Here's a story about how members of the Changemakers community are encouraging wildlife conservation in Mexico:
When Martin Camacho was a child, he had to leave school to help support his family. Instead of attending classes, he went with his father to capture birds in the countryside, eating meals of wild birds' eggs, cactus fruit, and roasted pigeons.
At the age of 10, Camacho had a revelation. A pigeon splayed and roasting on the fire mirrored the figure of Jesus Christ martyred on the cross. A devout Roman Catholic, this image stirred something within Camacho, who vowed to never again kill a bird. “I felt it was a living being who had to be respected,” he said.
Read more about this solution, or discuss this topic below.
Farming for conservation entails a new paradigm: shifting the focus away from protecting the environment from farmers, to investing in farming as a way to enhance the delivery of a wide range of public goods and services. It is highly innovative in terms of the measures adopted, the simplicity of approach and the output based payment system. It has been piloted in a highly complex protected landscape of the Burren and has proven envirnmental, agricultural and socio economic benefits.
This project also has a Changeshop where you can read more about its latest progress.
Go to Changeshop: Mycelium.
Created on 01/7/2013 by wprice
To create a successful, trusted, socially and ecologically responsible, ecommerce business which integrates the best mushroom related products and technologies. This business will serve as a base to support the educational databases of the site and will fund global projects to conserve ecologies and fight hunger,
read more ↓↑ hide↑ hideTell us about yourself/your team.
I turned 21 in Tamil Nadu, studying Intentional Communities.
My first business was shoveling snow when I was 10, at 16 I started my own landscaping company, at 22 I started my own construction company, .
I attended the University of VT for one year in 94-95. I took and class on the environment. I learned about all the problems, but no solutions.
So I read books.
I learned permaculture from Fukuoka, radical ecology from Bookchin, globilization from Norberg-Hodge, mycology from Stamets, I learned education from Friere, educational inequality from Kozol, french intensive gardening from Jeavons and Coleman I learned Buddhism from Hahn and commerce from Hawkins.
What I found were ideas, which became solutions.
I earned a degree a degree in Biology.
I enjoy puzzles.
What makes you an intrapreneur? What are the skills, capabilities, and personality traits that make you an intrapreneur?
Stubborn, patient, synergistic problem solver, relationship builder, communicator, ability to listen. Ability to listen some more. Can visualize the invisible, dream the impossible, and still have a sense of humor.
Carpenter, Scientist and Jewish (but not Jesus).
Computer savvy.
Not afraid of working hard. Learn from failures, change accordingly.
Biophilic. Empathic. Don't know everything. Humility. Ask for help.
Believe is something. Believe in others. Believe in myself. Set goals.
Take responsibility. Remember how to breathe.
Not afraid of learning new things. Not afraid to use the tools I have.
Not afraid to try and try and try.
Saddened by the state of the world.
Not afraid to cry.
Hopeful.
Integration. Interconnection
Father. Brother. Husband. Son.
Company Country
United States, MA, West Yarmouth, Barnstable County
Primary country where this project is creating social impact
United States, MA, West Yarmouth, Barnstable County
Additional countries or regions
Look to have a global impact, not restricted by country
Industry
Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services
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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. Over 1 Billion Hungry, Over 1 Billion Malnourished
2. Population Growth Expected to Reach 9 Billion by 2040, 11 billion by 2050
3. Deforestation for protein production and fuel increases arable land under cultivation
4. Ecosystem thresholds are being stretched to capacity : Water Pollution, Air Pollution, Landfills, Ocean Pollution (see Worldwatch Institute Report and "Our Ecological Footprint")
5. Cultural and Biological diversity is being destroyed by 'current paradigm' business practices (see "Ecology of Commerce")
6. Product Design Crisis created by Market Forces which elevate Profit over Sustainability (see "Cradle to Cradle")
7. 15 Global Challenges located at http://www.millennium-project.org/millennium/challeng.html
8. Integrated, place based solution
The Solution: What is your solution? Be specific!
1. Databased support network to rapidly increase transfer of information leading to a more intelligent conversion of agricultural waste products, utilizing greater biological efficiencies, leading to a more stable, less energy intensive food supply chain.
2. Technology provides easier access to education and global issues
3. establish Mycelium based network for protein production, decreasing reliance on myopic agricultural practices
4. Mycelium based restoration, regeneration of degraded ecosystems, leading to an integrated sustainable permacultural roadmap
5. Innovative "Cradle to Cradle" business whereby cost externalization is rendered impossible and considered irresponsible
6. Utilize natural systems as guideline for product design cycles (specifically enzymatic degradation pathways)
7. http://www.millennium-project.org/millennium/challeng.html
8. My current model is under development and would require a confidentiality agreement for further agreement. Cradle to Cradle...
The Solution: Why is this solution innovative for your company and industry?
Integrates an untapped network of people with common interests, goals and vision.
Engenders an Empowerment through shared knowledge and new human connections.
The Model: Walk us through a specific example of how your solution makes a difference; include your primary activities.
b2b, b2c, triple bottom line, Hybrid,
Mission Statement
At Mycelium, we believe that ecology is economics.
It is this belief that is at the core of our business model.
We believe in a vision which elevates the understanding of our dependence on the health of the Earth’s Ecosystems. And this understanding is acted upon through our Triple Bottom Line (people, planet, profit) Hybrid Business Model.
We strive to promote ideas, products and technologies which integrate the “Cradle to Cradle” design philosophy.
In so doing, we are working to conserve, protect and sustain the rich cultural and biological diversity, which makes our planet unique, rich and habitable.
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?
I have undertaken a detailed investigation of peers/competitors in this industry/field from local to global.
My peers are those who recognize the need for a radical shift away from business as usual. My competitors are those, whose commitment to profit is still primary.
My peers may also prove to be my competitors, but this will not serve to hinder my proposed solutions, it should increase the speed of their implementation. By creating a self sustaining business, whose charter is socially and ecologically focused, we will be able to help implement (through education and customizable, localized-mycelium based systems planning) a long term, culturally sensitive and ecologically sensible answer to the question of global/local human impact.
see "Mycelium Running" by Paul Stamets
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.
Each year for my birthday, or Christmas, my mother would buy me a puzzle. The ones with a thousand pieces were, and still are, my favorites. The only puzzles that i enjoyed doing were of Norman Rockwell paintings. He was, and still is, my favorite artist. I would sit for hour upon hour studying the nuances of color and light, wondering how anyone could paint like that, all while putting the pieces where they go. This youthful penchant for puzzles has influenced the way I perceive the world and how it is I came to my "Aha" moment. A moment, which for me is still happening. A moment that is being built upon the momentum of a lot of hard work and years of wandering. In 2004 I went to study for a month with Paul Stamets as an internship, while working towards my degree in Biology (microbiology). I was touched by Paul's genuineness and sense of purpose.
What has been the impact of your solution to date?
As of now, I have been networking, working on the edge pieces of this proverbial puzzle.
My solution is actually an anti impact solution. That is, it aims to help transform waste streams into nutrient streams. And by so doing, anticipates alleviating some of the burden which we have bestowed upon our children, while simultaneously empowering people to work with nature and eachother.
What is your projected impact over the next 1 to 3 years?
What barriers might hinder the success of your project? How do you plan to overcome them?
read more↓↑ hide↑ hideWhat is the benefit or value you're creating for your business?
The value is a business organization which is principled in a cradle to cradle design philosophy and serves as an business model example for others to learn from and adopt . This company will strive to create a network/supply chain to accomplish social and ecological goals and seeks to become a trusted, expert source of knowledge/information and to, through social networking, distribute that knowledge to where it is needed.
I am creating a business that will highlight the value of mushroom and mushroom related products, a key component to ecological and social sustainability as well as part of the hunger solution in the coming century. Waste equals food.
How are you leveraging internal resources (funds, time, knowledge, etc.) to support this initiative?
It is said that 20% of one's work is responsible for 80% of ones results. Meaning the intelligent use of time, money and knowledge is imperative for a successful initiative.
I have taken a two free online courses through ITunesU on ecommerce. I have organized a searchable database in my hours after my full time job. I have learned how to build a website (www.capecodmushroom.org) using online tools. I have taken the free training courses offered by the ecommerce platform Magento to familiarize myself with how to run the website. I have consulted with web designers, marketing specialists, social networking companies, and branding consultants, all in an effort to leverage internal resources. Using my time to work with experts in there fields save money and costly mistakes, creating a positive feedback loop
Expand on your answer, explaining the long-term funding and support plan.
The Social and Ecological mission of this company will be accomplished through and during the successful operation of the business. The long term funding of this initiative will be based on the triple bottom line business model (people/planet/profit).
Tell us about your partnerships across your company and externally that are key to your project's success.
Relationships are the key to any successful initiative and/or enterprise. This is true in both the short term and long term. I have made inroads with numerous product manufacturers, suppliers, and distrtibutors, through email and phone conversation, both locally and internationally. I will be carrying items which are not currently available in the U.S. market.
What internal support have you gotten for your project? What kind of push-back have you received?
I have only told a few people about this project. Those with whom I shared it are excited and optimistic. I have been advised by them to take baby steps and not get overwhelmed by the size and scope of what I am working on.
Push back I received is people questioning my motivation and very real concerns on how to pay for start up costs.
Everyone I have spoke with thinks I have a sound idea and am capable of developing and implementing it.
I have undertaken a detailed investigation of peers/competitors in this industry/field from local to global.
My peers are those who recognize the need for a radical shift away from business as usual. My competitors are those, whose commitment to profit is primary.
CCF is expanding Bushblok as part of a 2012 Clinton Global Initiative Commitment to also stimulate a biomass industry in Namibia. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CuShsDlRvk8.
Namibia and other arid African countries suffer from overgrown thornbush, which reduces habitat for livestock and wildlife. CCF selectively harvests this thornbush and creates a low-emission, high-heat fuel log, a program that won the Tech Award for the Environment in 2008. Taking it further, this biomass can create much needed electricity in Namibia and beyond.
Created on 09/12/2012 by danlewis
Friends of Clayoquot Sound in Tofino will open an Eco-Centre which is designed to tell our story, build our campaigns, and raise funds for campaigning.
Organization: Friends of Clayoquot Sound
Visit websitemore ↓↑ hide↑ hideOrganization Name
Friends of Clayoquot Sound
Country where this solution is creating social impact
Region in BC where your solution creates social impact
Vancouver, Coast and Mountains, Vancouver Island.
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
Cost.
The Need: Describe the need for your solution and the size and characteristics of the community(ies) your solution is engaging
Tofino is a tourist destination that about 1 million people visit annually from all over the world. At present there is no place where they can come to learn all about Clayoquot's rainforests, the threats to these magnificent ecosystems, and how Canadian history was made protecting them. The FOCS office can fill that niche, but it needs a bit of sprucing up.
The Solution: What is your solution? Be specific!
Our vision is to renovate the front end and exterior of our office building located in downtown Tofino. The concept is to create a gallery / eco-retail space, with striking images of the wildlife and scenery here, interspersed with iconic historic photos of the mass arrests of 1993. The space will also be a venue for selling t-shirts, hoodies, posters and gift cards—the sort of thing visitors naturally want to buy when on holiday. The emphasis will be on providing education in addition to eco-gifts.
We have access to amazing wildlife and scenery photos from many of BC's leading wilderness photographers. The visitors are coming already, and we have an incredible story to tell of one of the iconic wilderness battles in BC.
Friends of Clayoquot Sound have made history twice already, and need to do it again in order to stop mining and get fish farms out of the Clayoquot Sound UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. This retail space will be a hub of environmental inspiration and action!
The Model: Walk us through a specific example of how your solution makes a difference; include the primary activities involved in your solution.
A visitor to Tofino is eating lunch. They ask their server about the battles to stop the logging of Clayoquot's ancient rainforests. The server is only here for the summer, and is keen to help save Clayoquot Sound, but doesn't really have all the answers or time to provide them. But she knows of the Friends of Clayoquot Sound office through her Tofino Ambassador training at the Chamber of Commerce. She refers the visitor to the Friends of Clayoquot Sound's brand new retail space, where they can stop by and hear directly from FOCS what happened here 20 and 30 years ago, and what is going on right now with the ongoing logging of rainforests, and the threat of an open pit copper mine within sight of Tofino. The visitor gets stoked, purchases some eco-gifts, picks up the latest FOCS newsletter, and joins our Wilderness Team as a monthly donor. They are now engaged, and can begin to join FOCS letter-writing campaigns to help keep Clayoquot Wild!
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.
Peers and competitors will be fellow members of the Tofino-Long Beach Chamber of Commerce. The Tofino business community is onside with FOCS goals to protect ecosystems for future generations. Most businesses will be pleased to instruct their guides and employees to send people to FOCS—it provides a better visitor experience for their customers, saves their employees' time, and helps build support for campaigns which are in the interest of business owners in Tofino. There may be some reluctance amongst sellers of t-shirts and similar merchandise to send people to their 'competition', but t-shirts are a sideline for most businesses in Tofino.
We are the only organization in Tofino advocating for protection of Clayoquot Sound from industrial logging, salmon farming and mining.
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.
was walking through downtown Tofino on a sunny summer day. Hundreds of people are wandering around town looking for something to do. Many are attracted to come here because of the pristine natural environment. Yet our grassroots environmental group does not have adequate funding to run our campaigns to the level we need to. What about if all these people had somewhere to go to learn about the threats to this beautiful place? What if they learned about the history of the successes of our organization, that this is a place on planet Earth where local residents have worked together with local First Nations and succeeded in stopping logging? No doubt we could convince many of them to support our work so Clayoquot Sound remains a place where people will want to visit.
Please describe the goal of your initiative; outline what you are trying to achieve
Our vision is to renovate the front end and exterior of our office building located in downtown Tofino. The concept is to create a gallery / eco-retail space, with striking images of the wildlife and scenery here, interspersed with iconic historic photos of the mass arrests of 1993. The space will also be a venue for selling t-shirts, hoodies, posters and gift cards—the sort of thing visitors naturally want to buy when on holiday. The emphasis will be on providing education in addition to eco-gifts. We have access to amazing wildlife and scenery photos from many of BC's leading wilderness photographers. This retail space will be a hub of environmental inspiration!
What has been the impact of your solution to date?
Friends of Clayoquot Sound have in past run a similar space to this proposal. The idea definitely worked, but we have never had a professional team look at what we are doing here in order to help us put together an eco-centre that really draws people in an makes us money.
What is your projected impact over the next five years?
This eco-centre will provide us with the opportunity to tell our story directly to people who likely care, as they came here for the natural environment. This will help us to build strong international grassroots support to win our campaigns. It will also be able to raise funds which we can devote to campaigning.
What barriers might hinder the success of your project? How do you plan to overcome them?
There may be some reluctance amongst sellers of t-shirts and similar merchandise to send people to their 'competition', but t-shirts are a sideline for most businesses in Tofino.
Winning entries present a strong plan for how they will achieve and track growth. Identify your six-month milestone for growing your impact
We will have host a grand opening of the Friends of Clayoquot Sound Eco-Centre during the 2013 Whale Festival!
Task 1
Sound business plan in place.
Task 2
Sound plan for the renovations and design of new space.
Task 3
Product lines clearly identified.
Now think bigger! Identify your 12-month impact milestone
We are going into our second summer of running the Eco-Centre with improvements made based on Year 1 experience.
Task 3
Revised displays based on campaign needs.
read more↓↑ hide↑ hideTell us about your partnerships
Peers and competitors will be fellow members of the Tofino-Long Beach Chamber of Commerce. The Tofino business community is onside with FOCS goals to protect ecosystems for future generations. Most businesses will be pleased to instruct their guides and employees to send people to FOCS—it provides a better visitor experience for their customers, saves their employees' time, and helps build support for campaigns which are in the interest of business owners in Tofino.
Are you currently targeting other specific populations, locations, or markets for your solution? If so, where and why?
We will need to attract people in Tofino, but we can begin doing that before they arrive through advertising in Tofino Time, which gets wide distribution. We could also look at adding an online component to the store.
What type of operating environment and internal organizational factors make your innovation successful?
Next year is the 20-year anniversary of the Clayoquot Summer 1993 mass protests. It is a perfect time to launch a retail space which celebrates our past successes and helps us campaign in the present day as well. Friends of Clayoquot Sound have been re-invigorated due to the threat of an open pit copper mine, so the community is keen to assist in any way they can. Attendance at events is up, newsletter distribution has tripled in the past 2 years. Monthly donations are way up, as are overall revenues. We are on a roll, and we have our work cut out for us!
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 lakeambassadors
Approximately 20 words left (160 characters).
Organization: Wildsight
Visit websitemore ↓↑ hide↑ hideCountry where this solution is creating social impact
Canada, BC, East Kootenays
Region in BC where your solution creates social impact
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..
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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
Cost, Quality.
The Need: Describe the need for your solution and the size and characteristics of the community(ies) your solution is engaging
Lake Windermere is surrounded by the Columbia wetlands and forms the headwaters of the Columbia River, which provides freshwater support for 15 million people in the Pacific Northwest. Wildsight developed the Lake Windermere Project because of increasing development pressures impacting the quality of water in the region and the collapse of the burbot fishery. The solution was to engage community members and develop a template that would create a water stewardship culture and ethic in the Columbia Basin. The emphasis was on the protection and enhancement of water quality by means of inter-agency cooperation, scientific monitoring, public education and engagement.
The Solution: What is your solution? Be specific!
Share the successes of the Lake Windermere Project which was formed in response to growing public demand for an ongoing, comprehensive water stewardship initiative that would engage government and the public to protect and enhance both the lake and surrounding watershed. The focus of the project was on education, stakeholder engagement, water quality monitoring and restoration. The project had a high degree of inter-agency cooperation and represented more than a dozen partners, including all levels of government, First Nations, area NGOs and the public. Specific actions included: providing a weekly educational series in local newspapers, training volunteer water monitors who learned how to take scientifically accredited water samples, partnering with the Canadian Cancer Society to raise awareness about the impacts of pesticides on water and human health, and non-point pollution reduction. Connecting the science with the agents of change - community members — is our continued goal.
The Model: Walk us through a specific example of how your solution makes a difference; include the primary activities involved in your solution.
Wildsight's small BC-based community project was successfully used as a model for water stewardship in BC and across Canada. Wildsight, the Lake Winnipeg Foundation and Global Nature Fund have collaborated to create Living Lakes Network Canada, a national network linking science to action for water stewardship across the country. The network has an advisory group of ten of Canada’s top water experts and already has 8 members from the Skeena watershed, Lake Huron, Lake Winnipeg, Federation of Ontario Cottage Owners, Nature Canada, BC Lake Stewardship Society and the Athabasca watershed. We recently hosted our first annual Living Lakes Network Canada conference in Winnipeg to bring attention and joint solutions to the eutrophication problem of the world’s 10th largest fresh water lake. We were able to invite international Living Lakes members from the European Union who provided a very tangible example to conference delegates of eutrophication resolution and restoration of Lake Constance, a lake in Europe whose shores lie in three countries. Another conference outcome was the development of the “Save Lake Winnipeg Coalition” who requested that we present the Lake Windermere Project and Ambassadors concept. We hope to replicate this model throughout BC and Canada.
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 are grassroots citizen-based water stewardship groups, higher-level environmental NGOs, government employees at municipal, provincial, federal and First Nations levels, scientists and academics. Our competitors are other environmental NGOs who compete for the same small pot of charitable donations and funds available in BC. What sets us apart is that we can operate at all levels,municipal, provincial, nationally and internationally which means that we are flexible have more funding sources available to us and we can make projects work where we get the most traction. We also have a product that took us ten years to build, pilot, test and refine. We are currently viewed as experts in our field of citizen-based science training and community engagement.We have been invite
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 “Aha” moment for us was when we realized that if we want to make a difference in our watershed we could not do it alone. We could not continue to operate in our silo with our traditional partners. Instead, we would have to build bridges across to the various sectors of society. We decided to foster alliances between environmental groups, chambers of commerce, the Canadian Cancer society, local rotary clubs, all levels of government and First Nations. Without this type of non- traditional collaboration the success of the Lake Windermere Project would not have reached fruition. There is no, “them and us: there is “we” and “we” were able to get it done.
Please describe the goal of your initiative; outline what you are trying to achieve
Public concern for healthy, functioning watersheds continues to rise, while governments reduce their responsibility for monitoring, assessing, and managing these same resources while the implications to watershed health from climate change are daunting. Community based water monitoring has become a trusted avenue for evaluating watershed health on a local level. Our goal is to support communities and groups in BC and across Canada who have expressed the need for assistance in designing and implementing watershed monitoring programs. Water experts in Canada unanimously support the need for standardizing water monitoring, classification and rehabilitation methods. Connecting the science with the agents of change, community members—is our continued goal.
What has been the impact of your solution to date?
We have successfully replicated stewardship components of the Lake Windermere Project on 9 other lakes in the East Kootenay Region, and are currently assisting with projects for Kootenay Lake, Slocan Lake and the South Basin of Lake Winnipeg. We have assisted with the grassroots creation of water stewardship programming for the Crowsnest Conservation Society, Friends of Kootenay Lake and Slocan Lake Stewardship Society.
Locally, our water stewardship work has led to science-based direction for lake management planning, and resulted in engagement from a variety of community sectors that otherwise would not align themselves with an environmental initiative. It has created a water stewardship dialogue within our community across all sectors.
What is your projected impact over the next five years?
Our projected impact is to spread our successes throughout Canada, for both community-based water stewardship and watershed-scale governance. Through Living Lakes Canada, we will share our experiences, building a knowledge base of water stewardship principles. Specifically in BC, as the province undergoes the modernization of its Water Act, we will work with communities to become better engaged in the solutions surrounding how and where decisions are made with respect to water management and water stewardship.
What barriers might hinder the success of your project? How do you plan to overcome them?
Potential barriers include lack of political will to implement key water based management opportunities. Community groups and coalitions can put tremendous resources into collecting and assessing watershed or foreshore health, and if the political will does not exist to implement the results at the municipal, provincial or federal level, these initiatives can get lost.
One key lesson from our project has been that we must engage our political leaders from the beginning and continuously throughout the process. This builds trust and commitment to follow through on the recommendations and outcomes.
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
We will increase community-based training opportunities for applied watershed monitoring by building a capacity for delivering C
Task 2
We will create a watershed health reporting template that can be used by water stewardship groups to communicate their monitorin
Task 3
We will create a watershed stewardship manual, outlining the key pieces to engagement, monitoring and implementation so that com
Now think bigger! Identify your 12-month impact milestone
Task 1
We will deliver CABIN field training opportunities for 20 groups in BC.
Task 2
We will host a Columbia-Basin wide celebration of water and our watershed, engaging all communities within the Basin and establi
Task 3
We will bring the BC example further afield by hosting the second annual Living Lakes Canada conference at Lake Huron.
read more↓↑ hide↑ hideTell us about your partnerships
We have partnerships at international, national, provincial, regional, and municipal levels. They include First Nations, all levels of government, NGOs, universities, colleges and water-related think tanks. We currently have over 18 partners including: Polis Project on Ecological Governance; Canada Water Week; Kootenay Lake Partnership; Forum for Leadership On Water); Simon Fraser Adaptation to Climate Change Team; Canadian Indigenous Environmental Resources; WWF –Canada Freshwater program; Canadian Columbia River Intertribal Fisheries Commission.
Are you currently targeting other specific populations, locations, or markets for your solution? If so, where and why?
Targeted populations are lake stewardship groups throughout BC and Canada. We specifically target lake groups working to protect lakes with high ecological value, are experiencing a high degree of threat, and require community engagement support. Specific areas include the Skeena Watershed, the Columbia Basin, Athabasca Watershed and Lake Winnipeg Watershed.
What type of operating environment and internal organizational factors make your innovation successful?
Living Lakes Canada is adaptive and can expand or contract our program deliverables based on funding. We have strong partnerships throughout Canada and internationally. The Ambassadors benefit from the broad range of stakeholders participating as our Board of Directors. Though Directors come from a variety of backgrounds, all share the common goal of protecting the lake as a community asset. Our success hinges on a dedicated core group of volunteers and strong relationships with local government and provincial environment agencies. We also benefit from tools and techniques transferred as a legacy of the Lake Windermere Project, and continued mentorship from the Project coordinator.
Please elaborate on any needs or offers you have mentioned above and/or suggest categories of support that aren't specified within the list
Next year is the 20-year anniversary of the Clayoquot Summer 1993 mass protests which made history as the largest act of civil disobedience in Canadian history. Friends of Clayoquot Sound need to reinvigorate the front end of the FOCS office in downtown Tofino BC, to create a hub of environmental inspiration and action. We envision this as a place to tell the story of Clayoquot Sound's temperate rain forests and the historic campaigns to protect them using dramatic images of spectacular ancient cedars, abundant wildlife, stunning scenery, and mass peaceful protests.
Created on 09/11/2012 by fosorio
To create a think-tank/research centre that identifies, defines and works toward promoting sustainability at a meaningful scale.
Organization: Columbia Mountains Resource Policy Council (Association)
Visit websitemore ↓↑ hide↑ hideOrganization Name
Columbia Mountains Resource Policy Council (Association)
Country where this solution is creating social impact
Region in BC where your solution creates social impact
Thompson Okanagan, Cariboo Chilcotin Coast, Columbia Basin.
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
Access, Transparency.
The Need: Describe the need for your solution and the size and characteristics of the community(ies) your solution is engaging
To effectively plan for the future well-being of ecosystems it is important to consider the current and future impacts of human disturbance at a landscape level. The Columbia Mountains provide a large geographic extent -naturally delineated by the mountain ranges- that host similar ecosystems within a large latitudinal and climatic gradient. These mountains are home to diverse human populations that share similar climates and have similar interactions with the environment. Normally, land use plans divide ecosystems into jurisdictional boundaries which do not reflect the need to manage the landscape in ecologically meaningful units.
The Solution: What is your solution? Be specific!
By studying and advocating for the consideration of ecologically meaningful areas during land use planning and decision making, we aim to address one of the systemic causes for misguided management of natural resources. It is a novel approach since we seek to understand ecological sustainability at a meaningful scale within defined natural boundaries. It is also an original approach since it will take into account the various human interests and uses that affect the ecosystems.
The Model: Walk us through a specific example of how your solution makes a difference; include the primary activities involved in your solution.
When reviewing land-use plans, resource extraction plans, conservation goals, production and distribution of natural resources, stakeholder engagement, etc. -within the Columbia Mountains- it becomes apparent that there are several organizations, industries, governmental agencies, and special interest groups that work within specific areas with very little collaboration amongst each other. However, all these groups are working with and relying upon a region -naturally delineated by the Columbia Mountains- which provides common ecological and cultural grounds.
The solution we are proposing is to identify and collaborate with all entities involved in the use and protection of the natural resources within the Columbia Mountains, to help create a coordinated and comprehensive approach that helps define and achieve economic and environmental sustainability, within a meaningful landscape unit.
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.
Some of our peers are the Fraser Basin Council and the Bulkley Valley Research Centre. The area of interest is what sets us apart from them. Additionally, there are several conservation groups (eg. Wildsight, Conservation Northwest, Yellowstone to Yukon) that address similar concerns but we are different in that we are not interested in promoting a conservation agenda, but rather we seek to facilitate the integration of conservation interest with those of industry, First Nations, and Governments.
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 my quest for personal integrity, reconciliation, and validation of my core values I was often stunned by how my actions often contradicted my ideals and goals. For example, I saw no issue laying out cut-blocks for work, yet during recreational pursuits I longed for wild and pristine landscapes. Similarly, I found my self deeply concerned about the fate of the Mountain Caribou, yet I was willing to use snowmobiles when pursuing recreational objectives. Also, I was amazed by how some of my best friends worked for logging and mining companies, while others were passionate environmentalist and activists. My 'aha' moment was realizing that they are all different sides of the same coin, and the Columbia Mountains are the coin we all cherish in one way or another. Thereafter, I realized these dichotomies not only hindered my personal development; at a regional scale, they represented a barrier to defining and achieving economic and environmental sustainability and integrity.
Please describe the goal of your initiative; outline what you are trying to achieve
We are trying to establish a research centre/think-tank that serves to integrate the various uses and interests within the Columbia Mountains so that we can ultimately develop a realistic and adaptive long-term plan that can steer industry, government and citizens toward economic and environmental sustainability. Our goal is to serve as a non-profit organization that will help integrate the area’s diverse regional land use plans into a comprehensive landscape-level plan for sustainable resource management and protection.
What has been the impact of your solution to date?
We have assembled a strong board of directors and incorporated our association under the BC Society Act.
What is your projected impact over the next five years?
To help industry, conservation groups, government and First Nations understand each others' priorities and to promote collaboration of the different groups. Within the next five years we hope to have a better sense of what sustainability (eg. extraction and protection levels) and self-sufficiency can look like for the Columbia Mountains.
What barriers might hinder the success of your project? How do you plan to overcome them?
Currently, financial start up costs are the greatest hindrance to our project. Our region is blessed with a wide variety of individuals with sufficient capacity to advance our project; however, we need to provide adequate incentive and resources to procure their collaboration. Last, the nature of our project involves bringing opposing views to the same table; stubbornness, and fundamentalism of opposing values could hinder our project. Tactfulness, diplomacy and highlighting our common goals can help us overcome some of the barriers.
Winning entries present a strong plan for how they will achieve and track growth. Identify your six-month milestone for growing your impact
Our six month milestone is to build the economic foundation of the Association and to better define the roles of the BOD
Task 1
Hold our first official Board of Directors Meeting
Task 2
Obtain Directors and Officers Liabilit Insurance
Task 3
Begin to establish contacts and identify individuals, organizations and resources relevant to our vision.
