and activities. Our technology engagement programme gives learners technology skills progression, classroom content enrichment and a fun way to learn. Our professional development training offers the educators other ways of teaching the same thing, technology skills progression, paperless classroom administration and easy lesson planning.we teach technology, creative thinking, self efficacy, and collaboration
The Marketplace: Who are your peers and competitors? Identify others also working to address the needs you are and what differentiates you from them. What challenges could these players pose to your success or growth?
Our competitors are ICT education providers and science-technology centers for elementary school pupils such as MADScience. We diffrentiate from our competitors by offering in-school events and engagements. We utilizes open source technology and free online tools for our solutions thereby solving the problem of high cost of proprietary software. Our challenge from competitors is their massive investment in technology to procure digital tools which may not be available to us.
This Entry is about (Issues)
read more↓↑ hide↑ hideFounding Story: We want to hear about your "Aha!" moment. Share the story of where and when the founder(s) saw this solution's potential to change the world.
Our "Aha!" Comes from the observation of low technology usage and techno-phobia exhibited by some school children. Our organization provides ICT and training services for schools and SMBs. We decided to come up with a low cost solution to counter the effect of low technology awareness and usage
What has been the impact of your solution to date?
Project CEDAFEC solutions has reached 5 schools in the last quater of the year 2012; organizing technology engagements, Professional development training for educators and school administrators, and installation of free technology and tools for classroom activities and school administration.
What is your projected impact over the next 1 to 3 years?
project CEDAFEC intends to reach 30-50 schools annually, and expected to have reached 90-150 schools in the next 3 years. We intend to reach an average of 1000 learners and 500 educators annually making estimates of 3000 learners and 1500 educators/administrators.
What barriers might hinder the success of your project? How do you plan to overcome them?
Expected barriers to our success include technology equipment and facilities such as internet, interactive whiteboard etc. and problem of electricity in remote areas. We intent to raise fund to procure equipment, internet connection and standby source of electricity.
read more↓↑ hide↑ hideWhat is the benefit or value you're creating for your business?
We are creating a solution, a process of offering the same thing using technology. We are devising a paperless classroom activities, school administration and teaching practices using open source technology. We are teaching creative thinking, technology applications and providing a model for delivering classroom content.
How are you leveraging internal resources (funds, time, knowledge, etc.) to support this initiative?
Personal funding and family supports are used to support the Project CEDAFEC initiative. Also personal information technology skills, and leadership abilities are enhanced with support from friends and volunteers to run the Project CEDAFEC programme. The Project CEDAFEC events and in-school engagements are usually carried out on a part time basis while holidays and vacations are utilized for programme planning.
Expand on your answer, explaining the long-term funding and support plan.
Our long-term funding plan focus on fund raising events, application for global funds, request for sponsorship from local organizations and individuals. Our support plan also focus on soliciting for volunteers, media support and technical support from various local organizations and individuals.
Tell us about your partnerships across your company and externally that are key to your project's success.
The Project CEDAFEC programmes have been running with partnership and support of technical colleagues and volunteered partners. The programme runs in partnership with elementary schools in local communities across Lagos, Nigeria. Our technology engagements and developmental trainings are usually held in-session. Log of past engagements and trainings are available at: www.cedafec.blogspot.com
What internal support have you gotten for your project? What kind of push-back have you received?
Internal supports such as funding, idea sizing and shaping have been received from friends and co-worker. Also discouragements and request for cash before supports are offered were also experienced in certain areas in the course of developing the project CEDAFEC idea. This includes cases such as leasing of equipments for outreach programme, mobilization and coordination.
La Academia de Fútbol Tahuichi Aguilera es una Institución Privada sin fines de lucro, que incluye dentro de sus 3.500 beneficiarios anuales a niños con sindrome de down en un ambiente adecuado motivacional y con profesionales que mejoran su calidad de vida.
Por su contribución a la sociedad, la Academia ha recibido reconocimientos internancionales, como ser "Embajadora de Buena Voluntad Contra las Drogas" de NN.UU, nominaciones a premio Nobel de la Paz, "Medalla de Oro de la Presidencia de la FIFA", entre otras grandes distinciones.
The project aims to empower young people to communicate their ideas, exhibit their potential and to take social action in their communities through articulating their messages by Digital Media and creation of the arts. Global Developmental Corps (GDC) will deliver an innovative program for the youth to engage in hands-on on media production by producing Arts – photography, creative design, videography and poetry using Adobe Computer Software that the organization has secured and to tell their stories and share their perspectives on the social issues that affect them.
Created on 11/2/2012 by Shashi Kaant Bhatnagar
Approximately 40 words left (320 characters).
read more ↓↑ hide↑ hideTell us about yourself/your team.
We started as a animation production services company and are not transforming ourselves into a multiplatform brand development business - that means we create experience in life using animation, visual effects and graphic content for large life experiences - learning, storytelling, community building. We are team of around 40 people and rapidly expanding. KALADHAAR is a unique creative learning platform with e-lessons, virtual world + online gaming, merchandize kits for development of creative skillsets in kids and this is combined with online and center based learning for professional education as one grows. KALADHAAR covers the creative skill development across lifecycle of an individual.
What makes you an intrapreneur? What are the skills, capabilities, and personality traits that make you an intrapreneur?
1. Observation of internal challenges and how they affect the industry level delivery
2. Planning and thinking through of such solutions and identifying the value it can bring to society which can be monetized also.
3. Taking risks to believe on oneself when everyone likes the plan, says it is great but it is too big to implement and is idealistic in nature
4. Keeping teams together across challenges and tough times working on morale and the goals we have to achieve
Primary country where this project is creating social impact
Additional countries or regions
This can impact the whole world.
The information you provide here will be used to fill in any parts of your profile that have been left blank, such as interests, organization information, and website. No contact information will be made public. Please uncheck here if you do not want this to happen..
read more↓↑ hide↑ hideSelect the stage that best applies to your solution
Start-Up (a pilot that has just begun operating)
The Need: What social or environmental problem are you trying to solve?
Development of Creativity and Innovation as an essential skillset instead of as a hobby in education system
This is a Rs 10,000 Crore Indian Rupees market size.
The Solution: What is your solution? Be specific!
This is creative eco-system combining product lines of e-lessons, virtual world/online gaming and merchandize kits with distribution through local centers and business partners. Kids touchpoint are schools, online or web as well as online purchase and retail stores
The Solution: Why is this solution innovative for your company and industry?
Google is largest company in the world and content owner. Businesses will take that shape as we move forward in a digitally driven world with graphic communication. Kids today are not being taught at essential skill education level to use and develop their creativity to be professionals like we do with language or mathematics. This leads to poor quality and lack of preparation in finding such human resource which can shape tomorrow's world.
The Model: Walk us through a specific example of how your solution makes a difference; include your primary activities.
Imagine a class being taken in a school where 450 lessons of creativity develop in a structured manner are taught to kids from Class I to Class X. Exactly the same they are taught humanities, mathematics and language. The kids grow into these skills in a structured manner and shape their thinking. They have additional tools and engagement provided on web based platform in form of virtual worlds and online gaming to consistently develop into this learning path while doing what they love to do. And there is material based things to assist the smell, touch, feel senses while developing these capabilities thus keeping them connected to real world and developing them into innovation and creation. Material based things are merchandise kits. KIDS all over the world grow using these education eco-system exactly the same they grow into linguistic skills, number skills or other forms of knowledge but with a far better presence of education experience. Combine - khan academy, e-learning in schools from pearsons, art kits from say crayola combined together planned and executed on same platform in a structured manner inculcating creativity and innovation
The Marketplace: Who are your peers and competitors? Identify others also working to address the needs you are and what differentiates you from them. What challenges could these players pose to your success or growth?
There is no competitior in this space. And we mean it. There is no structured product with structured 450 lessons in visual arts and other lessons in art forms worldwide. There are competing products in online space like "moshi monsters" or creative verse from Linden labs but ours is combined with a full scale eco-system. Merchandize kits also will not have a competitor as we will license our designs to a large merchandize company.
Educators or large e-learning companies will become competitors as me-too products in future after we launch our product lines. They cannot compete with the full eco-system though.
This Entry is about (Issues)
read more↓↑ hide↑ hideFounding Story: We want to hear about your "Aha!" moment. Share the story of where and when the founder(s) saw this solution's potential to change the world.
For the product development, we have been conducting workshops in focus groups of kids in communities, schools etc. In one of the schools in Dombivili, Mumbai, where kids are educated in an innovative, simple and exploratory manner, when we conducted the workshops of entire of exercises of ten key drivers of this systems, we were amazed with instant results. The behaviour kids started to change in terms of creation, construction and innovation which was beyond even what he had thought. That was a big AHA moment and i believe we recorded that also.
What has been the impact of your solution to date?
We have not made much money as product development is in progress but we would have conducted workshops with over 1000 kids and affected their creative thinking behvaiour.
What is your projected impact over the next 1 to 3 years?
Next 1 year - we are developing the product and looking for money to develop it well. Some of the skillsets can be found only in US so we have to build a fairly global team.
Next 3 years - We would be able to impact around 1000 schools and 10,000 children who can adopt this system. We have not yet estimated the market size for online world/ Ipad/Mmog product line as we have not done the Beta yet.
We aim to affect around 50 million kids during our human lifetimes.
What barriers might hinder the success of your project? How do you plan to overcome them?
Funding is a major challenge due to innovative nature of product which challenges some structure of current education system.
Adaptability by schools and teachers at school level will be another challenge.
High involvement of parents is needed for success of Learning path and engagement of teachers, parents and kids together will have a real impact. Family values are important for its success.
Cultural adaptation of products will be another challenge as we are facing that in middle east so lot of exercises have to re-done.
read more↓↑ hide↑ hideWhat is the benefit or value you're creating for your business?
This can provide a lifetime business which is sustainable as any education system is in our society
Being disruptive in nature, this has potential of very high topline with fairly high margins. This is disruptive revenue opportunity for our business.
There are 7000 schools in india alone which can adapt this system quite gracefully and with interest once the product is ready. We charge Rs 60 per month per student per school with capacity of average 1000 students means Rs 500+ Crore of revenues on year-on-year basis.
How are you leveraging internal resources (funds, time, knowledge, etc.) to support this initiative?
We have started small using existing skillsets to launch the GRADUATE & PROFESSIONAL COURSES on one site and also taking them online in next 4 months. While doing that we are investing from revenues slowly into this product development for KALADHAAR KIDS space. We dont need money for development on GRADUATE & PROFESSIONAL COURSES platform as it is nearly done.
We have the best of creative directors, designers, animation directors, animators supporting us in our endeavours. People just love what we do and often wait on the flanks to join ius.
Expand on your answer, explaining the long-term funding and support plan.
We need around USD 5 million to finish development, expand and exploit the plan and there will be not any funding required after that as the margins of business are high with well defined market size and identified customers.
Tell us about your partnerships across your company and externally that are key to your project's success.
Key partnerships being targetted will be Google, Intel, Fisher Price, Hobby Ideas in India, Large retailers like Big Bazaar, Target/Walmart in US.
For school distribution, we will have local distribution partners who also run KALADHAAR CENTER and license our products for local communities. This distribution network is critical for expansion and sustainable success of plan.
What internal support have you gotten for your project? What kind of push-back have you received?
Being a CEO, I have pushed it but due to the enormity of the product, my partners do tend to believe this to be very long-term while still working on product development.
This is internally funded.
Created on 10/24/2012 by amychen
Food for Good is a social business incubator within PepsiCo that is focused on developing new models to sustainably improve access to healthy foods in underserved communities. Our flagship initiative provides nutritious meals and physical activities to kids at risk of hunger during the summer.
read more ↓↑ hide↑ hideTell us about yourself/your team.
"Food for Good" is a team of passionate, hopelessly optimistic, fiercely stubborn "doers" - who believe that you can do good and do well at the same time, that business can be a force for social good, and that we can accomplish more when we work together - across silos, sectors, and schools of thought - than we can alone.
For the last four years, I have led a small team with big ideas working within one of the world's largest food & beverage companies. We've created a "social business incubator" -- called Food for Good -- that pilots new business models that can improve access to healthy foods in underserved communities in the United States.
I've worked across non-profits, government, and business -- and am passionate about finding creative ways to drive social change!
What makes you an intrapreneur? What are the skills, capabilities, and personality traits that make you an intrapreneur?
A passionate commitment to social justice.
A deep conviction that the world can be better - and that I can be part of the solution.
Dogged determination and an unwillingness to take "no" for an answer.
A strong internal and external network, and a keen sense of how to frame our business case for different stakeholders.
A gift for storytelling and inspiring and motivating people.
Contagious energy.
Shameless self-promotion in service of building and maintaining internal support.
Resilience and a high tolerance for ambiguity.
An understanding of how the game is played - for resources, mindshare, etc. - and a willingness to play it.
An ability to be resourceful and scrappy.
"Selective hearing" to drown out the voices of naysayers.
Company Country
United States, NY, Purchase, Westchester County
Primary country where this project is creating social impact
United States, TX, Dallas, Dallas County
Additional countries or regions
Industry
Consumer Products
read more↓↑ hide↑ hideSelect the stage that best applies to your solution
Growth (your pilot is up and running, and starting to expand)
The Need: What social or environmental problem are you trying to solve?
Food for Good’s mission is to sustainably improve access to healthy food in underserved communities. We've started our efforts in the area of childhood nutrition. Nationwide, almost 20 million children rely on subsidized meals at school to meet a significant portion of their daily nutritional needs. However, many of these children struggle during the summer to get the food and nutrition they need. The USDA’s Summer Food Service Program (SFSP) provides funding to support summer meals, but less than 10% of eligible kids access these meals. Our conversations with local community members revealed that transportation and access issues prevented many kids from reaching these traditional summer food service sites, which are generally located at churches, schools, parks, or other community sites.
The Solution: What is your solution? Be specific!
As one of the world's largest food & beverage companies, we have best-in-class logistics and supply chain systems that can get our food & beverage products to every corner of the country. Leveraging this expertise, we've created a "mobile" meal program that can bring healthy food and physical activities directly to children in apartment complexes and other community sites during the summer. By doing so, Food for Good is able to address many of the transportation and access issues that prevent kids from reaching traditional summer food service sites. We've partnered together with local community organizations and state and federal government agencies to create the largest summer mobile meal program for kids in the country, serving over 1 million meals to underserved kids across Dallas, Chicago, Austin, and Houston in the last four years. In addition, we've been able to leverage our meal platform to provide meaningful physical activities and games for our kids.
The Solution: Why is this solution innovative for your company and industry?
Most companies, including ours, have traditionally focused their social efforts through grant-making corporate foundations. In contrast, Food for Good is a social business incubator that develops and scales nutrition initiatives. We harness the people, resources, and scale of business to engage directly in addressing social issues. We believe it’s acceptable - and desirable – to generate revenue; it is the best path to sustainability and greater impact!
The Model: Walk us through a specific example of how your solution makes a difference; include your primary activities.
During the school year, millions of children are able to receive healthy meals at school. This system works efficiently because of the existing transportation infrastructure (e.g., school buses) that bring kids to schools. During the summer, this system breaks down. Kids scatter, and many are told by their parents to stay inside while their parents are at work. The unfortunate reality of this situation – combined with a summer meal program that has historically been administered through scattered non-profit sites (e.g., churches, schools, YMCAs, and clubs) – is that millions of kids across the country are not able to access the healthy meals.
Our model hinges on a very simple insight: if kids can’t get to food, why can’t we bring food to kids? We partnered with local community organizations that were already involved in the summer food service program and offered them the ability to significantly extend their reach and impact by serving kids that weren’t able to access their traditional sites. We designed a “healthy meal” twist on the classic ice cream truck, leveraging our expertise in food and nutrition, as well as supply chain and logistics, to develop a mobile meal van that goes directly to locations where kids are – apartment buildings, low-income housing complexes, and community playgrounds. Over time, we have added “coaches” to engage with the kids, provided physical activity programming, and have consistently improved the quality of meals. And we partner with local police departments to ensure that our program sites are safe places for kids to play and eat.
The Marketplace: Who are your peers and competitors? Identify others also working to address the needs you are and what differentiates you from them. What challenges could these players pose to your success or growth?
There is a complex constellation of players in child nutrition. The government provides critical financial resources. Non-profit organizations administer the program at the local level. And for-profit (and some non-profit) food service organizations produce and deliver meals.
We have strived to break down silos by engaging with players at every level, looking for creative ways to improve efficiency, reach more kids (e.g., by developing a new mobile model that brings foods where kids are), supplement meals with physical activities, and improve the quality of meals. While this approach has won us accolades from many who welcome a fresh approach, we still struggle to overcome the skepticism of some traditional players who feel we are encroaching on their territory!
This Entry is about (Issues)
read more↓↑ hide↑ hideFounding Story: We want to hear about your "Aha!" moment. Share the story of where and when the founder(s) saw this solution's potential to change the world.
After getting the green light from our CEO to move forward with the initiative, our team spent months sitting with community members in what we called "listening" sessions. We had no agenda -- only one question for discussion: What are the biggest challenges facing your community, and how can we help? We were sitting in one of these sessions when someone brought up the challenge of child hunger, particularly during the summer. When we probed on why this was such a challenge, the neighbor explained that it wasn't about funding but about transportation, access, and distribution. The light bulb went off immediately! PepsiCo has one of the most extensive distribution networks in the world. If we know how to get our products to every corner of the country, why couldn't we use that same expertise to get healthy meals to kids in need? Six weeks after that spark, we launched our first two mobile meal vans and started serving healthy snacks and breakfasts to kids in inner city Dallas.
What has been the impact of your solution to date?
Over the last four years, we have served over 1 million healthy meals to underserved kids in Dallas, Chicago, Austin, and Houston. We've helped provide fun physical activities to thousands of kids. And we've created hundreds of summer jobs and transitioned a number of these into full-time, career-track positions within PepsiCo.
Along the way, we’ve talked with parents who are struggling to get by and have told us how much it means to know their kids are getting nutritious meals and fun, supervised activities while they’re away. We’ve met kids for whom our program was the first time they had adult male role models, had someone believe in them, or saw tangibly that the world hadn’t forgotten about them. We’ve had employees tell us about how meaningful it has been to see their “day job” skills empower them to give back. And we’ve talked with countless individuals across all fields who have been inspired by seeing an example of social entrepreneurship at work.
What is your projected impact over the next 1 to 3 years?
In the next phase of our Food for Good journey, our goal is to extend and deepen our impact in the community while building a more robust platform for long-term sustainability. Over the next three years, we plan to provide ten million nutritious meals to kids and community members through our summer meal program, year-round kids nutrition programs, and retail models that we are piloting with local bodegas and convenience stores. In addition, we are improving our summer programming by creating more structured physical activities, integrating nutrition education, and improving training for our summer coaches. Our next chapter will be critical in ensuring the long-term sustainability of our efforts and will help us define a deeper, broader impact in the communities that we serve.
What barriers might hinder the success of your project? How do you plan to overcome them?