Now think bigger! Identify your 12-month impact milestone
To have procured sufficient funding to become a well established NGO
Task 1
Continue to write grant proposals.
Task 2
Secure office space and organizational capital.
Task 3
Establish strong connections with members and collaborating organizations.
read more↓↑ hide↑ hideTell us about your partnerships
We are reluctant to establish partnerships since we have been advised to avoid any such activities until adequate liability insurance is obtained.
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 Board of Directors is young, enthusiastic and flexible. Since we all have full time employment, we keep our business interactions brief and to the point. We are like-minded individuals with strengths in different areas so we compliment each other well. Simplicity and brevity in our organization is currently our key for sucess.
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 have ticked Human Resources/Talent as both support and need; that is, while we feel confident that we have a solid foundation in human resources and talent, we recognize there are various members of our communities that can offer even greater support than what we currently have.
Created on 08/27/2012 by NikaMoeini
Our solution is to create SWAG clubs in high schools throughout BC which engage youth in sustainability projects and environmental awareness.
Organization: SWAG Canada
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
Not registered
How long has your organization been operating?
Less than a year
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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)
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, Equity.
The Need: Describe the need for your solution and the size and characteristics of the community(ies) your solution is engaging
Our solution is needed to help youth around British Columbia become more environmentally friendly. It engages youth through mediums that are appealing to them, such as social media and exciting videos, to expand their knowledge of environmental issues. Before the creation of SWAG Canada, many Canadian schools did not offer environmental clubs to their schools, but now Canadian youth can have an outlet to express their ideas for helping the environment and create clubs in their schools. Many Canadian schools were also old and were using energy-consuming lights and equipment, and through SWAG Canada we hope to retrofit those schools while inspiring youth.
The Solution: What is your solution? Be specific!
SWAG stands for Students Working in Alliance for Green. We are a coalition of International Baccalaureate students working to promote environmental awareness, in a mission to bring youth together in synergy and work for a better tomorrow. As an environmental awareness group, we hope to advocate on behalf of the environment and create events that aim to engage youth with their planet. Through merchandise and social media, we hope to promote sustainability to get youth just as passionate as we are about saving the earth! By creating chapters in local schools, we are providing them with the resources and leadership to create community gardens and recycling programs. Our solution addresses the need for students to take real action in their communities for the environment and having the resources to create environmental clubs in their schools.
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 hopes to make every school in Canada more sustainable through school projects. One of these is school gardens. We want to promote the consumption of local food, and encourage students to take leadership roles to create the garden. SWAG Canada would help students achieve the resources they need to initiate such a project, and the students would implement it themselves with the help of a teacher advisor. Through this program, the ecological footprint of the school would decrease, and fresh food would be provided to students. This same model would apply to the recycling, retrofitting and Earth Week program we would help initiate in all schools.
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.
What sets SWAG Canada apart from other national environmental organizations is how we are fundamentally created by a group of passionate young people. We are all still in high school, so we can implement our solutions inside our own schools. We have a vast network of contacts our age, and can easily spread our message and create our movement. We have a vision for engaging as many youth as possible with their environment, and changing what it looks, feels, and means to be "green".
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 International Baccalaureate World Student conference involved 330 IB students from 37 different nations. We met in groups and discussed global issues and how to resolved them. Our group created S.W.A.G. International. We knew that "being green" seemed really overrated to the majority of youth, so we went on a mission to rebrand what being green really means. Using technology and social media, we wanted to engage youth to really be inspired to take action. Hence, we created a video called "flip" (find it here:http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fQhC05WXiJQ), which was received to a standing ovation by the youth at the conference. Everyone in the room was so invigorated with energy and passion, and we really wanted to bring that same feeling we had to more youth around the world. So SWAG International was created. We have Country Representatives from the conference who are going to start their own SWAG chapters in their schools, and SWAG Canada is the Canadian chapter of this initiative.
Please describe the goal of your initiative; outline what you are trying to achieve
We want to inspire as many youth as possible to create real change for the environment. We want to show them what we as high school students are doing, and that it's not actually very difficult to create projects that make an impact. We want to provide schools with the resources they need to become a lot more sustainable, whether it is through school gardens, recycling and compost, earth week or other projects. We want to really change what it means to be green and sustainable, by creating videos and content and art that people find remarkable and inspiring.
What has been the impact of your solution to date?
Our one video, "Flip!", has been viewed over 1000 times and shared by about 70 students, reaching a total of 27 000 people on Facebook. Starting in September, we are going to have SWAG chapters in the countries of Colombia, Indonesia, Malaysia, India, Venezuela, America and Canada. In Canada, we have provincial chapters in both Ontario and British Columbia. All school chapters are going to initiate school gardens, recycling and compost projects, and social media campaigns, as well as whatever needs they see in their province/country.
What is your projected impact over the next five years?
Over the next 5 years, we hope to have chapters in the majority of Canadian high schools. We want to reach out to other countries as well through the connections we make, such as to African and European countries. Most of all, we want to create an environmental movement among youth, and really make their voices heard.
What barriers might hinder the success of your project? How do you plan to overcome them?
Barriers may include lack of funding, which we can solve through fundraisers. It might be a barrier for us to expand to other high schools in the province, but we will overcome that by networking and connecting with environmentally aware individuals to expand our networks.
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
Grow programs already in place at schools
Task 2
Outreach - reach out to other schools
Task 3
Reach out to the community
Now think bigger! Identify your 12-month impact milestone
Partnership with another youth organization
Task 1
identify youth organizations with same values
Task 2
contact them and negotiate with them
Task 3
have meetings to decide on events run together
read more↓↑ hide↑ hideTell us about your partnerships
Currently, we have a partnership with OneProsper international which helps disadvantaged farmers in India increase their yields through drip irrigation systems. We help fundraise for them, since their values of sustainability are in our organization as well.
Are you currently targeting other specific populations, locations, or markets for your solution? If so, where and why?
We are targeting all high school students around the world actually. SWAG International has bases in 13 countries including Venezuela, Mexico, the United States, Indonesia, Malaysia, Hong Kong, Kenya, Jordan, and more. We are doing this to create a global movement of youth who are passionate about change, and we want to help them feel that they are part of a movement bigger than themselves.
What type of operating environment and internal organizational factors make your innovation successful?
We work in an environment where all ideas are welcome and considered. We know that communication is the key to resolving many issues so we try to have fair and open communication between all members. We aim to keep organized and keep accounts of all our members, initiatives, locations, ect. We have a team of strong leaders as well, who are willing to go the extra mile to help the organization reach its' potential.
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 have a large team of youth who are very excited to work with various initiates, so we have plenty of human resources and talent! Through our social media platforms, which reach a wide variety of youth, we can promote the other initiatives. We can also provide our ideas and input on solutions.
Created on 08/26/2012 by CBEEN
Develop children's sense of respect for community and encourage sustainable actions by educating them with the shared passion of local expertise.
Organization: Columbia Basin Environmental Education Network
Visit websitemore ↓↑ hide↑ hideOrganization Name
Columbia Basin Environmental Education Network
Country 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?
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
Access, Cost.
The Need: Describe the need for your solution and the size and characteristics of the community(ies) your solution is engaging
The Columbia Basin is one of the most biologically diverse regions in the world. As a largely rural area, the Columbia Basin was in need of an organization to provide regional opportunities for advancement in learning. CBEEN’s flagship youth program, Wild Voices for Kids, inspires stewardship and a conservation ethic by promoting an understanding of ecosystems and environmental issues, and providing opportunities for students to directly experience ecologically and culturally significant areas in their own back yards. Hands-on programs in their school yards and local environment builds a connection to the land, opportunity and wildlife of their community developing roots to that community and social responsibility. No other program offers this direct connection to local expertise.
The Solution: What is your solution? Be specific!
The Wild Voices for Kids program was initiated right here in the Columbia Basin, is unique in this province, and we have organizations from across the country looking to use this program as a model. The premise of this program is that CBEEN facilitates local individuals with a particular expertise to offer curriculum-linked presentations and field trips to schools. Topics can range from learning about and appreciating local wildlife to hands-in-the-dirt creating edible gardens or learning about bats and building boxes to increase habitat. Starting at this young age provides the opportunity to connect not only with local experts but their passion for the area environment. Through these programs, students will have the opportunity to experience first-hand the biodiversity and amazing heritage of the Columbia Valley. Students will also learn vital skills such as safety in our backcountry and personal responsibility for the sustainability of their land.
The Model: Walk us through a specific example of how your solution makes a difference; include the primary activities involved in your solution.
Wild Voices for Kids (WVFK) is CBEEN’s flagship environmental and heritage education program, providing free curriculum-linked classroom presentations and field trips to over 12,000 K-12 students each year across the region’s six school districts. WVFK is simply a database of local presenters who share their environmental or heritage knowledge with students. CBEEN recruits and trains these volunteers from all walks of life (e.g. wildlife biologists, archaeologists, First Nations storytellers, etc), helps them develop programs that meet BC K-12 Prescribed Learning Outcomes, and promotes their programs via online searchable database. Teachers search for and book presentations that meet their grade level, subject, and learning goals. WVFK provides presenters with a cash honoraria and also cover costs of transportation for field trips.
Involvement in community events and celebrations helps forge new connections to other community partners and expertise. Flexibility allows participation in special events with visiting experts who have come to share their knowledge or special occasions such as the Salmon Festival which celebrates spawning salmon or the spring sturgeon release. Without the Wild Voices program schools could not afford the events or have the connections to bring this visiting expertise to their classroom.
By providing the website with availability to all local expertise teachers at all levels now have access to programs they would never have had access to previously and local informal educators have the opportunity to share their knowledge.
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.
CBEEN does not duplicate work but networks directly with many groups promoting their experts for program delivery, including: Parks Canada, Groundswell, all 6 school districts, Columbia Mountains Institute of Applied Ecology, the Creston Valley Wildlife Management Area, Invasive Plant Councils, Canadian Avalanche Centre, Streamkeepers, Mainstream Water Education, B.C. Forest Service, B.C. Parks, The Land Conservancy, The Nature Conservancy, Osprey Communications, Wildsight, Friends of Kootenay National Park, Friends of Yoho National Park, Yoho Burgess Shale Foundation, Kootenay Association for Science and Technology, Kootenay Rockies Innovation Council, East Kootenay Trout Hatchery, Bear Aware and the Columbia Kootenay Fisheries Renewal Partnership / Ktunaxa-Kinbasket Tribal Council.
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.
Although this project has a long history of success in the Columbia Valley, it wasn't until 2008 that CBEEN took it on and developed it across the Columbia Basin. The 'Aha!' moment for CBEEN was being able to take a very simple yet effective model and apply it to a specific region (could be any region!) and immediately see an impact. The "Aha's!" come every time a teacher or student sends a note about what amazing things they have learned or done during their presentation.
Please describe the goal of your initiative; outline what you are trying to achieve
The vision of CBEEN is for people in the Canadian Columbia Basin respect the natural environment and engage in sustainable human activities. Students who participate in curriculum-linked WVFK environmental education programs teach them respect not only for the environment in general but also the value and wonder of their local ecology. Citizens who are connected at a personal level to their locality protect and conserve their environment. Voila!
What has been the impact of your solution to date?
Since 2008, when CBEEN took over the administration of the program and began the expansion, WVFK has reached over 32,000 students! Teachers can now choose from over 155 free, in-class or field-based educational experiences designed to inspire a deeper interest in environmental science, motivate youth to become engaged with regional (and global) conservation issues, as well as bring interactive, hands-on learning opportunities to rural school districts.
Each year the teachers' evaluations have been 99% positive and many thanks are received from both teachers for their wonderful programs and the educators who have been given a voice and the opportunity to share their passion with children.
What is your projected impact over the next five years?
CBEEN's goal is to be able to offer at least one WVFK program to each of the 20,000 student in the Columbia Basin every year! In order to do so, we need to expand our programs to 2,000 additional students every year for 5 years. Are we up to the challenge? You bet!
What barriers might hinder the success of your project? How do you plan to overcome them?
As with most projects of this nature, funding is our largest challenge. As a result, we are undergoing a comprehensive fundraising strategy to allow us to carry this program through the next 5 years and beyond!
Winning entries present a strong plan for how they will achieve and track growth. Identify your six-month milestone for growing your impact
CBEEN will have improved its proceses for managing the program, and will have effectively marketed it to teachers.
Task 1
Redevelop online booking system for a smoother and more seamless operation by both teachers and administrators.
Task 2
Inform teachers far and wide about the program and it's benefits, encourage more local community educators.
Task 3
Close the loop! Work with teachers and administrators to ensure the program is running smoothly and that gaps are filled.
Now think bigger! Identify your 12-month impact milestone
By June 30, 2012, CBEEN will have facilitated over 350 environmental education and heritage programs to over 14,000 students.
Task 1
The required funding goal will be achieved! (it costs us approximately $10 / student / field trip or presentation)
Task 2
Feedback will be reviewed and acted upon.
Task 3
We will offer training and support to our Community Eductors to ensure their programs are of a high standard.
read more↓↑ hide↑ hideTell us about your partnerships
CBEEN has Memorandum of Understanding agreements with both Parks Canada and Wildsight. CBEEN also works closely with all 6 school districts in the Columbia Basin. Other partners include Groundswell, CMI, Creston Valley Wildlife Management Area, Invasive Plant Councils, Canadian Avalanche Centre, Streamkeepers, Mainstream Water Education, B.C. Forest Service, B.C. Parks, The Land Conservancy, The Nature Conservancy, Friends of Kootenay National Park, East Kootenay Trout Hatchery, and the Columbia Kootenay Fisheries Renewal Partnership / Ktunaxa-Kinbasket Tribal Council.
Are you currently targeting other specific populations, locations, or markets for your solution? If so, where and why?
We are targeting all school aged children from Kindergarten - grade 12. We have also discussed the idea of expanding this program to communities (ie. Wild Voices for Communities) as we see this as another simple yet effective step.
Parents also learn from information brought home from their children!
What type of operating environment and internal organizational factors make your innovation successful?
The Wild Voices for Kids program is a perfect fit for our organization as it allows us to not only support our members in developing the knowledge and skills but also allows us to facilitate opportunities to share this with kids. It should be noted that as the WVFK program expands, so too will the database of presenters, bringing even more diverse knowledge and skills under the program’s umbrella.
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 referenced in the application, funding is the biggest obstacle we face. However, we are always interested in developing our network and sharing ideas. As a network we would be pleased to share other ideas with our network. We would also be happy to assist other projects that may be a good fit help to get their ideas 'off the ground'.
Kumpulan Emak2 Blogger (KEB) is a community that embodies the female bloggers in Indonesia to share inspiration and actively writing positif content through a blog.
Created on 08/14/2012 by Helpothers
Name's Worthy sells names or puts in honor of someone as a form of microfinance. Names cost nothing to make--everybody benefits! It is a virtual e-commerce social enterpreneurship.
Organization: Name's Worthy LLC
more ↓↑ hide↑ hideOrganization Country
United States, NJ, Clinton, Hunterdon County
Country where this project is creating social impact
Gender of Innovator
Female
Is your organization a
For‐profit
How long has your organization been operating?
Less than a year
Has the organization received awards or honors? Please tell us about them
There has been much buzz about this project. The lawyer for Google has already sent an engagement letter to me. A company co-founded by the current Senior VP of Yahoo made my business model. Another business plan firm who created all the business plans for MySpace.com created my business plan. I am a member of Mensa.
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 innovation addresses? Choose up to two
Cost, Equity.
The Need: What problem are you trying to solve?
Name's Worthy solves many problems. It will be a virtual company so women can be home with their kids while working for my internet company. Daycare costs often prevent women in seeking technical careers. An at-home position would really inspire women to choose it. As a female Founder, I would be breaking a glass ceiling. Name's Worthy would raise money for hundreds of charities and education. It is a force of good. It would help save endangered species, keep music in school, preserve land, make scholarships, help walkathons for a cure, help fund fire companies, build playgrounds, and almost every type of cause one can imagine. Name's Worthy is also meant to promote self-esteem, which is often an issue for young girls.
The Solution: What is your solution? Be specific!
Names! Names as a commodity cost nothing to create and can be used as a new revolutionary microfinance model as the Grameen Bank was. Names would be sold (or in honor of someone), which is a very personal gift. Name's Worthy would also create magical moments. How? For example, Name's Worthy has Game Names. A parent can buy an inning's name in honor of their child, and raise funds for the school softball team at the same time. This raises the child's esteem. At a pro game, it would a very memorable moment for the fan. Schools can fund a library by putting a name to it. The Special Olympics could use it to raise funds for the disabled. A Seeing Eye dog or therapy dog could be named to raise funds so the blind person could afford the dog. Scholarships in honor of someone is a great 'in memoriam' gift. Hospitals could name each room after someone. Names can be given to wildlife, and the funds go toward their conservation. Naming preserved land can raise money to buy more.
The Model: Walk us through a specific example of how your solution makes a difference; include your primary activities
Naming streets can raise civic funds to lower taxes. Naming science labs in schools can promote better education. Naming a wild tiger or polar bear can raise funds for them. Naming after benefactors has been done before, but my e-commerce website will turn it into a new type of microfinance. It will create unforgettable memories for buyers. At "Go to MY Show" (part of Name's Worthy, people may have concerts, plays, or major events named for them. A man may propose when 'their' song is sung for them. This could be used also at a school concert. This not only helps education, it also helps the arts. Names as microfinance is also very green. It leaves no pollution. There are no shipping contaniments. Not only can names raise funds for endangered species, it can also preserve land. During a disaster like the oil spill, the rescued disaster animals may be named to gain money not only for conservation, but also for the devestated region too. Since my company will be a virtual company, there will be little or no carbon footprint left behind. Since I am a female founder, equity is also a priority. Women can get higher-paying jobs in science and technology. I hope my virtual company will become a model for others. I worked once at a school, and many top corporate women took low-paying non-instructional positions so they could have hours to be with their kids. My company gives women a new chance. My company may help charities that help third-world countries. Name a cow or goat to send it to Africa. Make an orphanage or wellpump in your name.
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?
Here are some of Name's Worthy's peers: www.abcfundraising.com, www.fundraising.com, www.fasttrackfundraising.com, www.biddingforgood.com, www.globalgiving.com, www.justgive.org, www.networkforgood.org, www.charitybuzz.com, www.razoo.com, www.change.org, www.donorschoose.com, www.dosomething.org, etc.(in my business plan is a more comprehensive list). What makes Name's Worthy different is its emphasis on names as a means to microfinance. What is also different is that there are no commodity costs to names. An intellectual property lawyer said Name's Worthy may be patentable, since it is so different. Name's Worthy also is a virtual company, while most are not. This cuts down on costs. Name's Worthy is unique because its audience is almost universal. Everyone knows what a name is.
read more↓↑ hide↑ hideThis Entry is about (Issues)
What solution(s) does your initiative address to better the lives of girls and women by leveraging technology? (select all applicable)
Access to technology, Access to education/training, Access to health care, Access to economic opportunity, Policy change/advocacy.
What has been the impact of your solution to date?
Name's Worthy needs seed money to become a reality. As a virtual company, families (particulary single mothers) can now work at home and not worry about daycare costs. This can encourage them to study the field to go tech--and go green. I will be a female Founder to inspire girls they can do it. Name's Worthy is a for-profit social enterprise. Many recent MBAs do not go into non-profits because of the low salaries. I am making a business model to show companies can make a profit--and make a difference. In ME-nu, a section of Name's Worthy (sell names of food and drinks in restaurants), $1 will be donated to fight hunger for every sale in ME-nu. Name's Worthy is a WIN-WIN-WIN situation TWICE. First: Society, the Environment, and the Investors benefit. Second: The Buyer gets a tax-deduction, the Receiver has joy and a gift, and the Charities raise money. Name's Worthy uses out-of-the-box solutions to the pressing issues of this time.
What is your projected impact over the next 1-3 years?
Non-profits will make $15 million dollars, Schools(K-12) will make $1.3 million, and the arts/sports will make $1.2 million. Both hospitals and colleges will make about $60,000.
What barriers might hinder the success of your project? How do you plan to overcome them?
Right now the greatest obstacle is finding the seed money. It is more difficult for a female Founder to interest angel investors. I am trying to break the glass ceiling for women everywhere. I plan to overcome it by pitching it to many places like you. The business plan firm that plans for MySpace.com, Shell, and Roche, really like my idea and is right now pitching for me too.
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
Take my webmaster/social entrepreneurship classes
Task 3
Look for potential consultants to work for me
Now think bigger! Identify your 12-month impact milestone
Task 1
Choose website designer and have website prototype being made
Task 2
Target potential partners or clients
Task 3
Work on marketing & video
Founding 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 credit God. However, I have had many "Aha!" moments since. About 3 days after buying the domain name Name's Worthy.com, two girls named their pet fish after me out-of-the-blue. Aha! Then the Bronx Zoo lost a cobra that was later found. They a naming contest for it in the local paper. Over 60,000 people voted, and there were 33,000 name suggestions, with 200 people suggesting the winning name, Mia. I know snakes are not popular, so I saw great promise. Then I came across a Goodyear Blimp "Name the Blimp" contest. It had more than 150 million consumer media impressions, 900+ broadcast segments, and more than 21,000 unique names were suggested. It was more like WOW at that point. The clincher was when I was reading the bestseller HOW TO WIN FRIENDS & INFLUENCE PEOPLE by Dale Carnegie. He said Admiral Byrd's Antarctic trip was funded by promising to name mountains there after the investors. Even Shakespeare wanted a coat of arms for his name to be grander. Aha!
read more↓↑ hide↑ hideTell us about your partnerships
I do not have any partnerships. However, as I wrote before, top talent has been drawn to Name's Worthy. Firms that associate (or have clients of) with MySpace.com, Shell, Roche, Microsoft, Google, Nautica, Yahoo!, Disney, and celebrities have helped me go this far.
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 that people should always use available extra help, because everybody could learn something new. That is what makes a company flourish. Likewise, I believe everyone should try to pay it forward, and help others. That is what Name's Worthy is all about.
This project also has a Changeshop where you can read more about its latest progress.
Go to Changeshop: Tofino Ambassador Program.
Created on 08/1/2012 by TofinoAmbassador
The Tofino Ambassador Program (TAP) delivers orientation and training sessions designed to share knowledge and build capacity within Clayoquot Sound.
Organization: Tofino-Long Beach Chamber of Commerce
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Tofino-Long Beach Chamber of Commerce
Country where this solution is creating social impact
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?
More than 5 years
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, Quality.
The Need: Describe the need for your solution and the size and characteristics of the community(ies) your solution is engaging
Tofino is situated within Clayoquot Sound, an ecologically significant area on the west coast of Vancouver Island and affably shares Tla-o-qui-aht First Nations territory. The area bodes a transient culture due to the nature of seasonal businesses, frequent inclement weather, and restricted access to services and amenities. With a high turn over of residents, employees are typically scouted from outside the region in order to fill the service demands of an active, but relatively short lived, tourist season. The local people here are passionate about the environment and the unique region in which we live. Yet the ephemeral nature of the community means that we are losing valuable local knowledge and the ability to share information with area visitors.
The Solution: What is your solution? Be specific!
Identified as a core priority by the community, the Tofino-Longbeach Chamber of Commerce took the lead to develop the Tofino Ambassador Program. TAP is a community program that delivers orientation and training sessions to local residents, seasonal employees, and newcomers designed to share knowledge and build local capacity within the region, as well as foster civic responsibility, volunteerism and community engagement. Offering a number of positive impacts, TAP builds an awareness of existing cultural and natural assets in the region, supports local businesses and helps to integrate the different communities. The program aims to improve cultural understanding, strengthen our sense of place and welcome newcomers to become active community members. It gives a healthy and accurate profile of the different opportunities to explore and enjoy in the area and reinforces positive service and leadership behaviour to not only enhance visitor experience but also encourage community mindfulness.
The Model: Walk us through a specific example of how your solution makes a difference; include the primary activities involved in your solution.
The program is currently being offered as a FREE community service. New participants attend a four hour introductory orientation session that provides essential regional information and training. Ambassador sessions deliver fun and informative material covering a range of topics starting with local history, including First Nations and the arrival of European explorers to early pioneers. It provides a snapshot of how the region has evolved over time and some of the milestones we have surpassed including the creation of the Pacific Rim National Park Reserve, the protection of our old growth forests, and the establishment of the UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. In this way we are building local knowledge and passing on valuable historical information. More importantly, the program discusses what it means as people living in place and focuses on promoting cross-cultural understanding with our neighbours and reinforcing good host etiquette. We discuss stewardship and conservation issues, as well as behaviour and respect in our communities, hopefully improving peoples’ attitudes while fostering proper conduct in the environment and reducing human wildlife conflicts. Each year the Ambassador Program builds new advanced curriculum material that expands on the different subject matter delivered in the introductory session and provides ongoing learning opportunities. Once training is complete, participants receive a locals discount card offering benefits to get out and actively engage in their own community and further explore the region and business offerings!
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 Ambassador Program was formed out of a specific need within the community. While we were able to observe a host of examples in other communities to help build our program, there was very little already underway in Tofino that addressed our concerns. The Ambassador Program was modeled from the Whistler Spirit Pass program, also considering other programs such as Vancouver's Passport Challenge, Victoria's Be a Tourist in Your own Home Town, and the Canadian Welcome Wagon. Rather than competitors, we have a number of collaborators within our community, such as the Raincoast Education Society and the Clayoquot Biosphere Trust, that have become educational partners to enhance the program's development. Instead of duplicating efforts or competing with each other, we are working together.
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 Tofino-Long Beach Chamber of Commerce is a non-profit organization that uses commerce as a catalyst to make the community a better place for everyone. Tofino has transitioned over the years from a once resource extractive based economy to a tourist economy. For all its benefits, however, tourism is a notoriously fickle industry - especially during an economic downturn. Hearing the concerns of the local community and looking to other municipalities for examples, the TLBCC saw an opportunity to support better business conditions by enhancing visitor experience. However, in addition to the financial benefits, we also wanted to capture the full spectrum of social and environmental values to represent the true essence of Tofino. The Ambassador Program brings it all together sharing local knowledge and strengthening our sense of place to improve all aspects of community life!
Please describe the goal of your initiative; outline what you are trying to achieve
Our goal is to build a strong, healthy community encouraging a positive attitude among responsible citizens, improving community relations with visitors and growing support for the diversity and well-being of area businesses. We want to see an active and engaged citizenry that has respect for each other, our visitors and the surrounding environment.
Tofino has been nicknamed Tough City and with good reason. Through the Ambassador Program, we are trying to build successive leaders encouraging young people to actively participate in building their future. We don't just want Tofino to be a nice place to visit, we want to create a viable and prosperous community for young people, families and professionals to live and work, as well as play.
What has been the impact of your solution to date?
Only in its second year, the Ambassador Program has already seen over 250 participants. The most profound impact is noted in participant feedback, which illuminates a growing appreciation and respect for the area, connecting people and places - "Made me feel really proud to be here".
One of the main objectives of the program was to build local knowledge while sharing information about the region and the opportunities to explore in the area. The program is proving impactful as it builds greater community capacity and awareness. The program is especially recognized for helping to integrate the different communities, improve cultural understanding and welcome newcomers to become active community members. Participants are able to meet new people and better appreciate the diverse nature of the different communities within the region - "It was nice to see the program building a sense of community, supporting local business, embracing our unique culture".
What is your projected impact over the next five years?
Over the next five years, we are excited to see the program continue to develop and grow. We anticipate that our communication links will improve, sharing information and strengthening local knowledge. An increased sense of place, respect and appreciation will encourage better relationships and collaboration among the different communities and with our visitors. The quality of life will improve, building local capacity, supporting families and professions and encouraging local residents to stay in the area. We will see increased community pride, civic engagement and volunteerism.
What barriers might hinder the success of your project? How do you plan to overcome them?
The financial costs associated with trying to build and how we deliver the program will ultimately impact what we are able to achieve. As well, our ability to continue to build relationships and work collaboratively with our partners in a mutually respectful and beneficial way will impact our successes.
To this end, we are working to establish long term multi-year funding and policy agreements with our program partners to ensure the longevity of the program. Having our core program partners in place will then enable us to leverage additional funds. The collaborative nature of our partnerships will encourage continued learning and sharing of ideas to improve the program and enhance its development.
Winning entries present a strong plan for how they will achieve and track growth. Identify your six-month milestone for growing your impact
Create an informed local public that is able to give respectful and knowledgeable information about the area
Task 1
Partner with local organizations to develop and deliver new curriculum content
Task 2
Develop and maintain public communication tools, including web and social media to further diseminate updated information
Task 3
Increase participation, deliver education sessions to as many residents, newcomers, seasonal employees and businesses in Tofino
Now think bigger! Identify your 12-month impact milestone
Expand program reach and offerings
Task 1
Increase our followings on social media, email subscriptions and communication campaigns
Task 2
Build partnerships with regional organizations to expand program reach
Task 3
Leverage additional funding sources and partnerships to increase program capacity
read more↓↑ hide↑ hideTell us about your partnerships
The TLBCC has partnered with The District of Tofino and Tourism Tofino approving a fee for service agreement, which establishes the legal framework between the parties for the management and operation of the Ambassador Program. The District is the local government authority while Tourism Tofino acts as the local tourism organization interested in promoting the region and supporting tourism and business success in Tofino.