Although we have reached operational breakeven with our summer meal model, seasonality continues to be our greatest challenge. Our current model operates only three months each year, which results in substantial, repeated start-up and shut-down costs. Seasonality makes it difficult to retain high-quality staff, deliver continuous improvements, and maintain organizational momentum. As we enter Phase 2 of our Food for Good journey, our focus is on developing complementary business models in the nutrition space that would extend our operations year-round, allow us to invest in infrastructure to build more scale, and ultimately expand and improve the scope of our efforts.
read more↓↑ hide↑ hideWhat is the benefit or value you're creating for your business?
Food for Good is a powerful proof point of our corporate vision of Performance with Purpose. We empower employees to use their skills to make a difference, improving engagement and decreasing turnover. We are an R&D incubator for new technologies, such as low-cost refrigeration, and a learning lab for breakthrough innovation. We’ve built trust and equity with consumers who hear about and interact directly with our program. And we serve as ambassadors with community and government leaders who are excited to see our commitment to partnership.
How are you leveraging internal resources (funds, time, knowledge, etc.) to support this initiative?
Internal support, at every level, has been critical to our success. We have a strong base of senior executive support that helps us secure and maintain funding for the initiative. This allows us to staff a small core team to manage the overall initiative. We have a cross-functional steering committee of mid-level executives that provide strategic guidance and serve as liaisons to subject matter experts throughout the organization. We partner with our internal employee affinity groups to recruit volunteers for “route rides,” where employees spend a day engaging with kids, serving meals, and building relationships in the community.
Expand on your answer, explaining the long-term funding and support plan.
Our long-term plan is to fund our own growth and expansion through the revenues generated by our social business operations. For example, for our flagship summer meal program, we receive payment for each meal that we deliver. Leveraging these resources, we reached operational break-even, where we are able to cover the direct costs of operating our summer program, in year 3. By expanding into related year-round business models and increasing our scale, we expect to be able to cover our full costs (including “headquarters” staff) in the next 3 years. In the meantime, we receive annual funding and headcount from our business units through our annual operating plan budgeting process.
Tell us about your partnerships across your company and externally that are key to your project's success.
Our most critical external partnerships are with non-profit organizations that administer the summer meal program. These community groups have deep existing relationships in the neighborhoods that we serve and help identify locations where there are kids in need, find and mobilize neighborhood advocates to get the word out, and work with AmeriCorps to provide physical activities to the kids. These efforts perfectly complement the mobile meal delivery that we provide.
What internal support have you gotten for your project? What kind of push-back have you received?
Food for Good is closely aligned with our corporate vision of Performance with Purpose. We have received critical internal support at every level, from front-line volunteers to mid-level strategic advisors and senior executive support that include our CEO and head of R&D. Internal debate has been centered on how close (or far) our business models should be from our core competencies and brands and how quickly we are able to achieve scale and financial sustainability.
Approximately 20 words left (160 characters)
This is a great opportunity to give honest press to these hard working organizations. It is my hope that telling these stories not only inspires people to work for these kinds of organizations, but that it also inspires them to work for the one that best fits their ideals and goals. An even better result would allow these charitable organizations to see themselves and see how they can improve to become better at engaging their participants and developing their community.
Created on 09/13/2012 by Swanbay
We are developing a series of simple children’s books in the Haida language for parents to read to infants and toddlers
Organization: Skidegate Haida Immersion Program
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Skidegate Haida Immersion Program
Country where this solution is creating social impact
Canada, BC, Skidegate, Haida Gwaii
Region in BC where your solution creates social impact
Northern British Columbia.
Is your organization a
Non‐profit/NGO/citizen sector organization
How long has your organization been operating?
More than 5 years
The information you provide here will be used to fill in any parts of your profile that have been left blank, such as interests, organization information, and website. No contact information will be made public. Please uncheck here if you do not want this to happen..
read more↓↑ hide↑ hideSelect the stage that best applies to your solution
Start-Up (a pilot that has just begun operating)
How long have you been in operation?
Operating for less than a year
Which of the following best describes the barrier(s) your solution addresses? Choose up to two
Cost.
The Need: Describe the need for your solution and the size and characteristics of the community(ies) your solution is engaging
The Haida Language is in danger of being lost. The language needs to be spoken in our homes, in our early childhood development programs, and in our schools. Children often read favorite books over and over. Haida picture books offer an opportunity for their first words to be Haida. No books exist in the Haida Language until this series began.
The Solution: What is your solution? Be specific!
Create books for children in Haida with images of people in our community.Children often read favorite books over and over. Haida picture books offer an opportunity for their first words to be Haida. Having local images, photos of local people, and local content will give the children a real connection to the books. Reading is an important developmental practice for parents and children and is a great bonding experience. Listening to the books also gives an opportunity to connect with our elders and hear the language. Providing an interactive component gives the children another way to learn from the books.
The Model: Walk us through a specific example of how your solution makes a difference; include the primary activities involved in your solution.
As of 2011, we see the situation of our Language status to be beyond critical. We are extremely concerned that there is not enough interaction between our Elders and younger community members to support our long-term language revitalization goals. With the declining population of fluent Elders, inter-generational transmission of the language is critically endangered and our opportunities for Elder teachings are becoming increasingly limited. We can preserve the interaction with elders by recording them saying the words in these books, even when they may no longer be accessible to us. Language is naturally learned through daily activities, and the more exposure and repetition language learners have, the more the learning process is facilitated.
Encourage parents and children to read books in Haida and revitalize the language.
Expand the Children’s Book Project to a total of 39 Books.
Create a link between elders, parents and children
Use new technology to preserve and revitalize the language
Provide exposure of the Haida language to children at an earlier age.
Foster positive relationships between parent and child and community.
Encourage reading in Haida
The Marketplace: Who are your peers and competitors? Identify others working to address the same needs as you and indicate what sets you apart from them.
No competitors as we are a remote community.
This Entry is about (Issues)
read more↓↑ hide↑ hideFounding Story: We want to hear about your "Aha!" moment. Share the story of where and when the founder(s) saw this solution's potential to change the world.
No books exist in the Haida Language. Language needs to be revitalized beginning with our children through support of our elders. Everytime an elder passes away our language is more and more in danger. Only a handful of elders still speak Haida.
Please describe the goal of your initiative; outline what you are trying to achieve
Create 39 books in the Haida Language with elders voices on CD's
What has been the impact of your solution to date?
9 books have been printed and received well in the community.
What is your projected impact over the next five years?
Encourage reading at home and in the Haida Language. There are currently no Haida Books at the Elementary School or other Public Locations within the Community that foster early learning, provide these to our community.
What barriers might hinder the success of your project? How do you plan to overcome them?
Loss of elders. Work quickly to record the books.
Cost of printing. Continue to look for money.
Winning entries present a strong plan for how they will achieve and track growth. Identify your six-month milestone for growing your impact
Provide community locations with 39 books.
Task 1
Create books and record language
Task 2
Edit books and send to publisher
Task 3
Print books and distribute
Now think bigger! Identify your 12-month impact milestone
read more↓↑ hide↑ hideTell us about your partnerships
Partnerships exist with Skidegate Band Council and the School District #50 to continue to revitalize the Haida Language beginning with documentation.
Are you currently targeting other specific populations, locations, or markets for your solution? If so, where and why?
Open to any community member on Haida Gwaii or related.
What type of operating environment and internal organizational factors make your innovation successful?
School and educational settings. Local libraries and early learning programs all work with our elders at the school.
Please elaborate on any needs or offers you have mentioned above and/or suggest categories of support that aren't specified within the list
Make books digital so that they can be read online by anyone.
This project also has a Changeshop where you can read more about its latest progress.
Go to Changeshop: The Magic of Think.
Created on 09/12/2012 by Magical Voice
Approximately 20 words left (160 characters).
Organization: The Magic of Think
Visit websitemore ↓↑ hide↑ hideCountry where this solution is creating social impact
Region in BC where your solution creates social impact
Thompson Okanagan.
Is your organization a
For‐profit
How long has your organization been operating?
Less than a year
The information you provide here will be used to fill in any parts of your profile that have been left blank, such as interests, organization information, and website. No contact information will be made public. Please uncheck here if you do not want this to happen..
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Idea (you're poised to launch)
How long have you been in operation?
Still in idea phase, but looking to launch soon
Which of the following best describes the barrier(s) your solution addresses? Choose up to two
Access, Cost.
The Need: Describe the need for your solution and the size and characteristics of the community(ies) your solution is engaging
We are currently in the midst of something of a global epidemic of childhood disorders, whereby substantial portions of young children are affected by pathological states of mind and behaviors.
For example:
Kelowna 2012 - an 8 year old girl was admitted to the General Hospital because she wanted to commit suicide.
British Columbia - statistics indicate that more than 140,000 of the 580,000 children and youth over the age of six are estimated to have mental disorders that impair their cognitive functioning and over 64,000 children are affected with anxiety.
In Canada - 5 year olds are being hospitalized for anorexia.
In the UK - one million kids are bullied every week
And worldwide - one suicide occurs every 40 seconds.
The Solution: What is your solution? Be specific!
The Magic of Think ameliorates such distressing statistics by developing a curriculum which is designed to increase in children the virtue of “courage” – that is, by literally “encouraging” them. The Magic of Think uses pedagogical tools and techniques based on proven principles of learning. We help children become resilient individuals who can deal with life’s challenges in positive and constructive ways. We keep the child’s imagination and mind highly engaged through the use of animated characters, rhyme, technology, stories and award-winning original music.
The Model: Walk us through a specific example of how your solution makes a difference; include the primary activities involved in your solution.
The Magic of Think curriculum - along with the companion instructional materials - was developed with an overarching vision: namely, to promote in children a resiliency to the vicissitudes and anxieties of childhood. Specifically, it sets out to empower children with social, emotional, and cognitive tools to promote mental health in general, and to prevent depression and anxiety. Through songs and activities, students develop positive self-images, learn how to express gratitude, and, more generally develop the sorts of social skills which are so frequently absent in at-risk children. They are also taught how to respond to anxiety using an age-appropriate relaxation technique, maintain well-being through physical activity, and identify their social support network. Lastly, they are encouraged to identify their own goals and dreams, and pinpoint specific things, which make them unique and wonderful individuals.
The activities in this course help students understand and apply the lessons from the songs on The Magic of Think CD. These activities are also designed to meet many of the learning outcomes from English Language Arts in BC and Alberta, as well as Grade One learning outcomes from BC’s Health and Career and Alberta’s Health and Lifeskills.
The Marketplace: Who are your peers and competitors? Identify others working to address the same needs as you and indicate what sets you apart from them.
Friends (Australia), Step (US), and Cognitive-Behavioral Stress Mgmt (US)
What sets me apart:
Our product keeps students highly engaged through the use of fun animated characters, rhyme, and original music.
My experience and contacts - I am a Hollywood award winner and part of an Emmy award-winning team. I’m a singer/songwriter, author, actress, and voiceover artist and my clients range from Paramount to Warner Bros. I have a high-profile client base, and a dream team that includes an advisory board with renowned directors from Hollywood, Accelerate Okanagan’s top mentors, award-winning illustrators, music producers that have #1 hits, innovative technology geeks, school principals, pioneering teachers, students, and distinguished university professors.
This Entry is about (Issues)
read more↓↑ hide↑ hideFounding Story: We want to hear about your "Aha!" moment. Share the story of where and when the founder(s) saw this solution's potential to change the world.
The Magic of Think was created after I met several children from The Make-A-Wish foundation who had made their “one wish” to meet all of us performing in an animated series. The cartoon in question meant the world to them. It was then that I realized the power that cartoons can have on a child's life. I wondered: “What if I used my years of experience and contacts to create characters, music, rhymes, stories and technology that helped kids develop courage so they could deal more effectively with bullying, self-doubt or a life-threatening illness?” The Magic of Think was born.
Please describe the goal of your initiative; outline what you are trying to achieve
My goal is to change the world one thought at a time. The Magic of Think uses technology combined with sound educational and pedagogical principles, to provide kids – in particular, those from disadvantaged backgrounds – with the strength, courage and resiliency to succeed in life.
What has been the impact of your solution to date?
I have amazing testimonials from teachers, professors, parents, grandparents and children.
What is your projected impact over the next five years?
To provide kids – in particular, those from disadvantaged backgrounds – with the strength, courage and resiliency to succeed in life.
What barriers might hinder the success of your project? How do you plan to overcome them?
How we plan to overcome financial costs:
Currently selling music CDs that I self-funded
Future sales of curriculum
Monthly recurring revenue through my songwriting and publishing royalties
(which I own 100%, and the songs also qualify as being 100% Canadian content for radio and television under the rules of CanCon)
Future sales of eBook
What’s going to stop a big monster company from copying you?
A very prominent company has already expressed interest in acquiring The Magic of Think. They are waiting to see what happens when I take it to the next level.
Winning entries present a strong plan for how they will achieve and track growth. Identify your six-month milestone for growing your impact
By March 2013, we will have tested the curriculum in 5 schools in school district 23 (Central Okanagan) and 1 private school.
Task 1
Testing curriculum in schools, make adjustments where needed, sell current CDs to gain the financial resources needed
Task 2
Build awareness and social media presence, grow, nurture and engage audience
Task 3
Approach Ministry of Education with results
Now think bigger! Identify your 12-month impact milestone
Product is approved by Ministry of Education in BC, an interactive eBook based on the characters and theme is released
Task 1
Have statistics that show the positive results of the product, finish the draft of the eBook, meet with Ministry of Education
Task 2
The curriculum is in use, test market eBook, identify any problems and adjust, develop a partnership with Ministry of Education
Task 3
Keep building fan base, track monthly sales of CD and curriculum, release the eBook
read more↓↑ hide↑ hideTell us about your partnerships
We are receiving help from the university, private schools, public schools, and Accelerate Okanagan. We have testimonials from parents, kids, teachers, professors, and grandparents as well as reviews (Billboard Magazines ‘Discoveries’) and awards (Hollywood Music in Media Award for Best Song).
Are you currently targeting other specific populations, locations, or markets for your solution? If so, where and why?
We feel that the pain we are solving is worldwide. We are starting with the province of BC, then the rest of Canada, and then we are branching out to the North American market and then worldwide.
What type of operating environment and internal organizational factors make your innovation successful?
The expertise and talent of the team will contribute to making this innovation successful.
Please elaborate on any needs or offers you have mentioned above and/or suggest categories of support that aren't specified within the list
Created on 09/12/2012 by Venie
Experience a high-flying adventure and natural beauty of nature in our backyard!
read more ↓↑ hide↑ hideCountry where this solution is creating social impact
Region in BC where your solution creates social impact
Columbia Basin.
Is your organization a
Non‐profit/NGO/citizen sector organization
How long has your organization been operating?
Please select
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read more↓↑ hide↑ hideSelect the stage that best applies to your solution
Idea (you're poised to launch)
How long have you been in operation?
Still in idea phase, but looking to launch soon
Which of the following best describes the barrier(s) your solution addresses? Choose up to two
Access, Quality.
The Need: Describe the need for your solution and the size and characteristics of the community(ies) your solution is engaging
This project address the need for an "active living" option in our community. It directly impacts the physical and social health of the citizens of the Columbia Basin and others that travel through the area. Although the solution will positively impact people of most ages, it specifically addresses the need for youth-oriented activities in our local area. Furthermore, it is a viable economic venture in that it is at least a three-season draw for locals and tourists alike. Environmentally, its impact is minimal and will also provide some employment in the area.
The Solution: What is your solution? Be specific!
A rope suspension park is an obstacle-type climbing course located in and amongst tall trees. There are different levels of difficulty depending on the age and skill of the climber. Movement through the course is by way of cables that are used by climbers. Participants wear climbing gear to keep them safe along the various rope activities and zip lines that enable access along the course. This may include suspended logs, webbed climbers, suspended bridges, platforms built around trees, and any other ideas one can imagine. A smaller climbing area would be a great place for children under the age of 8 to participate in a similar, but more age-appropriate activity. Picnic tables, picnic areas and other play spaces would encourage large family groups to make it an all-day or half-day outing.
The Model: Walk us through a specific example of how your solution makes a difference; include the primary activities involved in your solution.
As a climbing participant in the rope suspension park, I would first be given a quick lesson on how to use the climbing gear provided then spend the rest of the time manoeuvring through the course, be it climbing on various rope configurations low to the ground or suspended log bridges higher in the trees or crossing larger distances from tree to tree via zip lines. This is primarily, fun; secondarily, it is great exercise. It is physically and mentally challenging for the individual, yet creates excellent group dynamics for larger groups. This can be used by school groups, youth groups, adult social networks, as well as corporate team builders. The varied levels within the course will always provide new and challenging obstacles and thrills.
The Marketplace: Who are your peers and competitors? Identify others working to address the same needs as you and indicate what sets you apart from them.
There is nothing like this in our area. Except for a few youth-centred activities (ie. skate park) and recreational activities available to the citizens of the Basin largely due to our natural resources and geographic location (mountain biking or swimming for example), organized and developed attractions such as this are non-existant. Given the increasing popularity of climbing and the recognition of healthy lifestyles within healthy communities, this is another viable alternative that supports active living amongst a large majority of the Basin's population.
This Entry is about (Issues)
read more↓↑ hide↑ hideFounding Story: We want to hear about your "Aha!" moment. Share the story of where and when the founder(s) saw this solution's potential to change the world.
Please describe the goal of your initiative; outline what you are trying to achieve
This project adds to the economic viability of the area while at the same time promoting active lifestyles for people of the immediate Basin area.
What has been the impact of your solution to date?
What is your projected impact over the next five years?
A direct impact over the next five years would be seen most immediately in increased tourism. More long-term, this project could help families in BC or Canada/the World when making decisions where to move to. When there is infrastructure that benefits all age groups in an area, that area is more likely to see increased population, increased employment and more services .
What barriers might hinder the success of your project? How do you plan to overcome them?
The scope of the project might seem overwhelming for the communities because nothing like this has ever been built. This would also prove costly to initially plan and develop. Community meetings and marketing of the project would be necessary if enough people were to support the venture. Because this can positively impact tourism of much of the Basin, funding could be secured in part with the support of all communities involved.
Winning entries present a strong plan for how they will achieve and track growth. Identify your six-month milestone for growing your impact
Task 1
Propose idea to the Basin communities.
Task 2
Identify developers/designers who have built similar structures in the world; research existing suspension parks in the world.
Task 3
Secure initial funding for the project.
Now think bigger! Identify your 12-month impact milestone
Task 1
Hire design team and secure contract.
Task 2
Engage local builders/engineers in project development.
Task 3
Secure secondary funding for peripheral infrastructure (ie. picnic tables, playground climbers).
read more↓↑ hide↑ hideTell us about your partnerships
Are you currently targeting other specific populations, locations, or markets for your solution? If so, where and why?
What type of operating environment and internal organizational factors make your innovation successful?
Please elaborate on any needs or offers you have mentioned above and/or suggest categories of support that aren't specified within the list
Created on 09/12/2012 by Beth Hutchinson
Kids need stories! And sometimes grownups need support to learn to tell stories well. The Storytelling Club gives grownups the help they need.