Are you currently targeting other specific populations, locations, or markets for your solution? If so, where and why?
Interest has already been raised with other resort municipalities and it is anticipated that we will be able to develop a good framework that could very well serve as model for other areas and communities enabling us to extend our services. Specifically, we have been in contact with Ucluelet and the Tla-o-qui-aht First Nation to see how we can expand the program throughout the region.
What type of operating environment and internal organizational factors make your innovation successful?
Started as the Tofino Board of Trade April 15, 1929, the Tofino-Long Beach Chamber of Commerce is the original business organization of Tofino. With a long history and successful track record the TLBCC has managed the Tofino Visitor Centre and provided visitor services in Tofino for over 20 years, including the creation of Tourism Tofino.
Our partnerships and longstanding in the community help to propel the Ambassador Program towards success. When you have a program like this and you bring together a number of different partners to offer it as a community service, it demonstrates true community spirit – and that’s raising the bar!
Please elaborate on any needs or offers you have mentioned above and/or suggest categories of support that aren't specified within the list
This project also has a Changeshop where you can read more about its latest progress.
Go to Changeshop: Stock of Oxygen .
Created on 07/24/2012 by Shura Babayan
"Stock of Oxygen" it is the service that allows to people to start to collect paper in special barrels and to recycle it. When special barrel will become full (25 kilos), the car will come and take away the paper and bring it to recycle point. This service will have low price and comfortable conditions for original citizen.It will help to live in green way! In Russia we don`t do it!
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Is your organization a
Non‐profit/NGO/citizen sector organization
How long has your organization been operating?
Please select
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
The Need: What problem are you trying to solve?
I want to solve the problem of garbage in my country. Everybody say to me: "what you can do with collecting a paper?!" I know, we need to start to solve small problem. A lot of people in Moscow want to collect paper and recycle it, but they don`t know how to do it, or they don`t have time or they just to lazy to bring this paper for recycling point!
The Solution: What is your solution? Be specific!
I decide to take away the papers that the citizens will collect.The cost of this service will be low, 5 dollars a month (I will take their papers when their special barrel will be full (25 kilos of paper).This special barrel i will give for them. They will need just collect paper and wait when my car will take away their papers.
I need:
1.a 1-ton cargo vehicle;
2.driver-loader;
3.web-site;
4.special "barrels" for collecting paper, for the start i need 60 barrels;
5.rent of garage for storage of the collected papers;
6.Administrator
The Model: Walk us through a specific example of how your solution makes a difference; include your primary activities
I start to collect paper by myself! I adjusted barrel in my flat and start to put paper,then my parents start to do the same. I start to talk about it Facebook and Livejournal,my friends start to say that they also want to make the same!Write now i collect a paper among my friends only when i have an opportunity (I try to find a car and collect a papaer).
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?
I don`t have competitors because we have similar services but they suggest to citizen another conditions. Person have to colletc 500kilos of paper and then the car will come to you.It is impossible. I don`t want to make money on this, so that`s why the cost of this service is so low. I need only that this project become self-supporting and I can continue to help our planet.
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What solution(s) does your initiative address to help emerging entrepreneurs and small businesses grow and thrive in underserved communities? (select all applicable)
Access to financing, Access to talent.
What has been the impact of your solution to date?
I have 5-7 person that start to collect paper
What is your projected impact over the next 1-3 years?
My project will be spread! And in the next two yeard will be more citizens that will collect paper. I also want to spread green way of life. To educate childrens how to live in harmony with our planet! I will make different workshops for the children of people who use my service! It will be free I think.
What barriers might hinder the success of your project? How do you plan to overcome them?
Motivation of people to collect papers!
I think in this situation I will invent some competition between people that collect papers. The person who gets the best paper will receive a prize.
I will make a blog where will write about the problems of environment.It will help to spread the information."The active life" in social network will also to spread my idea.
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
disseminate information about such service in social networks
Task 3
to have 150 citizens that will use this service
Now think bigger! Identify your 12-month impact milestone
Task 1
to participate in different green-workshops and events
Task 2
to have 300 citizens that will use this service
Founding 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 have only frineds to whome I told my idea and the people that just say to me "invent something and we will start to collect our garbage and start to recycle it". So I know, that this solution will help to people to go green. We don`t have such service and this service have to be at low-price and this can be only when founder don`t want to make money on such service!
read more↓↑ hide↑ hideTell us about your partnerships
I will be an administrator in this project and will do the whole work.
Please elaborate on any needs or offers you have mentioned above and/or suggest categories of support that aren't specified within the list
Dayma is a small Egyptian company dedicated to bringing to Egypt a different type of tourism and education. It is bringing together three components in journeys across Egypt that teach and inspire youth from Egypt, the arab world.The journeys are a triad of connecting with Self (the youths inner strengths and tapping unknown skills), connecting with nature (learning from the power of biomimicry, nature inspired innovation, learning the tools of looking at how nature innovates) and connecting with communities, to learn from them and for them.
Created on 07/20/2012 by Tang Duyen Hong
Marine Gifts, found in 2011, is the first Vietnamese Social Enterprise focused on empowering women living in and around Marine Protected Areas of Vietnam by vocational and living skills training. We train local women to make handicrafts products and provide community – based eco/cultural services then purchase and sale to responsible travelers over the world via our online and offline stores.
Organization: Marine Gifts Social Enterprise
Visit websitemore ↓↑ hide↑ hideOrganization Name
Marine Gifts Social Enterprise
Country where this project is creating social impact
Vietnam, Marine Protected Areas
Gender of Innovator
Female
Is your organization a
Hybrid
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..
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Marine Gifts supporting small business for poor women in coastal Vietnam
Select 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 1‐5 years
The Need: What problem are you trying to solve?
Vietnam is a coastal country with 3.200 km of coastline and more than 1 million km2 territorial waters. Total inland waters are 3 times bigger than total main land and there are 83% of total resident are living in coastal areas, of them, more than 10 million people (65% are women and girls) are living totally depend on fishing and aquaculture. Vietnam’s coastal areas attract over 3 million international visitors and more than 10 million domestic tourists annually. Notably, the systems of MPA in Vietnam with about 16 MPA and 4 national parks with marine areas illustrated high priority of Vietnam government on conservation of marine resources. However, behind high-end resorts, gorgeous luxurious beaches and big development projects, women living around MPAs still face with difficult lives th
The Solution: What is your solution? Be specific!
MG addressed a number of immediate needs:
1. It provides job opportunities and income in areas where the economic sources of income had been limited in accordance with government’s conservation purposes.
2. It contributes to raise awareness on illegal fishing, marine resources conservation, protection of beaches and undersea areas that are major tourist attractions.
3. It provide living skills training for women in the context of fact that infrastructure conditions in islands are limited with lack of electricity, fresh water supply and means of communication (radio, television coverage, newspaper, etc.) which lead to little access to information. It also contributes to the fact of limited awareness and access to information for women, and then they continue to be hardly listened, independent and be abused in some ways.
The Model: Walk us through a specific example of how your solution makes a difference; include your primary activities
At the moment, after 1 year operating, MG has it own legal status of a limited company and successfully set up 02 MG groups in Nha Trang Bay MPA and the first and only Trao Reef locally managed MPA in Vietnam (both in Khanh Hoa Province). We gain totally USD 60.000 in 2011, provide job and income for 32 women earning about USD 150/month. None of these 32 women was an artisan before they enter MG’s program. They even have no job, income and the chance to voice up at their family.
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?
1.Responsible tourism service providers who have reputation in high-class tourism services why we have strong focus on marine conservation expedition, participatation of local peoples as well as as Accessibility to protected areas
2.Handicraft producers(Craftlink, XQ)who aready set up distribution channels around the world. We have utilization of by-products from marine
3. Development organizations MCD, WWF)who have multiple approaches and networking, avaiable funding for their work. We believes that we have strong commitment and a market orientation comparing with their projects based aproach.
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What solution(s) does your initiative address to help emerging entrepreneurs and small businesses grow and thrive in underserved communities? (select all applicable)
Access to economic opportunity.
What has been the impact of your solution to date?
At the moment, after 1 year operating, MG has it own legal status of a limited company and successfully set up 02 MG groups in Nha Trang Bay MPA and the first and only Trao Reef locally managed MPA in Vietnam (both in Khanh Hoa Province). We gain totally USD 60.000 in 2011, provide job and income for 32 women earning about USD 150/month. None of these 32 women was an artisan before they enter MG’s program. They even have no job, income and the chance to voice up at their family.
What is your projected impact over the next 1-3 years?
MG will expand to 16 MPAs and 4 National parks with high marine resources in Vietnam to 2018 and to 6 countries in Southeast Asia over the next ten years, bring job and income for at least 2.500 poor women who have no job and income now will earning $300 - $500.
What barriers might hinder the success of your project? How do you plan to overcome them?
To achieve the goal, an investment of USD 500 is required, which will primarily be used to (i) to carry out an overall survey to all MPAs in Vietnam and surrounding countries as well as a market survey to develop a set of MG Products that can highlight potential attraction of each MPA; (ii) to provide local women with vocational skill trainings to ensure they will provide good services (iii) to branding, invest to human resources, marketing and promotion and for working capital. The project will have an internal return on investment of 103%.
The founding team of MG is seeking like-minded outside investors to help reach the goals of this project. The ideal investor will be seeking the significant financial rewards offered by the project, along with the desire to make a positive impacts.
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
Completing branding, operation tool kit; Products and products description ready for sale
Task 2
Preparing to establish up Marine Conservation Centre to call for more support and fund for community development work
Task 3
Saving profit to hire new office and more staffs
Now think bigger! Identify your 12-month impact milestone
Scale up Marine Gifts models to 5 more new Marine Protected Areas
Task 1
Completing Mangrove for Future funded Project to open 5 more new models, benefit 100 more poor women
Task 2
Call for new grands, investorments to replicated MG models to 5 more models
Task 3
Strengthening the management team by trainings, networking, coaching, etc
Founding 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.
That was 2009 when I was at a training for local women in Bich dam island (1 of 4 islands that have people living in Nha Trang bay MPA) – just 2 nautical from Nha Trang city (a famous tourism destination in Vietnam). It was the first time I came to an island although I have been in many coastal villages in Vietnam.
I was the trainer and had given local people exercise that using a story of a famous elder’s movie star. I thought it will be very easy for local people to talk about an elder movie star such as I used to see my mother and her friends chatting every day.
No one can do the exercise because they have never had a chance to watch television, got to know that famous movie star. That was so said for me to know that they have no electricity, no high school and hospital in the island. Many children were died when they were trying to go to the main city for high school. And women don’t dare to speak out at the meeting…
I had tried to bring a better life for these lidies from then.
read more↓↑ hide↑ hideTell us about your partnerships
We have strong partnership with our local women, authorities as well as gorvenment offices, tourism operators, NGO and social enterprise in Vietnam. That is results from our founder's more than 10 years experiences working in these field befor founding Marine Gifts.
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 seeking for funds, investment to help the organisation level up, strengthen its impacts and achieve its goals.
The project I have in mind is an alternative green building method which greatly reduces the burden on our forests.
The Comox Valley has a population of around 65,000 in 3 main communities, the City of Courtenay, Town of Comox and Village of Cumberland. To combat escalating use of fossil fuels, governments, such as the provincial government of BC, have established carbon offset costs. All jurisdictions have signed on to the climate action charter and therefore need to pay carbon offsets starting in 2012. Communities have developed strategies to deal with these offset costs, mainly by reducing the use of non-renewable energy.
Created on 07/18/2012 by mike85hot
agriculture development information dissemination to rural women
Organization: Rainbow Gate Foundation Nigeria
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Rainbow Gate Foundation Nigeria
Country where this project is creating social impact
Is your organization a
Non‐profit/NGO/citizen sector organization
How long has your organization been operating?
1‐5 years
Has the organization received awards or honors? Please tell us about them
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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WOMEN RURAL RADIO PROJECT
Select 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 1‐5 years
Which of the following best describes the barrier(s) your innovation addresses? Choose up to two
Access, Equity.
The Need: What problem are you trying to solve?
The biggest obstacle in achieving the MDGs in Nigeria is the poor access to information by rural poor women engaged in agricultural activities. With no electricity in their villages, no access to televisions, no effective mobile telephony system and the collapse of agricultural extension services, the rural poor women have been cut off by the information reception system. Secondly, poor women that survives through farming lacks adequate and appropriate information that will boost their agricultural productivity and income as a result of the production of all valuable information in national or international languages.
The Solution: What is your solution? Be specific!
To reach rural poor women engaged in farming activities living in remote Ogun State South-Western Nigeria with sustainable agricultural, environmental management skills and daily market information derived from internet sources and established networks in the local Yoruba Language. The Women Rural radio is specifically designed for farming women communities. It shall elaborate and present programmes in the local languages; this will enable the women farmers acquire knowledge, sustainable and modern agricultural and farming techniques. The radio shall give them access and linkage to national and international markets, to finance and micro credit facilities for their agricultural production and sustainability, and access to a Question and Answer service which will deal with pertinent questions concerning climate/agricultural production.
The Model: Walk us through a specific example of how your solution makes a difference; include your primary activities
The Women Rural Radio tackles rural poverty and hunger by designing and broadcasting daily programs in the local Yoruba language across local radio stations. The radio enables women farmers to acquire contemporary agricultural and environmental management techniques, to receive daily market information, to advertise their farm products and to learn business skills. The women utilize daily broadcast information to decide what, when, how and for whom to produce in the long term boosting their agricultural yields and household income. The radio is interactive and invites feedback from listeners through the deployment of interactive radio (AIR) mobile devices. This is a simple communications system intended to link those off the cellular and electrical grid with the rural radio. AIR are small, rugged, solar-powered mobile devices that record user voice input, and then asynchronously forward voice feedback to the radio station via an ad-hoc delay-tolerant network. Due to the low power footprint, ease of use, and use of wireless connectivity between devices, AIR does not incur any cost to the user. The project increases knowledge sharing and the rate of development through community involvement.
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?
Women Rural Radio lives firmly in the center of the burgeoning communication sector, where the power of information technology is leveraged to improve the quality of and access to information for women in the remote rural area. There are other organizations working on aspects of the information delivery system, but no one is particularly focused on reaching the local indigenous women especially smallholder women farmers with vital information on climate change/agricultural production and how to reduce GHG emissions in the local language they will understand.
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What solution(s) does your initiative address to better the lives of girls and women by leveraging technology? (select all applicable)
Access to education/training, Access to economic opportunity.
What has been the impact of your solution to date?
The Women Rural Radio created in 2011 to inform, educate and improve the capacity of 150,000 small women farmer listeners. 61% of the present listeners’ livelihood has been changed because household income has improved. Women farmers have witnessed 60% increase in output per acre of sorghum, maize, cassava, yam and vegetable farms. Among other achievements women farmers have increased their household income from $2 to $2.50 per day, the volume of quintiles/output per acre of farmland and their knowledge of the exportation process in order to connect with the international market. Education has reduced soil degradation and improved the conservation of wood resources. Over 300 hectares of rainforest have been restored.
What is your projected impact over the next 1-3 years?
Through these actions we will reach over50 million womensmall farmer listeners in the 36 states of Nigeria with relevant, adequate, accurate, timely and well adapted information on agricultural development and natural resources management for secure livelihood. 85% of beneficiaries’ livelihood will be changed and food security will be strengthened.Agricultural productivity per acre of land will increase by an envisaged more than 88% and household income will increase by more than 60%. The long term expected result being reduced poverty indices in rural communities and accelerated economic empowerment at household level as a result of the liberalization of access to information.
What barriers might hinder the success of your project? How do you plan to overcome them?
-Increased access to donor grants and loans to scale up and replicate The WRR all over Nigeria is a major challenge. Our goal has been to replicate at least in 36 states of Nigeria but funding has been a limitation and barrier to our tall ambitions. Nevertheless we have continued to strive utilizing internally generated revenue while still struggling to broaden our donor base.
Winning entries present a strong plan for how they will achieve and track growth. Identify your six-month milestone for growing your impact
Expanding range of services, Expanding Partnerships, and enhancing operational efficiency,
Task 1
Enhancing Operational Efficiency by better cost management, capacity building of team, improved coverage
Task 2
Expanding range of services in educating rural women and agric management,
Task 3
2nd phase of Communication Campaign, reinforce communication strategy , raise program awareness and call for action
Now think bigger! Identify your 12-month impact milestone
Faster Operational Breakeven for Women Rural Radio, Increased adoption rate in Nigeria, expanding to other states
Task 1
Successfully integrating new methodology meeting target audiences needs
Task 2
Combination of new services, communication campaign and cost management resulting in faster breakeven
Task 3
Strengthening local partnerships & alliances for rollout of Women Rural Radio
Founding 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 drew this idea because of my desire to make a lasting social change in the lives of women across Nigeria. I realized during my projects with various communities reflecting on my personal life route that poverty is a result of lack of information. When people are empowered with appropriate information that will make their livelihood secure, they attain secure income. To me the quest to empower women technologically starts with information empowerment. In 2011 I started this project to improve availability and access to relevant, adequate, accurate, timely and well adapted information on priority information in agriculture and environmental conservation utilizing rural radio to curtail the pitfall inherent in the sector.
read more↓↑ hide↑ hideTell us about your partnerships
We receive important daily, weekly and monthly market information and commodity prices from NGOs, Businesses and governmental organizations. We also receive radio broadcast scripts which we subsequently translate into Yoruba Language for broadcasts. We have received from these partners valuable information on where small women farmers can obtain much needed agricultural input materials in the form of seeds and low cost irrigation devices.
Please elaborate on any needs or offers you have mentioned above and/or suggest categories of support that aren't specified within the list
Marine Gifts (MG), established in 2011, is first and only social enterprise in Vietnams that works with poor women to conserve threatened marine and coastal environments, both protecting biodiversity, promote gender equity and alleviating poverty. Our business models include community based ecotourism (CBET); handicrafts made from marine waste, vocational and living skills training for poor women and awareness raising on marine conservation. We aim to create a network of 2.500 poor women providing CBET and handicrafts as an alternative livelihood to reduce illegal fishing in MPAs.
Created on 06/3/2012 by John Carter
Approximately 20 words left (160 characters).
Organization: Enso Builders
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Canada, BC, Qualicum Beach
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
Not registered
How long has your organization been operating?
Less than a year
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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
The project I have in mind is an alternative green building method which greatly reduces the burden on our forests. It was invented in Austria, and has been successfully utilized in many countries. It creates a building envelope having many desirable qualities which are far superior to wooden buildings, the typical choice of material in B.C. This method is easy, and requires no special tools or electricity to operate them. It also takes much less time to erect homes, install wiring, plumbing, insulation, vapor barrier, etc., thereby creating real savings to home owners through greatly reduced labour costs. The need for maintenance is also much lower than conventional dwellings, and the life expectancy is two to three times (or more) wood frame homes, giving some rest to our forests.
The Solution: What is your solution? Be specific!
The burden on our forests could easily be reduced by building homes and other structures using this proven method. Our total energy savings from heating and cooling this type of dwelling could then be spent in sectors of our communities that benefit its' citizens, rather than Big Oil, or B.C. Hydro. By implementing manufacturing of the materials used to create this alternative method right here in our province, our carbon footprint would become much lighter as well. Currently, the raw materials are imported from Mexico or southern California, but could easily be manufactured here at home, thereby creating even greater savings on many different levels; transportation costs,
and environmental costs, with an added bonus of job creation.
The Model: Walk us through a specific example of how your solution makes a difference; include the primary activities involved in your solution.
The way that this method of building makes a difference is found in the superior finished product, in comparison to
the way homes are made at this time. It's rather like comparing an astronaut to a dinosaur. The characteristics of the finished home using this method and materials far exceed those of conventional housing. The building envelope is vastly stronger, and virtually earthquake and hurricane-proof. It is also fire-proof, and will not rot, create mold or mildew, and cannot be attacked by termites or other insects that can damage our homes. If homes were made in this fashion in the American tornado belt, my feeling is that most of those decimated houses would still be standing. In the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina, a single home in a completely demolished neighborhood
was photographed intact. It is one that was built using this alternative method.
This is made possible by the superior strength and method of building utilized in this well engineered design/material marriage, and is truly a remarkable idea which just simply makes a lot of sense. This method presents solutions on many levels to interconnected problems that are inherent in today's housing fiasco.
The Austrian creator of this green building method approached construction from a standpoint of practicality.
Former U.S. president Jimmy Carter, has built houses for Habitat for Humanity in the summer months. With a
small crew of five, multiple homes were completed to lock up stage within a week. Homes of this type would
be a plus for First Nations that are currently very under served.
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.
Thus far no one is using this building technique in the province of B.C.
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 an extensive search of alternative building materials and techniques, I discovered one that encompassed many of the most desirable aspects of sustainability. The use of panel systems is not new, but the type of panel used in this system is far superior to other SIPs (Structural Insulated Panels) made with wood.
With this method, homes can be created in much less time, requiring fewer skilled professionals, and are much more permanent. Completed properly, they are even fire-proof, and would emerge unscathed in areas of the province which have been prone to forest fires in the past. They are comfortable in all seasons, and demand less
energy to keep them that way.
The pressure on our forests is intense, and more of our wilderness areas disappear each year from the voracious
demand for lumber and forest products. We could conserve a great many acres of forest by implementing changes
in the way we build our homes and other buildings. I believe this is a viable solution.
Please describe the goal of your initiative; outline what you are trying to achieve
Public awareness is the first goal. Showing people another method of building a home that is superior in every way to
any on the today's market. Conservation of forests and biodiversity are directly related to the utility of EPS panel
system buildings. I would welcome a positive change in that regard, and hope that by example people might soon
learn a better way to build a house.
What has been the impact of your solution to date?
The impact of this solution has not generated any interest to date. No one seems to spend too much time implementing green solutions in a housing market dominated by stick-frame builders. Perhaps it would be
useful to have just one home as a model, so others could then understand the nature of the solution. I have
been unable to attract a single client thus far, and am wondering what it is that keeps people from seeing what
i see.
What is your projected impact over the next five years?
The projected impact over the next five years is difficult to assess. A housing market in flux, compounded by economic woes within many countries are affecting housing starts of green technology homes. However, the
environmental consciousness of many people is at a pinnacle, and punctuated by a desire to tread a lot more
softly on the Earth. With this another generation is emerging with ideals different than those preceding. It seems
relevant that improving conditions on the planet is part of a collective and unspoken goal. Living in a green
home seems a likely part of 'being here', and can only become a more popular adjunct to happiness for many.
What barriers might hinder the success of your project? How do you plan to overcome them?
Barriers that might hinder success are created by lacking a clear plan. Business strategies and marketing programs
should reflect the green style of the materials as well as the completed homes. To that end, consultants far more
savvy than me, would be employed for their proven expertise and knowledge.
Winning entries present a strong plan for how they will achieve and track growth. Identify your six-month milestone for growing your impact
A six-month milestone for growing impact with this project would be just one house. It's difficult to imagine two at this point
Task 1
Find a client interested in a home made from EPS panels
Task 2
Import the panels from Mexico or California.
Task 3
Build the home and provide public awareness of what sets it apart from traditional housing.
Now think bigger! Identify your 12-month impact milestone
read more↓↑ hide↑ hideTell us about your partnerships
I am not involved in any partnerships, although those mentioned as references would be happy to join in the
venture given advance notice.
Are you currently targeting other specific populations, locations, or markets for your solution? If so, where and why?
I am not targeting any of the above.
What type of operating environment and internal organizational factors make your innovation successful?
The operating environment is one of positive enthusiasm and belief in the validity of the system of building, and is always at the forefront. The internal organizational factors of transparency, cooperative effort, creativity, and experience as a builder will elevate desired goals of successful innovation.
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 05/17/2012 by project watershed
Eelgrass removes CO2 from the atmosphere better than anything on land. It is also essential habitat for various aquatic organisms so restoration is a win-win.
Organization: Comox Valley Project Watershed Society
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Comox Valley Project Watershed Society
Country where this solution is creating social impact
Canada, BC, Courtenay, Comox
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?
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..
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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
Transparency, Equity.
The Need: Describe the need for your solution and the size and characteristics of the community(ies) your solution is engaging
The Comox Valley has a population of around 65,000 in 3 main communities, the City of Courtenay, Town of Comox and Village of Cumberland. To combat escalating use of fossil fuels, governments, such as the provincial government of BC, have established carbon offset costs. All jurisdictions have signed onto the climate action charter and therefore need to pay carbon offsets starting in 2012. Communities have developed strategies to deal with these offset costs, mainly by reducing the use of non-renewable energy. Another strategy is carbon offset programs to trade conservation of energy with use. We propose to establish blue carbon offsets for eelgrass restoration in the Courtenay River Estuary. This would allow offset funds to remain local rather than going to outside companies.
The Solution: What is your solution? Be specific!
A major question facing residents of communities like the Comox Valley on Vancouver Island, was how we can reduce our dependence on fossil fuels. One approach is to establish strategies of conservation or use of renewable energy (solar, wind, etc.). Another is to eliminate carbon dioxide (CO2)in the atmosphere through Living Carbon storage. This is more commonly thought of as the long-term storage of carbon in the tissues of trees and plants in forests. Blue carbon is a form of Living Carbon that occurs in aquatic environments where aquatic plants such as eelgrass and sedges store carbon in the soils and sediments below the plants or in the deep ocean sediments. Our solution has a win/win outcome, habitat restoration means more wildlife, and in estuaries means a direct impact on mitigating climate change.
The Model: Walk us through a specific example of how your solution makes a difference; include the primary activities involved in your solution.
In April of 2012, a landmark study was released by Restore America's Estuaries (RAE) which for the first time linked ecologically important coastal habitat restoration with adaptation and mitigation strategies as a way to reduce the impacts of ongoing global climate change. Eelgrass meadows lie in the intertidal areas of estuaries. The scientific literature shows that this marine flowering plant sequesters carbon much better by several magnitudes of anything on land. The K’omoks estuary had been dredged and logs boomed at several locations from the earliest part of the last century until the beginning of the new century. All of the damaging industry has gone and there now is a community will to protect, preserve and restore. Older residents have provided information on historical areas for eel grass and the younger generation will facilitate the planting and restoration. This collaboration of all in our community will facilitate bringing back British Columbia’s second most important estuary towards its former level of abundance and directly contribute to climate action. Our pilot project will provide the evidence necessary to help establish carbon offset parameters for coastal estuaries which can then be used by all coastal communities.
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.
When trying to establish the criteria for determining a living carbon offset, one has to know how much carbon dioxide is removed from the atmosphere by the vegetation systems providing the offset. For many systems, the calculations are established and the markets are set. The unique geographical characteristics within estuaries along the Strait of Georgia provide one of the most productive areas in the world for primary photosynthetic activity and carbon dioxide removal. A protocol does not exist for the evaluation of blue carbon offsets. In our Pilot Project, we will identify parameters required to establish an industry protocol, propose methods to quantify those parameters and provide the results to offset the through the Verified Carbon Standards (VCS) and offset industries for review
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 Chair, after hearing a keynote address dealing with putting an economic evaluation on estuaries did a search and discovered the extensive literature on estuaries and greenhouse gas removal. He spoke to political leaders and presented an overview of climate change, carbon sequestration, and carbon offsets, and described how estuarine plant communities could remove carbon dioxide from the atmosphere much more efficiently than land plants. As all of our local governments must purchase carbon offsets beginning in 2012, he suggested that the funds committed to purchase carbon offsets would serve our community better if we worked through Project Watershed’s Estuary Working Group and that we could keep the money locally, hire local qualified individuals, restore habitat, and that this would facilitate bringing our estuary back towards its historical level of abundance as well as contributing towards mitigating climate change. They unanimously supported this concept.
Please describe the goal of your initiative; outline what you are trying to achieve
The examination of the parameters needed to establish a protocol for Blue Carbon Offsets:
• Establishment of a baseline carbon sequestration level,
• Determination of the potential areas for restoration and carbon removal,
• Evaluation and measurements of biomass and vegetation areas including the permanence and stability of the plant communities,
• Establishment of quadrat size, horizontal zones, and donor plant characteristics.,
• CO2 uptake by eel grass in situ,
• Sediment carbon analyses to develop carbon density information,
• Carbon export to deep ocean sediments, and
• A conceptual model for carbon removal.
As we evaluate all of this, we will be restoring essential estuarine wildlife habitat.
What has been the impact of your solution to date?
There has been extensive local press coverage and support of the concept of eel grass restoration and climate change. Local governments all support the concept of using offset monies to restore the estuary through Project Watershed’s Estuary Working Group. They appreciate that we could keep the money locally, hire local qualified individuals, restore habitat that had been lost during the last 75 years, which would facilitate bringing our estuary back towards its historical level of abundance and still contribute towards mitigating climate change. The local resolution was put before the Vancouver Island Association of Coastal Communities and endorsed. We are currently working with our MLA and expect to meet with the Climate Action Secretariat. The Director of the Pacific Institute of Carbon Solutions has favourably reviewed our proposal.
What is your projected impact over the next five years?
• Establish a reproducible protocol for assessing carbon sequestered from eelgrass meadows,
• Determine measurements for areas with historical eelgrass beds (and) to evaluate carbon stored in the sediments,
• Establish a measurement for new carbon deposition and CO2 removal with restoration efforts,
• Evaluate the health of the estuary with restoration efforts notwithstanding carbon storage,
• A longer term outcome would be to develop an SOP and make this available to other communities with estuaries,
• Reduce atmospheric concentrations of greenhouse gases, and
• Earn carbon credits for Comox Valley communities.
What barriers might hinder the success of your project? How do you plan to overcome them?
There are two factors that will hinder progress on the proposed pilot project. The first is having adequate funding. Ideally, we would need approximately $250,000 per year for the first three years and then, as we complete the eelgrass restoration, we will focus on monitoring the meadows and taking carbon sediment samples, requiring approximately, $75,000/2 year for an additional 6 years. If we can get approximately $150,000 from the local governments in the early years, we should be able to leverage these funds from external sources. The other barrier would be lack of local expertise. We have solved that with selective collaborations with Universities and research institutions.
Winning entries present a strong plan for how they will achieve and track growth. Identify your six-month milestone for growing your impact
We must completely assess the eelgrass meadows and potential sites in the K’omoks estuary
Task 1
Completely map all existing eelgrass meadows.
Task 2
Put on this map areas of historical eelgrass meadow, information obtained from old data and elder residents
Task 3
Assess the conditions favourable for eelgrass growth in the areas identified from the historical map.
Now think bigger! Identify your 12-month impact milestone
To have all aspects of the eelgrass meadows assessed for growth, restoration potential and carbon dioxide removal.
Task 1
Have all eelgrass and potential eelgrass areas identified and take carbon sediment samples from all of the areas identified.
Task 2
Have carbon density measurements made for these identified areas.
Task 3
Calculate the zero time carbon sediment analysis so that measures for offset credit additionality can be made.
read more↓↑ hide↑ hideTell us about your partnerships
In addition to our partnerships with local governments, we have established scientific collaborations with North Island College locally, the University of British Columbia, Applied Engineering to do the Carbon uptake measurements, Concordia University to assist with the core sediment sampling and the US Pacific Northwest Marine Regional Laboratories to develop strategies for measuring deep ocean sediments. We also have strong collaboration with our local Department of Fisheries and Oceans staff.
Are you currently targeting other specific populations, locations, or markets for your solution? If so, where and why?
Although we have not specifically targeted other locations, there are 442 estuaries along the mainland coast and coast of Vancouver Island, all with similar estuarine habitats. We anticipate that the methodologies that we develop can be applied to those coastal areas and others throughout our hemisphere, and potentially throughout the world.
What type of operating environment and internal organizational factors make your innovation successful?
As an environmental NGO stewardship organization, we have excellent committed staff, board members and very qualified contractors. We do not have laboratories, water vehicles, underwater cameras or scuba equipment. A dedicated, eager group of partially trained volunteers exist. We have buy-in from the political organizations, both the younger and senior members of the community and we are cultivating business involvement from 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
Some scuba diving will be required to assess the eelgrass intertidal meadows and as we move the project forward for actual plantings and restorations. Some of the divers will be professional, some volunteers. Insurance and other expenses will be involved. We will also require boats for carrying out some of the activities.
Created on 05/16/2012 by LaskeekBay
Provide an opportunity for volunteer citizen scientists and students of all ages to participate in hands-on environmental monitoring, research, and stewardship.
Organization: Laskeek Bay Conservation Society
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Laskeek Bay Conservation Society
Organization Country
Canada, BC, Queen Charlotte
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
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 more than 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
The islands of the Haida Gwaii archipelago are home to unique marine and terrestrial ecosystems with high levels of biodiversity and great conservation value, however some of these systems are threatened by resource development, global climate change, and introduced invasive species. Effective, sustainable management of the environment requires good baseline data and reliable long-term monitoring regimes.
These remote areas also provide a fantastic venue for regular people to respectfully engage with nature and learn about the plants, animals, and processes which comprise these important ecosystems. To fully accomplish this, there needs to be an established infrastructure for transport and accommodation, as well as competent organization and instruction in planning and in practice.
The Solution: What is your solution? Be specific!
LBCS provides opportunities for volunteer "Citizen Scientists" and students of all ages to participate in hands-on environmental monitoring, research, and environmental education in a remote field camp setting. The flagship program is the long-term monitoring of the Ancient Murrelet, a threatened species of burrow-nesting seabird which breeds on the islands of Haida Gwaii, but we also carry out numerous other programs with different species of seabirds and forest birds, marine mammals, rare plants, and introduced species.
Volunteers spend one week on East Limestone Island assisting with the various monitoring and research projects. Students visit for one day and night on a trip organized in partnership with School District 50, and they participate in the Ancient Murrelet monitoring. Under the tutelage of our two trained staff biologists, they learn about the island ecosystems they are visiting, as well as the skills and methods used to monitor and protect the species being studied.
The Model: Walk us through a specific example of how your solution makes a difference; include the primary activities involved in your solution.
Typically, volunteer "Citizen Scientists" spend one week on East Limestone Island assisting in the various research programs based out of the field camp. This includes capture and release of Ancient Murrelet chicks, burrow monitoring of Cassin's Auklets and Pigeon Guillemots, at-sea surveys for seabirds and ducks, marine mammal sightings, forest bird observation, inventory of rare plants, surveys of Black Oystercatcher populations and nest scrape sites in Gwaii Haanas, Glaucous-winged Gull surveys, introduced species monitoring, and various other stewardship related tasks. Similarly, students from local schools visit the island to learn about the research programs and assist in the Ancient Murrelet monitoring.
The overarching theme is the engagement and involvement of relatively untrained community members and students in real conservation efforts and valuable research in a remote field location.
Over our 23 years of operation, we have had over 550 volunteers spend at least one week in our field camp. Approximately half of them have been from local communities, while 59 have been international visitors from 15 different countries.
We have hosted over 600 elementary and secondary-school students from 5 different schools in 85 separate visits.
We offer an internship program for senior-year post-secondary students studying biology, environmental sciences, or similar programs. This provides them with invaluable hands-on field experience related to their studies. We have had 20 post-secondary students working or studying at our field camp since 1990.
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 do not have any direct competition in our field.
We work in a close co-operative partnership with the local Research Group on Introduced Species, who are conducting research on the impacts of introduced Sitka Black-tailed Deer on the island landscapes of Haida Gwaii. While our project has a large focus on community involvement and education, theirs is more focused on academic research yielding scientifically robust results, which can later be applied to management plans.
We also work as a supporting partner with Gwaii Haanas National Park Reserve and Haida Heritage site in their ongoing project, "SGin Xaana Sdiihltl’lxa: Night Birds Returning," which aims to protect and re-establish seabird populations which have been decimated by introduced predators such as rats and raccoons.
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 Laskeek Bay Conservation Society was founded around a campfire in 1989 by local men and women who had been working as field staff for a Canadian Wildlife Service research project on Ancient Murrelets on Reef Island in Laskeek Bay. As the six-year CWS study came to a close, they saw that a long-term monitoring program would provide much more valuable data, and that a volunteer-based project model would make it both viable and valuable to the greater community of environmentally-conscious individuals on Haida Gwaii and beyond.
The group decided to base their research on the more comfortable East Limestone Island, where they built a cabin in 1990 and begun research on Ancient Murrelets in the inaugural field season on 1990. The Laskeek Bay Conservation Society was officially founded later that year, and in the following 23 years the programs have expanded and morphed to try to give a unique view into the interactions of the marine and terrestrial ecosystems of Haida Gwaii.
Please describe the goal of your initiative; outline what you are trying to achieve
Three Main Goals:
1. To undertake and support research and long term monitoring of wildlife populations of the marine and terrestrial ecosystems of Haida Gwaii, especially the Laskeek Bay area.
2. To provide opportunities for non-scientists, especially students and local residents of Haida Gwaii, to participate as volunteers in our field programs, and offer training to impart necessary field research skills.
3. To promote better understanding of the marine and terrestrial ecosystems of Haida Gwaii, especially the Laskeek Bay area, by providing information to youth, local residents, and to the public in general in the form of publications, meetings and exhibits.
What has been the impact of your solution to date?
Over our 23 years of operation, we have had over 550 volunteers spend at least one week in our field camp. Approximately half of them have been from local communities, while 59 have been international visitors from 15 different countries.
We have hosted over 600 elementary and secondary-school students and 200 teacher chaperones from 5 different local schools in 85 separate visits.
We have hosted over 20 post-secondary students in internship positions, providing valuable hands-on field experience related to the study of biology, ecology, and similar disciplines.
What is your projected impact over the next five years?
We hope to continue to engage potential citizen scientists in the week-long volunteer program. Each field season requires roughly 30 volunteers for ideal workload, which means we would like 150 volunteers over the next five years.
We also hope to continue to support and reestablish the student programs, which have faltered in recent years due to dwindling numbers of students at local schools and diminishing interest from the over-worked teachers at these small, shrinking schools. This year the school visits were cancelled due to the ongoing teacher's strike, but we can expect around 15-20 students per year, with aim to increase that number to 20-30.
What barriers might hinder the success of your project? How do you plan to overcome them?
Our largest barriers are economic. We need to subsidize travel and food costs for volunteers to be able to attract enough support, as well as cover costs of staff, equipment and repairs, boat fuel and propane, and transport of supplies. The amount of money available to non-profit organizations like ours is shrinking and we have become increasingly reliant on our partnerships with government bodies and sister organizations, who face similar funding shortages to us. Cutbacks have caused us to reduce our staff over the off-season, which has further affected our ability to secure funding.
Winning entries present a strong plan for how they will achieve and track growth. Identify your six-month milestone for growing your impact
Secure sufficient funds for 2013 field season.
Task 1
Negotiate more integrated partnership with Gwaii Haanas and BC Parks.
Task 2
Make successful proposals to a number of granting agencies.
Task 3
Participate in a number of outreach events and generate interest in the volunteer program, yeilding volunteers for spring 2013.
Now think bigger! Identify your 12-month impact milestone
Begin transition from monitoring and conservation to active restoration of populations affected by introduced predators.
Task 1
Implement a more thorough raccoon eradication program.
Task 2
Expand monitoring to West Limestone Island.
Task 3
Begin various activities associated with seabird colony restoration.
read more↓↑ hide↑ hideTell us about your partnerships
We are partners with the Research Group on Introduced Species, who are studying the impacts of introduced Sitka Black-tailed Deer on Haida Gwaii.
We are partners with Gwaii Haanas National Park Reserve and Haida Heritage Site in their project "SGin Xaana Sdiihltl'lxa: Night Birds Returning," which aims to restore populations of nocturnal, burrow-nesting seabirds, which have been decimated by introduced mammalian predators such as rats and raccoons.
We also work closely with the Canadian Wildlife Service and the BC Ministry of Forests, Lands, and Natural Resource Operations.
Are you currently targeting other specific populations, locations, or markets for your solution? If so, where and why?
We don't have any specific target populations or areas; we feel environmental stewardship is an ideal that transcends age and place. However, we do need our volunteers to be physically able to work in rugged and remote field conditions, and just because of convenience we tend to attract volunteers primarily from Haida Gwaii and secondarily from other parts of BC, but we have had international volunteers almost every year, and we feel our message is not lost on anyone, regardless of their age or where they come from.
What type of operating environment and internal organizational factors make your innovation successful?
In addition to the uniqueness of our program and the beauty of our field operations, LBCS has been lucky over our 23 years to have a consistent stream of excellent field staff. Our volunteers continually remark that they are not only knowledgeable and helpful, but also very easy-going and pleasant to live with in the camp setting.
Our longevity could not have been achieved without the hard work and dedication of the board of directors, office staff, and field staff, for whom LBCS is not just a job but a valuable and worthy cause. Staff and volunteers have always gone above and beyond what has been required, always for the benefit of the organization. For this we are always thankful.
Please elaborate on any needs or offers you have mentioned above and/or suggest categories of support that aren't specified within the list
Laskeek Bay Conservation Society (LBCS) has been active in conservation work in the Queen Charlotte Island archipelago for 20 years. We provide volunteer and educational opportunities for people to help conserve the marine and terrestrial ecosystems in and around Laskeek Bay.
Created on 04/15/2012 by Learningful
Empowering change makers by providing them with a setting to reconnect with their personal essence.
Organization: Get WiLD
Visit websitemore ↓↑ hide↑ hideThe competition is only open to people between 18-34 years-old and resident in UK, Ireland, Sweden, Denmark or the Netherlands. Does this apply to you
Yes.
Country of residence of entrepreneur
Denmark
Tell us about your personal background. Why are you passionate about this issue? Making an idea a reality takes innovation, dedication and strong leadership. Do you have the necessary entrepreneurial skills to realize your vision?
I'm a global citizen with Danish and American parents, I have lived and traveled all parts of the world and I have a tremendous passion for nature. I've been educated at an institution called the KaosPilots in Denmark which has opened my eyes to my ability to influence the world through projects and business and Get WiLD is an expression of my drive for social change for the benefit of the environment.
Country where this project is creating social impact
n/a
Is your organization a
For‐profit
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↑ hideThe Need: What problem are you trying to solve?
Western culture has become increasingly removed from the natural world. The result is an inability to see the interrelatedness of global environmental issues as well as the role we each play as co-inhabitants of the planet.
The Solution: What is your solution? Be specific!
Stepping into nature is a powerful way to reconnect to the fundamental natural part of ourselves. To realize that we are one with the natural world and that our actions are expressions of our world view.
Retreating alone in wild nature provides a powerful opportunity to step back and reflect on your life and work. It opens up to an experience of a deep relationship with the natural world that infuses us with perspective.
The Model: Walk us through a specific example of how your solution makes a difference; include your primary activities
The solo in nature is at the core of the training. It creates a setting for you to relax, balance yourself and establish a deeper understanding of your inner and outer nature. Before and after the solo you will be engaged in group processes with your co-participants, campfire dialogs and meditation practices to deepen your experience and gain insight into the unfolding process of embodying your authentic leadership.
The program will give you the opportunity to enhance your awareness by practicing mindfulness both individually and through guided meditation. As Einstein said: “No problem can be solved from the same level of thinking that created it”. The newly acquired clarity and connectedness that arises from this experience is an invaluable gift for life.
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?
Several organizations practice hosting nature quests around the globe, but none are based in Denmark. Since reconnecting to the natural world is of universal important we feel that setting something up that has this at its core in Denmark is a blue ocean for us.
Select the stage that best applies to your business
Operating for 1-5 years
This Entry is about (Issues)
read more↓↑ hide↑ hideWhat is the social impact you have had to date and how you measure it?
We measure it in the feedback we get:
“I have felt extremely calm since the retreat. Walking in my own pace I have felt like a rock in a river. Everyone else pouring by me in a high, stressed pace and me moving slowly forward; like a glacier.”
- Marcus Degerman, participant in 2011
“Life-changing. The quest sent me on a journey of becoming someone
else (or something so much more) than I was before.“
- Casper Bek, participant in 2010
“Slowing down the mind and letting the answers come without effort, and from a deeper source is a skill that only very few master but so many need.”
- Rowan Simonsen, participant in 2009
What barriers might hinder the success of your business? How do you plan to overcome them?
We find it hard to communicate the value of the experience to people that aren't already looking for this type of experience. As such, our biggest challenge is by far to put words on the value gained from a nature quest and the clarity and personal power it sets free to connect to yourself at a deeper level than what we normally do when we are in the midst of our busy lives.
read more↓↑ hide↑ hideHow does your model address financial, social, and environmental sustainability?
Our nature quests are focused on enhancing people's leadership capacities by giving them greater clarity about their individual strength and drive. It does this while conveying - on an emotional level - the interdependance of humans and the natural world. This provides a powerful setting for unleashing creative energy that can drive social change.
read more↓↑ hide↑ hideHow do you see social entrepreneurship contributing to the improvement of developing countries?
What a question!
Local, community based initiatives are by far the most socially resillient and are usually the ones most in tune with local needs. Entrepreneurship is really just a word to express the bridge between blank pages and the formation of such local, community based initiatives. More idealogically speaking entrepreneurship also balances out corporate interests when succesful which moves initiative down into the hands of the people. I believe this to be a good thing.
What aspects of your stay in Uganda as part of the competition do you think you will find most challenging and rewarding?
Learning from the hands of those who have become entrepreneurial under conditions so different than my home turf. I admire the perservearence required to see initiatives grow in all circumstances and I believe there's a lot for me to learn form seeing it play out in such a different context.
An environmental education and film making project for 8-25 year olds in the country of Georgia. We promote self development, team work, and creativity through scientific expeditions with Earthwatch, snorkeling, education through expeditions, International Award for Young People, and volunteer action and clean ups within our community. Our young people come from private and state schools, university, IDPS, refugees, and orphans. In 2013 our Director will row across the Pacific Ocean to help inspire young people and to raise ocean awareness.
An environmental education and film making project for 8-25 year olds in the country of Georgia. We promote self development, team work, and creativity through scientific expeditions with Earthwatch, snorkelling, education through expeditions, International Award for Young People, and volunteer action and clean ups within our community. Our young people come from private and state schools, university, IDPS, refugees, and orphans. In 2013 our Director wil row across the Pacific Ocean to help inspire young people and to raise ocean awareness.
An environmental education and film making project for 8-25 year olds in the country of Georgia. We promote self development, team work, and creativity through scientific expeditions with Earthwatch, snorkelling, education through expeditions, International Award for Young People, and volunteer action and clean ups within our community. Our young people come from private and state schools, university, IDPS, refugees, and orphans. In 2013 our Director wil row across the Pacific Ocean to help inspire young people and to raise ocean awareness.
Oceans Project Georgia is an environmental education and film making course based in the country of Georgia, for young people aged 8-25 including IDPs, refugees, orphans, state and private schools, and universities. A major component of the course is personal development, team work, and community service, for which the INternational Award for Young people is a massive part, offered for the first time in Georgia. We teach that in order to be successful in life you need to be empathic and to understand why others behave as they do.
Oceans Project Georgia is a registered NGO with a focus on environmental education and education for all. Through our online classroom, we'll provide a range of subjects linked to two exciting expeditions, across the Pacific Ocean in 2014 and the never yet reached Arctic fourth North Pole, better known as the 'Northern Pole of Inaccessibility'.
Created on 03/14/2012 by LucyClara
City Hives - a crowdsourcing project to save the bees, and make delicious honey in cities.
Organization: City Hives
Visit websitemore ↓↑ hide↑ hideThe competition is only open to people between 18-34 years-old and resident in UK, Ireland, Sweden, Denmark or the Netherlands. Does this apply to you
Yes.
Country of residence of entrepreneur
The Netherlands
Tell us about your personal background. Why are you passionate about this issue? Making an idea a reality takes innovation, dedication and strong leadership. Do you have the necessary entrepreneurial skills to realize your vision?
I love bees. From an early age, they have always been with me to celebrate success, sooth my worries and give me advice (metaphorically, of course. I don't speak bee. Yet.). I studied one of the world's most dedicated bee enthusiasts - Jan Swammerdam - during my Masters' degree at Imperial College London (History of Science, Technology and Medicine) and wrote about them as a press officer for the Society for General Microbiology, then back at Imperial. I operated for several years as a sole trading educator (English, maths and science) with a company called ExamBee. I run the Bee Special Interest Group for British Mensa (it's smart to like bees) and kept my own hive for a while in England. (I'm now living in Amsterdam, the Netherlands, where my best option for keeping bees is in the apartment, much to my boyfriend's concern.) I now work as Press & Communications Manager for the Global Reporting Initiative - we promote sustainable business and transparency by showing companies how to report their impacts.
When I first heard about the plight of the honeybees, I was devastated. Then I decided to help them. So I'm setting up City Hives, so that people can get together to look after bees, make delicious honey and boost the economy.
I think people can be brilliant, and together they could make sure bees are healthy, alive and making lovely honey for us for many more centuries to come. I'm a people person as much as a bee person: my success lies in inspiring others and getting the best out of them. In ten years I think every home in every city could welcome a colony of honeybees, providing sweet treats, income and a wonderfully relaxing hobby. Bees are my inspiration and my passion, and to me there's no easier sell.
Organization Country
Netherlands, NH, Amsterdam
Country where this project is creating social impact
Netherlands, NH, Amsterdam
Is your organization a
Not registered
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↑ hideThe Need: What problem are you trying to solve?
Every week around 1.3 million people move into cities around the world. It’s a task to feed a whole city when the food must come from the country. People like to eat honey. So what happens when all these new people living in our cities want honey? It gets imported. This is expensive, unsustainable, and less healthy than local honey.
Bee populations worldwide are declining; the result of several worrying trends. Fewer people in Europe are keeping bees, hives are becoming more diseased and a mystery illness – Colony Collapse Disorder (CCD) – is threatening bees worldwide. By pollinating crops, bees indirectly produce two of the three mouthfuls of food we eat. No bees means much less food.
The Solution: What is your solution? Be specific!
An interesting trend is emerging in cities: urban beekeeping is becoming popular. Cities are great for beekeeping. People who live in cities often have higher income and more luxurious lifestyles, so can afford to build and tend more exotic and healthy plants. Roof gardens, balconies and patios can be excellent food sources, and homes, for bees.
What’s more, beekeeping is a calming, rewarding hobby – beekeepers have the longest life expectancy of any profession. For people working in stressful jobs, living in busy cities, beekeeping could offer relaxation, healthy food and additional income.
By providing training and support to would-beekeepers living in cities, City Hives aims to:
- Increase the number of beekeepers in cities
- Crowdsource honey in cities around the world
- Put money into research, training and low-cost equipment
- Rebuild bee populations
- Give people a fun, rewarding hobby
The Model: Walk us through a specific example of how your solution makes a difference; include your primary activities
A successful bee colony operates as a single organism – 60,000 bees work together and their individual efforts count towards the colony’s output. To save the bees, humans can work together as a colony. City Hives brings individuals together, crowdsourcing their efforts and their honey to increase bee populations and make a delicious product.
City Hives provides training and equipment, and the support of a worldwide network. This means that Jane with her hive on the balcony, John with two hives on his rooftop and Jackie with her hive at the school next door can make honey, support the economy and save the bees together.
As a City Beekeeper, you can get training and low-cost equipment from City Hives, rebuild bee populations, contribute to research to prevent bee disease and start a lovely new hobby.
City Hives pools the honey to sell in individual cities - starting with Amsterdam Honey.
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?
The EU is the biggest honey market, accounting for around 25 percent of all honey consumption, at more than 300,000 tonnes per year. In The Netherlands, the average person consumes 0.5kg honey per year, but there are only 40,000 to 80,000 hives in the country.
A few beekeepers around the world are starting to produce honey in cities – New York, Melbourne and Mumbai. These are owned and operated by individuals who don’t get the public involved in production.
The biggest challenge to crowdsourcing for bees is attitude and education. Ever been stung by a wasp? They’re mean and it hurts. Many people can’t tell the difference between bees and wasps, and think they are both stinging machines. Education through regular events, visits and publications will be key to turning this around.
Select the stage that best applies to your business
Operating for less than a year
This Entry is about (Issues)
read more↓↑ hide↑ hideWhat is the social impact you have had to date and how you measure it?
City Hives is being set up, and is not yet producing honey. Lots of people have already gathered together and are waiting to get training and hives, and start their new hobby.
The expectation is that City Hives will impact society in a few main ways:
- Educate people (including children) about the importance of bees and how to conserve wildlife
- Provide people living in cities with a low-cost, simple way to start beekeeping
- Provide beekeepers with a sustainable income that they can control
- Make a new network of friends who can work together to protect our future (and the bees!)
Because the model can be replicated globally, it has the potential to reach every urban area in the world.
What barriers might hinder the success of your business? How do you plan to overcome them?
People's knowledge of and attitude to our tiny furry friends is one main barrier. While they do sting (and it really doesn't hurt as much as you remember), they only sting if they are threatened. Knowing how to behave around bees (and knowing that they don't do fly-bys like wasps) will help overcome this.
A risk is the decline of bee populations due to disease. Researchers worldwide are trying to find out why bees are dying, and some of the profits from honey sales will feed into the research pot to reduce the negative impact of bee disease.
read more↓↑ hide↑ hideHow does your model address financial, social, and environmental sustainability?
Bees are important to the environment and to our food security. City Hives means more beekeepers and more, healthier bees.
Training is developed and provided in partnership with local beekeepers’ associations. People who join the City Hives network get free training, and anyone can pay for training if they just want to learn. People who join the network can buy equipment at low cost, and others can purchase it at the normal price. It’s advisable to wear suitable clothing for beekeeping (bees walk towards the sun when they land, and are quite happy climbing up inside your trouser leg), but you also want to look good, so City Hives provides a nice clothing range.
People who join the City Hives network sign a contract, sharing a proportion of their honey for an agreed price and duration. Equipment cost is determined on this basis. Honey is pooled and sold as City Honey (Amsterdam Honey, London Honey, Tokyo Honey). In addition to profits from products and services, City Hives will also seek funding for certain projects and activities from government agencies.
City Hives partners with local beekeepers’ associations, governments and schools to maximize the positive impact of beekeeping in cities. City Hives partners with a charity that trains beekeepers in developing countries to boost the local economy and alleviate poverty.
A proportion of the profit goes to bee disease research, and sustainable development.
read more↓↑ hide↑ hideHow do you see social entrepreneurship contributing to the improvement of developing countries?
There are now seven billion of us cohabiting on this planet and, like it or not, we need money. More than 85 percent of us live in developing countries. Business cannot just use financial profits as the measure of success today. Developing economies face many different issues to western ones – human rights infringements, food security and climate change can have much bigger impacts in developing countries. In the case of bees, their success or demise will have an impact on our food security globally: losing two thirds of our crops will be devastating.
Entrepreneurs create jobs and boost the economy – so if they measure success through social and environmental impacts rather than just financial ones, our economies will become more sustainable. Supporting society, providing access to education, food and housing, can be achieved through social entrepreneurship. This will ultimately protect our financial future, and the future of our planet.
What aspects of your stay in Uganda as part of the competition do you think you will find most challenging and rewarding?
I can't wait to learn from VSO and the social entrepreneurs in Uganda! It will be a wonderful chance to experience business in a different setting, and to apply what I've learned to City Hives, to make a difference all over the world. Meeting new friends and fellow entrepreneurs will be incredibly rewarding, and sharing experiences will open us all to new possibilities. It will also be amazing to learn about Ben & Jerry's supply chain and how Fair Trade is benefiting the company, the supplier and the local community. I don't know much about the vanilla trade, so I'm looking forward to learning!
It will be a challenge to see the effects of climate change in Uganda, and to find out about some of the other environmental and social issues the local communities are facing. Learning about new cultures is always exciting, and although English is an official language in Uganda, I would definitely challenge myself to pick up some of the local languages!
Created on 02/11/2012 by rdonna
EpiSurveyor uses the web and mobile to make real-time data collection, and effective management, available to every health program and clinic worldwide.
Organization: The Datadyne Group
Visit websitemore ↓↑ hide↑ hideOrganization Country
United States, DC, Washington, Washington
Country where this project is creating social impact
n/a
Is your organization a
For‐profit
How long has your organization been operating?
More than 5 years
Has the organization received awards or honors? Please tell us about them
Wall Street Journal Award for Innovation in Healthcare Technology
$100,000 Lemelson-MIT Prize for Sustainable Innovation
Fast Company Social Enterprise of the Year
Tech Museum Award
Stockholm Challenge Award
Yahoo! Green Award
FACT Social Justice Award
References - Please provide two references with a two-sentence biography, email address, and phone number for each
Mike Frost, John Snow International, Mike_Frost@jsi.com 703.528.7474
Mike is the mHealth coordinator at JSI, in change of coordinating use of mobile tools for health for JSI's worldwide operations. Mike also made the decision, two years ago, to become our first paying user of our EpiSurveyor mobile data tool and has since increased his utilization and promotion of the technology both within and outside of his own organization.
Dr. Mark Grabowsky, US Department of Health and Human Service, Mark.Grabowsky@hhs.gov 202-368-6308
Dr. Mark is a twenty year veteran at the Centers for Disease Control, and a key figure in measles and malaria vaccination worldwide. He has been the head of malaria at the Global Fund, as well as the epidemiology head for the Measles Initiative, and is also an early supporter of mobile electronic data collection as a tool for improving public health performance.
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 1‐5 years
Which of the following best describes the barrier(s) your innovation addresses? Choose up to two
Access, Cost, Transparency, Quality, Equity.
The Need: What problem are you trying to solve?
Critical public health data in developing countries (including for supply chain management, for monitoring & evaluation, for establishing baselines, and for administrative purposes) is collected slowly and expensively using paper forms -- or, because of the cost and difficulty, it is not collected at all.
This affects every developing country health system, and many other programs.
Unfortunately, existing electronic data systems are complex and and expensive, requiring expensive consultants and programmers. This complexity and cost limits access, while consuming money and resources that could be spent on vaccines, bednets, and other essentials.
EpiSurveyor changes all this by creating a simple, online, consultant-free system that is "like Gmail, but for data collection."
The Solution: What is your solution? Be specific!
EpiSurveyor combines a web-based form designer, accessible for free to anyone, and a mobile "app" that runs on most mobile phones (not just smartphones). The software aims for a Gmail level of simplicity: no training is typically required, and anyone in the world can register and begin using the system to collect data immediately.
A user can design a form in minutes and be out in the field collecting data right away. Once collected, the data is uploaded to a website for instant analysis, visualization, or export.
EpiSurveyor was the first such "web app" for international development, and the first to adopt a freemium business model, where a very small minority of high-level users (like the World Bank, Red Cross, USAID and Camfed) pay for the service and this subsidizes provision of service to more than 6000 free users.
Our innovation is both tech and financial: the web app + mobile app model, plus the cross-subsidization model. And it's programmed and supported in Kenya!