Organization: Parent-Child Mother Goose Program within the BCCF
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Parent-Child Mother Goose Program within the BCCF
Country where this solution is creating social impact
Region in BC where your solution creates social impact
Vancouver, Coast and Mountains, Vancouver Island, Thompson Okanagan, Northern British Columbia, Cariboo Chilcotin Coast, Kootenay Rockies, Columbia Basin.
Is your organization a
Non‐profit/NGO/citizen sector organization
How long has your organization been operating?
More than 5 years
The information you provide here will be used to fill in any parts of your profile that have been left blank, such as interests, organization information, and website. No contact information will be made public. Please uncheck here if you do not want this to happen..
read more↓↑ hide↑ hideSelect the stage that best applies to your solution
Idea (you're poised to launch)
How long have you been in operation?
Operating for more than 5 years
Which of the following best describes the barrier(s) your solution addresses? Choose up to two
Access, Cost, Quality.
The Need: Describe the need for your solution and the size and characteristics of the community(ies) your solution is engaging
Kids need stories! Stories build imaginations, grow vocabularies, strengthen critical thinking skills. Stories stimulates development of neural pathways in the brain essential to the development of literacy and academic success.
Yet fewer and fewer parents tell stories to kids.
At the Parent-Child Mother Goose program, we know many parents need encouragement to feel confident telling stories. We help parents in communities throughout BC, in urban and rural areas, in immigrant communities, Aboriginal communities, special needs populations and mixed neighbourhood groupings to develop storytelling ability.
But to bring the gift of stories to families, Mother Goose teachers need ongoing training. They need to connect with other storytellers, to practice and grow their skills.
The Solution: What is your solution? Be specific!
For many new teachers, storytelling is the most challenging part of the Mother Goose program. Storytelling workshops to reinforce skills and expand repertoires are in high demand – but these can be expensive, and difficult for teachers in rural areas to attend.
To improve the quality of storytelling in the program in a cost-effective way that is easily accessible to all we will use online technology and the telephone to re-inspire teachers in this ancient art.
We will connect Mother Goose teachers to meet regularly with one another online to share stories and to practice storytelling techniques in safe and supportive groups of their peers.
As researchers Vrasidas and Glass (2004) remind us: Students learn best when they are actively engaged in meaningful activities; when they collaborate with peers, exchange ideas, and provide and receive peer feedback; when they reflect critically ... But we tend to forget that teachers learn best in these ways too.
The Model: Walk us through a specific example of how your solution makes a difference; include the primary activities involved in your solution.
Imagine: you are a new teacher in the Parent-Mother Goose program. You have taken a two-day training session, you have worked with and learned from experienced teachers. Now you are delivering the program. You love singing children’s songs and telling silly rhymes: they’re fun, everyone loves them. But you’re nervous about telling stories. What if you forget how it goes? What if you can’t keep the audience interested?
Practice Makes Perfect: that’s what your teachers told you, and you believe it. So when you see a notice in your Mother Goose enewsletter to join a Storytelling Club, you decide to do it.
You are pleased to see that you can choose webinar or teleconference. You register, at www.bccf.ca or by phone. In either small group, you’ll meet new and experienced other Mother Goose teachers, you will listen to stories, tell stories, encourage each other and laugh about it all. You will also be learning about ways of building the enjoyment of storytelling in our own program.
You’re shy, but you go ahead and try it, and you find it so much easier than you had thought. The tips from the other storytellers are so helpful, and the stories that others share are inspiring.
The Difference: Now parents and kids love your stories! Parents tell you that you inspired them to try telling stories at home to their children, and they’re amazed at the difference they see already in their children’s attention spans and language. You decide to keep connected with the Online Storytelling Club, and to encourage other new teachers to join.
The Marketplace: Who are your peers and competitors? Identify others working to address the same needs as you and indicate what sets you apart from them.
Parent-Child Mother Goose is unique in that it uses the oral interactive use of song, rhyme and story to help parents develop children’s language and literacy skills and support social interaction and connection. The benefits develop through the experiences in the program and through repeated used of song, rhyme and story at home.
Since the development of the Mother Goose program in the 1980’s, its influence has been widespread, and many aspects of the program are now accepted best practice within the fields of early childhood development, early learning, and literacy. Yet evidence shows that the strongest results for children are found when the program is delivered as initially designed: a ten-week program led by two trained teachers, leading parents in rhymes, songs, and stories.
This Entry is about (Issues)
read more↓↑ hide↑ hideFounding Story: We want to hear about your "Aha!" moment. Share the story of where and when the founder(s) saw this solution's potential to change the world.
Once upon a time, in a town not very far from here, a group of family program staff were learning how to lead a program for parents and young kids. A simple, fun program where kids and grownups sang songs, chanted rhymes, and told stories together. It was called the Parent-Child Mother Goose program, and it was proven to increase children’s academic success and support development of literacy.
They were all very happy that they would soon be able to lead Mother Goose groups in their communities. There was only one problem: they felt shy telling stories. So when they led the program, sometimes they left those out.
That’s when BC’s Mother Goose coordinator thought, “Aha! I could bring these teachers together to practice telling stories. It would help them, and it would sure help all the kids and families they teach. I know, I’ll ask BC Ideas!”
The End.
P.S. Please help kids enjoy stories happily ever after by supporting Mother Goose!
Please describe the goal of your initiative; outline what you are trying to achieve
We are trying to enable program teachers in many and diverse communities to be able to assist the parents to tell stories to their children, because stories have profound effects on the developing literacy and life long learning capacity of young children.
‘Narrative ability is the single most important language ability for success in school.’ (Feagans & Appelbaum, 1986:359)
The goal of the Online Storytelling Club initiative is to support program teachers to continue to grow in their ability to engage both parents and young children with stories and to inspire those parents to become a storyteller for their own babies, young and growing-into-big children.
What has been the impact of your solution to date?
Programs like Mother Goose are instrumental in addressing the developmental needs of young children, and with more than 30% of BC’s children entering kindergarten not ready to learn (according HELP data), measures to strengthen the capacity of teachers are critical. Currently, up to 3000 BC children attend Mother Goose programs with a parent or caregiver each year.
Parental confidence and skill as well as adult language ability grows.
The Online Storytelling Club has not yet been introduced in BC. However, the feedback from the storytelling training workshops across BC has been very positive. Teachers tell us about their joy and amazement in realizing that they really can tell a story. We know that with the Storytelling Club, we can extend the benefits of storytelling workshops effectively to many more program teachers. And each of those teachers will reach many more children and parents, bringing the profoundly powerful learning effects of stories into countless families
What is your projected impact over the next five years?
The goal of the Online Storytelling Club initiative is to increase the number of trained Mother Goose teachers reporting that they feel confident in delivering stories to children and parents by 25% within five years. We project that the impact of that increase in storytelling ability among trained teachers will be a corresponding increase in storytelling at home by participating parents.
The effects of these increases in storytelling will impact levels of kindergarten readiness and future academic success among children participating in the program, however these changes will be difficult to track without longitudinal studies beyond the scope of BC Ideas funding.
What barriers might hinder the success of your project? How do you plan to overcome them?
Potential Barriers:
1. Mother Goose teachers may not hear about the group.
2. Some teachers lack computer access or expertise.
3. New Mother Goose teachers may be hesitant to participate.
Keys to Overcoming Barriers:
1. The group will be publicized through enewsletters sent regularly to all trained BC Mother Goose teachers, as well as at upcoming training sessions, and through our extensive networks of service providers throughout BC.
2. For participants who lack computer access or the necessary software to participate via webinar, conference calling can be arranged.
3. By ensuring that each group has a mix of experienced and new teachers, a comfortable and supportive atmosphere will help to make teachers feel the club is a safe place to practice their storytelling techniques.
Winning entries present a strong plan for how they will achieve and track growth. Identify your six-month milestone for growing your impact
• had one storytelling club - webinar • had one storytelling club - teleconference • collected pre post evaluative feedback
Now think bigger! Identify your 12-month impact milestone
Storytelling club participants report greater parental responsiveness to their storytelling on our 12 month participant survey
Task 1
o Review all tasks and adapt according to experience and feedback
Task 2
o Record program teacher participant progress; share with BC programs and National Program
Task 3
Decide: worth continuing?, adapt for second stage and new participants, grow in what ways?, next sustainability step?
read more↓↑ hide↑ hideTell us about your partnerships
The following agencies want to partner with us:
Options Community Services
Katherine MacIntyre, Program Manager FRP
Phone: 604-572-8032 ext. 1551
Email: Katherine.MacIntyre@options.bc.ca
Kamloops Early language and Literacy Initiative
Interior Community Services
Contact:
Maureen Doll, KELLI Project Co-ordinator
Phone: 250-554-3134
Email: kelli@ interiorcommunityservices.bc.ca
and
Early Learning Programs at the Boys and Girls Clubs, Vernon, BC
Contact:
Asia Dolling, Co-ordinator
Phone: 250-542-3121 ext. 108
Email: earlylearning@boysandgirlsclubs.ca
Are you currently targeting other specific populations, locations, or markets for your solution? If so, where and why?
Our initial target audience for the Storytelling Club project will focus on trained Mother Goose teachers who can benefit from additional support in storytelling in order to improve the quality of service and programming offered to vulnerable children and families participating in Parent-Child Mother Goose. As the success of the initiative grows, we will investigate the potential to expand the Club on a fee-for-service basis to other professionals in the child and family-serving sector.
What type of operating environment and internal organizational factors make your innovation successful?
The BC Council for Families is a non-profit organization with a 35-year history in BC of developing and delivering innovative training and professional development solutions for practitioners serving young children and families in our province. For over 12 years, the Council has been home to the Provincial Office of the Parent-Child Mother Goose program. In that time, the Mother Goose program has become one of BC’s most popular and highly-regarded early literacy programs for parents and their young children.
Both the Council and the Mother Goose program have a history and current practice of using funds wisely for maximum benefit, and both are characterized by working relationships that foster co-operation and mutual support.
Please elaborate on any needs or offers you have mentioned above and/or suggest categories of support that aren't specified within the list
Created on 09/12/2012 by rickdubras
In order to develop emotional literacy in youth, we have invested in Quirky Kid resources and programs, this will support our programs and youth and families.
Organization: Richmond Addiction Services Society
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Richmond Addiction Services
Organization Name
Richmond Addiction Services Society
Country where this solution is creating social impact
Region in BC where your solution creates social impact
Vancouver.
Is your organization a
Non‐profit/NGO/citizen sector organization
How long has your organization been operating?
More than 5 years
The information you provide here will be used to fill in any parts of your profile that have been left blank, such as interests, organization information, and website. No contact information will be made public. Please uncheck here if you do not want this to happen..
read more↓↑ hide↑ hideSelect the stage that best applies to your solution
Growth (your pilot is up and running, and starting to expand)
How long have you been in operation?
Operating for less than a year
Which of the following best describes the barrier(s) your solution addresses? Choose up to two
Quality.
The Need: Describe the need for your solution and the size and characteristics of the community(ies) your solution is engaging
That young people are not provided the training and support to develop emotional literacy. Youth are growing up without the expertise in communication skills, peer interactions, emotional intelligence and the ability to express emotions in safe ways to safe others. This creates isolation and vulnerability in the youth of today. With the preponderance of the internet and increase in screen time, our youth are losing their ability to create interpersonal relationships and communicate with safe others.
The Solution: What is your solution? Be specific!
We have created a partnership with an Australian Agency "Quirky Kid Clinic" who has developed materials and programs to support the development of emotional literacy in children and youth. Our solution is to bring these materials and programs to the awareness of the North American community including practitioners, doctors, teachers, social workers and parents so that children, youth and their parents can benefit.
The Model: Walk us through a specific example of how your solution makes a difference; include the primary activities involved in your solution.
Richmond Addiction Services Society has facilitated the importation of the materials and are developing marketing, distribution and awareness raising opportunities but do not have the expertise nor the man power nor the funding to fully implement the Enterprising Non-Profit program. We need help and support to create more awareness and marketing for these products and programs so that the revenue goes back into the non-profit society and the funding of the Supporting Families Affected by Mental Health and Substance Use programs. This is a way to diversify our funding sources so we can become less dependent on waning government support and funding.
The Marketplace: Who are your peers and competitors? Identify others working to address the same needs as you and indicate what sets you apart from them.
We have supportive partnerships in Richmond and many agencies have purchased some of the products however, we need to expand the area of advertising and distribution given the impact that these materials can have. Competitors are bookstores that focus on the distribution of similar materials and games. They are focused on profit and we believe in these products and believe this is a wonderful opportunity to create a innovative source of funding for our non-profit.
This Entry is about (Issues)
read more↓↑ hide↑ hideFounding Story: We want to hear about your "Aha!" moment. Share the story of where and when the founder(s) saw this solution's potential to change the world.
The moment was the director of the Supporting Families Affected by Mental Health and Substance Use has been using the materials and realized the potential for supporting the small agency in Australia and supporting the practitioners in North America and help sort the chronic underfunding of our programs. She brought me the idea and after convincing my Board of Directors which took about 1 year we signed a contract with Quirky Kid Clinic to invest in the resources and bring them to Richmond, BC. We have now been distributing the materials for almost one year but need help and support to do more!
Please describe the goal of your initiative; outline what you are trying to achieve
I wish to bring in marketing expertise and funding to hire a program manager able to manage the Quirky Kid resources and programs and be able to promote and advertise the resources. We wish to create a conference in the spring of 2013 to have Quirky Kid staff come to Canada and help create some excitement and training opportunities for the materials and programs.
What has been the impact of your solution to date?
We have put awesome resources in the hands of clinicians and schools to help youth develop emotional literacy. We have however not been able to contribute to the budgets as we have yet to break even.
What is your projected impact over the next five years?
We wish to sell $10000 of product to help support the growth of emotional literacy in our community and fund our chronically underfunded programs we offer to the community.
What barriers might hinder the success of your project? How do you plan to overcome them?
I have very little administrative support and cannot advertise the products enough. We don't have the resources to fund widespread marketing campaigns and are able to attend conferences across the country.
Winning entries present a strong plan for how they will achieve and track growth. Identify your six-month milestone for growing your impact
Task 2
Create past customers list
Task 3
Create 200 new customer contacts
Now think bigger! Identify your 12-month impact milestone
Task 1
create monthly online training
Task 2
bring Quirky Kid Clinic to Canada
Task 3
Create newsletter following of 500
read more↓↑ hide↑ hideTell us about your partnerships
we have created a partnership with the Supporting Families Affected by Mental Health and Substance Use committee and with Quirky Kid Clinic
Are you currently targeting other specific populations, locations, or markets for your solution? If so, where and why?
clinicians, social workers, doctors, parents, schools,
What type of operating environment and internal organizational factors make your innovation successful?
Our agency uses the materials with our clients
we believe in the materials and programs
we attending conferences
we work clinically with Youth and their families
we have excellent community partners
the materials are becoming more known
Please elaborate on any needs or offers you have mentioned above and/or suggest categories of support that aren't specified within the list
I think I have mentioned everything
Created on 09/12/2012 by NelsonOT
Educating and enabling our community about sensory differences so as to decrease the burdens on the early intervention programs and on the school system
Organization: Kootenay Kids Society - Physiotherapy and Occupational Therapy Program
Visit websitemore ↓↑ hide↑ hideOrganization Name
Kootenay Kids Society - Physiotherapy and Occupational Therapy Program
Country where this solution is creating social impact
Region in BC where your solution creates social impact
Kootenay Rockies.
Is your organization a
Non‐profit/NGO/citizen sector organization
How long has your organization been operating?
More than 5 years
The information you provide here will be used to fill in any parts of your profile that have been left blank, such as interests, organization information, and website. No contact information will be made public. Please uncheck here if you do not want this to happen..
read more↓↑ hide↑ hideSelect the stage that best applies to your solution
Idea (you're poised to launch)
How long have you been in operation?
Still in idea phase, but looking to launch soon
Which of the following best describes the barrier(s) your solution addresses? Choose up to two
Access, Cost.
The Need: Describe the need for your solution and the size and characteristics of the community(ies) your solution is engaging
The number of children with Sensory Processing Disorder on wait lists to see Occupational Therapists is on the rise. Sometimes waiting 12-18 months for service, due to limited contract hours.
In the school system children with differences, like Sensory Processing Disorder", who do not qualify for supports is on the rise. These "grey area children" often then pull resources away from other needy children due to their behavior challenges and difficulty learning.
We would engage our communities of Nelson and surrounding areas, Salmo, Kaslo, Trail, Rossland and Castlegar, a combined population of roughly 50,000. Specifically we would target parents, students, early childhood educators, community organizations, and other professionals or individuals that would benefit from program.
The Solution: What is your solution? Be specific!
Every person learns and interacts with their environment through their senses. Often children are unable to use that information to successfully navigate in their environment or learn the skills of life.
The solution to provide educational groups informing the targeted stakeholders about developing the sensory system (ex. parents with babies, public health nurses, childcare providers, etc.), teaching them about sensory challenged children, how to identify them early, and how it affects their behavior, interactions and learning. We would directly work with parents who have children with sensory challenges educating them and teaching them about tools and strategies to assist with their child’s life long challenge with sensory differences.
We would also provide education and support for implementation of a program that teaches parents, caregivers, children and others how develop self-regulation, which is integral to life- long learning. This program is also used in the schools.
The Model: Walk us through a specific example of how your solution makes a difference; include the primary activities involved in your solution.
A child is born to new parents. They notice that he doesn't like to be held and cries when people talk. The parents try various strategies that they hear from friends and family with little success. Eventually the parents see a public health nurse, who recently attended a "Sensory Education Group", upon hearing about the difficulties screened the child and suggested the parents see an Occupational Therapist(OT) about sensory processing disorder. This child is put onto the OT's wait list of 22 children. This means the parents will have to wait 12-18 months for help which can impact child and parent health, parent attachment to their new child and thus affect the family long term. While on the wait list the parents are offered a "Parent education group about sensory processing" - this group creates community connections, educates parents and provides them with practical strategies to use at home. Follow-up groups are provided to help parents problem solve. The parents feel their skills and knowledge are enough that they no longer need to be on the OT wait list.
As the child enters a childcare centre whom attended a “How Does Your Engine Run Program” he and his family are taught about his arousal levels that affect self-regulation and thus learning. The family uses this program consistently at home in combination with the previously learned sensory strategies with great success. As this child moves into kindergarten he continues the same program to learn how to identify his arousal level and what tools to use to bring it to the "just right" state for learning.
The Marketplace: Who are your peers and competitors? Identify others working to address the same needs as you and indicate what sets you apart from them.
Other agencies, programs etc. occasionally bring speakers to our communities to talk about self-regulation and sensory processing although there is never the consistent, long-term and hands on support that we would be providing to all stakeholers.
There are private Occupational Therapists who work in the community and can provide this education but the cost is prohibitive to parents.
This Entry is about (Issues)
read more↓↑ hide↑ hideFounding Story: We want to hear about your "Aha!" moment. Share the story of where and when the founder(s) saw this solution's potential to change the world.
When working in the school district it was noted that a large number of kids with challenges could not get support. Many of these children seemed to have sensory challenges that could have been targeted when they were young, by having stakeholders educated about sensory processing and taught about strategies and tools to help these children succeed.
Simultaneously I was working with children aged 0-6, I knew that many of these children were not getting support or were getting delayed support because of the long wait lists which are contributed by increased referrals and limited contract hours. These children were then entering the school system without enough supports. Our aha was to provide our communities with the knowledge and tools to support these children from birth and up so as to alleviate both the Occupational Therapy wait lists (of which is mostly sensory processing referrals) and to alleviate the school system by working together to provide the same regulation program.
Please describe the goal of your initiative; outline what you are trying to achieve
We are trying to provide stakeholders (parents, childcare workers, etc.) in our communities with the knowledge, strategies and tools to help children with sensory differences succeed from birth through their school career, thereby decreasing the burden on the early intervention programs and school system over the long term.
We want to decrease the wait list for Occupational Therapy in our communities by:
+ providing educational groups and support for our largest referral group, those children with potential sensory processing difficulties,
+ educating and supporting child care providers and parents with the self-regulation program "How does your engine run"
+ providing educational groups to other stakeholders in the community to increase awareness for earlier identification
What has been the impact of your solution to date?
We ran one parent education group so far within the confines of the contract hours and the feedback was very positive from the parents who attended. They left with not only a better understanding of who their child was and what was contributing to the difficult behaviors they observed but with tangible strategies and ideas of tools to use for their child to help them succeed. These parents also felt more connected to their community by meeting other parents with similar challenges that they were able to problem solve with and share success and resources with.
What is your projected impact over the next five years?
We see a decrease in the number of referrals to Occupational Therapy for children with sensory processing difficulties because the communities are equipped with knowledge and tools such as the program "How Does Your Engine Run". These decrease referrals for early intervention will thus decrease the burden on the school system allowing the limited resources that are available be used on the children with most need.
What barriers might hinder the success of your project? How do you plan to overcome them?
Monies will hinder the implementation and long term running of the groups and supports for the stakeholders in our communities. This will be overcome by continued searching of funders to support the project along with continued request to the government for increased contract hours to better served these children.
Winning entries present a strong plan for how they will achieve and track growth. Identify your six-month milestone for growing your impact
Task 1
Take the course on the program "How Does Your Engine Run"
Task 2
Meet with childcare centre directors to determine their interest in the program
Task 3
Meet with stakeholders to determine efficiency and to ensure all stakeholders are identified
Now think bigger! Identify your 12-month impact milestone
Task 1
A pilot project with 2-3 child care centres to see how the project can be implemented.
Task 2
Gather assessment tools to assist with assessing outcomes of the program at the child care centres and through the parent groups
Task 3
Meet with stakeholders to review the results of the pilot project and make changes to ensure success and efficiency.
read more↓↑ hide↑ hideTell us about your partnerships
Two different not-for profit societies are joining up to tackle their Occupational therapy wait list difficulties. The two OTs would work together to present the community groups and educational programs. The OTs would work in collaboration with the day cares and preschools to implement and support the programs. A partnership would also be made with the school districts to ensure the self-regulation program is being implemented in the same manner to ensure consistency between the two.
Other groups such as the childcare resource and referral along with success by six will be partnered with.
Are you currently targeting other specific populations, locations, or markets for your solution? If so, where and why?
What type of operating environment and internal organizational factors make your innovation successful?
An operating environment with good communication, established stakeholder lists, out come measurement tools and review processes will make this innovation a success.
Please elaborate on any needs or offers you have mentioned above and/or suggest categories of support that aren't specified within the list
We would require investment to sustain the program over the long run. To initiate and continue with the project continued media/marketing would be required to ensure attendance. Collaboration and networking will ensure efficiency and success of the project.
Created on 09/11/2012 by lbellis2
Our solution facilitates healthy exercise and outdoor learning in our community by developing a nature and beach trail and accompanying curriculum.
Organization: Chief Matthews Elementary School
Visit websitemore ↓↑ hide↑ hideOrganization Name
Chief Matthews Elementary School
Country where this solution is creating social impact
Region in BC where your solution creates social impact
Coast and Mountains, Northern British Columbia.
Is your organization a
Government
How long has your organization been operating?
More than 5 years
The information you provide here will be used to fill in any parts of your profile that have been left blank, such as interests, organization information, and website. No contact information will be made public. Please uncheck here if you do not want this to happen..
read more↓↑ hide↑ hideSelect the stage that best applies to your solution
Growth (your pilot is up and running, and starting to expand)
How long have you been in operation?
Operating for 1‐5 years
Which of the following best describes the barrier(s) your solution addresses? Choose up to two
Cost.
The Need: Describe the need for your solution and the size and characteristics of the community(ies) your solution is engaging
There is currently an urgent need in the community for outdoor exercise in the community of Old Massett in order to promote healthy living, combat diabetes, and connect Haida youth to their lands and oceans. As it currently stands, accessing most outdoor activities in the area require costly trips by vehicle, making it difficult for many families to take their children on excursions. Making safe outdoor experiences easier and more feasible for the community's youth and their families would facilitate exercise, healthy forms of play, and learning about the outdoor world, from the tiniest insect eco-systems to the grandest trees. This is particularly important for a place like Old Massett, whose majority Haida population has a long history of gathering food from and working on the land.
The Solution: What is your solution? Be specific!
Our solution has been to transform the forest that borders the Chief Matthews School into a nature walk, with the hope of extending our trails all the way to the nearby beach. In addition to creating this space, Chief Matthews has implemented a series of programs designed to get our students walking, exercising and playing in the forest, learning about its occupants, and becoming comfortable in a natural environment. The space is open to the community, allowing children and their families to continue playing in and learning about the natural world even during the summer months. With the support of B.C. Ideas, we hope to expand the trail to the beach, allowing our students to incorporate a safe marine education into their learning and even gather seafood for meals at school and at home. In this way, our solution creates a space for learning and exercise while offering instruction as to how best interact with this natural space.
The Model: Walk us through a specific example of how your solution makes a difference; include the primary activities involved in your solution.
One example of how we've implemented our solution has been through organizing scavenger hunts for the students of Chief Matthews in our nature walk. These hunts begin by identifying a series of plants and animals we would like the students to search for, giving information on their biology, life-cycle, Haida name, and their role in traditional Haida culture and subsistence. We then organize the students into teams and send them into the forest with teacher supervision. The students spend a fair bit of time running around "hunting," getting good exercise and enjoying themselves, while the teachers offer support by giving hints as to plant and animal locations and providing the students with additional information.
Once we are able to expand the trail to the beach, we will incorprate traditional seafood gathering lessons into our program, particularly digging for butter clams. This would entail taking students to the beach and, with the assistance of our Haida language teachers, community members, and parents, demonstrating for the students both how Haida have historically dug for clams and how it is done today. Our students would then begin to dig, an energetic activity entailing hunting for clams near the surface of the beach and quickly digging them up. Once enough clams are gathered, we would return to the school and assist the children in cleaning and preparing the clams for cooking and storage.
In both cases, the community would also gain easy access to these areas, forest and beach both, for their own exploration, exercise, and food gathering.
The Marketplace: Who are your peers and competitors? Identify others working to address the same needs as you and indicate what sets you apart from them.
Our most immediate peer organization is the Old Masset Village Council's Haida Health Department, who are our partners in promoting healthy exercise and fighting against diabetes and obesity in the community. Our partnership allows us to focus on different areas within the community, with Chief Matthews aimed primarly at Old Massett's children and youth, while Haida Health engages with a more general picture of community health and wellbeing.
There's also a fair bit of crossover between our program and those currently sponsored by the Old Massett Village Council youth program. Again, while we are partners in promoting health and activity for community members, the Youth Program is focused more explicitly on teens and older youth, while Chiefs Matthew's students range from four to ten.
This Entry is about (Issues)
read more↓↑ hide↑ hideFounding Story: We want to hear about your "Aha!" moment. Share the story of where and when the founder(s) saw this solution's potential to change the world.
It was actually the mother of Leslie Bellis, Chief Matthew's principal, who had our intial "aha!" One day, in 2008, while walking outside the school, she looked out at the forest and mused about how wonderful it would be for a trail to be built in the woods. "The students could walk across Canada!" she exclaimed. From there, we started visioning what such a trail would look like, and all the benefits it could bring to our students and the larger community. By 2011, with the help of landscapers Elvis Davis and Delbert Davis, we made our dream a reality.
Please describe the goal of your initiative; outline what you are trying to achieve
1. Our first goal in developing this nature trail and accompanying school programs is to promote healthy exercise and an education about the natural world for our students.
2. Our second goal is to offer students new opportunities to learn about their Haida culture, language, and traditions by developing new forms of culturally appropriate outdoor education.
3. Our third goal is to facilitate classroom teaching by offering students an outdoor space where they can expend some energy and get their minds ready for learning in the classroom. For some, this is as easy as a quick walk around the trail's fence, while others might need to run around the trail a few times to arrive at the right level of focus.
What has been the impact of your solution to date?
One of the the most promising indicators of our solution's success has been the way in which the students of Chief Matthews have embraced walking in the trail. The Chief Matthews Walking Club meets for walks at lunch four times a week and during many of our recesses. Since 2008 the walking club has walked a total of more than 16,000 kilometers. The nature walk has also been embraced by the community. Our trail is named after Nonnie Nina, a community elder and the school's Haida naani, and families walking the trail with their children is a frequent occurence.
In addition, we've noted both a marked increase in our students observational skills and fitness levels at Chief Matthews. They are now better able to identify plants, animals, and seasonal variations in flora and fauna. In gym, their endurance level is much higher, as well as their strength and general fitness.
What is your projected impact over the next five years?
We hope to be able to lead our students through the trail to the beach every Friday afternoon. This would mean a weekly kilometer walk for everyone, from which we hope yet greater increases in fitness and physical endurance on the one hand, and observational skills and natual awareness on the other.
At the same time, we'd like to see yet more community members embracing the trail and using it for their own exercise and learning. To facilitate this, we would like to install signs along our trail identifying key natural and cultural features, allowing the community to participate in some of the lessons we are attempted to convey to our students even when they do not have children enrolled in the school.
What barriers might hinder the success of your project? How do you plan to overcome them?
One of the major barriers we face to creating the kind of natural space we are working to achieve is the possibility of litter and disrespectful treatment of the trail. One of the ways in which we have already begun working on overcoming this issue has been to dedicate our forest trail to Nonnie Nina, a beloved community elder and matriarch. At 83, Nonnie Nina walked the trail at its opening with a grandson on each arm. In this way, we have attempted to imbue the trail with an atmosphere of respect, something which so far has translated into a very high level of community care for the nature trail.
Like any project of this kind, we also face funding challenges, which we aim to overcome through community and government financial support and grant applications.
Winning entries present a strong plan for how they will achieve and track growth. Identify your six-month milestone for growing your impact
Bringing our class to the beach at least once a month every month for a six month period
Task 1
Expand the trail to the beach, hiring local landscapers to create the expansion
Task 2
Go through the trail and insulate it from safety hazards for young children
Task 3
Develop a series of in-class science lessons to promote student knowledge in regards to natural habitats and mapping
Now think bigger! Identify your 12-month impact milestone
All students from nursery to grade 4 will have used the trail to the beach ten times
Task 1
Enhance our curriculum so as to better integrate our classroom work with our outdoors resources
Task 2
Re-assess trail conditions as the trail becomes more used and may require additional construction and safety measures
Task 3
Develop an outdoor education program as to as to best make use of our natural trails
read more↓↑ hide↑ hideTell us about your partnerships
We are currently in partnership with the Northern Haida Gwaii Hospital, who will match any funds we receive from B.C. Ideas through Northern Health's "Exercise for Children" initiative.
In addition, the governing authority of the Chief Matthews Elementary School is the Old Massett Village Council, who is also one of our primary sources of revenue. In addition, we receive frequent support from the Council of the Haida Nation and the Northern Savings Credit Union.
Are you currently targeting other specific populations, locations, or markets for your solution? If so, where and why?
What type of operating environment and internal organizational factors make your innovation successful?
Our solution is faciliated by the fact that it is being implemented within an already succesfully operating primary school. It funtions through our well-established administrative organization and distribution of labour, and receives support from parents and the community of Old Masset.
Please elaborate on any needs or offers you have mentioned above and/or suggest categories of support that aren't specified within the list
We are developing a series of simple children’s books in the Haida language for parents to read to infants and toddlers; the photographs are of children in our community; these books are also accompanied by audio disks so that readers can also hear the language from our elder’s voices. We are planning to take the entire Children’s book collection a step further by converting these books into an interactive format for the SmartBoard systems located at strategic learning locations in our community.
Our solution is to offer FREE, quality, culturally relevant after school activities for children and youth. We aim to increase the positive aspects of physical and emotional health, create a safe space for vulnerable youth and promote healthy choices.
Created on 09/10/2012 by Gladsome Lark
We would like to strengthen our communities one student at a time by offering scholarship programs for students wanting to study music.
Organization: Motif Music Studios
Visit websitemore ↓↑ hide↑ hideCountry where this solution is creating social impact
Canada, BC, Courtenay, BC
Region in BC where your solution creates social impact
Vancouver Island.
Is your organization a
For‐profit
How long has your organization been operating?
1‐5 years
The information you provide here will be used to fill in any parts of your profile that have been left blank, such as interests, organization information, and website. No contact information will be made public. Please uncheck here if you do not want this to happen..
read more↓↑ hide↑ hideSelect the stage that best applies to your solution
Growth (your pilot is up and running, and starting to expand)
How long have you been in operation?
Operating for 1‐5 years
Which of the following best describes the barrier(s) your solution addresses? Choose up to two
Cost.
The Need: Describe the need for your solution and the size and characteristics of the community(ies) your solution is engaging
We would love to see fair access to music education for young people with a variety of economic backgrounds. Many students who would love to study music are not able to participate because of a lack of funding or the inability to own an instrument for daily practice. Students in our community who are not able to participate are often the students who most need this opportunity and would benefit by the one-on-one tutoring environment and opportunities to participate in positive music ensemble groups. The need is diverse and encompasses a large demographic from students in pre-school to high school. Music is a tool that inspires creativity, encourages dedication and instills confidence.
The Solution: What is your solution? Be specific!
We would like to create a scholarship program for music education in our community. We believe that this would give fair opportunity for students of all socio-economic backgrounds to participate in music programs. We would also like to create after school music 'ensemble' programs which would give students a safe, encouraging environment to develop their skills with students who are also pursuing their music studies and give them the tools they need to work with others, build positive relationships and learn dicipline and dedication. These student groups could be given opportunity to 'give back' to their community with goals to share their music with other young people, senior citizens and special needs programs in our community.
The Model: Walk us through a specific example of how your solution makes a difference; include the primary activities involved in your solution.
Creating a scholarship program for private music lessons and group ensembles would give more students access to music education. Our plan would be to set up a scholarship application process that would help students apply for lessons in a way to encourage dignity for the family, but also open up opportunities for students.
Students applying for music scholarships wouldn't have to prove their academic excellence or their musical aptitude, but rather a genuine desire to learn and participate in the program.
This program could start with funding, but could grow into students giving performances as fund raisers and supporting other students who would also benefit from a music education. This would add a sense of accomplishment and community involvement for the participants.
This model also promotes employment for private music teachers in the community and gives them an opportunity to work with students who are eager to learn music.
The Marketplace: Who are your peers and competitors? Identify others working to address the same needs as you and indicate what sets you apart from them.
There are many private music teachers in our community as well as one two music stores that also provide instruction. There are no scholarship programs in our community that offer students the ability to study music at a reduced cost or no cost to the family.
Our music school is already operating and has had a goal of starting a scholarship program since we began in 2010.
Students come to our school because of our qualified, creative instructors, a professional learning environment with instruments that are carefully maintained and our focus on music education. We also work to create a 'community' at the school with group workshops and recitals throughout the year.
This Entry is about (Issues)
read more↓↑ hide↑ hideFounding Story: We want to hear about your "Aha!" moment. Share the story of where and when the founder(s) saw this solution's potential to change the world.
Having worked with youth and families for 13 years before opening our music school, we realized that the need for youth to have consistent, compassionate interaction with adults who believe in what they are capable of is essential.
It is overwhelming to think of the problems of society and try to change them all at once. Mother Teresa addresses this issue with wisdom, "If you can't feed a hundred people, then feed just one". Changing lives can start small. It can start with showing one person that you care about their lives, that you believe that they have potential, that you know they can be contributors to their communities.
We started our music school with the goal that families and students who walk through our doors would feel that care. It has been so exciting to see the wonderful families that are part of encouraging students in a lifetime appreciation of music. More importantly, we are also creating community citizens that are learning valuable life skills through music.
Please describe the goal of your initiative; outline what you are trying to achieve
We would like to see music education offered to students who could not afford to pursue it otherwise. We would like to create a music scholarship program that encourages students to 'give back' by using their music to bring joy to others in their community.
What has been the impact of your solution to date?
We have created a positive learning environment for students as well as set up the structure of a music school that demonstrates excellence, creativity and professional business practices. This is essential to see the further growth of a scholarship program and we are excited to envision growth of our music school and the ability to offer a music education to any students who are wanting to participate.
What is your projected impact over the next five years?
We would hope to see the ability to see 150 students be able to participate in the scholarship program over the next 5 years. This would enable them to study music with qualified, creative instructors who would encourage them in their studies. Our hope is that this would make a positive impact in those student's lives. It would also impact others in the community as students share their music in senior's homes, schools and special need's programs.
What barriers might hinder the success of your project? How do you plan to overcome them?
A barrier to the success of this project is the cost of funding that many students. A partial scholarship for 150 students would cost $67, 500.00 over 5 years. Our first plan would be to create a non-profit sector of the school that can receives funds. Secondly, we would work to create events that could encourage donations for the scholarship fund. Once students are in place under scholarships, then they could help promote the program by offering time to perform and share their music to raise awareness of the program and to also gain future supporters of this initiative.
The exciting thing about this initiative is that it can start small. If funds are available for only a couple students for the year, then we will start with that.
Winning entries present a strong plan for how they will achieve and track growth. Identify your six-month milestone for growing your impact
At our six-month milestone we would hope to have completed paperwork for establishing a non-profit sector.
Task 1
Apply for non-profit status for a portion of the music school. Put appropriate board of directors in place.
Task 2
Work on application process and determine eligibility for applying students. Create name of program and finalize forms.
Task 3
Advertise programs and have instructors in place for first 'pilot' project for scholarship program.
Now think bigger! Identify your 12-month impact milestone
First 30 scholarship students entering music program.
Task 1
Lay foundation for non-profit status and paperwork to show care of funding and careful business practices.
Task 2
Set up application progress, forms, website and checkpoints for students enrolling in the scholarship program.
Task 3
Advertising, marketing for program and selecting applicants.
read more↓↑ hide↑ hideTell us about your partnerships
Our current music school is run privately and is solely funded through customer generated revenue. With our new initiative we would hope to partner with local musicians, businesses that support the arts and education and individuals who have a heart for seeing music education accessible to students from all economic backgrounds.