The Model: Walk us through a specific example of how your solution makes a difference; include your primary activities
EpiSurveyor is provided as a web app (also called “software-as-a-service”), with a “freemium” price structure providing free basic capacity to everyone, supported by higher-functionality paid user licenses for larger organization. This means that large organizations get the technology they need -- and so does EVERY other organization that wants it. This type of model is only possible using the economies of scale on the web, and it means that the old model -- where rich organizations get good tech and poor organizations don't -- is eliminated.
EpiSurveyor has just begun scaling, but is ALREADY the most widely scaled "tech for development" software ever: nearly 7000 users in more than 170 countries.
One example of a paying user is JSI: they use EpiSurveyor to manage HIV and malaria drug supply chains in numerous African countries, ensuring that drugs are in-stock when needed.
One FREE user is Aquaya.org, which uses EpiSurveyor to help operators of rural water systems submit water quality data to their managers. Those with resources subsidize those without.
While we were initially focused on health, and it is still our primary concern, we are gratified to see EpiSurveyor now being used for conservation (Smithsonian), education of girls (Camfed), agriculture (Kickstart), and other purposes.
And our own focus is now to (1) keep improving the product (we just finished our first iPhone version), and (2) to make sure that more and more of those who can benefit from EpiSurveyor get to hear about it!
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 are many online commercial data collection systems, such as SurveyMonkey. These systems are excellent for web surveys, but don't work at all for complex data collection on mobiles in the field.
In the development space, there are many open source products (e.g. RapidSMS or ODK) which can be technologically good, but require programmers to set up and operate, and are thus expensive and limited in scale. They are also often the "hobby" of a group of programmers, and organizations don't want critical data dependent on hobbyists: they want dependable service 24/7/365.
EpiSurveyor isn't our hobby. EpiSurveyor is our love and our responsibility. Our users, free and paid, love the service and love the product. Which is good because they're our primary source of revenue!
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.
DataDyne was founded by Joel Selanikio, an epidemiologist, physician, and technologist formerly with the CDC, and Rose Donna, a computer scientist and veteran of years of fieldwork with the American Red Cross. While working in Africa as consultants to the Red Cross with Palm PDAs for data collection, they both began to notice two things: (1) increasingly the health workers all had mobile phones, and (2) they all also had Yahoo Mail on their desktops.
This made them realize that a new computer infrastructure was already scaling around the world, in the form of the mobile phone. Just as importantly, they realized that a new kind of software was scaling: web-based, free, and so simple that no training or consultants were needed.
Since that realization, Selanikio and Donna have worked to bring that kind of simplicity and low cost and scale to mobile data collection with EpiSurveyor -- the most widely scaled and longest-sustained mobile data system ever created for development.
Please describe the goal of your initiative; outline what you are trying to achieve
Our goal is very simple: to make a world in which any health ministry, any NGO, any researcher, any pharmacy, or any clinic can collect the data that they need in order to establish baselines, determine priorities, manage supply chains, keep track of patients, derive best practices, and run efficiently and effectively.
Regardless of their financial situation.
And our immediate goal is to make sure that those organizations that can benefit from EpiSurveyor know that it exists and is waiting for them.
What has been the impact of your solution to date?
To date nearly 7000 EpiSurveyor users have uploaded more than 300,000 completed data forms, from more than 170 countries. Hundreds or perhaps thousands of organizations have benefited, as have the people they serve.
For example, in Africa organizations like the Red Cross and Red Crescent societies work to distribute bednets, test and treat for malaria, and vaccinate against measles -- all guided by EpiSurveyor-based monitoring and evaluation. In Latin America, Tula Salud, a small NGO, uses EpiSurveyor for its community health workers to keep track of their patients. In Indonesia, the World Bank is expanding an initial clinical pilot to the entire city of Jakarta to track maternal health.
EpiSurveyor means resources are well-used, that expenditures are tracked, that evaluations get done, that decisions are based on real (and real-time) data. This means the entire system of public health runs more efficiently: saving more lives and wasting fewer resources.
What is your projected impact over the next five years?
It is very likely true that most organizations that might benefit from EpiSurveyor have never even heard of EpiSurveyor. Our goal is to change that in the next five years, and to go from ~7000 users to about 50,000 users in the next five years. These will be in the field of health and sure in some fields that our users will choose that we haven't even imagined.
The World Bank did a study in 2010 and documented that EpiSurveyor lowered their data collection costs by 70% -- while simultaneously increasing data quality and the speed of data collection. Imagine this applied across all the fields of public health, or international development. Imagine every program working in the dark, unsure of its impact, actually KNOWING what they are doing right and doing wrong. That's our impact.
What barriers might hinder the success of your project? How do you plan to overcome them?
Right now our biggest barrier is "marketing": we have no budget for marketing and this means that our gains in users have come simply by word of mouth. As remarkable as those gains have been -- and they are best-in-class -- we need to do better.
To address this, we are currently developing a master marketing plan, and raising funds to address our shortcomings in this regard. Hopefully, winning this award might also help. :-)
Luckily, at this point we are bringing in enough revenue from our very small percentage of paying users to keep up our operations, so we're not going anywhere. Our goal is to raise funding for marketing, but if we are unsuccessful we intend to continue marketing with word of mouth, and by example.
Winning entries present a strong plan for how they will achieve and track growth. Identify your six-month milestone for growing your impact
As we have moved well beyond the piloting stage our main focus in the immediate future is to enhance branding online and offline
Task 1
Development of marketing strategy to increase product visibility
Task 2
Rewriting our web app to increase speed on slow connections
Task 3
Creating tablet versions of the software
Now think bigger! Identify your 12-month impact milestone
Within 12 months we intend to have increased our user base to 10,000 users.
Task 1
Implement marketing strategy
Task 3
Develop data marketplace: allow users to buy & sell their datasets & services
read more↓↑ hide↑ hideTell us about your partnerships
We have been very fortunate to have several strong partners such as JSI, Abt Associates, World Bank and IFRC to name a few. From these partnerships not only were we able to secure funding to enhance EpiSurveyors capabilities we were able to test it first hand in the field.
These partners have helped us to determine the exact functions that were needed for their specific data collection. In addition to having access to hands on testing the funding from these partners allows us to share the enhancements with all users include free subscribers.
Are you currently targeting other specific populations, locations, or markets for your innovation? If so, where and why?
As Episurveyor is not a content specific application the user population is enormous.
What type of operating environment and internal organizational factors make your innovation successful?
Datadyne's founders have over 20 years of combined on the ground technology and international development experience. This is unique in that we are not just technology people but have hands on experience collecting and analyizing data. We have a first hand understanding of the environment, the users and the data that needs to be collected.
In addition our programming staff is in Nairobi Kenya. This gives our team the ability to stay abreast of the technology that is being used locally and the
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 02/4/2012 by Keira_Murphy
A healthy fast food restaurant for all different diet requirments . No meat of any kind and dairy is optional.
Organization: FreeFromAll
more ↓↑ hide↑ hideThe competition is only open to people between 18-34 years-old and resident in UK, Ireland, Sweden, Denmark or the Netherlands. Does this apply to you
Country of residence of entrepreneur
UK
Tell us about your personal background. Why are you passionate about this issue? Making an idea a reality takes innovation, dedication and strong leadership. Do you have the necessary entrepreneurial skills to realize your vision?
Hi
My name is Keira Murphy and I am eighteen years old.I was born in America but raised in Ireland.I am currently a student and an aspiring entrepreneur.I have been a vegetarian for six years and vegan for two.I am highly interested in the environment,fair trade and animal rights. I am very passionate about this because i want to make a change. The issue here is that in my community , there is no shop were you can go for a specific diet requirment. By making the shop it will help the environment , fight the issue of obesity , get people healthy and also itll be for those who cant eat certain foods . I am very confident and kind person . I hope you enjoy my idea and find it intresting enough to explore it further.
Country where this project is creating social impact
Is your organization a
Not registered
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↑ hideThe Need: What problem are you trying to solve?
The problem I will help to solve is obesity and lack of healthy food on the go. Also to stop people buying processed food with no nutrition. The problem is, most people have no time to cook healthy nutritional food for there familys and they resort to ordering in fast food because there is no where were you can buy healthy food which can be made in minutes. There is also a problem of pollution from packaging food which I would like to help solve.
The Solution: What is your solution? Be specific!
My solution will be instead or going to your local fast food restaurant because you are to tired to cook a meal after a long day, you will be able to order or come down to 'Free For All' for a quick healthy and delicious meal for the whole family. The food will be low calorie meals with lots of nutrional needs. They will be tasty, full of flavour and colour. I will help solve the pollution problem by using recycled packaging.
The Model: Walk us through a specific example of how your solution makes a difference; include your primary activities
Our solution will make a hudge difference because im helping people who have special dietry requirments and who are unable to cook healthy food for themselves. The recycled packaging will help the problem of pollution.
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?
As far as i know, there is no healthy fast food shop in my area. This is a fresh new idea and has a lot of potential.
Select the stage that best applies to your business
Operating for less than a year
This Entry is about (Issues)
read more↓↑ hide↑ hideWhat is the social impact you have had to date and how you measure it?
Our idea is brand new and has alot of potential. It can help people with specific dietry requiments and people who cant cook for themselves. You will be able to order or collect food.
What barriers might hinder the success of your business? How do you plan to overcome them?
The only barriers that hinder for the success of my business is lack of income to set up the bussiness. But im sure once the bussiness is set up it will have hudge sucess because there is nothing like this idea in Ireland .
read more↓↑ hide↑ hideHow does your model address financial, social, and environmental sustainability?
The profit I suspect to achieve from such a favourable idea will support the bussiness financialy. We hope to use local produce to help the communities economy and what ever is needed abroad will be fair tade. We will use recycled materials for the packaging, helping the environment.
read more↓↑ hide↑ hideHow do you see social entrepreneurship contributing to the improvement of developing countries?
Social entrepreneurship bring fresh and new ideas to the improvement of developing countries
What aspects of your stay in Uganda as part of the competition do you think you will find most challenging and rewarding?
Created on 01/19/2012 by resourceranger
The program was launched in Saskatchewan in the summer of 2006 by the Saskatchewan Forestry Association with the support of Sturgeon Lake First Nation, who acted as host for the Junior Forest Ranger training. The program has since evolved to include 9 First Nations and an urban group from the city of Prince Albert. As board members for the Prince Albert Model Forest and the First Nations Island Forest Management Association, The Beardy’s and Okemasis First Nation joined in 2007 and have since developed our program to become leaders for the Province of Saskatchewan as a case study.
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Name
Beardy's and Okemasis First Nation
Please confirm that this project could benefit First Nations, Métis and Inuit Peoples
Yes
What categories best describe who your group or organization serves (check all that apply)
First Nations people.
What best describes your group or organization
Community group or youth group.
How long have you, your group, or your organization been operating?
1‐5 years
read more↓↑ hide↑ hideTell us the story of your idea or project
The program was launched in Saskatchewan in the summer of 2006 by the Saskatchewan Forestry Association with the support of Sturgeon Lake First Nation, who acted as host for the Junior Forest Ranger training. The program has since evolved to include 9 First Nations and an urban group from the city of Prince Albert. As board members for the Prince Albert Model Forest and the First Nations Island Forest Management Association, The Beardy’s and Okemasis First Nation joined in 2007 and have since developed our program to become leaders for the Province of Saskatchewan as a case study. As part of our Forest and Environmental Stewardship programs in the Lands Department we have a moral obligation to develop capacity. The fragility of Mother Earth from Climate Change has seriously affected the community financially due to the lack of adaptation. Environmental impacts from agricultural practices have directly contributed to the contamination of the environment and inadvertently affected the health and well being of community members.
Define your idea / project in 1-2 short sentences
To develop Forest and Environmental Stewardship capacity programs for First Nations Youth at Risk.
Select the stage that best applies to your solution
Expanding (it has been running for a while, has grown, you know it is making a difference and now you want to expand)
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Please tell us about the social impact of your idea or proect
The social impact benefits have been unbelievable for the community. Increased Gang involvement and violence terrorizes all communities, Drugs and Alcohol abuse is rampant, especially in First Nations communities. The Jr. Resource Ranger is the only program in our community that utilizes Science and Technology with Traditional teachings.
In this day and age we seem to lose our connection to Mother Earth, so it’s imperative that we develop the Forest Stewardship and Environmental capacity for our community. We utilize the students after wards for Land Management programs, such as, GIS, GPS, hydrology and topographic mapping, vegetation classification, Aboriginal Traditional Knowledge, and AgroForestry.
Your Future Goal(s): Tell us what you hope to achieve with your idea or project in the next year
We want to develop a, Jr. Resource Ranger committee, the first in the Province. This is to build student confidence and leadersh
In 5 years, what will be different as a result of your idea/project?
Entering our fifth year of the program, we have noticed significant gains in the educational statistical data. We have a 98% successful graduation rate, with 75% continuing their education. 15% are employed, and the remaining 10% are unemployed.
Our students have accumulated accreditations and their resumes far exceed that of adults in the community. These students become less of a financial burden on the administration and promote goal driven achievements which benefits all in the community. The personnel success stories from individual students are amazing and range from performing life saving CPR, to graduating from the Armed Forces (Bold Eagle and Raven programs).
read more↓↑ hide↑ hideTell us about the people/ partnerships that are already involved and why they are important to your idea or project.
Additional support was provided by the Prince Albert Grand Council, the First Nations Forestry Program, Prince Albert Model Forest, the Federation of Saskatchewan Indian Nations, PRT-PA Nursery, Saskatchewan Environment, the Saskatchewan Institute of Applied Science and Technology, Saskatchewan Research Council, Canadian Forest Service and NRCan. All support has been in-kind by providing instructors and manuals, facility, equipment, and vehicle.
If there are other people/partners that you will reach out to tell us who they are and why they will be important to your idea or project.
Our Education Dept. recently completed a Needs Assessment of those students attending Post Secondary Schools. It turns out that NO Students applied to any of the Science and Technological, Natural Resource Programs at these institutions. We needed to change this perspective. We incorporated into the Jr. Resource Ranger program the international organization called The Elephants Thoughts, a Science and Technology program designed specifically for Aboriginal Communities.
Describe the kinds of support you receive (other than money) or will need to support your idea or project (e.g.: donated, space, equipment and volunteers)
We do receive in-kind support from various departments within the community. The High School provides classrooms; Education Dept. provides a 15 passenger Van, Indian and Child Family Services offered Safety Tickets Training and ATV Training, Administration provided CAMP TAWOW (an Outdoor Recreational Facility) at a reduced cost; the local Archery club provided equipment and certified instructors. In return, the Jr. Resource Rangers provided a community clean up day, a shoreline clean up at Candle Lake, GPS data collection (wildlife monitoring, graves), GIS mapping (traditional mapping, hydro and topographic mapping), and environmental contaminants monitoring.
Do you currently have funding for your idea or project?
Yes (answer the next two questions)
Created on 01/18/2012 by jfrimeth
I started and have directed a Student based Aboriginal Program at Centre Wellington DHS (Fergus Ontario) since 2005. We initiated a student exchange program with Aboriginal communities. In 2006, we exchanged with Tusarvik School in Repulse Bay, NU. In 2008, we were blessed to have had an historic exchange with Natuashish, NL (nee Davis Inlet) and last year we exchanged with the Blackfoot from Napi Friendship Centre in Pincher Creek, Alberta. The program targets "at-risk students' and attempts to find the "closet Aboriginal" students in our school community.
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Name
Centre Wellington District HS (Upper Grand District SB)
Please confirm that this project could benefit First Nations, Métis and Inuit Peoples
Yes
What categories best describe who your group or organization serves (check all that apply)
First Nations, Métis and Inuit people, Other.
What best describes your group or organization
Elementary or Secondary school.
How long have you, your group, or your organization been operating?
More than 5 years
read more↓↑ hide↑ hideName Your Project.
Initiatives for Aboriginal Awareness in Our School System
Tell us the story of your idea or project
I started and have directed a Student based Aboriginal Program at Centre Wellington DHS (Fergus Ontario) since 2005. We initiated a student exchange program with Aboriginal communities. In 2006, we exchanged with Tusarvik School in Repulse Bay, NU. In 2008, we were blessed to have had an historic exchange with Natuashish, NL (nee Davis Inlet) and last year we exchanged with the Blackfoot from Napi Friendship Centre in Pincher Creek, Alberta. The program targets "at-risk students' and attempts to find the "closet Aboriginal" students in our school community. There are many Aboriginal students, who wish to go unnoticed. It is my main mission to try to get these students to be proud of their culture and heritage. The next major mission is to bring awareness of Aboriginal issues and culture to the school and local community-at-large. We have been successful by fundraising and allowing at-risk students of low financial situations to go on exchange trips. We pay for them. In addition, to the exchange program, we initiated a Student-based Aboriginal Club. Our current President is a Cree student, whose roots are from Moose Factory. The Club has allowed us to branch off and bring in guest speakers (ie on Residential schools), provide workshops on Hand Drum Making and Bead Pouches as well as Native Jewellery. These are also open to the community-at-large. We have also started a Native Heritage Day (March 2011 - focus was to work with Southern Ontario Aboriginal Diabetes Initiative and fund rasie all monies for Aboriginal Diabetes - same focus for this years Festival), which has now grown into a 2 day Aboriginal Heritage Festival. Last year, students became so actively involved in this that one student, whom I knew and worked with for two years, FINALLY, came out..."of the closet" and said..."I want you to know I am Metis"...Wow! This was hard for her to do, as she had always hidden her heritage. In addition, we are doing an Education Day this year (Friday April 20 - first of 2 day Festival), in which students from all across our Board will be bussed into the Wellington County Museum (asked us to move the Festival from our school to the new location). The Saturday April 21, will be an open community day. There will be presentations, workshops, a guest speaker (Narcise Blood from Alberta). Last year, we had Don Kelly, host of APTN's Fish Out of Water. The Club has also allowed us to paint the Pillars in our cafetreria (a large volume area, by Metis, First Nations and Inuk artists. We have also constructed a permanent display in the front of the school, which is large medecine wheel, with an Inukshuk (north Quadrant), First Nations rock (East quadrant), Metis Infinity Symbol with sash (West Quadrant) and Medcine Wheel in South Quadrant. The students in the Club (both Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal) organize a Christmas Clothing and non-perishable food drive. In the past three years we have sent (via Fed the Children Canada/Speroway and in cooperation with the North South Partnership) to the communities of Pikangikum, Sandy Lake and Bearskin Lake FN in northwestern Ontario. I have also given keynote talks to the Education class at Lakehead University about our initiatives to get Aboriginal Awareness into the schools. We have also started a Native Studies course. Most recently, I help organize a fundraiser for Attawapiskat and was interviewed by Michael Hutchinson on the APTN National News (Thursday Jan 12). I have also been able to get students sponsored to attend a nuimber of conferences who have been involved in theses initiatives. One of our Cree students represented us at the Circle of Light Conference in Toronto in November.
Define your idea / project in 1-2 short sentences
To make new initiatives to promote Aboriginal awareness in a largely non-Aboriginal Ontario region, while facilitating Aboriginals to embrace their culture.
Select the stage that best applies to your solution
Growth (the project is up and running and is starting to move forward)
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Please tell us about the social impact of your idea or proect
Your Future Goal(s): Tell us what you hope to achieve with your idea or project in the next year
To design and begin construction of a Traditional Outdoor Education Centre in Attawapiskat FN, Ontario.
In 5 years, what will be different as a result of your idea/project?
In five years the construction will be completed and Traditional Outdoor Education will have begun. It is hoped that this centre will also serve neighbouring communities on the James Bay coast such as Fort Albany and Kasechewan.
read more↓↑ hide↑ hideTell us about the people/ partnerships that are already involved and why they are important to your idea or project.
Local clubs such as the Centre Wellington Community Resource Group, CW Interact and the Rotary Club have all worked together in this initial project. Our Aboriginal Program has been recently working with the administrations of both the JR Nagokee Elementary School and Vezina Secondary School in Attawapiskat. We have just held a Fundraiser in which $900 was raised toward a newly initiated "Elders in the Classroom" Program. This was very important in taking the first steps towards a new partnership. There has been opportunity to further discuss the prospect of a Traditional Outdoor Education Centre as a continuation of these initiatives.
If there are other people/partners that you will reach out to tell us who they are and why they will be important to your idea or project.
Other partners that will be instrumental in the completion of this project will be local construction companies, that have expressed interest. Other Outdoor Education projects in other North American communities, both Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal. Other Aboriginal centres in places such as Hawaii and New Zealand and Australia will be important. The unique climate of the James Bay coast will create special problems.
Describe the kinds of support you receive (other than money) or will need to support your idea or project (e.g.: donated, space, equipment and volunteers)
The project will require construction equipment and expertise. Outdoor education equipment and volunteers to do the construction and local Aboriginal groups and Elders to design the actual working environment as well ass the curriculum and outdoor ed programs. Volunteers to do the construction and move all euipment into Attawapiskat and the building itself.
Do you currently have funding for your idea or project?
No (skip next two questions)
Created on 12/13/2011 by kinariwebb
HIH is dedicated to protecting planetary health by locally protecting the critical link between human and environmental health.
Organization: Health In Harmony
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United States, OR, Multnomah County
Country where this project is creating social impact
Is your organization a
Non‐profit/NGO/citizen sector organization
How long has your organization been operating?
1‐5 years
Has the organization received awards or honors? Please tell us about them
References - Please provide two references with a two-sentence biography, email address, and phone number for each
Nancy Angoff, MD, MPH, MEd, FACP
email: nancy.angoff@yale.edu
phone: 203.737.2169
Nancy Angoff is the Yale University School of Medicine Assoc. Dean for Student Affairs and an Assoc. Professor of Internal Medicine. She has known Kinari Webb since Kinari was a medical student at Yale, and she currently serves on the board of Health In Harmony.
-------------------
Alison Norris, MD, PhD
email: anorris@cph.osu.edu
phone: 614.688.3219
Alison Norris is an Assistant Professor of Epidemiology at Ohio State University. She attended medical school with Kinari Webb and currently serves as the President of Health In Harmony's board of directors.
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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 innovation addresses? Choose up to two
Access, Cost.
The Need: What problem are you trying to solve?
I believe that human and environmental health are critically linked, and that the key to protecting planetary health is guarding those links at the local level. In many parts of the globe, poverty, poor health, and ecosystem destruction spin together in a downward spiral. I am working to stop that spiral by injecting high quality, accessible, affordable healthcare into the picture. My current focus is Gunung Palung National Park in West Kalimantan, Indonesia. I intend the model I build there to be replicable in other areas where poverty and poor health tip local resource use to the unsustainable.
The Solution: What is your solution? Be specific!
In 2007, Health In Harmony established the Alam Sehat Lestari program (ASRI) in a village called Sukadana on the border of Gunung Palung National Park. We opened a clinic and began community outreach activities to raise awareness about the local link between human and environmental health. The clinic promotes the protection of the park, an important conservation area for Borneo’s forests and wildlife and a vital watershed for local communities. Local villagers can trade seedlings and participation in conservation-promoting activities, such as reforestation, for healthcare, rather than paying with cash. In addition, communities that help protect the park, rather than log it, are given additional healthcare rewards of their own design, including discounts at the ASRI clinic, discounted mobile clinic service, and ambulance service at cost.
The Model: Walk us through a specific example of how your solution makes a difference; include your primary activities
Sometimes 14-year old Ayu struggles to breathe. The problem was worse when Ayu and her family still lived in polluted West Java. Ayu’s father lost everything covering the cost of medical bills. At a loss for other options, four years ago he brought his family to West Kalimantan through a government-sponsored transmigration program. Ayu’s asthma attacks lessened in the clean air of one of Indonesia’s least-developed provinces, but did not disappear. Once when Ayu suffered a dangerous episode, her father learned about HIH’s ASRI Clinic. The staff treated the girl and now, each month, they provide her with inhalers that are effective, but costly. The father is able to pay clinic bills with work in ASRI’s seedling nursery two days a month. There, he plants rainforest seedlings in poly bags and waters them in preparation for reforestation work that ASRI’s conservation staff will coordinate with local communities during the wet season. As director of ASRI, my role includes training and overseeing the Indonesian medical staff who treat Ayu, conducting community outreach to design medical incentives and trades for conservation (such as the father’s nursery work), and designing the reforestation effort that will use the seedlings the man is cultivating.
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?
ASRI’s "competitor” is the local government clinic, but we have turned this relationship into one that is mutually beneficial. The Health Department Head told us, "I did not know it was possible to provide quality care in a remote place. Now [in ASRI] I can see that it is, and it makes us realize what we can achieve if we try hard enough." ASRI works with the government healthcare workers to identify and meet training and equipment needs, and to teach a new way of looking at health largely focused on preventing illness by maintaining a healthy natural environment.
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 1993, when I was working as an assistant researcher in Gunung Palung National Park, my field guide, Tadin, accidentally slashed his hand with a machete. I saw dread in Tadin’s eyes when he looked at his bleeding palm — fear that he might be unable to work and support his family. I realized that villagers living near valuable natural resources can be empowered to protect those resources only if they are healthy and have stable livelihoods – the dangerous spiral of poor health, poverty, and ecological destruction became clear to me, and the incredible power to disrupt that dangerous cycle with accessible healthcare. I decided to become a doctor, using healthcare to simultaneously reduce the threat of illness and motivate forest conservation.
Please describe the goal of your initiative; outline what you are trying to achieve
HIH aims to demonstrate a model with the power to protect planetary health by locally disrupting the cycle of poverty, poor health, and ecosystem destruction that prevails in places where unmet needs result in unsustainable resource use. The ASRI project in Indonesia represents HIH’s first implementation of the model. ASRI uses its clinic to promote protection of Gunung Palung National Park, an important conservation area and watershed for local communities. Through an incentive system of healthcare rewards to communities that cease illegal logging, villager participation in conservation work in exchange for healthcare, and education, ASRI links healthcare to environmental protection.
What has been the impact of your solution to date?
My project, ASRI, is designed to break the destructive cycle of poverty, poor health, and deforestation around Gunung Palung National Park. To date, the ASRI clinic has served 20,000 patients, who are invited to pay for treatment by participating in conservation work – bringing better health without incurring debt. ASRI has also brought organic farming to five communities, reducing the costs of farming, increasing yields, and discouraging slash-and-burn agriculture that destroys the park. ASRI has reforested fifteen hectares of damaged parkland, beginning to revitalize the local watershed. ASRI has saved countless lives and has improved livelihoods for 22 communities.
What is your projected impact over the next five years?
>Demonstrated success of ASRI model, spinning off a replicate in another area of Indonesia.
>Enabled the provision of high quality healthcare to the 60,000 villagers around Gunung Palung, as well as the training of Indonesian healthcare providers, by building a full-service hospital in Sukadana.
>Measured a significant reduction in illegal logging in Gunung Palung, thus protecting a watershed needed by 60,000 villagers.
>Measured significant improvements in both health and livelihoods of villagers around the Gunung Palung area connected to ASRI’s healthcare are sustainable agriculture programs.
What barriers might hinder the success of your project? How do you plan to overcome them?
We must make a constant effort to maintain positive relationships with the local government and health department. We never, ever pay bribes – our positive relationships are built on common courtesy, respect, and generous efforts to provide training to local government medical workers at every opportunity. In this fashion, with will overcome the somewhat onerous hurdle of obtaining permits for the construction of ASRI’s hospital.
Winning entries present a strong plan for how they will achieve and track growth. Identify your six-month milestone for growing your impact
Measure ASRI's impacts on health, cessation of illegal logging, and healthcare worker training to date.
Task 1
Repeat ASRI’s baseline health survey in communities around Gunung Palung in early 2012. Compare results to 2007.
Task 2
Conduct monthly monitoring of illegal logging through regular joint patrols with village Forest Guardians.
Task 3
Analyze ASRI Clinic patient database figures to design strategies to improve training of our own staff and government staff.
Now think bigger! Identify your 12-month impact milestone
Begin construction of ASRI's hospital and spread knowlege of sustainable agriculture in the Gunung Palung area.
Task 1
Obtain hospital construction permit from the local government.
Task 2
Hire a trustworthy contractor and break ground.
Task 3
Train an additional eight communities in organic farming and sustainable agroforestry.
read more↓↑ hide↑ hideTell us about your partnerships
HIH partners with Yale University, Stanford University, Johnson & Johnson, and other supporters to bring high quality medical care and volunteer medical professionals to the Gunung Palung area. In addition, we partner with the Arcus Foundation, US Fish & Wildlife Service, Conservation Food & Health Foundation, and other conservation donors to support ASRI’s healthcare incentives for conservation, as well as activities to protect and restore Gunung Palung’s forests.
Are you currently targeting other specific populations, locations, or markets for your innovation? If so, where and why?
Our intention is for the ASRI project to be replicable in other areas where natural resources important for global health are threatened by insufficient healthcare locally. We hope to both provide guidance to other organizations wishing to implement the model we have created in West Kalimantan, and to create additional ASRI-type projects in other areas. To date, we have begun to explore options for replication in northern Sumatra and Papua New Guinea.
What type of operating environment and internal organizational factors make your innovation successful?
Two factors are critical in maintaining the ASRI project’s success: ASRI’s excellent staff, and continuous intensive outreach to ensure open lines of communication with communities around Gunung Palung and community support for ASRI’s initiatives. Staff quality is kept high by excellent training provided by myself and skilled volunteers from the US, and a staff gathering each morning keeps all of the team personally involved and invested in programmatic decisions. Frequent gatherings in villages around the park ensure that each ASRI initiative is created in response to local needs and constraints – this is a critical feature of our success. We listen and respond.