Are you currently targeting other specific populations, locations, or markets for your solution? If so, where and why?
Our first goal has been to set up the structure of the music school including; qualified instructors, fully equipped music studios and a careful business plan with a vision for growth. We are in our 3rd year of operation and can see growth year to year.
In the future we would love to expand to add a location that would also have a larger studio with room for ensemble groups and studio recitals.
Our students are diverse and come from surrounding areas in the Comox Valley. Our program would be shared with students from local schools, homeschool groups, churches and community centres.
What type of operating environment and internal organizational factors make your innovation successful?
We are very excited about our initiative and are confidant that our current operating environment and internal organization factors are set up to be successful in this next innovation. Our location was well planned to be in a area that supports increased traffic and is near to a dance school that promotes arts involvement. Our studios are set up with care and have addressed the needs of sound proofing and contain quality instruments. We have chosen instructors who are committed to their profession, qualified, creative and willing to learn and grow as musicians and individuals. We have a committed core staffing team and are working to create manuals to promote consistency. We are very excited to be able to create a program that will encourage growth in individuals to impact our community.
Please elaborate on any needs or offers you have mentioned above and/or suggest categories of support that aren't specified within the list
We will be looking for investment from partners to see the set-up of our initial scholarship fund. Research and Information regarding setting up a non-profit sector will be helpful. Networking will allow us to launch our program successfully. Legal help may be needed to help set up contrast and liability clauses for this new section of our school.
Created on 09/8/2012 by lwalton
We want to ensure families have opportunity and support needed to become actively involved in teaching their children the Love of Literacy and Learning.
Organization: Literacy Now/Decoda Literacy Solutions
Visit websitemore ↓↑ hide↑ hideOrganization Name
Literacy Now/Decoda Literacy Solutions
Country where this solution is creating social impact
Canada, BC, Sointula and Port Alice
Region in BC where your solution creates social impact
Vancouver Island.
Is your organization a
Non‐profit/NGO/citizen sector organization
How long has your organization been operating?
1‐5 years
The information you provide here will be used to fill in any parts of your profile that have been left blank, such as interests, organization information, and website. No contact information will be made public. Please uncheck here if you do not want this to happen..
read more↓↑ hide↑ hideSelect the stage that best applies to your solution
Growth (your pilot is up and running, and starting to expand)
How long have you been in operation?
Operating for 1‐5 years
Which of the following best describes the barrier(s) your solution addresses? Choose up to two
Access, Cost.
The Need: Describe the need for your solution and the size and characteristics of the community(ies) your solution is engaging
Sointula and Port Alice are two isolated communities that have identified Family Literacy as a priority. Literacy Now has established very successful Early Literacy Program in both communities. Since this is year three of Legacy 2010 funding, we need to secure additional funding to continue and expand these successful programs.
Sointula is an island community accessible by float plane or small ferry.
Port Alice is linked by a winding highway that can be closed due to floods or landslides.
Each community is unique with members who are often independently isolated. By developing early literacy programs, we bring community members together and open the dialogue for building strong family literacy skills.
The Solution: What is your solution? Be specific!
The solution we have come up with is to share the money between two small communities in order to impact the most people. If the two communities each have $2500, the Preschool Literacy Programs will be able to run successfully for another year. The two communities currently have programs promoting Literacy to Preschool Children and their families. The programs show parents how to teach children the Love of Literacy and Learning using books, games, and activities. In this age of electronics and instant gratification, we would like to remind families about the joy of reading and playing with children and how it can fit into our busy lives.
In Sointula, the program "Mother Goose Drop In" would use the funding to hire an Early Childhood Education Facilitator, books, games, and supplies for children and parents.
In Port Alice, the program "Henny Penny Preschool" would use the funding mostly for purchasing appropriate equipment to support the healthy development of the children.
The Model: Walk us through a specific example of how your solution makes a difference; include the primary activities involved in your solution.
In Sointula, children and parents attend the other Goose Drop In Program on Fridays. The facilitator leads the group through a variety of songs, rhymes, stories, and puppet plays. This experience models healthy interactions for parents and caregivers. An example of this success is when a parent came back to the session and delighted the group with the story of how her daughter sand a learned song all week. These children are better prepared for their entry into the Elementary grades as they are learning the importance of song and rhyme as well as the ability to sit and attend to a story session. The parents enjoy the excitement of their children learning and how they fit in as an important teacher for the Love of Literacy and Learning. An important feature of this program is the development of social connection and community support for each of these parents.
In Port Alice, the Henny Penny Preschool offers a healthy Literacy based Preschool program. Parents are actively involved by supporting and volunteering in the Program. We want to expand this opportunity by purchasing more equipment that builds on the physical and social development of the young children. The community has gone through a period of difficult , economic times but a recent growth is encouraging young families to choose this community. However, with this growth of young families we need to infuse support and opportunities and resources to increase the impact of current programs. Again, these young children and their families will be better prepared to enter the Elementary School system.
The Marketplace: Who are your peers and competitors? Identify others working to address the same needs as you and indicate what sets you apart from them.
The Mount Waddington region is committed to provide strong Literacy and Learning opportunities for our families. We work closely with Mount Waddington Family Literacy Society, Strong Start, Ready Set Learn, School District Number 85, and North Island College to ignite a stronger focus to the importance of literacy in our region. What sets Mount Waddington Literacy Now apart from all these programs is that we have an outreach coordinator who works closely with the the task groups to identify the individual needs of each community. We then develop a plan to provide the solution for the literacy issue. Therefore, we are not in competition but rather a supportive of each other because we work together. The outreach coordinator provides valuable information for all the groups.
This Entry is about (Issues)
read more↓↑ hide↑ hideFounding Story: We want to hear about your "Aha!" moment. Share the story of where and when the founder(s) saw this solution's potential to change the world.
When researching with both Port Alice and Sointula to determine the wants and needs of the communities, it was decided that both communities would benefit from early literacy programs. The Kindergarten teachers said the children who participated in Early Literacy Programs were more ready and capable of settling into school routines.
Each child is unique, with an individual set of characteristics, and an individual developmental pattern which is influenced by both genetic and environmental conditions. Developmental milestones in all areas of development (physical, cognitive, language, social and emotional) are attained at different rates and times for each child.
The concept of 'school readiness' has concerned early childhood educators at both preschool and primary school levels for several years. Children who have commenced school without developing vital readiness skills, have been identified as 'at risk' for their future academic, social and occupational success.
Please describe the goal of your initiative; outline what you are trying to achieve
We see a decline in the number of parents who take time to read and play with their children. More and more children are left to play and entertain themselves and spend too much time watching TV. If parents could learn the joy of taking time to read with a child or play a game, maybe it would become more of a priority that could be fit into daily activities. There are so many benefits beyond Literacy Skills such as the bonding that takes place when you snuggle with your child and a storybook! The verbal back and forth that takes place when looking at a book is not only rewarding, but beneficial for learning as the child grows and enters the school system.
What has been the impact of your solution to date?
In Sointula, approximately 10 children with their parents attend the sessions every week. These parents have also started to regularly visit the local library to borrow books for their families to enjoy. The transition to Kindergarten is positive and the children are more able to sit and attend the school programing.
In Port Alice, approximately 8 children regularly attend the Henny Penny Preschool. The children who have attended the preschool in the past have had an easier more successful entry into the school system.
In both programs, there is a definite growth in interest and confidence with the parents in the daily interactions between them and their children. The parents have a better understanding of the importance in reading and playing with their children and have come to realize how this can be such a natural part of their day.
What is your projected impact over the next five years?
We would like to continue to support our programs in the two communities by finding funding and making the programs self-sustainable. We would like to reach out to as many families possible. It is especially important to reach families who may be isolated or struggling due to financial, social, or emotional issues. By developing healthy preschool Literacy programs, we are in a position to offer guidance and help them find support with other families in their community.
What barriers might hinder the success of your project? How do you plan to overcome them?
Funding is probably the biggest barrier at this time. Most of these programs are funded by non-profit groups rather than part of a paid position. We also rely on many donations. By working together with other groups we are able to share resources.
Another barrier is how to reach out to the specific individuals who are not included in our programs. We can offer support but it is important to respect the individual community member who may not value literacy as important in their life. This could be for a variety of reasons. For example, an adult may not value education due to a negative person experience, or a person may have such stresses in their life that literacy is not a priority.
Winning entries present a strong plan for how they will achieve and track growth. Identify your six-month milestone for growing your impact
Sointula and Port Alice - Children and parents will attend programs on a regular basis.
Task 1
Identify the core group of attending children and parents
Task 2
Have parents sign out book bags for literacy event at home
Task 3
Document attendance as well as use of book bags
Now think bigger! Identify your 12-month impact milestone
Pre-school children will have a successful entry into kindergarten
Task 1
children will acquire the skill to sit, listen, and actively take part in learning sessions
Task 2
parents and children have developed healthy routines in preparation for school
Task 3
communication with kindergarten teacher as to preparation of literacy development
read more↓↑ hide↑ hideTell us about your partnerships
We are partners with School District number 85, Vancouver Island Regional Library, and Mount Waddington Family Literacy Society. We work with the various groups in our region to support each other and plan local events.
Are you currently targeting other specific populations, locations, or markets for your solution? If so, where and why?
At this time, these two communities are the ones focusing on Preschool Literacy. However, in the future this may change as we keep in constant communication with the other communities in the Mount Waddington region to try and meet the needs and gaps in each community.
What type of operating environment and internal organizational factors make your innovation successful?
Please elaborate on any needs or offers you have mentioned above and/or suggest categories of support that aren't specified within the list
Created on 09/7/2012 by athleticsforkids
By encouraging participation in youth sport, we are empowering our children with tools for a healthy and prosperous future.
Organization: Athletics for Kids
Visit websitemore ↓↑ hide↑ hideOrganization Country
Canada, BC, North Vancouver
Country where this solution is creating social impact
Canada, BC, Available to entire province
Region in BC where your solution creates social impact
Vancouver, Vancouver Island, Thompson Okanagan.
Is your organization a
Non‐profit/NGO/citizen sector organization
How long has your organization been operating?
More than 5 years
The information you provide here will be used to fill in any parts of your profile that have been left blank, such as interests, organization information, and website. No contact information will be made public. Please uncheck here if you do not want this to happen..
read more↓↑ hide↑ hideSelect the stage that best applies to your solution
Scaling (the next step will be growing impact on a regional or even global scale)
How long have you been in operation?
Operating for more than 5 years
Which of the following best describes the barrier(s) your solution addresses? Choose up to two
Access, Cost.
The Need: Describe the need for your solution and the size and characteristics of the community(ies) your solution is engaging
Sports have proven that they positively contribute to the development of youth and children. Through sports, children are able to establish a pattern of physical activity that continues on into adulthood, helping to build self-esteem, leadership skills and social skills. Given that BC has the highest cost of living in Canada, more and more parents are finding it difficult to come up with the money necessary to enrol their kids in sports. In order for their children to be able to experience the benefits that all kids deserve through sport, an increasing number of families are turning to A4K to help them with the cost of sports registration. In 2012, A4K will provide over 500 youth sports grants; by 2017, we aim to fund 5,000 kids, the majority of which reside in the Lower Mainland.
The Solution: What is your solution? Be specific!
In order to break down the financial barriers to sport that many low-income families in BC face, A4K will continue its existing program while expanding its capacity every year. Currently, A4K is finalizing a 5 year business plan with the help of a volunteer consulting agency. Outlined in this plan is the need for A4K to not only increase its personnel as it expands, but the most important piece is increasing the number of different funding sources in order to match the planned exponential increase in demand. A4K has never had to turn away an eligible applicant due to a lack of funds and it is determined that this will never happen. A4K must continue to raise awareness of its vision and purpose and form partnerships with like-minded organizations that share its love of and belief in sport. It is quite simple, the more money A4K can raise, the more kids it can get off the sidelines and into the game!
The Model: Walk us through a specific example of how your solution makes a difference; include the primary activities involved in your solution.
A4K has supported one family from Burnaby since 2006. The mother, now on her own after the passing of her husband due to addiction, was left with five very active children and a large amount of debt to manage. Quickly after her husband's passing she realized that the money she was making was just enough to put food on the table and a roof over their heads. There just wasn't anything left over for sports and recreation.
She then found out about Athletics for Kids and was relieved to see that the organization exists to assist families in situations just like hers. Thanks to A4K's funding, her children did not have to miss any action on the field as they continued on with their hockey, soccer and football.
The Marketplace: Who are your peers and competitors? Identify others working to address the same needs as you and indicate what sets you apart from them.
There are other organizations working in the field of sports access for youth in British Columbia; however, A4K believes that it differentiates itself from them in certain very important manners.
The other main charities focused on youth sport access include Kidsport (a provincial government agency) and the Canadian Tire Jumpstart Program.
Athletics for Kids differentiates itself in the following ways:
- $600 maximum grant per year; considerably higher than other sports charities
- Applicants can apply multiple times per year, for different sports if desired, year after year (Kidsport & Jumpstart, repeat applicants are treated with lower priority)
- More efficient, objective and transparent application process
- No set intake periods; applicants may apply at any time of year
This Entry is about (Issues)
read more↓↑ hide↑ hideFounding Story: We want to hear about your "Aha!" moment. Share the story of where and when the founder(s) saw this solution's potential to change the world.
The brainchild of Athletics for Kids was current North Shore resident, Shane Collins. Originally from London, England, Shane grew up in a low income family that struggled to make ends meet outside the necessities of the home. As a child and teen, Shane was a competitive swimmer but when times got really tough for his family, they realized they could no longer afford to pay for his swimming. Word of this spread around the club and just when it seemed that the family would have to withdraw their son, a gentleman offered to put up the money anonymously so Shane could continue to swim.
Years later, Shane finally heard about the story and when he had made it successfully in business, he was determined to return the favour by helping low income children participate in the sports that they loved. As Shane began the process of formalizing Athletics for Kids, three local businessmen stepped up as founding sponsors to get A4K off the ground in 2003.
Please describe the goal of your initiative; outline what you are trying to achieve
The obvious goal of the Athletics for Kids Youth Sports Funding Program is to allow all children, no matter their socioeconomic background, the opportunity to participate in the sports that they love.
On a deeper scale, A4K is interested in the development of children and youth during important years of their maturation. Studies show that by involving youth in sports, we are benefiting them by: promoting a healthy, active lifestyle; reducing youth health risk behaviours such as smoking and drugs; enhancing academic achievement; teaching positive values and life skills; and preventing youth crime and gang involvement.
Youth sport participation is excellent "preventative medicine" and A4K strongly believes that it contributes to stronger communities and healthier children and youth.
What has been the impact of your solution to date?
In A4K's 10 years of operation, it has provided over 2500 youth sports grants to British Columbia's youth. This has included national champions in boxing, black belt taekwondo specialists, rep and metro hockey and soccer stars, and hundreds of athletes playing for the love of the game.
The thank you letters that A4K receives from grateful parents and children paint a picture of the impact that its funding has made.
One of the most memorable notes came from a young boy with a heart condition who was told by his doctors that he must participate in physical activity to keep his heart healthy and strong. The only problem was the family could not afford to pay for anything outside of their family necessities. A4K was able to help the boy enrol in his favourite activity, trampoline gymnastics, and he has excelled ever since.
What is your projected impact over the next five years?
A4K has recently undergone a strategy review with a volunteer consultancy organization and the end result will be a 5 year business plan aimed at increasing capacity of the charity. In 2012, A4K will fund around 500 youth sports grants, in 2013, we aim to fund 750, and we have planned exponential expansion all the way up to 5000 kids in 2017.
Although this is still only a fraction of the 500,000 children and youth that live in Greater Vancouver, the impact extends far beyond just the participant; the parents/guardians, sports association or club, and the community in general benefit from increased youth sport participation.
What barriers might hinder the success of your project? How do you plan to overcome them?
As a funding agency, the sole charitable output of A4K is money. Therefore, as our charity expands its capacity to provide more sports grants each year, there becomes an increasing importance on developing more revenue. External factors, such as difficult economic conditions, can add to the challenge of fundraising charitable dollars. Additionally, competition for charitable dollars is increased as there continues to be myriads of non-profit organizations in the local marketplace.
A4K plans to steadily increase its fundraising dollars by diversifying the sources from which they come and by focusing on forming meaningful, long-term partnerships with corporate supporters that share our believe in and love of sports.
Winning entries present a strong plan for how they will achieve and track growth. Identify your six-month milestone for growing your impact
By July 2013, A4K will have funded 375 youth sports grants (1/2 of annual goal)
Task 1
Hire an office manager intern to manage the granting process.
Task 2
Implement database technology to enable more efficient application processing.
Task 3
Develop 4 new corporate partnerships worth a minimum of $5000 each.
Now think bigger! Identify your 12-month impact milestone
By December 31, 2013, A4K will have funded 750 youth sports grants in that calendar year.
Task 1
Further build and develop our Board of Directors with well-connected, passionate individuals.
Task 2
Increase our brand awareness in both the community in need and corporate community.
Task 3
Develop 8 new corporate partnerships worth a minimum of $5000 each.
read more↓↑ hide↑ hideTell us about your partnerships
Coast Capital Savings: Presenting Sponsor of A4K Annual Gala
Contenders Training Studio: they have hosted a fundraising event each of the past 7 years and have raised over $120,000 for A4K
Neptune Terminals: Supports North Vancouver swim lessons through an annual sponsorship to A4K
Innovative Fitness: Has hosted an annual fundraising event for last 2 years for A4K and raised almost $10,000
Others: Blarney Stone Pub hosted a BBQ festival, proceeds to A4K; other fitness gyms have hosted fundraising events.
In kind: Printing sponsorship: Total Graphics; Business consultation: BCSVP
Are you currently targeting other specific populations, locations, or markets for your solution? If so, where and why?
A4K youth sports funding is open and eligible to all residents of BC. However, the majority of its focus over the next 5 years will be in the Greater Vancouver area where it hopes to continue to increase its corporate support.
What type of operating environment and internal organizational factors make your innovation successful?
Athletics for Kids is a private charity that does not have to manage the bureaucratic hassles that many governmental organizations encounter. As a small organization, there is increased efficiency in making changes within the organization. Additionally, the personnel involved with A4K are very willing to ask for outside advice or assistance and make it clear that they are involved with the charity for all of the right reasons.
Ego is not an obstacle at A4K as every person involved is doing it for the kids.
Please elaborate on any needs or offers you have mentioned above and/or suggest categories of support that aren't specified within the list
Any additional investment in A4K will go towards expanding capacity of the charity (i.e. supporting more kids). Soon A4K will be looking for an Office Manager intern and there are vacancies on the Board of Directors that need to be filled. Increasing our brand awareness in Greater Vancouver is of high priority (marketing/media) and networking/collaborating can create great ideas for all parties.
Abbotsford Canada
49° 3' 24.48" N, 122° 17' 6.162" W
A 720 room hotel and 200 acre playground for child protection.
Created on 09/7/2012 by kmcardle
Kenndal's Kids seeks to support youth ages 12-18 years old who come from families of lower income in reaching their true potential.