Please elaborate on any needs or offers you have mentioned above and/or suggest categories of support that aren't specified within the list
HIH is poised to offer guidance to organizations with a serious interest in using ASRI's combined health/conservation model to improve local health and protect natural resources.
Created on 12/11/2011 by ledarsbd
Local Environment Development and Agricultural Research Society -LEDARS (www.ledars.org) is a NGO working in the southwest coastal region of Bangladesh.
Organization: Local Environment Development and Agricultural Research Society-LEDARS
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Local Environment Development and Agricultural Research Society-LEDARS
Country where this project is creating social impact
Is your organization a
Non‐profit/NGO/citizen sector organization
How long has your organization been operating?
Less than a year
Has the organization received awards or honors? Please tell us about them
This initiatives is partly funded by MIVA/OneMen, Netherlands. www.miva.nl
References - Please provide two references with a two-sentence biography, email address, and phone number for each
1. Remi Kempers, Is responsible for supervise NGO activity in South Asia on behalf of Both ENDS. His address is: Nieuwe Keizersgracht 45, 1018 VC Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
T: +31 (0)20 530 6600
E-mail: rk@bothends.org, info@bothends.org
W: www.bothends.org
2. Mahabuba Khanam
Organizing member of Niagara Volunteer for Bangladesh who are supporting pioneer initiatives in Bangladesh. Her address is: 158 Keefer Road, thorold,
Ontario, L2V 4N9, Canada
Phone: (905) 680-4669
E-mail: kunjudinu@yahoo.com
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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 innovation addresses? Choose up to two
Cost.
The Need: What problem are you trying to solve?
The Sundarbans, last habitat of the Royal Bengal Tiger one of most important source of livelihood of people in impact zone. Killing of resource user by Bengal Tigers and crocodile has become a regular phenomenon. As reported 313 person were killed by tiger attack and 63 injured by tiger attack in the last 11 years only in west division of Sundarbans. People attacks by tiger don’t die on the spot but seriously injured. It takes a long time to rescue and carry out the injured person to hospital because of heavily blooding and bacterial infection. Besides this a lot no of poor people become sick inside the Sundarbans. LEDARS will provide medical support to the tiger and crocodile victims are resource user in sundarban area.
The Solution: What is your solution? Be specific!
LEDARS is going to launching a River Ambulance in the Sundarbans area. The river ambulance will provide immediate life saving treatment and first aid. The resource user when they become attack by tiger, they will inform nearest forest office. Every forest office in Sundarbans has the wireless mega phone. The forest office calls the river ambulance which has a hotline cell phone number and a wireless mega phone. The river ambulance will quick arrange the road transport to carry the patient to the nearest hospital. Besides this ambulance will provide emergency medical service in time of disaster emergency, as the southwest Bangladesh is most disaster prone area.
The Model: Walk us through a specific example of how your solution makes a difference; include your primary activities
A. Primary Activities:
1. Boat Preparation:
A boat will be sold/made for the project with minimum three cabins. One cabin will have two patient’s beds. One cabin for equipment and another one use as rest room of nurse.
2. Permission from forest department:
Though the boat will move in the forest, LEDARS will take yearly permission for the boat.
3. Project launching ceremony:
A project launching ceremony will be organized in the west division of Sundarbans forest. The chief Government officials, Forest officer, Medical Complex authority, civil society, NGO representative, medical representative association’s representative will be invited at the meeting. In the meeting LEDARS will discuss the goal, objectives and operational plans in the meeting. Suggestions and recommendations are expected to made for the project.
4. Operation in emergencies:
In time of emergency this river ambulance provide service in island area of Satkhira and Khulna district, Shyamnagar and Koyra upazila.
B. How this solution makes difference:
This ambulance Ensure quick first aid support to the tiger and crocodile victims inside the Sundarbans and Ensure quick transport for being hospitalized, Reduce mortality rate of the tiger attacked people, Ensure medical support of the general people in the time of emergency/disaster. Specially initiative will reduce the anti tiger sentiment through reduction of the mortality rate which finally enhance saving the marauding tiger which frequently comes into the human settlement.
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?
We are first to take this initiatives. We have no any competitor in this sector in Bangladesh. Wild Life Trust of Bangladesh working to awareness to save the marauding tiger in community level. Though the purpose it little bit same to save tiger in Sundarbans, but we have another goal to rescue tiger and crocodile victims and provide emergency treatment for the victims. But they are peer, not our competitor.
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 submitted a proposal to MIVA/OneMen, Netherlands. In October 2011, They confirm us about our funding for purchase the boat. That was our "Aha" Moment.
Though the MIVA/OneMen support us, but is is one time donation for purchase the boat. We have to manage the operation cost for the river ambulance.
Please describe the goal of your initiative; outline what you are trying to achieve
A. Goal
To reduce the anti-tiger sentiment of the local communities through support of the tiger attacked people in the Sundarbans adjacent area and to reduce mortality rate caused by the tiger attack significantly.
B. Proposed achievements:
To provide quick first aid support to the tiger attacked people in Sundarbans;
To ensure quick transport of the tiger survivor in order to reach the hospital;
To develop a channel to transport the patient to a hospital quickly;
To reduce the mortality rate of the tiger attacked people inside the Sundarbans;
To draw the national attention on the tiger attack issue;
To reduce the anti tiger sentiment through reduction of the mortality rate and make it more easy to rescue the victim.
What has been the impact of your solution to date?
Our idea has been appreciated by the Government and especially by Forest Department, as it will reduce their pressure to rescue attack people which is quiet impossible Forest Department for lack of the equipments, fuel and directions.
What is your projected impact over the next five years?
Provide quick first aid support to 100% injured alive people by the tiger and crocodile victims in the west division of Sundarbans Forest,
100% injured people will be ensure to quick transport for being hospitalized,
Reduce mortality rate of the tiger attacked people inside the Sundarbans
Ensure medical support of the general people in the time of emergency/disaster
This initiative will reduce the anti tiger sentiment through reduction of the mortality rate,
Enhance saving the marauding tiger which frequently comes into the human settlement.
What barriers might hinder the success of your project? How do you plan to overcome them?
Lacking of resource shortage may hinder to operation of the River Ambulance.
LEDARS is trying to submit another proposal to other donor to support.
Besides this LEDARS will make the Public Private Partnership to manage the operation cost of the ambulance.
Winning entries present a strong plan for how they will achieve and track growth. Identify your six-month milestone for growing your impact
Launch the River Ambulance with adiquate permission
Task 1
Preparation of boat with necessary equipments,
Task 2
Obtain permission from the Forest Department and Government relevent authority to frequent enterns to the Sundarbans,
Task 3
Inagural the River Ambulance by Minister of the Health and Family Welfare, Govertment of Bangladesh
Now think bigger! Identify your 12-month impact milestone
River Ambulance will serve for the Tiger and Crocodile victims and time of emergencies,
Task 1
Quick response for resque and medical support
Task 2
Launch community Health Service in island area of south Satkhira, Bangladesh
Task 3
Establish Rublic Private Partnership-PPP for health service for community
read more↓↑ hide↑ hideTell us about your partnerships
LEDARS has develop partnership with MIVA/OneMen for this project and MIVA will replace this equipment after expiry of the date of ambulance.
LEDARS is going be partnership with Niagara Volunteer for Bangladesh and BothENDS, Netherlands.
LEDARS is going to establish an effective public private partnership with the people in Bangladesh to support.
Besides this LEDARS will develop working relation with Japan Bangladesh Friendship Hospital, Ad-Din Hospital, Forest Department and Ministry of women and Health.
Are you currently targeting other specific populations, locations, or markets for your innovation? If so, where and why?
Yes, River Ambulance is targeted to support poor and marginal forest resource user community in the Sundarbans adjacent area through set up medical camp.
Besides this, this River Ambulance will provide medical services to all people in during and after any disaster in this area.
No, we are now in developing stage of our idea and not going to market it right now. After successful inauguration and implement, we will go marketing our idea to another area in Bangladesh even in the World.
What type of operating environment and internal organizational factors make your innovation successful?
For it's interest and cordial approach, LEDARS able to make a formal partnership with Forest Department to operate the ambulance inside the Sundarbans.
Since its inception LEDARS involve with Sundarbans and its ecological management and its is our one of the programmatic pillar. Our interest, love and dedication make us experience to handle Sundarbans issue effectively.
LEDARS has been involved in Sundarbans resource user community and tiger victims through implementing various program. Already LEDARS know very known organization in Sundarbans adjacent area. This will make our initiatives successful.
Above mentioned partnership, interest, dedication and our involvement with the issue make our 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
We have a plan to operate a River Hospital in Sundarbans adjacent island area. For that our initiative need collaboration, network and both financial and technical support to sustain this initiatives and implement it's extension plan to serve medical service to vulnerable community in Sundarbans adjacent area.
This project's goal is to raise native species of butterflies to use for special events and ceremonies. It's a great, bio-friendly idea and would help many different individuals and communities which would otherwise be unable to purchase such beautiful insects for such memorable moments. Not only is it safe for the environment, but the creator plans on teaching the public about native species of butterflies so this is also a valuable educational tool that can be shared with others. Nominate Flutterbye Butterfly!!!!
To raise and release butterflies for special events as a business. Great educational value about butterflies and benefit to the environment as well as a beautiful sight to prospecting clientele.
Raising and releasing Butterflies as a business for special occasions.
Created on 11/13/2011 by Lepidoptera30
My idea is to find different species of butterflies, such as Monarchs, Swallowtails, Painted Lady's and Red Admirals. I would find them as pupae or eggs, then raise them until they get to adult size and mate them.
From this, I would have a continuous population of different species of butterflies and since I would have many, I would sell them.
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Please confirm that this project could benefit First Nations, Métis and Inuit Peoples
Yes
What categories best describe who your group or organization serves (check all that apply)
First Nations people, First Nations, Métis and Inuit people, Other.
What best describes your group or organization
Community group or youth group, Elementary or Secondary school, Business (for-profit).
How long have you, your group, or your organization been operating?
Less than a year
read more↓↑ hide↑ hideTell us the story of your idea or project
My idea is to find different species of butterflies, such as Monarchs, Swallowtails, Painted Lady's and Red Admirals. I would find them as pupae or eggs, then raise them until they get to adult size and mate them.
From this, I would have a continuous population of different species of butterflies and since I would have many, I would sell them.
Special events such as weddings, major Corporate events, graduations, or funerals. At weddings instead of throwing confetti, release a bunch of butterflies...when you have a grand opening of a building; release butterflies...graduations; no throwing hats, release butterflies! In funerals, when they are lowering the casket, a beautiful release of butterflies makes that moment not so glum, instead is more of a celebration of life. I think this would open up a whole new section of how beautiful insects are and show my community that biodiversity of different butterflies is right in our back yard. It would educate the public on different species we have and how important insects are in our everyday life.
With different species of butterflies the younger generation can see the complete metamorphosis of butterflies, not only will this be an educational tool, but they get to witness and see butterflies in varies stages of life cycles. Also, when younger people are looking at smaller insects, they will begin to appreciate how important butterflies, and other insects, are important to our world. I would also, eventually, like to bring in different species of insects, and butterflies, so people can enjoy, and possible hold some of them.
Define your idea / project in 1-2 short sentences
To raise different species of butterflies for profit and educational purposes. Also, to educate others about insects
Select the stage that best applies to your solution
Start-Up (a project that is just getting started)
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Please tell us about the social impact of your idea or proect
As a social impact it would put a very different meaning and wonderful experience to those that wish to release butterflies. Not only would it be a wonderful and enjoyable experience, but they get to physically watch this individual butterfly being released into the wild. These butterflies would be released in a time where survival is guaranteed.
Your Future Goal(s): Tell us what you hope to achieve with your idea or project in the next year
I want to educate the public on how important insects are in our everyday lives
In 5 years, what will be different as a result of your idea/project?
Hopefully this project will have branched out to many different areas. If I can get permits, I would like to bring in various species of insects, such as walking sticks, exotic butterflies and preying mantis's and teach the public how unique and interesting insects are. I find a lot of people are scared of 'bugs' because they don't understand them. With a young female aboriginal women, maybe more people, especially youth, will learn to appreciate the little things many people take for granted.
read more↓↑ hide↑ hideTell us about the people/ partnerships that are already involved and why they are important to your idea or project.
The people who are already involved is my significant other. He's helping me with getting a small loan. My close friends, they are continuously provided support and ideas, and help in needed. Especially when it comes to building the greenhouse and finding seeds or various food for the insects. In the spring, lots of friends are going to help me find butterfly larvae or eggs.
If there are other people/partners that you will reach out to tell us who they are and why they will be important to your idea or project.
Other people I might reach out to to get this more advertised would be photographers, since they do a lot of pictures for weddings, it would be in my best interest to contact them. Also, places that sell a variety of party items (confetti, balloons, etc.) would also be wise place to advertise. Another one would be the funeral homes, I would first ask them what they would think, and then tell them my idea. Following this, would be City Hall, high school/elementary school and major corporate events
Describe the kinds of support you receive (other than money) or will need to support your idea or project (e.g.: donated, space, equipment and volunteers)
I would need a greenhouse with an irrigation system, some land, and volunteers and of course different species of butterflies.
Also, a conviron, shipping supplies, office supplies, a interact/debit machine, a few large fridges
Do you currently have funding for your idea or project?
No (skip next two questions)
Created on 11/10/2011 by soulfulwoman
This project is an aim to strengthen the relationship between our elders and our youth. As part of our cultural beliefs, the elder's role is to mentor the young people in order to pass on teachings of tradtions, roles and responsibilities and cultural protocol as to how we have governed ourselves. The Heiltsuk Nation is situated on the Central Coast of British Columbia and is only accessible by plane or boat. In years past the Heiltsuk travelled to many locations within the traditional territory harvesting food based on the seasons of the year and which foods were in season.
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Name
Kaxla Child & Family Services Agency
Please confirm that this project could benefit First Nations, Métis and Inuit Peoples
Yes
What categories best describe who your group or organization serves (check all that apply)
First Nations, Métis and Inuit people, Other.
What best describes your group or organization
Non-profit organization.
How long have you, your group, or your organization been operating?
More than 5 years
read more↓↑ hide↑ hideTell us the story of your idea or project
This project is an aim to strengthen the relationship between our elders and our youth. As part of our cultural beliefs, the elder's role is to mentor the young people in order to pass on teachings of tradtions, roles and responsibilities and cultural protocol as to how we have governed ourselves. The Heiltsuk Nation is situated on the Central Coast of British Columbia and is only accessible by plane or boat. In years past the Heiltsuk travelled to many locations within the traditional territory harvesting food based on the seasons of the year and which foods were in season. The purpose of this project is to organize a mentoring program that runs with the seasons of harvesting, for example, seaweed in the spring, salmon in the summer and so forth. Given the remoteness of our community we still very much live off the land and resources that surround us. Although we are remote, we are still challenged with the change in time,evolution of technology, social struggles that run deep due to many factors all contributing to the vast difference in how our youth live today versus how our elders lived when they were young. Against many odds, as a Nation, we have maintained a connection with one another that is inherent, something, permanent and inseparable as a people. By establishing this project in our community we can build on this connection and rekindle and to some extent even reclaim our traditional knowledge by passing on to our youth. Acheiving this would instill culture, learning, self esteem for both elders and youth and rekindle the spirits of our community! Much of our traditional language is rooted in the way of life we once lived, so in essence strengthening the connection between the elders and youth will assist in passing on knowledge that provides the youth a way of connecting history to today's way of life. Our culture also recognizes that all things are interconnected. By approaching this project with a traditional focus our youth can better relate to our future as a Nation by understanding where we came from.
Define your idea / project in 1-2 short sentences
Rekindled Spirits is a mentoring program that roots itself in a way of life! Mentoring is a natural way of learning and sharing important values!
Select the stage that best applies to your solution
Idea
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Please tell us about the social impact of your idea or proect
Impacts from this project will stengthen exsisting bonds within the community, but also pass on imporant values and skill sets based on a way of life. Living in a remote community our way of life differs compared to city life. We still live off our land and natural resources and it is important that this way of life we mentored and carried forward to the future generations. As a Nation, we are blessed with a closeness, however like every society we have our challenges and this project will assist in reinforcing the connection as well as bring the community together to achieve this. This project can be shared and used with other First Nations, Meitis and Inuit peoples as a model for community wellness.
Your Future Goal(s): Tell us what you hope to achieve with your idea or project in the next year
The main goal is to attain funding to run a 12 month project based on the traditional food cycles
In 5 years, what will be different as a result of your idea/project?
In five years I invision those little ones who started out in the birth of this project growing into mentors themselves and assisting the elders mentor the newer generations as they are born! Just the thought of embracing and supporting a willing group of people to mentor and pass on valuable traditions and skill sets so that our way of life is preserved brings on deep emotion! In addtion, five year from now I invision a project outline that can be published and used by other First Nations, Metis, and Inuit peoples to guide them in developing thier own projects based on thier traditions and culture. There are many other First Nations funding sources that could support this project template with other resouces and fiances through various programs.
read more↓↑ hide↑ hideTell us about the people/ partnerships that are already involved and why they are important to your idea or project.
The Heiltsuk Nation are a progressive Nation. We have evolved to the point in which we have separted our businesses from the political arena, as well as set up our own Economic Development Department, as well as a Heiltsuk Integrated Resource Management department that supports natural resource management at the local level. Many partnerships within the community strive to take an integrated and holistic approach to addressing many different challenges faced as a community. A clear focus by the Nation is on continual capacity building and Nation building.
If there are other people/partners that you will reach out to tell us who they are and why they will be important to your idea or project.
One goal is to secure funds from Changemakers as well as collaborate with other local agencies to assist in the hosting of this project, so for example, approching the Elder's Advisory Group in designing the project outline based on seasonal food harvesting. Approach both the local fishermen and the local fisheries department in use of boats and trained boat personnel to take groups out fishing, seaweek picking, clam digging etc. Partner with the youth programs within the community to build a team of mentors to participate in the first year of the project (seucuring the support and secondment from their respective Program Directors and/or board of directors) Overall the idea would be to collaborate and attain funding from local agencies and enties for annual funding for the project.
Describe the kinds of support you receive (other than money) or will need to support your idea or project (e.g.: donated, space, equipment and volunteers)
With collaboration amoung local agencies, we have multiple buildings that we could host various types of gatherings, such as the local gym, school classrooms, multipurpose building, youth centre, common rooms, tribal council chambers and so on. As for equipment and certified personnel, we have a wealth of fishermen, skippers, boat owners, various programs such as local Fisheries program, department of fisheries and oceans, and a great source of volunteers. As a community we are farily resoucesful at pulling together resources to make things happen, the trick has been putting it on paper and secuing start up funds to get the project going. This project is one that would build great relations at many levels in the community.
Do you currently have funding for your idea or project?
No (skip next two questions)
Created on 10/5/2011 by EDS
80th greatest access to specialized medicine in remote areas, disadvantaged by their distance from urban areas and poor access. This experience has also been used in Haiti during the earthquake to assist with complex surgeries. It is important to increase the dialogue with the whole society, especially the government, about the importance of Brazil having effective public policies to bring specialized medical care to remote areas. Another dream is the "disaster kit" for more flexibility in emergency humanitarian situations such as what happened in Haiti.
Organization: Associação Expedicionários da Saúde
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Associação Expedicionários da Saúde
Organization Phone
(19) 32986033 /(19) 91795819
Organization Address
Av. José Bonifácio, 2656 Bairro: Jardim das Paineiras Cidade: Campinas
Country where this project is creating social impact
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..
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Program Operating in the Amazon - Expedicionários da Saúde Health Crusaders Association
What change do you want to bring to the world?
80th greatest access to specialized medicine in remote areas, disadvantaged by their distance from urban areas and poor access. This experience has also been used in Haiti during the earthquake to assist with complex surgeries. It is important to increase the dialogue with the whole society, especially the government, about the importance of Brazil having effective public policies to bring specialized medical care to remote areas. Another dream is the "disaster kit" for more flexibility in emergency humanitarian situations such as what happened in Haiti. A container with surgical instruments, equipment and medicines to be sent to any region where there is need for specialized medical care with a staff trained for this type of action. http://www.vimeo.com/22895859
What are the primary activities of your project?
Our main goal is to contribute to the improvement of Indigenous Health in Brazil by making it possible for isolated indigenous populations of the Amazon to access clinical care and surgical expertise, with cutting edge technology. The medical specialties are linked to eye surgery (cataracts, pterygium) and general surgery (especially hernias). Gynecological and orthopedic surgery of low complexity is also performed. Consultations and appointments in the specialties of ophthalmology, general practice, pediatrics, gynecology, orthopedics and orthodonture round out the services. An expedition team consists of about 35 volunteers including physicians, nurses, and logistics. Initially, the program operated in hospitals in São Gabriel da Cachoeira, Amazonas. As the region has massive geographical size, the group realized that only a Mobile Surgical Center tailored to the population’s needs and structured with high-tech equipment would make the program more effective for the entire region—providing greater autonomy for the program. Under this new operating model, it was possible to perform a surgery twice in the same period of time and reach regions far from urban centers. To carry out the expeditions, there need to be partnerships with local health agencies, community support for adequate infrastructure for installation of the Mobile Surgical Center, support from private financial resources and material support of FUNAI, the Health Ministry and Special Indigenous Health Districts, participation of the Brazilian Air Force and the Military Command of the Amazon.
What is innovative about your initiative? How is it a new contribution to the field?
The implementation of doctors in remote regions of the country, is difficult for the health ministry due to the high complexity but the experience the Health Crusaders (EDS) proves that you can take high quality medicine to less favored regions that are far from major centers and have huge difficulties in accessing services. EDS believes it is important to increase the dialogue with the whole society, governments, communities, universities and other institutions on the importance of enacting effective public policies of health care in remote areas in Brazil. The work of EDS is a major contribution in this way. The program involves cross-sector partnerships (government, NGOs, businesses), participation from within the community benefited, an interdisciplinary technical team and highly specialized technology and strong social impact. EDS’s Program Operating in the Amazon developed the Mobile Surgical Center tailored to the needs of the group, structured with high-tech equipment. This is an innovative way of working, and the first time it has been used in Brazil in a NGO. It is a social technology that can be replicated and expanded to other regions. The DSEI professionals highlight three main principles of importance of partnership with the Health Crusaders: local action in the form of a surgical task force is the only way to deal with pent-up demand and slow referrals from the network, avoid displacement to urban centers, thereby preserving their culture and traditions, modern technology and high quality care by specialists attending the population.
What stage is your project in?
Operating for more than 5 years
Tell us about the community that you engage? eg. economic conditions, political structures, norms and values, demographic trends, history, and experience with engagement efforts.
The Indigenous Health Districts of the Amazon that are responsible for preventive and curative medicine are facing operational difficulties due to the difficult access to communities. Serving serious cases and voluntary surgery depends on transfers to medical centers in the region that can take days. There is difficulty moving the patient and his indigenous family to urban centers. There is a lack of specialized care in health facilities, overcrowding and outdated technology. In equatorial regions there is a high incidence of degenerative eye diseases (cataracts, pterygium). In populations that do a lot of physical activity abdominal hernias are common. These cases would be referred to a medical center for surgery. But with all the difficulties, only the most severe cases can be attended. The fact remains there are hundreds of people drawn from the social and productive life because they lack access to simple surgical procedures. Health Crusaders believes it is possible to change this situation through surgical expeditions to serve the geographically isolated indigenous population through its annual Program Operating in Amazônia. Expeditions of volunteer doctors with the latest technology to perform surgery (pre and post-operative care), and special diagnostics referral of cases for when the team is not prepared to intervene with the local medical specialties involved. The medical areas addressed are ophthalmology, general surgery, pediatric care, general medical and relatively simple gynecological and orthopedic surgery.
Share the story of the founder and what inspired the founder to start this project
A group of friends, mostly doctors on a 2002 visit to the Pico da Neblina-AM, were deeply impacted by a Yanomami village. Faced with a reality of health care so different from the one they were living, they decided to change the focus of their leisure travel and try to do something to benefit the health of the indigenous population of the region, especially in surgical care as it was in highest demand. A question was, why have simple surgical procedures become so complex? If they can not be operated in large cities (eg Manaus.), where there is technology, let’s bring it to them! They sought the institutions responsible for indigenous health care to share the idea was born in 2003 and split responsibilities. The health crusaders association, registered as OSCIP in 2005, initially catered to patients with eye problems and hernias, diseases of high incidence in the local indigenous population. It was determined that the first expedition would happen in Sao Gabriel da Cachoeira. There they could count on the structure of Iauaretê hospital surgical center that was first used by the Health Crusaders team in February 2004. Doctors at the DSEI / RN took responsibility for the search of surgical cases in the region, transportation and lodging for patients and their families. The success of this first experience and the large number of cases raised by the active search for patients has boosted the program has expanded its staff of doctors, who have since then performed at least three expeditions a year with a Mobile Surgical Center.
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Please describe how your project has been successful and how that success is measured
The biggest impact is on the patient, but the program benefits the entire indigenous health care system. The DSEIs (on-site health care) have difficulty training specialists for diagnosis in rural areas. There is a lack of specialists to perform surgeries: cases referred to Manaus take months to be attended. Training Indigenous Health Agents is fundamental to our work in communities. EDS promotes training for these professionals in the preparatory phase of the expedition so that they can identify potential surgical cases to be served by the NGO. A team that works directly during expedition also receives special training and safety standards and guidance post operation. There are classes to clarify the various questions and specialties. The DSEIs lists the importance of partnership with EDS: local action in the form of surgical task force is the only way to deal with pent-up demand and slowdowns in the network of referrals and references. Avoid a shift to urban centers, high-tech care, specialists and diagnostic equipment in the area of economic DSEI for the expedition because optimizing public resources increases the quality of indigenous community life. In terms of the patients, those who regain vision or get rid of a disabling hernia regain their self-esteem, get back to work, hunting and fishing. They return to be responsible for their family. If they have no role in the community group, they will feel alienated from the village. Initiatives to take better care of the family and the forest are the second best social impact of community leaders and health workers. Since February 2004 the organization has provided 14,687 medical consultations and performed 2,662 surgeries for indigenous peoples in the Brazilian Amazon. Also in the year 2011, after the earthquake in Haiti, EDS sent seven teams SOS Haiti performing 359 surgeries and1,407 outpatient visits.
How many people have been impacted by your project?
More than 10,000
How many people could be impacted by your project in the next three years?
More than 10,000
Winning entries present a strong plan for how they will achieve growth. Identify your six-month milestone for growing your impact
Institutional improvement, management, communication and fundraising aimed at long-term sustainability
Task 1
Set long term action plan and expand the team of medical volunteers to have two teams that can operate simultaneously, if necessary in several regions
Task 2
Set long term action plan and expand the team of medical volunteers to have two teams that can operate simultaneously, if necessary in several regions
Task 3
Formation of Advisory Board for improving the governance of the organization. Development of a code of ethics and conduct in order to consolidate practices defended by the organization today.
Identify your 12-month impact milestone
In conjunction with public bodies that address indigenous health care, identify new areas with high demand for specialized medicine.
Task 1
Develop diagnostic methodology and analyze existing data that could contribute to a more efficient way to identify demands for service
Task 2
Expand training of local health workers. Structure a second medical and logistics staff to act simultaneously on two expeditions or timely meet situations of humanitarian assistance.
Task 3
Improve the mechanisms of cross-sector alliances so that the responsibilities and counterparts will be clearer and so that there are more efficient mechanisms for monitoring the process
How will your project evolve over the next three years?
Develop a proposal in conjunction with government partners so that the EDS social technology becomes public policy and may benefit patients in all regions of the country and increase access in remote areas to specialized, low complexity medical and surgical care.
read more↓↑ hide↑ hideWhat barriers might hinder the success of your project and how do you plan to overcome them?
The biggest challenge is the lack of financial resources to maintain the structure of logistics, expenses for meetings to establish or strengthen institutional relationships and travel, maintenance of medical equipment and computers, as well as other operational expenses. The organization receives some services and material resources from partners and implements its work with volunteer doctors. But preparing each expedition involves investments that are not fully covered by the partnership or the current donations from taxpayers to partner organizations.
We received donations of high-tech equipment, infrastructure equipment (tents and mobile), medicines and other surgical supplies that ensure the technical feasibility of each expedition. Due to the beneficial impact on communities in professional and respectful ways that work in partnership with local health providers, EDS has the credibility and trust of major institutional partners such as FUNAI and the Ministry of Health and Ministry of Defense.
The best way to address these challenges is to leverage resources that enable the hiring of consultants or industry professionals who will help us to structure the management and sustainability of the organization.
Tell us about your partnerships
Partnerships with local staff trained to perform the triage process (selection of surgical cases and consultations), transportation and accommodation of patients and postoperative follow-up.
Partnerships with local agents and institutions that support the mobility of doctors in the area and transport of equipment and supplies. Community support for adequate infrastructure for the installation of the Mobile Surgical Center or the existence of a local surgical center in good condition. Support from the private sector through donations of equipment, medicines, supplies, transportation and mainly the sponsoring of the logistics of each expedition which takes about four months to be organized.
The partnerships with health professionals working in the region where the program is implemented are essential to the planning and execution of our program: defining the scope of service on every trip, looking for diagnoses and patients, determination of necessary medical areas, support for infrastructure -structure, logistics and care after surgery. Finally, ensuring the inclusion of the Health Crusaders team in the local community. Local professionals are responsible for lodging, transportation, food and act as translators interfacing with the medical patient. A partnership with regional hospitals allows for surgeries to be transferred to the hospital when certain risk factors are identified.