Organization: Kenndal's Kids
more ↓↑ hide↑ hideOrganization Country
Canada, BC, North Vancouver
Country where this solution is creating social impact
Region in BC where your solution creates social impact
Vancouver.
Is your organization a
Non‐profit/NGO/citizen sector organization
How long has your organization been operating?
Less than a year
The information you provide here will be used to fill in any parts of your profile that have been left blank, such as interests, organization information, and website. No contact information will be made public. Please uncheck here if you do not want this to happen..
read more↓↑ hide↑ hideSelect the stage that best applies to your solution
Start-Up (a pilot that has just begun operating)
How long have you been in operation?
Operating for less than a year
Which of the following best describes the barrier(s) your solution addresses? Choose up to two
Cost.
The Need: Describe the need for your solution and the size and characteristics of the community(ies) your solution is engaging
We believe youth who come from lower income families often have a disadvantage over youth in higher income families in regards to reaching their goals in both life and sport.
There are two main drivers which we believe are at the core of this disadvantage.
1. Direct access to role models - those who have been successful in the pursuit of their life’s dreams, can be few and far between for youth from lower income families.
2. Children and youth who come from families of lower income demographics often lack access to a board range of extra-curricular activities and the professional resources that accompany them.
The Solution: What is your solution? Be specific!
Kenndal Mcardle, professional hockey player and founder, saw a solution to address these issues in lower income communities.
Using Hockey as an interactive backdrop; Kenndal's Kids seeks to support youth who come from families of lower income in reaching their true potential. We offer these youth direct personal access to role models who are successful in their respective careers; including those professionally successful in the sport of hockey. This offers tangible real life examples as we teach youth in a camp like environment the importance of: dreams goal setting, career planning, fitness & nutrition and giving back.
Our solution seeks to empower these youth into a mindset of an endlessly possible future as we believe the idea of an individuals infinite potential is something that can not only be taught but also nurtured.
The Model: Walk us through a specific example of how your solution makes a difference; include the primary activities involved in your solution.
Kenndal’s Kids works directly with local community centers and hockey associations to ensure it’s resources are being offered to those who it will most benefit. We challenge local businesses and successful individuals, in a pay-it-forward approach, to offer free of charge; their time, insight and/or resources to help develop our youth. This includes NHL players, business men and women, professional trainers, nutritionists, and speakers.
Our model is a two tiered approach:
First; We begin with a custom tailored Hockey camp. Although hockey is our backdrop, this camp is formatted to develop a complete and balanced set of life skills. We do this by breaking up the day into segments which include; athletic development, nutritional information, and interactive development sessions.
Second, we offer continued support and resources through-out the hockey season which will include skill development and/or equipment.
Sport offers the ability to teach some of life’s most important goals in an interactive environment. Kenndal McArdle chooses to use hockey as our backdrop for two definitive reasons.
By offering the resources that made him successful free of charge, it is a live example of the importance of giving back and the ability it has to create positive change. This has an affect on the kids involved and our parters willingness to do the same.
2. Our nation’s sport is also one of the most expensive to play. We believe all kids deserve the same opportunity to play and realize their potential in the game which unites so many of us.
The Marketplace: Who are your peers and competitors? Identify others working to address the same needs as you and indicate what sets you apart from them.
The Hockey Education Reaching Out Society:
H.E.R.O.S empowers children through the game of Ice hockey.
Kenndal’s Kids is tailored to a older market, 12-18 years old.
H.E.R.O.S teach life skills such as discipline, work ethic, respect, self esteem and having fun. Kenndal’s Kids’ goal is to propel our youth from this foundation into actively realizing their life’s dreams.
H.E.R.O.S assistance program provides funding only for equipment and registration. We provide direct funding beyond for additional skill development and travel costs.
H.E.R.O.S is not as actively focused in a pay-it-forward approach from local communities.
Kid sport and Canadian Tire Jump start:
Offer funding simply for children’s sport involvement, do not offer any other resources.
This Entry is about (Issues)
read more↓↑ hide↑ hideFounding Story: We want to hear about your "Aha!" moment. Share the story of where and when the founder(s) saw this solution's potential to change the world.
Founding Story
Coming from east Vancouver, then moving to Burnaby in pursuit of pursuing my Hockey dream, I Kenndal Mcardle from a young aged noticed the difference in resources available to those of affluent families in comparison to those from lower incomes. As I scaled up the latter of the Hockey world I noticed fewer and fewer players from lower income or single parent families such as myself.
The reason was simple; extra skill development was very expensive and kids who had access to this resource had a better chance of realizing their dreams. I believe this reigns true for many of the life “dreams” we have for ourselves as adolescents. Dreams become unattainable without resources, my “aha” moment came when I saw the new found hope our camp created for these kids.
Please describe the goal of your initiative; outline what you are trying to achieve
Our goal is simple; give lower income kids resources, knowledge, and the power in the pursuit of their life’s dreams. By making the dreams of our lower income communities youth seem achievable and never unrealistic; we have the power to strengthen our the community as a whole. Hockey is the backdrop of our camp thus far simply because it relates well to the pursuit of ones dream and is our founder’s pursuit in giving back to the sport he loves. However; we do see this as a multi-dimensional opportunity. All we have to do is put those who are extraordinary and overachieving individuals themselves in the direct access to those who come from less then ideal circumstances.
What has been the impact of your solution to date?
Kenndal’s Kids ran a highly successful day camp for 25 youth at The Britannia community center on July 9th 2012. This was our first active community based participation of our initiative. These youth were supported in realizing their full potential by a fortune 500 company consultant, NHL players, professional hockey development coaches and many others. In partnership with the NHLPA, Kenndal’s Kids was able to donate 25 sets of new Hockey gear to the Britannia communities center’s BASH program. In addition to the camp; Kenndal’s Kids was able to attract a great deal of East Vancouver’s communities support as local businesses and extraordinary individuals offered their time, participation and/or resources to make the day become a success. We have been reassured in our cause as the response of the kids, parents, and community has been nothing but overwhelming positive.
What is your projected impact over the next five years?
In five years we see our initiative helping to support 150 youth from BC’s lower income communities. We see increased access to a more diverse set of resources as essential. Our goal is to offer direct insight into a board range of different career paths. We will do this by offering a diverse career planning network that the youth will be able to continually draw from. This network’s sole purpose will be to connect our youth to individuals who have already become successful in their career interest.
Providing access into other economically expensive sports, such as golf, offers potential growth opportunities as well.
Lastly; we see the ability of Kenndal’s Kids to offer a education and sport based scholarship program within the next five years.
What barriers might hinder the success of your project? How do you plan to overcome them?
Barrier 1: Garnering community and successful individual's support.
We cannot offer any other incentive other then the hopefully infectious idea of paying-forward their success to those who are less fortunate.
We will overcome this hurdle by continually updating our partners on the happenings of our initiative. Our goal is to create a sense of community within the organizational network it self; where both recipient and donor people feel apart of a larger uniting entity.
Barrier 2: Feasibility.
We will focus on transparency, effectiveness and marketing power of our project to positively influence donations. We will also organize unique charitable events (such as a NHL alumni game and auction) to draw donations from and increase our marketing power.
Winning entries present a strong plan for how they will achieve and track growth. Identify your six-month milestone for growing your impact
Incorperation and completion of a marketing framework
Task 1
Win grant from BC Ideas: solution for a stronger community competition.
Task 2
Officially incorporate as a BC society
Task 3
Create website, with live Twitter and Facebook accounts.
Now think bigger! Identify your 12-month impact milestone
Completion of a succesful charity event
Task 1
Work with partners to determine event type and location
Task 2
Organize and solicit auction items
Task 3
Market event through personal connections and social media
read more↓↑ hide↑ hideTell us about your partnerships
We have partnered with
The FanZOO:
a Vancouver based sports memorabilia company whose goal is to connect fans in unique and innovative way to the favourite sports stars. Kenndal Kids has partnered with the FanZOO in order to gain access to the logistical resources necessary to garner public attention and put on public charity events.
InsideEdge:
A for profit Vancouver based hockey school has partnered with Kenndal's Kids in order to provide in-kind services to those less fortunate. InsideEdge's goal is to make their service assessable to all regardless of circumstance.
Are you currently targeting other specific populations, locations, or markets for your solution? If so, where and why?
No, currently we are only targeting to Greater Vancouver's youth. We see our target market expanding within our five year forecast but have not actively begun broadening our scope; yet.
What type of operating environment and internal organizational factors make your innovation successful?
Our main success is derived from our pay-it-forward approach. In leading by example, the organizational make up encourages local individuals and buisness to follow suit in supporting our youth in reaching their goals. Our partnerships are all well aligned in interests ensuring continued success and activeness within the community.
Please elaborate on any needs or offers you have mentioned above and/or suggest categories of support that aren't specified within the list
Created on 09/6/2012 by RichmondPL
Provide free access to iPads at the library and welcome everyone to come try them out and get recommendations for life-enriching apps.
Organization: Richmond Public Library
Visit websitemore ↓↑ hide↑ hideCountry where this solution is creating social impact
Region in BC where your solution creates social impact
Vancouver.
Is your organization a
Non‐profit/NGO/citizen sector organization
How long has your organization been operating?
More than 5 years
The information you provide here will be used to fill in any parts of your profile that have been left blank, such as interests, organization information, and website. No contact information will be made public. Please uncheck here if you do not want this to happen..
read more↓↑ hide↑ hideSelect the stage that best applies to your solution
Start-Up (a pilot that has just begun operating)
How long have you been in operation?
Operating for more than 5 years
Which of the following best describes the barrier(s) your solution addresses? Choose up to two
Access, Cost.
The Need: Describe the need for your solution and the size and characteristics of the community(ies) your solution is engaging
You see toddlers immersed in playing with smartphones in restaurants. You hear ads about how tablets are must-buy back-to-school items for students. The digital world dominates many aspects of our lives, but not every family in Richmond (2006 census: 21,475 families with children) has the means or time to keep up with all the new technology, or to figure out how to use it to make their lives easier and to further their children's education and inspire a love of learning. Apple, for example, has over 240,000 apps for their iPads, and to select appropriate content for your family can be a big challenge.
How can we offer everyone in our community free firsthand experience and guidance in this changing world so we can bridge the digital divide?
The Solution: What is your solution? Be specific!
We started to provide free access to iPads for preschoolers at our main library and everyone is welcome to come in and try out the new technology. Parents and kids have the chance to discover and test out apps that meet their needs and satisfy their curiosity, and get valuable recommendations from staff and other parents. Acknowledging the huge educational potential, we have carefully evaluated, selected and purchased apps that go beyond Angry Birds or Fruit Ninja to create an enriched learning environment for kids. We will be looking for opportunities to work with local developers to create high quality apps based on the feedback we have received.
The Model: Walk us through a specific example of how your solution makes a difference; include the primary activities involved in your solution.
For our pilot, we have installed eight iPads for preschoolers at our main library in March 2012, each with a variety of content, ranging from kindergarten readiness, to arts and creativity, to games and book apps that promote reading and literacy. Our setup encourages children and parents to learn and explore together. The new technology has attracted people of all ages, and everyone now has access to these expensive gadgets.
The Marketplace: Who are your peers and competitors? Identify others working to address the same needs as you and indicate what sets you apart from them.
Our peers include other public libraries, parenting organizations and schools. While there are websites that review apps to help parents with their selection (Common Sense Media for example), there is no place yet where they can freely play with the apps and experience them. Since we have always been a reliable and helpful source of information for the community, app suggestions is a natural addition to our role and we are delighted to have the opportunity to create a dialogue about the impact of technology in our community.
This Entry is about (Issues)
read more↓↑ hide↑ hideFounding Story: We want to hear about your "Aha!" moment. Share the story of where and when the founder(s) saw this solution's potential to change the world.
A story such as this one in The Globe and Mail, with the headline: "For some kids, a book is just an iPad that doesn't work" is not unusual to see these days (link: http://www.theglobeandmail.com/arts/books-and-media/for-some-kids-a-book...). Our approach is to acknowledge technological advances and changes and seek out new and exciting ways to utilize all available methods to develop a stimulating learning environment, and to promote all forms of literacy.
Please describe the goal of your initiative; outline what you are trying to achieve
To provide equal access to new electronic devices, to create a community where people are knowledgeable and equipped to develop a healthy curiosity about technology, and to fully utilize it to better their lives.
What has been the impact of your solution to date?
Families are enjoying this new addition to our facility, and the eight iPad stations are constantly in use. Most parents are actually sitting down and using the apps together with their children. The collaboration between parents and child when they are playing together provides a great bonding opportunity and is a very positive way to use technology. Kids are also helping each other play, and for many of them, this is their first social experience.
Parents have asked us for the list of apps we have installed, so it indicates to us that the apps we have carefully selected meet their needs. Having the iPads has definitely brought excitement and an additional element of surprise to our visitors.
Even though our current apps are geared towards preschoolers, older children and even adults are having just as much fun. We see a real opportunity here to expand this model to provide other age groups with the opportunity to explore the digital world.
What is your projected impact over the next five years?
Families will have a better understanding of new technology and be more prepared to adapt to the increasing prevalence of the digital environment. Those who cannot afford to own these devices will not be left behind. As we expand our program, we will be able to help more people take full advantage of the latest devices, creating a community of smart consumers of digital media.
What barriers might hinder the success of your project? How do you plan to overcome them?
Keeping up to date with the myriad new devices and maintaining fresh content can be difficult. We will be looking for partners and experts in our community, or interested parents to help. Another challenge we face is finding effective ways to promote our service to non-library users. We plan to go where people are, and bring the information to them to raise awareness.
Winning entries present a strong plan for how they will achieve and track growth. Identify your six-month milestone for growing your impact
Raise awareness of iPad availability at the library and increase community's knowledge of new technology.
Task 1
Refresh our apps and content regularly to keep up-to-date with the latest and the newest.
Task 2
Set up app reviews on our website and promote timely content to people to help them get the most out of the technology.
Task 3
Promote iPad service to non-library users.
Now think bigger! Identify your 12-month impact milestone
Expand the quantity and the quality of our service by establishing partnerships with our community members.
Task 1
Expand our service to provide iPads in more of our library locations and for a wider audience.
Task 2
Seek out partners in our community that can assist in our program.
Task 3
Connect with app developers to explore new ways to use this technology.
read more↓↑ hide↑ hideTell us about your partnerships
We currently do not have any yet, but we can see a number of valuable partnership opportunities, such as with local businesses, or app developers who will let us test drive their apps, or parent groups who can share their experiences and tips and tricks with one another. We would like our community to see the iPads as their devices, and collaborate with us to turn them into useful tools for everyone.
Are you currently targeting other specific populations, locations, or markets for your solution? If so, where and why?
We are only reaching families who use the library so far, but with more outreach efforts, we would like to target community members with a socio-economic disadvantage to achieve our goal of equal access.
What type of operating environment and internal organizational factors make your innovation successful?
We have a strong track record of creatively adapting new technology and transforming it into something useful for our community. Since many families already look to us to provide advice on reading and other forms of literacy, we are fully capable of extending our role to include new forms of digital media. Our organization is committed to pursuing partnerships and networking so that our solutions involve other change-makers in the community and beyond.
Please elaborate on any needs or offers you have mentioned above and/or suggest categories of support that aren't specified within the list
To stay on top and grow our service to meet the needs of the community will require support from other sources. Media coverage will be crucial in raising awareness to non-library users. With nearly 2 million annual visits, staff have lots of opportunities to interact with people of all ages and backgrounds, and we can be a great resource to those who like to learn about how people use technology.
Created on 09/6/2012 by PacificSport Northern BC
XploreSportZ Around the North promotes healthy active living through physical literacy programs for children.
Organization: PacificSport Northern BC
Visit websitemore ↓↑ hide↑ hideOrganization Country
Canada, BC, Prince George
Country where this solution is creating social impact
Canada, BC, Prince George
Region in BC where your solution creates social impact
Northern British Columbia.
Is your organization a
Non‐profit/NGO/citizen sector organization
How long has your organization been operating?
More than 5 years
The information you provide here will be used to fill in any parts of your profile that have been left blank, such as interests, organization information, and website. No contact information will be made public. Please uncheck here if you do not want this to happen..
read more↓↑ hide↑ hideSelect the stage that best applies to your solution
Established (past the previous stages and has demonstrated success)
How long have you been in operation?
Operating for 1‐5 years
Which of the following best describes the barrier(s) your solution addresses? Choose up to two
Access, Cost.
The Need: Describe the need for your solution and the size and characteristics of the community(ies) your solution is engaging
Children are becoming increasingly less active. 'Screen time' (watching TV, gaming) is high, and step counts are low. This indicates that youths are becoming more sedentary. This prevalent in Northern BC, especially in smaller communities and leads to preventable diseases like Childhood Obesity and Type 2 Diabetes.
The communities we are engaging share similar characteristics. Children and Youths in these communities lack physical literacy and fundamental movement skills. As a result, they are developing unhealthy living habits from a young age. Also, these communities lack properly trained leaders to administer proper physical activity programs.
These issues are not new. In fact, studies have shown declining physical literacy amongst youth over a 30 year period.
The Solution: What is your solution? Be specific!
XploreSportZ is a popular program that provides children ages 6-12 the opportunity to 'test drive' a variety of Olympic, Paralympic, and local sports during non-school days/breaks, summer camps and evenings without season commitment. We have partnered with many local sport groups to provide a positive atmosphere and instruction.
Northern communities and First Nations Groups will have the opportunity to apply for a one time grant of up to $3000 through PacificSport Northern BC. This will include our Physical Literacy Programmer visiting these community and training local leaders in the NCCP Run, Jump, Throw program. Our programmer will then stay in close contact with these newly trained leaders as they facilitate the XploreSportZ program in their community.
By doing this, we are creating a legacy where young children are given the chance to play sports, and local leaders are given the tools to continue this program for years.
The Model: Walk us through a specific example of how your solution makes a difference; include the primary activities involved in your solution.
Last year, we facilitated an XploreSportZ Girl's Only after school program in Smithers, BC. It was a fun, encouraging environment where girls were given the opportunity to try a different sport each week. They were able to build athletic confidence, social skills, and also make new friends. The program started with 30 participants, but ended with 37 and include such sports as cross country skiing, volleyball, basketball, soccer, and badminton.
This program addressed several key health and social issues facing not only children in Northern British Columbia, but all of Canada.
First, we were able to get young girls active on a weekly basis. A recent Stats Canada report shows that children in Canada should reach a step count of 13,500 steps per day. Young girls are only reaching 10,300 on average (boys = 12,100). This can only indicate that children in Canada, especially young girls, are leading increasingly sedentary lives. By introducing girls to a variety of sports at a young age, we are able to develop healthy, active lifestyles from a young age.
Another issue we have identified is that there are not enough trained leaders in small northern communities to lead these programs after we leave. Through a strong partnership developed with Coaches BC, we are able to go into these communities, train and certify leaders in the NCCP Run, Jump, Throw program, and facilitate an XploreSportZ camp so these new leaders are aware of what is required to run a proper physical literacy program. Effectively, we are completing two jobs in one trip which saves on travel expenses.