Current annual budget of project, in US dollars
$500,001‐1 million
Explain your selections
Exchange Rate: 1 USD$ = 1.70 Br R$
1.Pre-Expedition:
1.1 Exploratory trip to identify surgery needs, train local health agents and identify surgery cases in the community (active search) Total: R$ 33.850,00 /USD 19.911,76
1.2 Preparation of the community to receive an expedition (infrastructure material and labor), communication and publicity in the community, acquisition of medicines and medical supplies.
Total: R$205.800,00 USD 121.058,82
2. Mobilization: Cargo transport, air transportation, food and lodging for the medical and logistical team, charters and miscellaneous expenses, communications infrastructure. Total R$ 59.050,00/USD 34.735,29
3. Operations: Operação: Rent sea planes, rental boats, boats and generators, Fuel, Food to support local staff and patients, labor, local support, emergency reserves.Total R$132.665,00/USD 78.038,24
4. Demobilization: Transport of cargo air transport team, food and lodging, and miscellaneous Charters Total R$59.050,00/
USD 34.735,29
TOTAL per expedition :R$ 490.415,00 /USD 288.479,41.Value invested by the partners alongside EDS:U$D 402,352 costs for medicines, supplies and high-tech equipment provided by the NGO for each expedition.
Partners involved
SESAI, FUNAI, Indigenous Health Districts, local governments, Ministry of Defense, Brazilian Air Force, Military Command of the Amazon, Indigenous leaders from the Community benefited. All these partners contribute directly to facilitate the care provided in the community.
How do you plan to strengthen your project in the next three years?
Increase fundraising with individuals and companies to fund the logistics and administrative aspects of the program. Grow existing partnerships for the donation of medicines, equipment and supplies. Grow the number of volunteer medical professionals and other volunteers in the areas of management, projects and resources. Generate a more successful relationship with the press as a way to broaden the dissemination of the organization, and to strengthen its reputation.
read more↓↑ hide↑ hideWhich barriers to health and well-being does your innovation address?
Please select up to three in order of relevancy to your project.
PRIMARY
Other (Specify Below)
SECONDARY
Lack of physical access to care/lack of facilities
TERTIARY
Limited diagnosis/detection of diseases
Please describe how your innovation specifically tackles the barriers listed above.
To meet people who live far from operating rooms EDS developed the Mobile Surgical Center, tailored to people’s needs, transported and assembled anywhere for action. It is an innovative way of working, the first of its kind for an NGO in Brazil. Methodology: mapped and processes that can be replicated in a systematized way. The expeditions take place in communities where government and residents are mobilizing to make all necessary adjustments in terms of infrastructure to receive a surgical expedition. There are specific coordination needs: Medical, logistics, specialty ophthalmology, general surgery, pediatric surgery and orthopedics. There is training of local health teams supported by the University of Campinas. Evaluation both during and after each expedition.
How are you growing the impact of your organization or initiative?
Please select up to three potential pathways in order of relevancy to you.
PRIMARY
Enhanced existing impact through addition of complementary services
SECONDARY
Influenced other organizations and institutions through the spread of best practices
TERTIARY
Grown geographic reach: Within host country
Please describe which of your growth activities are current or planned for the immediate future.
Strategic planning for institutional strengthening and improvement of strategies for raising financial and material resources. Public relations actions to strengthen the organization's reputation and constantly improve its relationship with key stakeholders that affect or are effected by the Health Crusaders activities.
Do you collaborate with any of the following: (Check all that apply)
Technology providers, NGOs/Nonprofits, For profit companies, Academia/universities.
If yes, how have these collaborations helped your innovation to succeed?
Partnership: local staff trained to conduct screening of surgical cases, transportation and accommodation of patients and postoperative follow-up. Local agents and institutions assist in the movement of doctors in the area and transport of equipment and supplies. Communities provide the adequate infrastructure. Corporate donations: equipment, medicines, supplies, transportation.
The partnership with health professionals working in the region where the program is implemented it is ensures the successful implementation of the Health Crusaders team in the local community. They are responsible for lodging, transportation, food and act as translators in the doctor-patient interface. Partnerships with regional hospitals mean that surgeries can be transferred to the hospital in the event that
Created on 09/14/2011 by itemplo
Guardians of the Community harnesses mobile blogging and Twitter to enable citizen reporters in Asipulo, Ifugao to share stories
Organization: Ideas For Good
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Is your organization a
For‐profit
How long has your organization been operating?
Less than a year
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Guardians of the Community: Supporting Guardianship Efforts in Asipulo, Ifugao through Mobile Blogging
Select 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
THE NEED: Describe the need for your solution and the size/dynamic of the community (ies) you will engage
The small town of Asipulo, Ifugao Province (Northern Philippines) is more than 300 kilometers from Manila, its mountains forming part of the Cordillera chain. It is home to some 15,000 people as well as a variety of flora and fauna—among these, the civet (“motit” in the Ilocano language or “alamid” in Filipino), a nocturnal animal that feeds on the cherries of shade-grown coffee trees grown organically throughout the mountains. Farmers and community volunteers have banded together to conserve the civets, which are still trapped and killed.
There is a need to level up conservation efforts by calling the attention of environmental agencies and concerned organizations, and the general public who may not even be aware of this part of the world. Aside from this, there is a need to monitor development and economic activities to make sure they preserve the community's way of life and do not pose any threats.
With the nearest local office of the national broadsheets and radio networks some eight hours away, this community has no voice in mainstream media, and therefore, no participation in the national or global conversation.
THE SOLUTION: Please explain what your solution offers and how it is innovative. How will you put your solution into the hands of users or beneficiaries? Be specific!
We propose an Internet news portal tentatively called Guardians of the Community, focusing on the “guardianship” efforts of community members—especially in terms of environmental concerns, cultural preservation, and community development. Portions of the site will be dedicated to the care and conservation of the civet, and to the Julia Campbell Agroforest Memorial Park, where much of the conservation work is focused.
But access to the Internet in Asipulo can be a challenge. Community members living in the central part of the community, near the municipal hall, have electricity—but those living deep in the mountains do not. As such, many are not even computer literate. These conditions could prevent a concerned community member from becoming a citizen reporter.
Guardians of the Community will harness mobile phone technology, which is widely used in the Philippines. Community volunteers will send in their stories through their mobile phones. Farmers and students alike have access to mobile phones, and with mobile networks competing for subscribers, there is network coverage across the community. Reports will be in the form of text, audio, photos, and video taken with mobile phones. These reports will be received by the site for editing, after which, the site manager will update the site through the Internet.
THE MODEL: Walk us through a specific example of how your solution makes a difference through use of information technology and media
The Internet has challenged the way traditional journalism works and made it more of a conversation among concerned citizens. Unfortunately, the lack or absence of access to the Internet in a locality such as Asipulo makes participating in this conversation difficult, if not impossible, whether at the local, national, or international level. The proposed solution takes the Internet-based model of citizen journalism (e.g. blogs) and makes it more accessible.
For instance, if there is a case of civet poaching or a cultural activity, volunteers can send reports in the form of a story, a photo, or a video, through their mobile phones. These will be sent directly to the site and queued for editing. Once posted on the site, it can be read or viewed, and automatically posted on Twitter as well. If a comment is posted on the site in response to the report, it will automatically be sent via text to the volunteer—who will also have the option to reply.
By making stories like this public, government agencies and other organizations concerned can be alerted and can take action as needed.
Guardians of the Community takes advantage of the widespread use of mobile phones and the low cost of text messaging to support the guardianship efforts of community-based volunteers.
THE MARKETPLACE: Who are your peers and competitors? What challenges could these players pose to your success or growth?
As far as we know, this will be the only community-based citizen media site in the Philippines, much less in Northern Philippines, focusing on environmental, cultural, and development concerns.
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FOUNDING 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 first “Aha!” moment came in 2007, when my co-worker and I first did volunteer work in Asipulo. We had just finished teaching a group of high school students how to write for and design a newsletter, and they showed interest in putting up a blog to share stories about their community and connect with people in other parts of the country and the world. I realized then that they felt left out of the national discourse and basically wanted to have a voice—to let others know what’s going on in their part of the world.
As a freelance journalist interested in stories of people and places, I have traveled to different places to learn more about the stories of people living there and write about them. But places like Asipulo get very little coverage in mainstream media because of how remote they are. For instance, stories of civets being trapped and killed do not get any attention much less action from the government and conservationists because they never get told in the first place.
When I found out that mobile blogging is offered by blogging platforms such as WordPress and Posterous Spaces, I saw the potential and everything just fell into place.
Specify both the depth and scale of your solution’s social impact to date
Guardians of the Community will empower members of the community—even a student—to tell their stories and participate in the regional, national, and global conversation on issues that are relevant to them, such as development, culture, and the environment. Reporting from the grassroots opens itself up to so many uses and applications. As a citizen journalist, a community volunteer can report how they are affected by climate change, discuss the impact of local and national governance in their lives, or share thoughts about the effect of rising prices on them.
In other words, the community member can report on hyperlocal issues in the context of a bigger story. By calling attention to their situation and to their concerns, the project has the potential to benefit the community as well. They may receive help from the government, from development agencies or other organizations, or from volunteers.
What is your projected impact within the next 1-5 years? Is your idea replicable? If so, how?
It is hoped that within five years, Guardians of the Community will have expanded in terms of number of citizen journalists, sections or number of stories published, and audience reached (i.e. site visitors as well as Twitter followers). More importantly, it is hoped that the site will be quoted or otherwise used by mainstream media as a source of news from the region, and will be linked with alternative news sites or blogs.
The idea can certainly be replicated throughout the country, and in fact, that would be most welcome. If this happens, the community-based citizen media sites can form a network throughout the country.
Winning entries present a strong plan for how they will achieve and mark growth. Identify your six-month milestone for growing your impact
In six months, the site should have registered at least 15 citizen reporters and 900 unique site visits.
Task 1
Set up, develop, and test the site with mobile phone access system and automatic Twitter feed.
Task 2
Form editorial board, conduct training workshops on citizen journalism and the use of the site, and register citizen journalists
Task 3
Link up with government agencies and organizations on Twitter and through email newsletters/updates.
Now think bigger! Identify your 12-month impact milestone
In 12 months, the site should have registered at least 30 citizen reporters, 1,500 unique site visits, and 100 Twitter followers
Task 1
Conduct surveys or focus group discussions among community members on how the site can further support guardianship efforts.
Task 2
Conduct follow-up workshops and register more citizen journalists.
Task 3
Promote the site among alternative news sites and blogs.
How many people have been impacted by your project?
Fewer than 100
How many people could be impacted by your project in the next three years?
1001‐10,000
read more↓↑ hide↑ hideExplain how your company, program, service or product is structured
Business
What barriers have hindered the success of your project to date? How do you plan to overcome these and other challenges as you grow your solution?
The project has not been implemented because of lack of funds. Without the funds needed, it is not possible to set up the site and develop the mobile phone access system. At this stage, an immediate solution is to get donors. After a few months of operation, it would be easier to market the site and get advertisers.
A potential problem could be the lack of input (i.e. stories or reports) from members of the community. We anticipate enthusiastic participation in the early stages of the project, especially from the youth. However, this may decrease in light of other duties or commitments in the community, family, or school/job.
This may be overcome through constant encouragement and reinforcement. Regular meetings and training workshops will help them develop much-needed confidence.
How do you see the information-technology and media sectors shifting over the next decade? How will your solution adapt to and/or drive that changing environment?
Within 10 years, mobile Internet could be just as accessible and widely used as text messaging. If this happens, the site can feature live streaming multimedia stories—audio or video—direct from the community. These could be live feeds of activities or live interviews.
Failure is not always an option. If your solution fails to gain traction in the next two years, what other applications of the idea could you explore?
The same technology would be useful to campus journalists in the same region, especially in a mountainous province like Ifugao, where it may be geographically difficult to meet regularly. It could also be used by nongovernment and people’s organizations as a tool for advocacy, particularly for advocating or reporting on environmental concerns. Certainly there are many applications and the technology can be used to empower any marginalized group or any community even in remote areas.
Expand on your selections, explaining how you will sustain funding
The site will accept advertising from local (i.e. province-based) companies, as well as private organizations and individuals. However, as a news site, it must maintain independence from its advertisers.
Further on, the site can be used to market and promote products from Asipulo such as civet coffee, raw wild honey, and baskets and other handicrafts. We will have awareness-raising activities that will double as fundraising activities, such as paid workshops, which will be tied to the objectives of the site.
Another source of funds would be donations from its readers. Upon donating a certain amount, they will receive goodwill bags containing samples of products from Asipulo. As a last resort, paid subscriptions for access to certain stories will be considered.
Tell us about your partnerships
As community volunteers, my co-worker and I have worked with members of the community. We conducted workshops in 2007 for the youth organization, and in 2008, for the local high school, commissioned by the local government. We plan to continue these partnerships, eventually developing partnerships with other organizations and agencies. Specifically, we would like to work with other members of the community, especially the youth, and foreign volunteers—anyone who shares the same concern for the community’s people, environment, culture, and development.
What type of team (staff, volunteers, etc.) will ensure that you achieve the growth milestones identified in the Social Impact section?
The project will require web programmers/developers to set up and maintain the site. Editors, site managers, and coordinators will also be required. Lastly, community volunteers will be needed to act as citizen reporters.
Changemakers is a collaborative and supportive space. Please specify any community resources you would need to grow and sustain your initiative. Select all that apply
Investment, Human resources or talent, Marketing or media, Collaboration or networking, Pro-bono help (legal, financial, etc.), Mentorship.
Specify any resources you might offer to support other initiatives. Select all that apply
Human resources or talent, Marketing or media, Collaboration or networking, Innovation or ideas.
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 welcome the support, in any form, of other changemakers in setting up Guardians of the Community. Our organization is quite small and we need help specifically in the areas selected above, to move Guardians of the Community forward.
In return, we could collaborate with other changemakers. As a consultancy business, we can also help in brainstorming for new ideas or solutions, especially in our part of the world.
read more↓↑ hide↑ hideDefine your company, program, service or product in 1-2 short sentences
Guardians of the Community is a citizen media site supporting guardianship efforts in Asipulo, Ifugao, Northern Philippines.
Identify what is innovative about your solution in 1-2 short sentences
Guardians of the Community harnesses mobile blogging and Twitter to enable citizen reporters in Asipulo, Ifugao to share stories
Created on 09/13/2011 by The PrismGR2010
It allows large complicated events to be covered quickly, cheaply, and with a very high quality product at the end.
Organization: The Prism
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ThePrism.tv - A new way to collectively document and produce video content online
Select 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
THE NEED: Describe the need for your solution and the size/dynamic of the community (ies) you will engage
The Prism explores storytelling with the tools that are available to us today. At its heart the project is a series of production methods and layering of processes that allows photojournalists to make the transition from photographer to documentary filmmaker of the 21st century. Through a series of workshops photographers are acquainted withe video functions of their DSLR cameras and are taught the basics of production, directing multimedia documentaries for the web. The stunning quality of DSLR video is revolutionizing documentary filmmaking which notoriously is known for its lower quality of image due to the use of small video cameras when compared with the monsters used for fiction hollywood films. At the same time every photojournalist secretly wishes they were a documentary filmmaker and their main hesitation is having another camera and having to learn how to use it. With these new DSLRs the camera is the same so the learning curve is small, and the results are amazing.
The primary objective achieved through the prism is to bypass traditional media outlets and telling the story ourselves. Citizen journalism with an artistic twist!
THE SOLUTION: Please explain what your solution offers and how it is innovative. How will you put your solution into the hands of users or beneficiaries? Be specific!
The idea is to create a series of ongoing Prism projects that would document different broad subjects and slowly start to create a database of unique perspectives on life around the world. In parallel NGOS and any organization that wishes to learn how to document their work and impact is available to participate in the tutorials and be empowered to be able to document their efforts.
THE MODEL: Walk us through a specific example of how your solution makes a difference through use of information technology and media
By empowering the photographer to make the transition from still photography to moving image, the impact that photogrpaher may have is tenfold. With the prominance of online video and multimedia platforms like www.tidbit.tv mini docs like those on the www.prism.tv website will become more and more prominent. It is an ideal method for quickly, cheaply, and easily aggregale large quantinties of data and sharing them to the world in an elegant and immediate way.
Greece has rarely been documented by a group of young and free spirited filmmakers. Due to the financial crisis Greece is going through we were able to leverage the passions of the photographers to make an extra special effort to document their country through an innovative and fun way. The results are stunning especially when considering that the photographers had never shot video before. I feel that in this time of crisis the public is in dire need to find information that is different and yet relevant to their perspective. Information that escapes the mainstream media, yet is produced with the same degree of professionality and evoke a much more emotional connection rather than the "Objective" gaze of corporate media outlets.
THE MARKETPLACE: Who are your peers and competitors? What challenges could these players pose to your success or growth?
There is nothing right now that resembles what the prism does.
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FOUNDING 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.
About a year ago 3 people were burned alive in a bank in downtown Athens, the result of a protest getting out of control. One of the people who died was a pregnant woman, a bank employee who even though the bank was open on a day which was declared as a national strike day, she went to work pregnant. Her sense of duty broke every stereotype of Greece I was so eagerly trying to avoid, thus having moved to New York over 12 years ago. This was not my country I remembered, I needed to retrun and to try to understand how the rage had reached this level of absurdity. I had just figured out how to use the video features on my camera and wanted to explore the prospect of teaching several talented photographers to become documentary filmmakers. The Prism.tv is the result.
Specify both the depth and scale of your solution’s social impact to date
Having the ability to explore ones country though a multitude of different perspectives even if some of them are conflicting and sometimes directly opposing each other. It allows for a form of transparency and honesty that does not seem to be frequent n the traditional media channels, which has lead in my opinion for a greater mistrust of large media corporations and news outlets.
What is your projected impact within the next 1-5 years? Is your idea replicable? If so, how?
there is no immediate plan for the next five years, there is not really anything out there right now which is similar to the Prism workshop and business model, but there is no barrier to entry other than the knowledge to execute such a thing.
Winning entries present a strong plan for how they will achieve and mark growth. Identify your six-month milestone for growing your impact
Task 2
Develop marketing strategy for the tutorials
Now think bigger! Identify your 12-month impact milestone
Task 1
Develop the structure for the prism network of affiliates
Task 2
archive all material collected thus far
Task 3
develop web platform for sale and use of archival material
How many people have been impacted by your project?
Fewer than 100
How many people could be impacted by your project in the next three years?
More than 10,000
read more↓↑ hide↑ hideExplain how your company, program, service or product is structured
Business
What barriers have hindered the success of your project to date? How do you plan to overcome these and other challenges as you grow your solution?
financing has been the hardest part of the equation so far. I have self financed the entire prism with my partner Nina, this has limited the projects scope, marketing. If a steady source of funding existed the Prism would be an ongoing project which would never stop producing content. As of right now until more funding can be found it this is where we stop.
How do you see the information-technology and media sectors shifting over the next decade? How will your solution adapt to and/or drive that changing environment?
I see big news organizations fearing initiatives such as the Prism for the simplest reason, it is now very cheap and easy to produce great looking content and reac viewers. I foresee the Prism being one of the first examples of independent online journalism and documentary filmmaking. I find that it is very possible that big media outlets will start to imitate the prism production process sooner or later but what will always be unique is the independent brand of the prism which ensures a well thought out story and perspective on a particular issue.
Failure is not always an option. If your solution fails to gain traction in the next two years, what other applications of the idea could you explore?
It is a documentation of greece in 2010-2011 and will stay up for as long as it can
Expand on your selections, explaining how you will sustain funding
Through the workshops and selling the final products effectively as an agent that represents the Prism associates and affiliates.
Tell us about your partnerships
there are no partnerships
What type of team (staff, volunteers, etc.) will ensure that you achieve the growth milestones identified in the Social Impact section?
Changemakers is a collaborative and supportive space. Please specify any community resources you would need to grow and sustain your initiative. Select all that apply
Investment, Marketing or media, Collaboration or networking.
Specify any resources you might offer to support other initiatives. Select all that apply
Please elaborate on any needs or offers you have mentioned above and/or suggest categories of support that aren’t specified within the list
read more↓↑ hide↑ hideDefine your company, program, service or product in 1-2 short sentences
The Prism is an innovative production process that allows photojournalists to make the transition to documentary filmmakers.
Identify what is innovative about your solution in 1-2 short sentences
It allows large complicated events to be covered quickly, cheaply, and with a very high quality product at the end.
Created on 09/11/2011 by Mahadi
citizen journalist blended with an independent professional journalist as its backbone
Organization: The Society of Indonesian Environmental Journalists (SIEJ)
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The Society of Indonesian Environmental Journalists (SIEJ)
Country where this project is creating social impact
Is your organization a
Please select
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..
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Public Watchdog to REDD+ Implementation
Select 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
THE NEED: Describe the need for your solution and the size/dynamic of the community (ies) you will engage
REDD is a great opportunity for the people of Indonesia to participate in save the world from climate change impacts, as well as benefit from this program.
Many donor countries offered assistance to Indonesia for the implementation of REDD programs, even some of them are working on several REDD demonstration sites in Kalimantan and Sumatra trying to save the last of millions of Indonesian forest.
But REDD potentially facing a very large problems and threatened to fail implemented. Problems, among others, are land tenure rights, forest land use overlapping, sharing of benefits with indigenous peoples, and the recognition of community rights to participate in managing the forest. In the other side we face an accute problem in transparency and accountability in the management of REDD funds. We, as a journalist,felt obliged to help give voice to communities that will be affected by this REDD program. The solution we propose is to develop a website REDDWatch.
The project we propose will be directly related to the nine provinces into REDD pilot project and includes dozens of millions of people, who live in and around forests.
THE SOLUTION: Please explain what your solution offers and how it is innovative. How will you put your solution into the hands of users or beneficiaries? Be specific!
The solution we offer is the development of REDD Watch website. This site will become the world's first news site on REDD Watch run by journalists.
This site will be filled with reports and information from indigenous and other communities, where REDD projects will be implemented. We will develop citizen journalism as a watch dog on the implementation of REDD in Indonesia. We will hold some training writing and presenting news, and REDD workshop.
To meet the standards of good journalism, and to avoid bias in the news, SIEJ will involve its members are comprised of professional journalists across Indonesia to verify and deepen the information from the community.
The information submitted by citizens and journalists at the site, can be written, video or sound. dna to improve the effectiveness of the news, we will link this site to several sites owned by the ministry, which is responsible for the issue of REDD
THE MODEL: Walk us through a specific example of how your solution makes a difference through use of information technology and media
Almost all activities through REDD Watch will utilize information technology. The residents and reporters will transmit data and information through mobile phones, video phones, or voice recording of the phone, directly to the editor. Public can also give comments or give a story idea just as simple as open the site and leave comments there.
This model has not been tried, because usually REDD site is managed by the government or large NGOs, which tend to spend a large resources.
THE MARKETPLACE: Who are your peers and competitors? What challenges could these players pose to your success or growth?
We don't have any competitors, relatively, because this is a new approach on its kind. But uur biggest challenge is we are worried that not enough fund to impelemented this. Indonesia is an islands country, so we need more resources to conduct workshop or training in some remote areas.Based on our experience, we will need much help in transportation and accomodation side.
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FOUNDING 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.
My golden moment came when discussing with members of indigenous peoples in Bogor a few months ago. They revealed many problems and issues on REDD, and how they were not getting enough information about REDD that potentially affect their lives and entire communities in the future. That were when I imagine an interactive news site to bridge their needs with this government program.
Specify both the depth and scale of your solution’s social impact to date
In the individual scale, this project will be a very valuable experience for members of the community who involved as a citizen journalists, because getting new skills and knowledge. In a community scale, the project can help them to express their voices to be heard by the government and the wider community, such as donor countries.
What is your projected impact within the next 1-5 years? Is your idea replicable? If so, how?
The core of this project is how public could participate in the forest good governance in REDD projects.
In the next 1-5 years, it is expected all of the REDD program will be implemented according to the principles of good governance such as transparency, accountability, justice, and participatory.
This project is relatively easily replicated in other places, where journalists have a strong commitment to help give voice to the community.
Winning entries present a strong plan for how they will achieve and mark growth. Identify your six-month milestone for growing your impact
in six-month we can build and develop the REDD Watch website and run with stories from citizen journalists
Task 1
Build and design the website
Task 2
Training on citizen journalism
Now think bigger! Identify your 12-month impact milestone
We connected to other institution website both government and non-government
Task 1
Communicate with REDD stakeholders in Indonesia about the project
Task 2
Linking between REDD Watch and other institution website or e-mail
How many people have been impacted by your project?
Fewer than 100
How many people could be impacted by your project in the next three years?
More than 10,000
read more↓↑ hide↑ hideExplain how your company, program, service or product is structured
Hybrid model
What barriers have hindered the success of your project to date? How do you plan to overcome these and other challenges as you grow your solution?
indeed, we need a grant to work on this project, as project design and human resource we have prepared long before the idea was presented. Our members across Indonesia has expressed readiness to help. And to find more funds we plan to make some proposals and send them to interested donors.
How do you see the information-technology and media sectors shifting over the next decade? How will your solution adapt to and/or drive that changing environment?
Information technology will revolutionize the way we all enjoy and find information. Traditional media, can not be prevented, will live history and be replaced by the new media era, where information technology became the backbone.
This project was prepared in the form of new media that utilize information technology as much as possible. So, we'll still be able to adapt terhadpa changes.
Failure is not always an option. If your solution fails to gain traction in the next two years, what other applications of the idea could you explore?
Failure is not an option. We will find the solution to make our project become real, not matter how.
Expand on your selections, explaining how you will sustain funding
We plan to cooperate with the private sector as our sponshorship as part of their corporate social responsibility or place their advertisement in our website. But we also plan to keep our effort to get funding from independent funding agencies and NGO.
Or, we could try our last plan is to make REDD Watch belong to the greater public. Maybe one thousand or ten thousand people will have share in this project
Tell us about your partnerships
we have a very good relationship with Packard Foundation, as our major funding. Other funding comes from NGO like WWF Indonesia, TNC,Conservation International, MFP, kehati Foundation, etc.
What type of team (staff, volunteers, etc.) will ensure that you achieve the growth milestones identified in the Social Impact section?
Core team: 6 people (Director, chief editor, journalist, finance,supporting staf)
Citizen journalists: 50
Profesional journalists: 20
Changemakers is a collaborative and supportive space. Please specify any community resources you would need to grow and sustain your initiative. Select all that apply
Investment, Human resources or talent, Research or information, Collaboration or networking, Mentorship.
Specify any resources you might offer to support other initiatives. Select all that apply
Human resources or talent, Collaboration or networking, Innovation or ideas, Mentorship.
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 could offer our professional capability as a journalist. We could help other to develop reporting skill with video, audio for audio visual media or writing skill for print media. We used to design and conduct journalism training and workshop, so we offer what could we do best.
read more↓↑ hide↑ hideDefine your company, program, service or product in 1-2 short sentences
REDD Watch is to support transparency,accountability,and public participation in REDD+ impelementation in Indonesia
Identify what is innovative about your solution in 1-2 short sentences
citizen journalist blended with an independent professional journalist as its backbone
Created on 09/7/2011 by Gauravm
Project Brahma aims to boost conservation of India's biodiversity by engaging citizens both online and at the grassroots level.
Organization: Project Brahma
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Is your organization a
Non‐profit/NGO/citizen sector organization
How long has your organization been operating?
Less than a year
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Project Brahma: An open source, Web 2.0 based initiative for conservation of India's biodiversity
Select 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
THE NEED: Describe the need for your solution and the size/dynamic of the community (ies) you will engage
India occupies just 2.3% of world's land area but houses ~10% of its biodiversity. There are over 800 crop species and thousands of medicinal plants. Animals like snakes,elephants,lions are revered as sacred. However, over 70% of the habitat in the most diverse areas has already been destroyed, thus pushing several species towards extinction.
Almost a quarter of India lives in cities, far away from where these habitats are being destroyed. Unfortunately, India's urban populace, which primarily drives discussion on such environmental issues, is still not aware and not adequately sensitized about the wide-ranging, domino effects of biodiversity loss.
Thus, it is important to have a knowledge-based resource to engage and educate the common man in biodiversity conservation. Existing databases mostly cater to academics and experts, exist solely online and thus, only partly satisfy the needs of conservation. In addition, relevant information lies dispersed across the web, reducing its effectiveness.
The Web of today offers several innovative approaches to tackle these issues and increase citizen engagement, but they have not yet been adequately utilized in the Indian context.
THE SOLUTION: Please explain what your solution offers and how it is innovative. How will you put your solution into the hands of users or beneficiaries? Be specific!
India today has over 100 million internet users. Millions of immigrant Indians worldwide strengthen this list. This online manpower can be used as a powerful force to stem biodiversity loss in India. We aim to do exactly that through Project Brahma, an initiative that integrates online and grassroots level activities for conservation.
We have created a Mediawiki-based, open-source website which serves as a framework for community engagement. Our website not only aggregates knowledge from various sources but also allows users to contribute their own original content. Our resource is set up for housing species data,cultural aspects of biodiversity,opinion articles,news, educational content,videos etc. Unlike most academic databases, Project Brahma is specifically geared towards engaging the common man. Our online component is integrated with several interactive Web 2.0 tools such as Wikimedia,YouTube,APIs,Flickr etc. We are exploring ways to deliver engaging content through smartphones. We aim to create tools for making biodiversity information more interesting & to establish a strong knowledge-based foundation for conservation efforts in India.