The Marketplace: Who are your peers and competitors? Identify others working to address the same needs as you and indicate what sets you apart from them.
We benefit from not having a large number of direct competitors. The majority of these competitors include programs facilitated by cities and municipalities. We have found that these groups are very willing to collaborate with us to deliver a program to their communities. This in turn strengthens our reach throughout Northern BC.
Others working to address the same needs as us are local sport organizations. Often, these groups are focused on just one sport (ie. hockey), whereas we focus on offering children the opportunity to play a variety of sports at a low cost.
We are able to set ourselves apart by offering subsidized programs at a low cost. This provides an opportunity for children whose families would not normally have the means to afford sports like Skiing and snowboarding.
This Entry is about (Issues)
read more↓↑ hide↑ hideFounding Story: We want to hear about your "Aha!" moment. Share the story of where and when the founder(s) saw this solution's potential to change the world.
We have had several Aha! moments with XploreSportZ Around the North program. We have received tremendous support from governing bodies and leadership groups of the Northern BC communities we have impacted so far. This spans from towns and cities, to small municipalities and First Nations Groups. We knew that the moment we had support from all these groups, this program had the opportunity to grow and expand.
All the groups we have dealt with so far have understood and realized the value of what we are offering. It gives their children the opportunity to be active at a low cost, and also promotes volunteerism through coach development.
They have also realized the long-term sustainability this program provides. Potentially, children from the communities we impact will grow up through the sport system, and in turn lead or develop new programs in their lifetime.
Please describe the goal of your initiative; outline what you are trying to achieve
The goal of our initiative is quite simple. We want to excite youths to live healthy active lifestyles. We don't want this to be for just one season, but a positive habit of active living that lasts throughout their entire life.
We also want to train new community leaders to run positive sports programs. This way, we will leave a lasting legacy of healthy living in the communities we reach out to.
What has been the impact of your solution to date?
The impact of our solution is as follows:
- 8 Communities Reached
- 143 Participants (80 females, 63 males)
- 17 Program Partnerships (communities, local sport organizations, school districts)
What is your projected impact over the next five years?
Our projected impact over the next five years is to continually expand each year. We want to continue partnering with towns, municipalities, aboriginal communities, and sport organizations so that no community is left without proper physical literacy programming.
To quantify, we hope to achieve the following:
- 50 Communities reached
- 4000 child participants
- 500 leaders trained in NCCP Run, Jump, Throw
What barriers might hinder the success of your project? How do you plan to overcome them?
When operating in any northern climate, there are distinct barriers to overcome.
We have identified travel expenses as a major barrier to overcome when expanding this program. Particularly when attempting to reach small communities, travel costs can start to add up. We plan to overcome this barrier by maximizing our impact in these hard-to-reach communities. This will include offering coach development programs, while facilitating an XploreSportZ camp.
We have also identified the barrier of community identification. Often, the communities we want to impact are quite small and unaware of what we can offer them. Partnerships like the one we have developed with the BC Association of Aboriginal Friendship Centres has been a major help, as they are well connected with small communities.
Winning entries present a strong plan for how they will achieve and track growth. Identify your six-month milestone for growing your impact
Have enough revenue generated to expand into 8 new Northern BC communities.
Task 1
Diversify our funding portfolio
Task 2
Work with partners to identify communities that have a real need for program funding
Task 3
Have visited these communities, trained local leaders, and facilitated an XploreSportZ program.
Now think bigger! Identify your 12-month impact milestone
Generate enough revenue to expand into 12 new communities, with a new PacificSport staff member leading this program
Task 1
Pursue and develop new private and public funding partnerships
Task 2
Recruit and hire a qualified XploreSportZ Around the North programmer
Task 3
Programmer travels throughout our region: Setting up new partnerships, training new leaders, and facilitating programs
read more↓↑ hide↑ hideTell us about your partnerships
Our partnerships include:
- Coaches BC
- BC Association of Aboriginal Friendship Centres (BCAAFC)
- Provincial Sport Organizations
- Local Sport Organizations
- School Districts
All of these valuable partners have been major supports of the XploreSportZ program. As previously stated, they value what we do and are willing to help out as much as possible. From in-kind equipment to facilities rentals, they have been a huge contributor to the success of our program.
Are you currently targeting other specific populations, locations, or markets for your solution? If so, where and why?
Currently, we are only targeting Northern BC (BC Games Zones 7&8), as this is our service area. There are several PacificSport centres located in various regions of BC, who operate different programs in their respective region.
What type of operating environment and internal organizational factors make your innovation successful?
We are successful because our program has been proven to work. Also, it addresses current health issues facing Canadian children. As previously stated, our board of directors is very well connected in business and sporting communities throughout Northern BC, so we are able to connect with the right people and groups in order to expand this program.
Please elaborate on any needs or offers you have mentioned above and/or suggest categories of support that aren't specified within the list
Largely, our expenses are associated with program delivery and travel costs associated with delivery. Investment in this program is essential for it to operate, but in-kind donations of services is always welcome.
Created on 09/6/2012 by AlKo
Act NOW! Sustainability Performance Art Competition and Festival will take action on sustainability in the arts and inspire others to create change.
Organization: NOW! Theatre
Visit websitemore ↓↑ hide↑ hideCountry where this solution is creating social impact
Region in BC where your solution creates social impact
Vancouver.
Is your organization a
Non‐profit/NGO/citizen sector organization
How long has your organization been operating?
1‐5 years
The information you provide here will be used to fill in any parts of your profile that have been left blank, such as interests, organization information, and website. No contact information will be made public. Please uncheck here if you do not want this to happen..
read more↓↑ hide↑ hideSelect the stage that best applies to your solution
Growth (your pilot is up and running, and starting to expand)
How long have you been in operation?
Operating for 1‐5 years
Which of the following best describes the barrier(s) your solution addresses? Choose up to two
Access, Quality.
The Need: Describe the need for your solution and the size and characteristics of the community(ies) your solution is engaging
There is a lot of waste in theatre and in festivals. Unnecessary waste.
Culture and art is very important in society and in our lives. It will always exist, there will always be festivals and there will always be new creations. Why shouldn't artists take the action that's needed in the world? And why shouldn't this begin in Vancouver?
With Vancouver trying to be the greenest city, it makes sense that the first 'green' performance art festival start here.
The Act NOW! Performance Art Festival would start off as a smaller festival, but as it's competition is international, it would be bringing in artists globally with future potential to exist in other cities.
The large arts community existing in Vancouver, and all of Canada, need a bump in the right direction.
The Solution: What is your solution? Be specific!
One way of creating environmental change that's been looked over is theatre and performance art. And this is silly because the arts have a major impact on society.
We've been running an international competition called Act NOW! for youth to create pieces on sustainability. But it's not just about inspiring people with the theme of your show. It's your practice in creating and presenting your art. We want to reach out to, not only youth, but emerging and established artists as well. And not only in our competition but by creating a performance art festival that explores and celebrates sustainability, and is completely green. Hopefully then, this will inspire other festivals be more environmentally conscious.
The Model: Walk us through a specific example of how your solution makes a difference; include the primary activities involved in your solution.
Act NOW! Performance Art Festival will set an example for other festivals in Vancouver to run with less waste, we'll be lightening our carbon footprint, will explore and share with other artists how they can be kinder to the planet when working on their art.
The Marketplace: Who are your peers and competitors? Identify others working to address the same needs as you and indicate what sets you apart from them.
The Only Animal theatre company - they do site specific shows
Otesha - they tour and perform show via bike about the environment
Dream Rider Theatre - they tour schools with shows for kids on the environment
There are no theatre companies holding festivals with this focus.
This Entry is about (Issues)
read more↓↑ hide↑ hideFounding Story: We want to hear about your "Aha!" moment. Share the story of where and when the founder(s) saw this solution's potential to change the world.
Back in 2008, Janny knew that change could created through art. I (Alyssa) knew that I loved theatre, but I also wanted to save the environment. So we came together and created the Act NOW! Playwriting Competition. We've been inspiring youth to create change with and through artistic endeavors, and now are ready to expand to a performance art festival for professionals and amateurs alike. We will reach a wider audience, and take more action by running a green festival. The idea of the festival came into fruition last summer when I was touring Fringe Festivals and saw a show that was about saving the world that completely inspired me and drove me to take more immediate action.
Please describe the goal of your initiative; outline what you are trying to achieve
I want Act NOW! to truly be an international performance art competition that includes professional artists. Theatre needs a bigger push to be more sustainable. This will lead to a festival to celebrate theatre making those changing and hopefully creating innovations. With theatre doing this, it will help inspire audiences and community members to continue to make the changes needed in their every day lives (at home and at work).
What has been the impact of your solution to date?
We have reached over 3000 youth in performing our winning entries and giving interest to more people about bringing sustainability into theatre.
What is your projected impact over the next five years?
Over the next five years, our projected impact is that we'll be reaching youth and professional artists all over Canada, and be peaking interest over seas in our competition. We'll have successfully ran two festivals and the good work/word will be spreading.
What barriers might hinder the success of your project? How do you plan to overcome them?
The amount of people we have involved in running the project might not be enough. I'll network and find the right people to join us and help make it a huge success. Or make it a bit smaller and move slower until we have more people interested.
Winning entries present a strong plan for how they will achieve and track growth. Identify your six-month milestone for growing your impact
Launch our professional artist category, improved marketing and advertising
Task 1
finish our new website and create the online entry
Task 2
find funding for the prizes
Task 3
find the best places to market our competition
Now think bigger! Identify your 12-month impact milestone
Have chosen the winners of our competition and be planning performances of them and start planning our festival
read more↓↑ hide↑ hideTell us about your partnerships
These are some of our partners in the last four years:
David Suzuki Foundation
Environmental Youth Alliance
The Otesha Project
Global Agents for Change
Sierra Youth Coalition
Quebec Drama Federation
The University of British Columbia (UBC) Sustainability Office
UBC Commerce Undergraduate Society Sustainability Initiative
Sustainability Television
Bicycles For Humanity
Playwrights Guild of Canada
National Let’s Talk Science Partnership Program
Green Kids
The Campus Climate Network
Are you currently targeting other specific populations, locations, or markets for your solution? If so, where and why?
Nothing other than doing the IMPACT Sustainability Championship Training. We have taken a break for one year and are just getting back into gear.
What type of operating environment and internal organizational factors make your innovation successful?
Supporting co-workers who are more like friends
Please elaborate on any needs or offers you have mentioned above and/or suggest categories of support that aren't specified within the list
I am really good at coming up with ideas
Created on 09/6/2012 by carolefitsell
Our aim is to provide the community with a much needed high quality daycare and an environment where they can experience different activities.
Organization: Smiles
more ↓↑ hide↑ hideCountry where this solution is creating social impact
Region in BC where your solution creates social impact
Thompson Okanagan.
Is your organization a
For‐profit
How long has your organization been operating?
Less than a year
The information you provide here will be used to fill in any parts of your profile that have been left blank, such as interests, organization information, and website. No contact information will be made public. Please uncheck here if you do not want this to happen..
read more↓↑ hide↑ hideSelect the stage that best applies to your solution
Start-Up (a pilot that has just begun operating)
How long have you been in operation?
Operating for less than a year
Which of the following best describes the barrier(s) your solution addresses? Choose up to two
Cost.
The Need: Describe the need for your solution and the size and characteristics of the community(ies) your solution is engaging
Keremeos and Cawston, which have a population of around 2000 people, currently lack daycare and there are many young families here in need of it.Also, there is very little for the children to do after school. This often results in problems among the local teenagers as they have nothing to do in the evenings.
The Solution: What is your solution? Be specific!
I want to open a family daycare and incorporate a "music together" program (for which I am qualified).I would like to then turn it into a group daycare facility when I finish my ECE and have a premises where evening activities can be brought in for the children and young people to participate in, such as art and crafts and other clubs.In this way children will have activities which they will get into the habit of doing in the evenings and therefore will not be tempted into other undesirable activities.
The Model: Walk us through a specific example of how your solution makes a difference; include the primary activities involved in your solution.
Recently one of the only two daycares in town became a Lower Similkameen Indian Band member facility only. This meant that there were families in need of care. So, I decided to open a family daycare and three families immediately expressed an interest followed closely by others.I have started a license not required facility for now, but have applied for the license to be a family daycare because there is an obvious need.Good pre-school care is beneficial to children before they start school.I wish to incorporate music in the program and recently qualified as a "Music Together" teacher in order to be able to offer this to families even if they are not in the daycare as it is an invaluable educational addition.
Many of the young people in this town are at a loss to know what to do in the evenings.There are many talented people who could do activities with them and I would like to have a facility that enables that to happen. At the moment, families have to travel to Penticton to do activities and this is a long way, particularly in the winter and puts people off, so children suffer.I endeavor to prevent the problems associated with bored teenagers by offering interests for them to pursue.
The Marketplace: Who are your peers and competitors? Identify others working to address the same needs as you and indicate what sets you apart from them.
There are a few in-home daycares, but only one group daycare, which only has eight spaces and so there really is not much competition at all. There will always be adequate demand for a quality facility.
For evening activities, there is a soccer/baseball camp each year, swimming in the open air pool in the summer and skating and hockey offered in the winter. Also scouts and karate, but that is about all there is.
Such a facility as I am offering will allow for consistency. Children can attend the music program and/or the daycare and then families will become aware of after school activities and hopefully children will gain hobbies/activities that they participate in as groups and not be bored enough to participate in other not so desirable activities.
This Entry is about (Issues)
read more↓↑ hide↑ hideFounding Story: We want to hear about your "Aha!" moment. Share the story of where and when the founder(s) saw this solution's potential to change the world.
I was in the shower one day and knew that it was time to compile all my experience and work with young children to try to help make a difference in education. When Tee Pee Tots closed to the outer community, I felt this was the time to start-I was already working on my ECE diploma.I also wanted to help find a solution to the problem associated with young people in the town and felt that if I could make the change of habits in children at a young age, then they may not be so inclined to follow the patterns of the teenagers, because they would have local activities to be involved in.
Please describe the goal of your initiative; outline what you are trying to achieve
The intention is to have happy children who will gain developmentally from a good quality daycare.They will then have an environment wherein the learning and contact with other children can continue other than in school.
What has been the impact of your solution to date?
We have three happy children and their families are grateful for the experience they are getting.
What is your projected impact over the next five years?
To be able to provide our services to more families and be a fundamental part of the community.
What barriers might hinder the success of your project? How do you plan to overcome them?
There are always potential barriers such as funding and the space being currently not in a central location. However, these are not insurmountable and word of mouth will help the business grow, particularly as music and the evening programs are a new concept to the area.
Winning entries present a strong plan for how they will achieve and track growth. Identify your six-month milestone for growing your impact
In six months, the size of the daycare plus the music will already reveal a big productive change.
Task 1
Obtain licensing for a family daycare-allowing up to 7 children.
Task 2
Obtain a license to provide local families with the Music Together program from January.
Task 3
Start to investigate evening activities for children.
Now think bigger! Identify your 12-month impact milestone
I aim to finish my ECE and open a group daycare in a more central location and have a summer school program.
Task 2
Obtain funding from the Bank.
Task 3
Put together a summer program for children and continue these activities as after school activities.
read more↓↑ hide↑ hideTell us about your partnerships
As Smiles expands, the need for funding would possibly present the possibility of a partnership.
Are you currently targeting other specific populations, locations, or markets for your solution? If so, where and why?
At the moment, the area we are targeting is Keremeos and the surrounding areas. However, particularly for Music Together, the potential to extend the area to Penticton is there.
What type of operating environment and internal organizational factors make your innovation successful?
Smiles aims to be a high quality daycare. The development of each child is fundamental to the program and the idea that the children, their families and the daycare form a triangle shows that this is a communal operation.
Please elaborate on any needs or offers you have mentioned above and/or suggest categories of support that aren't specified within the list
I believe in building a community and I am willing to do anything I can do to help that.
Created on 09/5/2012 by HGSRS
Our solution is to bring a synthetic ice skating rink to Haida Gwaii. Haida Gwaii has never had a skating rink and this solution now makes that possible.
Organization: Haida Gwaii Skating RInk Society
more ↓↑ hide↑ hideOrganization Name
Haida Gwaii Skating RInk Society
Organization Country
Canada, BC, Queen Charlotte
Country where this solution is creating social impact
Canada, BC, Queen Charlotte
Region in BC where your solution creates social impact
Coast and Mountains, Northern British Columbia.
Is your organization a
Non‐profit/NGO/citizen sector organization
How long has your organization been operating?
Less than a year
The information you provide here will be used to fill in any parts of your profile that have been left blank, such as interests, organization information, and website. No contact information will be made public. Please uncheck here if you do not want this to happen..
read more↓↑ hide↑ hideSelect the stage that best applies to your solution
Idea (you're poised to launch)
How long have you been in operation?
Still in idea phase, but looking to launch soon
Which of the following best describes the barrier(s) your solution addresses? Choose up to two
Access, Cost.
The Need: Describe the need for your solution and the size and characteristics of the community(ies) your solution is engaging
Haida Gwaii is an island community of approximately 5000 residents located of the north coast of British Columbia. Haida Gwaii has never had a facility that provided skating, hockey and other ice sports. This solution would bring these healthy activities to all residents of Haida Gwaii. All residents of this great country should have the opportunity to enjoy our nations past time of hockey, to lace up the figure skates, or simply take a few laps of an ice rink. The costs associated with construction plus operation and maintenance expenses make a traditional ice arena out of reach financially. A mild climate prevents the making of outdoor ice in the winter months. There is a lack of healthy activities for all cross sections of the population to participate in Haida Gwaii.
The Solution: What is your solution? Be specific!
The Haida Gwaii Skating Rink Society was formed with the sole purpose to raise funds to construct a skating rink facility that uses synthetic ice. We are proposing a covered outdoor skating/hockey rink facility that once completed will have very minimal costs to operate thus will be sustainable for a community the size of Haida Gwaii. Because the surface of the ice is synthetic it can be used in all seasons and in all weather, thus providing Haida Gwaii with a 365 day per year skating rink facility. This facility would provide a much needed healthy recreational activity for all island residents both young and old and provide every resident with the opportunity to play hockey,figure skate, or simply learn to skate.
Haida Gwaii's moderate climate means that the average low temperature never falls below freezing. Of course there are days where it is below zero but the average prevents us from having a traditional outdoor ice rink.
The Model: Walk us through a specific example of how your solution makes a difference; include the primary activities involved in your solution.
Our solution will create an opporuntiy for Haida Gwaii youth to participate in minor hockey and skating. It will provide a recreational opportunity in the way of an adult recreational hockey league,and open/public skating. The primary activity involved in our solution is to raise the funds that will allow us to construct this much needed facility.
Synthetic ice surfaces are in use all over the world, from shopping malls to theme parks. Productions such as Disney on Ice use sythetic ice. In Canada the District of Wood Buffalo installed a synthetic surface in the community of Fort Chipewyan, Alberta, when they built a new recreation complex. They chose this type of "ice" because of its sustainability,durability, and flexibility.
The Marketplace: Who are your peers and competitors? Identify others working to address the same needs as you and indicate what sets you apart from them.
Unfortunately we do not have peers or competitors in our quest to bring hockey and skating to Haida Gwaii. Haida Gwaii has never had a facility where islanders could skate and take part in our nation's past time of hockey. The local governments and Band Councils are not in a financial position to bring this needed infrastructure to the islands, thus we have formed our society to hopefully make the dreams of so many a reality. Haida Gwaii lacks in the area of options available to all residents. We don't have a swimming pool and likely never will due to operation and maintenance costs. This solution brings a recreational alternative to all islanders reagrdless of age and this solution is sustainable.
This Entry is about (Issues)
read more↓↑ hide↑ hideFounding Story: We want to hear about your "Aha!" moment. Share the story of where and when the founder(s) saw this solution's potential to change the world.
For many years various groups and individuals have organized floor hockey, and ball hockey on Haida Gwaii. Upon my moving to Haida Gwaii I met many people that were passionate about working towards bringing hockey and skating to Haida Gwaii, but everyone I spoke to said the same thing, "even if we could build the facility we could never afford to operate it." It was then that I said, "Aha, what about synthetic ice?" It was at that moment that we realized that this dream could become a reality and we could change the world of many children and adults alike who do not have an opportunity to skate or play hockey. This dream is a reality as synthetic ice requires nothing other than being cleaned. There are no cooling plants, no electricty, no need for staff to be on site and no need to maintain it other than keeping it clean.
Please describe the goal of your initiative; outline what you are trying to achieve
The goal of our initiative is to bring hockey and skating to Haida Gwaii. In order to do this, we as a Society, are working to raise the required funds to support the construction of a synthetic ice facililty that will allow for on ice activities to take place 365 days a year. Not only would this initiative bring a much needed facility to Haida Gwaii, but it is the health and social benefits that will be available to the community that are truly the icing on the cake.
What has been the impact of your solution to date?
To date there is a buzz amongst island residents thinking that this synthetic ice idea may finally bring hockey and skating to Haida Gwaii. Youth are excited to hopefully one day play a game that to this point in their lives they have only been able to watch. Much of the community has been involved in our fundraising efforts to date but with a small population and many other significant causes there are only so many dollars available through local fundraising.
What is your projected impact over the next five years?
Our projected impact over the next five years is to have a facility constructed that brings hockey and skating to Haida Gwaii. We want to see the first group of island youth traveling to the mainland for their first hockey tournament and figure skating competitions. We envision a minor hockey program where we get kids out from in front of the video games and onto the ice. In five years we see this facility being a true focal point of our community. A place where families gather for sport and commraderie over the sounds of children laughing and playing a game they have all loved but had not previously been able to play.
What barriers might hinder the success of your project? How do you plan to overcome them?
The only barrier that exists and will hinder the success of this project is the funds required to construct it. We have land provided and set aside by the Village of Queen Charlotte, and we have a strong group of volunteers that are ready to see this project succeed.
Winning entries present a strong plan for how they will achieve and track growth. Identify your six-month milestone for growing your impact
Our sixth month milestone is to have raised $10,000 locally (we currently have between $7000-8000 raised).
Task 1
Host a ball hockey tournament, raising funds while getting island residents excited about hockey.
Task 2
Host a NHL hockey pool, again raising funds while getting people in the hockey mood
Task 3
Host a fundraising BBQ and skating/hockey afternoon at a local pond at a higher elevation that usually freezes in the winter.
Now think bigger! Identify your 12-month impact milestone
Our 12 month milestone is to have $50,000 raised towards this project.
Task 1
Using the $10,000 raised in the previous 6 months we are hopeful for successful matching funds opportunities
Task 2
Solicit the many seasonal businesses that benefit greatly from the resources of Haida Gwaii for donations
Task 3
Host a large scale fundraising event locally. Ideas being considered are a comedy night, or a celebrity fundraising dinner
read more↓↑ hide↑ hideTell us about your partnerships
We are proud to call the Village of Queen Charlotte a partner in this endeavour. The Village of Queen Charlotte has identified an area in their community park where our proposed facility will be built. This land is available to our society for construction of our facility at no cost.
We also have the support of the Skidegate Band Council and Council of the Haida Nation in bringing this idea to fruition.
Are you currently targeting other specific populations, locations, or markets for your solution? If so, where and why?
We are not targeting other populations, locations or markets for our solution.
What type of operating environment and internal organizational factors make your innovation successful?
The fact that our innovation is sustainable in that there are minimal costs associated with it's continued use,coupled with the fact that we are a strong volunteer group guarantees our innovation to be successful.
Once the fundraising process is completed and the solution is built, it will essentially look after itself save and except for a minimal amount of time that will be required to keep the surface clean and free of debris. This innovation is similar to an outdoor ice rink found in many Canadian cities and towns where a community group is responsible for clearing snow and re-surfacing the ice. These facilties flourish each and every winter and our facility will be no different.
Please elaborate on any needs or offers you have mentioned above and/or suggest categories of support that aren't specified within the list
As we are at the ground floor in the fundraising process that will grow our solution, we require a financial investment. This investment is different from many in that there will not be a financial return, but rather it is an investment in the health, and future of the youth of Haida Gwaii.As our fundraising proceeds we were going to be hiring a professional to produce a conceptual drawing/model.
This project also has a Changeshop where you can read more about its latest progress.
Go to Changeshop: Floorball Hockey.
Created on 09/5/2012 by Greg Beaudin
Team Sports are imperative to creating healthy individuals and societies.
Floorball brings hockey to everyone, everywhere, equally and economically.
Organization: BC Floorball Federation
Visit websitemore ↓↑ hide↑ hideOrganization Country
Canada, BC, North Vancouver
Country where this solution is creating social impact
Region in BC where your solution creates social impact
Vancouver, Coast and Mountains, Vancouver Island, Thompson Okanagan, Northern British Columbia, Cariboo Chilcotin Coast, Kootenay Rockies, Columbia Basin.
Is your organization a
Non‐profit/NGO/citizen sector organization
How long has your organization been operating?
More than 5 years
The information you provide here will be used to fill in any parts of your profile that have been left blank, such as interests, organization information, and website. No contact information will be made public. Please uncheck here if you do not want this to happen..
read more↓↑ hide↑ hideSelect the stage that best applies to your solution
Growth (your pilot is up and running, and starting to expand)
How long have you been in operation?
Operating for more than 5 years
Which of the following best describes the barrier(s) your solution addresses? Choose up to two
Access, Cost, Quality, Equity.
The Need: Describe the need for your solution and the size and characteristics of the community(ies) your solution is engaging
Hockey in Schools has all but collapsed in Canada. The activity of Floor Hockey is inneed of a facelift. Floorball is fresh, safe, gender neutral, fast, fun, and easy to rollout. It's a new twist on an old game. Floorball has universal appeal,comes complete with a governing body, global rule book, and is on path to become an Olympic Sport. Hockey is Canada, yet our schools have not delivered a safe and effective version of indoor gym hockey, in line with CS4L. Floorball is the solution. Floorball will work for every school in British Columbia and across Canada, It speaks to hockey purists, hockey players, hockey fans and everyone in between. Floorball is the ideal sport for Canada. Floorball is the next big thing!
Where communities lack ice arenas, Floorball becomes more important.
The Solution: What is your solution? Be specific!
Our solution is regional delivery of Floorball educational demos and workshops. We have a mobile pop-up hockey experience that will increase healthy and friendly sport participation in communities and schools. Education on the history, equipment and rules of Floorball is necessary. PE teachers, hockey coaches, players, parents and students alike all need some guidance to fully embrace the value proposition and ethics of Floorball vs Floor Hockey. At BC Floorball we have embarked on Floorball teaching and learning missions with an incredible success rate. Our demos have the power to change schools and change lives. Every student gets a stick and a ball, they learn the fundamentals of gym hockey; shooting, stick handling and agility. Friendly challenges and games are introduced to make it fun and engaging. We get kids moving, playing hockey and experiencing team play, without aggressive and unsafe behaviours. We show participants, the kinetic magic and sportsmanship of Floorball.
The Model: Walk us through a specific example of how your solution makes a difference; include the primary activities involved in your solution.
Example 1:
During a Floorball hands on tutorial, a young female student picks up a Floorball stick, it's ergonomic fit and lightweight feel allow her to flick her wrists and sizzle a shot towards a goalnet, going top hand corner with very little effort. A smile emerges and the young athlete has now experience a new thrill of making an amazing hockey shot and scoring a goal.
Example 2:
A new Canadian student, wearing a Canucks Hockey jersey has never had the pleasure of skating and playing Hockey. Through our Floorball clinics, we enable that student to feel the power, exhilaration, speed and flow of Hockey via a Floorball stick and ball. A fan becomes a participant, and through a positive safe and healthy tutorial, a fan gets to experience the dynamic of being a hockey player, without the expense of ice and equipment.
http://tomhawthorn.blogspot.ca/2011/07/little-known-floorball-gaining-sh...
http://www.bcfloorball.com/?p=1287
http://www.nsnews.com/sports/North+Vancouver+aims+Olympic+sport/6140859/...
Example 3: A Young Hockey fan is in love with hockey. She yearns to play, but cannot, because she is in a wheelchair. Through one of our wheelchair floorball demos, she is introduced to the lightweight, easy to use Floorball stick. The ball is also extremely light making it easy for the young hockey fan to pick up a stick, wheel, stickhandle, pass and shoot. The feeling is like magic. The innovative, ergonomic design of the Floorball stick and ball make it safe, accessible, and affordable for her to be active in the sport!
The Marketplace: Who are your peers and competitors? Identify others working to address the same needs as you and indicate what sets you apart from them.
Ball Hockey is a competitor, however Ball Hockey is not allowed in schools because of the equipment damage (hockey sticks on gym floors) and the aggressive nature of the game. Ball Hockey is not gym or school friendly and is played mostly in arenas and streets.
Floor Hockey has no formal rules, no International governing body, no universality. Floor Hockey is merely an activity with clunky and awkward plastic sticks. It has a traditional place in Canadian schools, but is often dominated by the better hockey players in a class, making it very intimidating and exclusive, not inclusive. The floor hockey sticks are too long and heavy for younger athletes and young female students.
Only Floorball supports all stages of Canada Sport for Life and Long Term Athlete Development.
This Entry is about (Issues)
read more↓↑ hide↑ hideFounding Story: We want to hear about your "Aha!" moment. Share the story of where and when the founder(s) saw this solution's potential to change the world.
While on an outreach mission in Sweden, Greg Beaudin founder of BC Floorball saw thousands of youth enjoying clean, fast, simple, and poetic hockey action via Floorball. He picked up a Floorball stick and could immediately understand why Canada had fallen behind in the skills development side of hockey. The Europeans have been playing Floorball in their schools for over thirty years and we were still playing Floor Hockey. The Aha! moment had occured, and it became clear that Canada had to get moving quickly and embrace this new form of indoor hockey. Floorball in Sweden and across Europe proves that Floorball is not just for elite hockey player development, but for everyone, the masses, the young, the experienced, wheelchair athletes, disabled athletes. The true essence of Floorball is that it's very accessible, economical and can be played anywhere, by everyone.
Statistics in the top Ice Hockey nations validate the trend that Floorball can be massive for communities across BC.
Please describe the goal of your initiative; outline what you are trying to achieve
Every school in BC deserves to be playing Floorball.
Every hockey player in BC should have their own Floorball stick.
Every disabled athlete in BC can and should have the option to play Floorball.
The goal is to make Floorball the most participated sport in Canada as it is in countries like Sweden, Finland, Switzerland, that share a similar socio-economic structure and connection to ice-hockey.
Another goal for BC Floorball is to bring the innovations of Floorball to the Special Olympics groups across BC. The outcome would be a BC Team and/or players competing in Floorball at the Special Olympics.
What has been the impact of your solution to date?
Floorball has touched over 10000 players in BC. Over 100 schools have picked up Floorball as a safer, healthier and smarter alternative to floor hockey. Through this action Players have been selected to play on National teams and traveled to compete for Team Canada. New Canadians have begun to play ice-hockey after getting hooked on Floorball. Floorball has developed some major ice hockey skills and we have seen some of our Floorball Hockey athletes reach the NHL.
Floorball has changed lives, teenagers that were unable to play ice-hockey have fallen in love with Floorball and it's created an identity for these Youth.
Floorball has allowed heavily concussed young hockey athletes to continue to play Hockey, but in a safe and non-contact environment.
Schools have resurrected their passion for hockey via Floorball.
Floorball has inspired young female athletes who were previously unable to create a solid connection to the sport.
What is your projected impact over the next five years?
In the next five years, Floorball will impact nearly all Canadians. It will earn its proper place in the sport landscape of Canada, and it will impact the overall ice-hockey and team sport movement in a positive way.
Floorball will become a massive influence on BC and across Canada, the health benefits impact will be huge.
Projected statistics can be found here: http://gongfloorball.com/news/2012/8/23/north-america-holds-the-key.html
What barriers might hinder the success of your project? How do you plan to overcome them?
Developing new team sports in Canada is difficult. We face a lack of knowledge, awareness, and appreciation for what Floorball brings. People need to understand and be educated as to what are the key differences between floor hockey, ball hockey, and floorball.
Winning entries present a strong plan for how they will achieve and track growth. Identify your six-month milestone for growing your impact
Our goal for the sixth month milestone is to have reached and thus entered 1000 participants in our online tracking system.
Task 1
present Floorball to 50 schools
Task 2
present Floorball to 10 minor hockey associations
Task 3
create a Membership acquisition strategy
Now think bigger! Identify your 12-month impact milestone
In one year we will have reached 3000 participants and this will be added in to our registration system at www.floorball.co
Task 1
complete 100 school demos
Task 2
host an IFF educational seminar at the Richmond Olympic Oval
Task 3
create a mobile membership management tool to track and monitor growth
read more↓↑ hide↑ hideTell us about your partnerships
BC Floorball is partnered with an innovative technology company that creates mobile solutions to make sport more accessible. www.hockeycommunity.co
BC Floorball is a member of SportBC and the BC Sport Agency.
We have partnered with the top agency in the World for creating innovative marketing strategies in the world of Hockey- kommunity hockey.
BC Floorball has partnered with BC Hockey and Hockey Canada to align with their own initiatives to develop more awareness and skills development for hockey players in schools.
BC Floorball is partners with Modern Hockey, an equipment provider.
Are you currently targeting other specific populations, locations, or markets for your solution? If so, where and why?
BC Floorball is currently positioned to be the leader in developing a complete Floorball development eco-system that could be rolled out across the Americas. Floorball is expanding rapidly in the Americas, and BC Floorball founder is the Central Board member of the International Floorball Federation from the Americas, so it makes sense for the development ideas to come from our work at BC Floorball.
From the Haida Gwaii to remote areas of BC, the BCFF has introduced Floorball as a form of fitness and hockey where ice arenas options are limited or non-existent. Floorball works everywhere.
What type of operating environment and internal organizational factors make your innovation successful?
Our operating environment is flexible and our organization has virtually no overhead or complex restrictions that would prevent hyper-growth form occurring. We are poised to be successful with what we consider to be a great and simple sports product and a very committed and passionate team.
Again, our strong ties with Core Floorball nations and our direct connection to the International Floorball Federation position us ideally to address any operational challenges and allow us to make our innovative programs succeed.
Please elaborate on any needs or offers you have mentioned above and/or suggest categories of support that aren't specified within the list
BC Floorball has a clear handle on some of these areas of need above, but we are completely open to learning and collaborating with organizations and people that can help us improve in each area. We also feel that we are innovators ourselves and would be willing to give back to the community at large, to make the sport landscape more harmonious. We can make communities stronger and healthier.
Created on 09/5/2012 by The Orphanage
Provide secure housing and good food. Provide educational and play opportunities. Support staff training and developmental research.
Organization: The Orphanage
Visit websitemore ↓↑ hide↑ hideCountry where this solution is creating social impact
Region in BC where your solution creates social impact
Vancouver, Coast and Mountains, Vancouver Island, Thompson Okanagan, Northern British Columbia, Cariboo Chilcotin Coast, Kootenay Rockies, Columbia Basin.
Is your organization a
Not registered
How long has your organization been operating?
More than 5 years
The information you provide here will be used to fill in any parts of your profile that have been left blank, such as interests, organization information, and website. No contact information will be made public. Please uncheck here if you do not want this to happen..
read more↓↑ hide↑ hideSelect the stage that best applies to your solution
Idea (you're poised to launch)
How long have you been in operation?
Operating for more than 5 years
Which of the following best describes the barrier(s) your solution addresses? Choose up to two
Cost, Quality.
The Need: Describe the need for your solution and the size and characteristics of the community(ies) your solution is engaging
The Orphanage is the conceptual design of a 720 room hotel and 200 acre playground for child protection. In the BC context we would dramatically improve quality of care and save taxpayers $18 million annually.
The Solution: What is your solution? Be specific!
Obtain political support, then proceed to build and manage the shelter. Our standard fee for service would be $2,000 per month. Children younger than seven would be with their mothers (or fathers). Attendance would be voluntary and discipline would be in the form of time out rooms. State of the art computer facilities would be avaliable to the children. Age range would be birth to 20 inclusive.
The Model: Walk us through a specific example of how your solution makes a difference; include the primary activities involved in your solution.
Instead of saying "here is your new mother and father", we would say "here is the hotel you can stay in for one month".
The Marketplace: Who are your peers and competitors? Identify others working to address the same needs as you and indicate what sets you apart from them.
This Entry is about (Issues)
read more↓↑ hide↑ hideFounding Story: We want to hear about your "Aha!" moment. Share the story of where and when the founder(s) saw this solution's potential to change the world.
In 1996 when I was run out of business by MCFD. Based on a lifetime of research and clinical experience.
Please describe the goal of your initiative; outline what you are trying to achieve
Provision of the best shelter for children and single parents in the world. Saving the taxpayers money. Training staff and Developmental Research.
What has been the impact of your solution to date?
Frightening the established child protection service and becoming internationally recognized.
What is your projected impact over the next five years?
It will take that long to complete planning and start building.
What barriers might hinder the success of your project? How do you plan to overcome them?
The greed and pride of the present system. Deal with it politically.
Winning entries present a strong plan for how they will achieve and track growth. Identify your six-month milestone for growing your impact
Political and financial support.
Task 1
Continue to invite MCFD for a seminar on the project.
Task 2
Continue to develop increasingly detailed designs for the buildings and the playground.
Task 3
Promulgate the information to the taxpayers and children.
Now think bigger! Identify your 12-month impact milestone
read more↓↑ hide↑ hideTell us about your partnerships
Extensive and confidential. Potential exists for Corporate donations.
Are you currently targeting other specific populations, locations, or markets for your solution? If so, where and why?
Central America, due to current BC inactivity.
What type of operating environment and internal organizational factors make your innovation successful?
Faith in the superiority of our product and perseverance.
Please elaborate on any needs or offers you have mentioned above and/or suggest categories of support that aren't specified within the list
Some multinational corporate interest and Parlcan.