Information on Brahma is available to anyone with internet access. To reach out the rest, our grassroots level activities such as organization of seminars, workshops, competitions, native tree planting etc. come into picture. We have started interacting with NGOs & colleges towards expanding this goal. Our scope thus allows us to develop as a comprehensive resource for all Indian biodiversity related information.
THE MODEL: Walk us through a specific example of how your solution makes a difference through use of information technology and media
Example1- Impact on Indigenous practices: Several communities in India have folk practices & knowledge related to biodiversity. Most of such practices are either orally transmitted or are noted down in books that are not easily accessible. An open-source documentation of such sociocultural practices on Project Brahma would provide access to this information anywhere anytime. It would also provide an incentive to the common man to press for conservation of the threatened biodiversity. NGOs & journalists could refer to such information,get scientific data,access relevant videos & images and can assess impact on indigenous communities through Project Brahma.
Example2- Increasing awareness about biodiversity: Our online framework for documenting biodiversity is highly integrated with Web 2.0 tools, making existing knowledge more dynamic & appealing. Along with species pages,we are beginning to create educational content on Project Brahma which can be used by schools, colleges & NGOs free of cost to spread awareness. We also have an active Facebook/Twitter presence. In the future, we plan to explore additional media for delivering engaging content such as smartphones.
Example3- Grassroots level impact: We intend to carry out grassroots level activities such as organizing seminars,competitions,treks etc. to increase awareness in the urban populace. We imagine a scenario where our online & grassroots components will be complementary & synchronous. We also intend to create short videos on focused topics to provide a structure to the conservation-related media in India.
THE MARKETPLACE: Who are your peers and competitors? What challenges could these players pose to your success or growth?
Although no resource - in India or internationally - has the same aims,strategy or scope as us,some overlapping projects do exist.
Globally,The Encyclopedia of Life(http://www.eol.org) aims to create one page for each of the >million species found on earth. The website, which encourages citizen participation, is well-funded, well-organized and has dedicated personnel for database management, curation & social networking. In India, the IBIN Portal(http://goo.gl/IPHjF) & The Indian Biodiversity Portal(http://goo.gl/w8OPv) have been documenting spatial & textual information about species in India. Several small databases on focused topics also exist online.
What sets us apart from these resources are 1)our focus on the common man & on increasing citizen participation in conservation vs a more academic focus of above resources, 2)our approach of highlighting the links between Indian biodiversity & its culture, 3)our goal of increasing awareness about environmental issues through using Web 2.0 technologies, 4)our open-source, open-access & highly extensible online platform and 5)our hybrid approach,which integrates both online & grassroots level activities to satisfy our goals.
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FOUNDING 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 am a PhD student, originally from Mumbai, now studying in the US. I frequently used to go out for treks in the beautiful Sahyadri mountains every monsoons. In recent times, biodiversity in the Sahyadris and several other regions has been fighting for survival. Sadly, people do not seem to appreciate the importance of what they are losing.
Coming to the US, I realized the importance of accessibility to nature. Here, anyone can take their car and drive to many of the nation's beautiful National Parks. People, even urbanites, are more aware of environmental issues due to access to nature. In India, physical as well as information access to nature is direly lacking.
At the same time, I also realized the enormous extent of open-source work and open-data sharing in the Western world. Such tools were unavailable in the Indian context. Tools that were available were academic, but an initiative that could reach out to the common man, that NGOs could turn to for information was missing.
I felt that such a resource, if present in India, would enable greater access to nature and increase awareness, significantly boosting conservation of the much threatened biodiversity.
Specify both the depth and scale of your solution’s social impact to date
Our organization is still a startup, so our impact has been limited. However, internet penetration in India has increased to 10% of the population & is rapidly growing. Our hybrid approach thus has the potential to significantly impact biodiversity conservation in India.
Imagine an activist who needs to convince a community why it should conserve local flora.Think of a college student who wants to know all local medicinal plants or teachers who want to educate their students about biodiversity.Typically,such people would have to search around the internet or go to the library to find answers.But with Project Brahma,they would get all they need at one spot.
With the framework we have *already developed* online, activists could look up our Brahma Notes(http://goo.gl/4KuFW) & find cultural associations & environmental practices.They can browse our video library(http://goo.gl/DffeO) & use some videos as promotional media. A student could use our species pages & easily extract lists of species. Educational content on our website can help teachers teach their students about biodiversity.Our Facebook/Twitter presence can help our followers keep abreast with environmental issues.
What is your projected impact within the next 1-5 years? Is your idea replicable? If so, how?
In 3 years,we hope to reach over 10,000 individuals through our hybrid approach. We will have created a large amount of original & aggregated content, documented cultural associations from different parts of India & will have published over 100 opinion articles related to environment from our site's users. We will have explored additional media for delivering content.
At the grassroots level, we hope to have touched several people & NGOs through collaborations,seminars,competitions,treks etc. We hope to have created a national database of environmental NGOs on our website,enabling easy networking between NGOs.
Our idea is highly replicable.It is open-source and requires minimal investment for the online component. We will be happy to share our expertise with any interested group.
Winning entries present a strong plan for how they will achieve and mark growth. Identify your six-month milestone for growing your impact
To reach out to >2000 people and create a strong seed set of content pages on Project Brahma
Task 1
Create aggregated data pages for 960 traded medicinal plants and 397 mammalian species in India
Task 2
Significantly expand videos, community pages and educational content on Project Brahma
Task 3
Increase Facebook/Twitter following to >1000, initiate collaborative activities with 2 NGOs and 2 colleges
Now think bigger! Identify your 12-month impact milestone
To reach out to >4000 people, raise $30000, increase publicity and expand content pages on Project Brahma
Task 1
Fundraising, hire people, publicity and lay a strong, dynamic organizational structure
Task 2
Significantly expand community pages and educational content on Project Brahma
Task 3
Increase Facebook/Twitter reach, initiate collaborations with 6 additional NGOs and colleges
How many people have been impacted by your project?
101 - 1,000
How many people could be impacted by your project in the next three years?
More than 10,000
read more↓↑ hide↑ hideExplain how your company, program, service or product is structured
Non-profit
What barriers have hindered the success of your project to date? How do you plan to overcome these and other challenges as you grow your solution?
Although we have a very clear idea of what activities we want to do in short and long-term, three obstacles have prevented us from pursuing some of them: 1)Insufficient funding, 2)Lack of dedicated(employed) personnel and 3)Low volunteer retention rate
We hope that as the importance of our project becomes more visible,securing financial support would not be a major hurdle.With assured funding,we can hire people & offer fellowships/internships to create original content on our website.With such dedicated personnel,we can increase the breadth and depth of our collaborations.
As we reach more people on the ground and our impact becomes clearer,we will be able to attract motivated volunteers & new ideas. We imagine that this will help us expand & create a self-sustaining cycle of growth.
How do you see the information-technology and media sectors shifting over the next decade? How will your solution adapt to and/or drive that changing environment?
Media is going to get more personalized and more accessible in the future. We have already started exploring iPhone and Android for delivering engaging content(data/games/pics). We will write apps to allow people to post information on-the-go from their smartphones. We will explore speech recognition tech. for making entries and extracting species information from the database. Being Mediawiki-based, we also have the massive advantage of utilizing 3rd party scripts & extending our functionality.
Our project will continue to be free and open-source.
Failure is not always an option. If your solution fails to gain traction in the next two years, what other applications of the idea could you explore?
We currently aim to expand through a hybrid approach,combining online activities with grassroots level work. We strongly believe that this is the way to provide a robust, knowledge-based foundation for the conservation movement in India and increase the involvement of citizens in the task.
If in two years our hybrid approach fails to gain traction, we will still be able to run the online component with minimal expenses. We will continue to run the site as an open-access resource and expand the scope of our content pages.With the Facebook and Twitter following we develop over the next two years, we could run a periodic online newsletter and continue to spread awareness.All of our online activities are robust to a funding/publicity crunch.
In such a scenario though, we would have collected enough material in the next two years to publish a literary resource on various aspects of the biodiversity of India.We may also spin off a semi-commercial enterprise focusing on creating educational resources - games,apps,learning modules- related to global biodiversity.
Expand on your selections, explaining how you will sustain funding
The project is currently supported by contributions from core members. Since the project is a startup and most work till now has been online, we have not required much funding. However, we would need more if we are to grow and create original content.
With grant from this competition, hopefully, we will be able to convince people of the national and international importance of this project. We could thus seek funding from Govt. of India as well as international conservation foundations such as UNESCO and WWF.
Since ours is a community-driven site, we also hope to raise money through online contributions from users. In the future, we could also access funding by creating biodiversity-related merchandise (games/apps/T-shirts/posters/stickers) and selling it through online merchants.
Tell us about your partnerships
We have been working closely with Biodiversity Conservation & Research Trust, an NGO focusing on tree plantation.BCRT maintains a medicinal plant nursery which we plan to document in detail.
We have close data-sharing collaboration with IBIN Portal.We are working on incorporating IBIN data into Brahma database,among other planned things. We have also communicated extensively with the India Biodiversity Portal.
Apart from these associations, some other NGOs(eg:Tarumitra,Patna) & colleges(eg:Ruia Clg,Mumbai)have expressed interest in collaboration.
What type of team (staff, volunteers, etc.) will ensure that you achieve the growth milestones identified in the Social Impact section?
Our core team consists of 4 members who are unpaid volunteers with academic jobs.Till now,we have demonstrated our ability to create an engaging website,maintain databases,create additional online tools as well as grow our social networking reach,interact with grassroots stakeholders & create original content on Brahma.
In future,we will need to hire people to work 60% time fostering & following up on collaborations & 40% time generating original online conservation-related content.We will need self-motivated individuals to go beyond the call of duty.
Changemakers is a collaborative and supportive space. Please specify any community resources you would need to grow and sustain your initiative. Select all that apply
Investment, Human resources or talent, Marketing or media, Research or information, Collaboration or networking, Innovation or ideas, Mentorship.
Specify any resources you might offer to support other initiatives. Select all that apply
Marketing or media, Research or information, Innovation or ideas.
Please elaborate on any needs or offers you have mentioned above and/or suggest categories of support that aren’t specified within the list
Our first & foremost requirement is funding. With funding, we hope to hire human resources and purchase assets (computers,books etc.) to make our vision into reality. We will be glad to get assistance and feedback from Ashoka and Google regarding these, in future publicity and in technology innovation.
We would like to collaborate more with existing relevant Ashoka projects in India & see where we can offer our expertise and our platform. Our project would also benefit from bouncing our ideas with the Ashoka and Changemakers network,since it would provide us with real-life perspectives.
read more↓↑ hide↑ hideDefine your company, program, service or product in 1-2 short sentences
Non-profit organization that aims to promote biodiversity conservation in India through documentation, education and awareness.
Identify what is innovative about your solution in 1-2 short sentences
Project Brahma aims to boost conservation of India's biodiversity by engaging citizens both online and at the grassroots level.
This project also has a Changeshop where you can read more about its latest progress.
Go to Changeshop: IndianWildlifeClub.com.
Created on 08/1/2011 by susansharma
Online Communities of Practice is an idea whose time has come. The two way exchange from online to ground is the way to go!
Organization: IndianWildlifeClub.com
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https://twitter.com/#!/susansharma
Country where this project is creating social impact
Is your organization a
Non‐profit/NGO/citizen sector organization
How long has your organization been operating?
More than 5 years
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IndianWildlifeClub -Are you ready to be a wilderness Volunteer?
Select 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
THE NEED: Describe the need for your solution and the size/dynamic of the community (ies) you will engage
IndianWildlifeClub.com (IWC) is an interactive media portal which brings together a community of nature lovers from across the world who wish to conserve India's natural wealth. We democratize the challenge of Environment conservation by making it a personal concern. The first online nature club of India has, evolved into an initiative to involve the common man in the cause of conservation. The innovation of our idea is that we push environment issues from grassroots, managed by field level content writers and conservationists putting together a community of practice (CoP) focused on nature. CoPs on the Internet, is an idea whose time has come. The ever growing niche community at IWC believes that environmental sustainability is everyone's concern, if each one discovers her own personal reason to be concerned about it. Wilderness Conservation Volunteer Project (WCV) is the first major ground level activity we are planning, bowing to the demands of our active members. IWC will train volunteers before placement in pre-qualified projects. It will also monitor, document and archive data gathered by volunteers. WCV leverages IWC online presence and takes it to the logical next level.
THE SOLUTION: Please explain what your solution offers and how it is innovative. How will you put your solution into the hands of users or beneficiaries? Be specific!
Interactive features of the portal help each individual contribute his own thoughts/feelings/content and thereby help him express his personal interest and in turn gain a stake holding in the larger environmental dialogue. A registered user of IWC gets a personalized learning page, which keeps track of her communications and encourages her to search for more information.
IWC has the unique mission of
1. Building an online community of practice of nature lovers by harnessing the power of the Internet and social media to bring together nature lovers in a manner that makes it easy and interesting for each individual to contribute to, as well as learn from the diverse experience of others.
2. Bringing together the environmentalist and the nature enthusiasts, in order to broad base the dialogue on, as well as concern for environmental sustainability.
Each member of IndianWildlifeclub.com feels unique as a result of her engagement with the club:
1. I have contributed to nature in my own small way by sharing my experiences /knowledge with others.
2.I am part of an environmental movement.
3.I have come to know more about the bounties of nature and appreciate nature more.
Many of our registered users have been giving feedback expressing a wish to do volunteer work. WCV project will start as a web 2.0 information exchange for volunteers and NGOs. IWC will train these volunteers to work in pre-selected projects. IWC will curate multimedia content from these "field level reporters" and use the content to document the work and also to motivate other volunteers.
THE MODEL: Walk us through a specific example of how your solution makes a difference through use of information technology and media
The real impact of an online club will be felt over a period of time when the community grows and is able to influence policy. The acceptance of IWC in conservation and wildlife circles and the responses to our photo exhibitions and film screenings are proof that the impact can be translated to ground level action with ease and conviction.
IWC almost never deals with the so called “breaking news”. However, the fine print, often ignored by popular media is picked up by us and put across in our CoP. Involving persons with influence, both for action and to mould opinion, in the drive to conserve nature is what the club is doing. A specific example is the Forest Rights Bill which was passed by the Indian Parliament. IWC submitted to the concerned Ministry the opinions of some of our members from the legal profession and from foresters when the bill was open for debate.
Another example is the response we received for a recent survey we conducted on “Wilderness conservation volunteers”. More than 300 volunteers are willing to pledge their time upto one year with NGOs/Government agencies involved in conservation work on a volunteering basis.
Our monthly online chat on specific issues has invariably thrown up solutions during discussion among drawn from various parts of the country. Transcriptions of our chats are added to our searchable archives instantly. Many of them need to be followed up on ground and that is what prompted us to conceptualize a wilderness volunteer program. 420 people responded to our online survey to formulate the WCV project.
THE MARKETPLACE: Who are your peers and competitors? What challenges could these players pose to your success or growth?
The most famous Conservation organizations in India are World Wildlife Fund(India)-WWF(I) and Bombay Natural History Society (BNHS). Both these organizations are ground focused and talk largely to the converted. IWC targets a population who are outside the conservation network either due to a busy life style or simply because of lack of access to conservation organizations. IWC brings together NGOs from all over India and our registered users are from every corner of India where Internet facility is available. Internet is expected to be available at all the 0.6million villages of India soon and our portal is poised for a take off.
The "Alexa" statistics for IndianWildlifeClub.com show that the site is most popular with the age group 25-34, the active working age group. It does give us satisfaction that we manage getting the attention of some of the busiest people who are currently taking decisions pertaining to our environment. These decisions could be regarding building a road through a national park, granting of a mining license in a forest, using pesticides and fertilizers in agriculture or something as simple as deciding on having a back yard garden in the house.
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FOUNDING 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 giving up regular employment as a Banker and armed with a Ph.d in MIS, I wanted to combine my love for Computers with my passion for saving the environment. What permeates my being -love for nature' is an affair which started long ago. The defining moment was my first visit to the Corbett National Park in India almost twenty five years back. Talking to Subedar Ali, the mahout, who was attacked by a Bengal Tiger in the forest and barely escaped death, opened up for me, the potential of the human mind to love nature above all. Subedar Ali came back to work in the forest doing the work of a mahout taking tourists to the forest on elephant back to see tigers and other wild animals, his passion for the forest undiminished. The passion of this common man was no less than a Jim Corbett, Jane Goodall, a Bill gates or a Narayanamurthy or Mike Pandey.
The need to connect passionate minds well known and not so well known-that was the key to saving the environment, it dawned on me. Hence the decision to start a niche online community with user generated content as against a broad cast model for creating environment awareness. This CoP is now 11 years old and poised to take off.
Specify both the depth and scale of your solution’s social impact to date
The social Impact is by way of
1.Increasing awareness and sensitivity among India’s middle-class numbering 300M about the need to protect India's bio-diversity.
2.Rallying their active support in shaping legal, political, cultural and behavioral changes that are designed to protect India’s natural riches including the Wildlife.
3.Creating a searchable learning resource by codifying and archiving the explicit knowledge of this Community. This resource can complement what is taught in text books in schools and colleges.
4. Willingness of Wildlife Experts to communicate and involve with IWC members is a recent phenomenon, earned after eleven years of being online.
What is your projected impact within the next 1-5 years? Is your idea replicable? If so, how?
As IWC moves to next stage of actively participating in on-ground Projects, we expect an ncrease in membership base of IWC. We also set course for Scientific Data Gathering, Capture and Knowledge Management.
As we create a database of pre-qualified, high impact on-ground Projects, Project Implementing/Funding Agencies and certified Volunteers, we also Monitor/document Project Outcomes, thus becoming a Repository of Best Practices in Wilderness Conservation through community participation.
This repository will boost partnerships with local communities living close to forests, as much as for the larger community.
Winning entries present a strong plan for how they will achieve and mark growth. Identify your six-month milestone for growing your impact
Data collection for WCV project to be completed.
Task 1
Appoint a national coordinator
Task 2
Prequalify projects for volunteering
Task 3
Prepare training programs for volunteers
Now think bigger! Identify your 12-month impact milestone
WCV exchange in place matching volunteers with NGO/Govt department project requirements
Task 1
dedicated server ( now weare on a VPS) and security walls in place for IWC
Task 3
Selection of volunteers and start of training programs for volunteers.
How many people have been impacted by your project?
1,001 - 10,000
How many people could be impacted by your project in the next three years?
More than 10,000
read more↓↑ hide↑ hideExplain how your company, program, service or product is structured
Hybrid model
What barriers have hindered the success of your project to date? How do you plan to overcome these and other challenges as you grow your solution?
The major barrier has been lack of funds which prevented us from going in for a robust server and code base. This led to compromising our database to sustained hacking and we had to withdraw all our interactive features for nearly a year. We are now back for over a year with robust coding and a VPS server, thanks to a project grant from the Indian Council of Social Sciences Research.
As we grow our solution, we want to ensure that we have a dedicated server and adequate funding for writing the required applications for the proposed Information Exchange. Lack of funds is also preventing us from monetizing our own you tube channel called "Wildbytes.tv", which has been approved as a partner channel by youtube. We have just started approaching funding agencies.
How do you see the information-technology and media sectors shifting over the next decade? How will your solution adapt to and/or drive that changing environment?
I do see that mobile media is catching up in a big way in developing nations. Mobile specific applications can be developed on IWC. These applications will help volunteers upload data directly into our website once the WCV project takes off.
Gaming media are also a great way to target youngsters by creating creative games based on wildlife adventures.
We do have the talent and creativity to adapt to any situation. Members of our team have already faced bottlenecks which will make less committed persons give it all up.
Failure is not always an option. If your solution fails to gain traction in the next two years, what other applications of the idea could you explore?
Failure is not an option at all. If WCV exchange fails to garner financial support from funding agencies, we propose to approach Corporates and if we draw a blank there too, the option of registering IWC as a charity and asking for donations which are exempt from tax, is there. But this is absolutely the last option for us. The founder firmly believes that wildlife in India should not be made to beg.
Expand on your selections, explaining how you will sustain funding
IWC Founder (Dr. Susan Sharma) created IWC Platform by investing nearly US $ 20,000 of her own and her husband's cash savings. Additionally the Indian Council of social sciences Research -ICSSR ( An apex research organization of the Government of India) recognized IWC and gave Project grant of US $10,000 part of which was used for upgrading the program code and hosting after the database hacking.
Wildscapes.net, the product store of IWC generates some revenue from sales. IWC also generates negligible advertisement income mainly from tour operators. Becoming a full fledged youtube partner (partnership already approved) will increase advertisement income.
Tell us about your partnerships
We do not have legal partnerships with anyone. However we are networked with WWF(I), Bombay Natural history Society (BNHS), World Pheasant Association (WPA) and Wildlife Institute of India (WII). We have agreements with tour operators who are empaneled with us and also with product suppliers for wildscapes.net. We have produced five documentaries all of which are certified in the infotainment and educational categories. The films we produced have been extensively used by NGOs(WWF India, WPA, BNHS etc.) and Government Ministry of Adult education.
What type of team (staff, volunteers, etc.) will ensure that you achieve the growth milestones identified in the Social Impact section?
Our team currently consists of a technical consultant, graphic designer and content curator (the founder). We do not have an editing studio and all post production is outsourced. To achieve scale with the WCV project, we need a national coordinator and four regional coordinators. The WCV project is aimed at providing volunteers to NGOs/Government agencies working in wilderness areas. The reports filed by these volunteers will give field based data, which is valuable content. The wilderness volunteers will thus double up as cub reporters for IWC.
Changemakers is a collaborative and supportive space. Please specify any community resources you would need to grow and sustain your initiative. Select all that apply
Investment, Marketing or media.
Specify any resources you might offer to support other initiatives. Select all that apply
Research or information, Collaboration or networking.
Please elaborate on any needs or offers you have mentioned above and/or suggest categories of support that aren’t specified within the list
Investment to the tune of Us $ 10,000 will be needed to create the web2.0 information exchange for wilderness conservation volunteers. This will take care of hardware and software requirements for the web 2.0 exchange Change makers can help us market our products and services increasing our revenue streams.
IWC has archived data of ten years, consisting of e-zine articles, blogs, trip reports and chat transcripts, all relating to Indian wildlife. To avoid information overload, we have developed a system where randomly picked up article, blog, video etc appear on the homepage. Our analysis has shown that a visitor to IWC spends on an average 14 minutes on the site with an average page view of eight pages. We are also open to collaboration and networking with like -minded projects.
read more↓↑ hide↑ hideDefine your company, program, service or product in 1-2 short sentences
IndianWildlifeClub.com is the first online nature club of India. Our Volunteer project leverages the club's online impact.
Identify what is innovative about your solution in 1-2 short sentences
Online Communities of Practice is an idea whose time has come. The two way exchange from online to ground is the way to go!
Created on 08/1/2011 by martinmcguire
It is imperative that students understand the importance of our Oceans and the relationship and impact is has on our Planet and humankind. Our Oceans are responsible for the production of oxygen and the absorption of carbon. We depend upon the Oceans to live and keeping our Oceans healthy directly impacts our own health and that of our planet. Providing students access to Ocean and Ocean life experts in the classroom through the use of technology will engage students and teach them about how they could become better stewards of our environment.
Organization: Chicago Public Schools
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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..
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STEM - Connecting us to Ocean Life
What change do you want to bring to the world?
It is imperative that students understand the importance of our Oceans and the relationship and impact is has on our Planet and humankind. Our Oceans are responsible for the production of oxygen and the absorption of carbon. We depend upon the Oceans to live and keeping our Oceans healthy directly impacts our own health and that of our planet. Providing students access to Ocean and Ocean life experts in the classroom through the use of technology will engage students and teach them about how they could become better stewards of our environment. Through the use of technology we could bridging the classroom with field experts for the enhancment of lessons and improved student engagement.
What are the primary activities of your project?
One of the top priorities in the Chicago Public Schools and the City of Chicago is to provide unique learning opportunities both inside and outside the classroom. To accomplish that goal, CPS and the City of Chicago are always working together to develop new initiatives and programs that will help our students move to the next level of their education.
Through the use of our CPS district Media Management System we will create and distribute a Digital Media Lesson Presentation for all schools. These lessons will be developed by content area experts and be made available to students throughout the district. Lessons will include many different forms of media and will include formative assesments, webconferencing connections to subject matter experts and opportunities for live observation of ocean wildlife.
What is innovative about your initiative? How is it a new contribution to the field?
Keeping our Oceans clean and healthy is everyone’s responsibility. Building a relationship between learners and our Ocean environment will require us to bridge formal and informal learning setting to tap into the expertise and resources available. We will build a bridge between the traditional classroom and in our Chicagoland Museums, Zoo's, Aquariums, Colleges, Universities and Business community. Developing digital media lessons will be key to addressing these issues in a new, exciting and engaging way that will provide deeper understanding of the issues.
What stage is your project in?
Operating for 1‐5 years
Tell us about the community that you engage? eg. economic conditions, political structures, norms and values, demographic trends, history, and experience with engagement efforts.
CPS is the 3rd largest school district in the country. CPS has over 600 schools and we have over 400,000 students.
Share the story of the founder and what inspired the founder to start this project
Martin McGuire, Digital Media Systems Manager for Chicago Public Schools, has served as a Distance Learning Coordinator and Technology Resource Coordinator with CPS for a combined seventeen years. Martin successfully managed the first videoconferencing center in the Chicago Public Schools at Kelly High School, where his innovation lead to the creation of a nationally recognized virtual field trip program for inner-city youth. He later joined the technology team at the new Walter Payton College Preparatory school where he managed the largest A/V technology program in Chicago. As part of his technology responsibilities, Mr. McGuire managed the schools videoconferencing program, where he helped develop the first ever shared teacher program in Chicago. Martin also created videoconferencing partnerships and collaborations with schools in Iraq, Mexico, Japan, Italy and Spain. As Digital Media Systems Manager for the Chicago Public Schools he currently oversees a program that supports over 600 schools that are part of the new CPS ON Demand program. Martin specializes in adult education and training, as well as audio visual technologies for the classroom. Having spent the majority of his career working in schools he has witnessed how we can build bridges linking our students to other classrooms, museums, colleges and experts anywhere in the world and how that type of access to resources can impact learning.
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Please describe how your project has been successful and how that success is measured
Our Digital Media Program is in over 600 of our CPS schools. We have seen a 27% increase in usage of our solution over the previous school year. Our newest enhancement is our video/webinar component of the system. In our 2010/2011 school year we hosted over 1000 events (virtual field trips, district PD/trainings and updates). We currently measure our success based on participation and adoption which can be seen in usage across our district. In addition to participation in our proposed project our anticipated outcome will be to prepare students to become responsible members of a global society.
How many people have been impacted by your project?
More than 10,000
How many people could be impacted by your project in the next three years?
More than 10,000
How will your project evolve over the next three years?
We will spend the next three years in building and distributing Digital Lessons that can be used in the classroom and at home. We will work on building stronger relationships with our Chicago area Museums, Colleges and Universities in order to bring subject matter expertise from the field directly to our classrooms. By building partnerships we can provide our students with opportunities to collaborate with experts allowing us to transform our traditional learning environment – making the world our classroom.
read more↓↑ hide↑ hideWhat barriers might hinder the success of your project and how do you plan to overcome them?
here is always the possibility that buy-in by our outside institutions could become a problem. Our proposal could easily be adapted to engage institutions from other cities, states or countries. Our video/webconferencing technology has been successful on a local, national and international level.
Tell us about your partnerships
Our most recent partnership has involved a NASA grant that will link our CPS schools together with our Chicago Museum of Science and Industry and state wide Challenger Learning Centers for a project we are calling “Mission to Mars”. We have recently presented our technology program to many of the Chicago area museums and anticipate that both teacher professional development opportunities and classroom educational events will be developed in the 2011/2012 school year.
Current annual budget of project, in US dollars
$100,000‐250,000
Explain your selections
CPS recieves funding at both the local and federal level.
How do you plan to strengthen your project in the next three years?
We anticipate that our program will grow and develop by building the capacity of our best teachers to build Digital Lessons for their classrooms. These lessons that will be created can be shared and modified to fit individual needs of students. We hope to build a team of Nationally Board Certified teachers developing a repository for high quality Digital Lessons that can be shared in classrooms across the district. We will provide every student access to high quality instructional materials in the classroom and at home.
read more↓↑ hide↑ hidePlease tell us more about how your partnership was formed and how it functions. What specific role does each partner play? What unique resources does each partner bring to the initiative?
Our most recent partnership has involved a NASA grant that will link our CPS schools together with our Chicago Museum of Science and Industry and state wide Challenger Learning Centers for a project we are calling “Mission to Mars”. We recently presented our technology program to many of the Chicago area museums and anticipate that both teacher professional development opportunities and classroom educational events will be developed in the 2011/2012 school year.
How are you building in accountability for students' successful STEM learning outcomes? Please provide a summary and examples.
Learning outcomes are addressed by built in formative assessments that are available throughout the Digital Lessons. In addition, resources (mini-lessons) are embedded into the Digital Lesson to address students who might require further instruction and support.
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Offers
Human Resources/Talent, Collaboration/Networking, Innovation/Ideas.
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We would be willing to offer services to projects that would include our population.
