Intergenerational relations

 

Here's a story about how members of the Changemakers community are improving intergenerational relations in Brazil:

Want to learn chess? How to play samba music on the drums? Some smooth Latin dance moves? Ideally, you go to the experts – people who have been doing these things for years and years. Maria de Lourdes Braz knew the senior citizens at her Casa de Santa Ana were a tremendous resource for the youth growing up in the surrounding favela known as the City of God in Rio.

Read more about this solution, or discuss this topic below.
 

"Every Seed/Child Must Grow!" not GMO...

Created on 07/29/2009 by leo_hphp@yahoo.ca

Location

main

Aloha, we're glad you could make it. Please, pull up a shell & take your SEED-cause i know you've been standing on your feed, all day long! 'Fir starters, i hope i one: don't bore you with grammer mistakes [test: we have to be really honest to discuss such important itsyuoes] and two: if you cud see how missing peaces land exxxtraaaa letters make DNA, AND or DAN, then you May understand what some people mean when they say BOOOOoooooHoooOo for GMO (GenModOrg) and EHYA i mean YEAH for GmO (Good/God made Optimism).

DEBT in South Africa

Created on 07/23/2009 by Taste of Africa

15 years into the New Democracy and South Africa is starting to feel the impact of the pre-1994 historical abuse and atrocities. Having first visited Soweto in July 2004, it has taken me 5 years to understand the desperate need to empower those Township communities affected by the pre-1994 history, and in particular the debt that I have to the South African society. I have started repaying my debt and our focus now is on finding a solution to a structure where others can contribute to empowering our Township communities.

RW - WE, RECYCLED WORTH - WECYCLED EARTH

Created on 07/11/2009 by leo_hphp@yahoo.ca

Bicyclists all over the world deserve to "share their wealth of health" with anyone. Offsets of every kind (to pay fines, bills, traveling expenses on other vehicles (-cycles in tow) worldwide, etc., imagine it…!) will be given, for using a bicycle (or electric motorized cycle) as your primary transportation.

About You

Organization: RW WE, RECYCLED WORTH - WECYCLED EARTH Visit websitemore ↓↑ hide↑ hide

Section 1: About You

First Name

adas

Last Name

brehann

Website

Organization

RW WE, RECYCLED WORTH - WECYCLED EARTH

Country

Canada

Section 2: About Your Organization

Organization Name

RW WE, RECYCLED WORTH - WECYCLED EARTH

Organization Website

Organization Phone

5148452654

Organization Address

Montreal Quebec

Organization Country

Canada

Your idea

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Are you a traveler or travel company?

Yes

Name Your Project

RW - WE, RECYCLED WORTH - WECYCLED EARTH

Country your work focuses on

n/a

What is the likely impact of your idea? (150 words max)

RW WE (Are double-you we? It takes two to tango & sometimes more - your old self & the new ‘recycled/re-educated/re-inspired’ ones) will impact Earthlings, of Earth, through reversing every kind of 'IF' (Individual Footprint(s)), by ramping up the transition away from carbon related travel, by replacing it with ZERO EMISSIONS vehicles, travel & other rewards. ***IMPACT-RESULT: ‘Team RW WE’ kicks off on an ongoing global journey. One which will always being imbued with new volunteers, to promote our innovative initiative of providing support to tour little known places & unknown cultures. ‘WE’ will bring each tribe to the world stage [with education & videos about those cultures (as if curious & cautious children & vice versa) without ruining the indigenous nature of…& unique reason for traveling to & sharing of…time honored understanding] & the WISDOM which ALLOWS each of our tribes, to sustain ONENESS, with & within our environment(s).

Why is promoting global travel and engagement important? What makes your idea innovative? (200 words max)

From antiquity, the importance of uniquely knowing other tribes, sharing & communicating with each about the environment which supports its longevity has always helped to balance consumption to prevent the overuse of resources. Those tribes have now become our 'global village', in a domino effect of action & a house of cards, waiting to be toppled by increasing climate changes. Our idea is as innovative as smoke signals in the sky…or is that a hurricane…and earth will continue to innovate. Every tribe from every arc of the Earth, MUST read into the 'world wide smoke web' to contribute accordingly, by asking your self, “Are you, you (RW) from your future, or the Recycled noW” & “Can WE ‘travel’ back in time to discover/understand our ignorance, to re-ignite our journey with earth-lingering love for all life, in the present/gift, the world over, the planet around Recycled Wisdom”? Yes WE Can!

Describe Your Idea

Bicyclists all over the world deserve to "share their wealth of health" with anyone. Offsets of every kind (to pay fines, bills, traveling expenses on other vehicles (-cycles in tow) worldwide, etc., imagine it…!) will be given, for using a bicycle (or electric motorized cycle) as your primary transportation.

What would it take to launch or spread your idea? How much would it cost to make your idea a reality? (150 words max)

To ‘launch’ RW ‘WE’ need everyone to earnestly NEED to pitch in, & a unique website to ‘spread’ the love & care for earth will allow for this 'reality' to happen. RW ‘WE' need sponsorship-teams composed of small businesses & individuals matching one another's donations. ‘WE’ need GOV’s & NGO's contributing to a partnership-fund to level the playing field but not remove the advantages of any company's longevity as a leader in their respected field(s). Join RW ‘WE’ transitioning from FEAR OF POLLUTION to ZERO POLLUTION. Make your life healthier & simpler with RW ‘WE' -cycling for life. ‘IF’ YOU ARE alive…YOU ARE a leader…& RW ‘WE' will follow your lead in re-cycling YOUR earth. Condé Nast Traveler, IS our ‘lead’ launch pad for making RW ‘WE' your ‘reality’. Humanity is ready. Are you…ready to join the global-cycle tribe? [RW WE, estimates 70,000USD startup; 1 yr tour & website]

Describe your work as a social innovator (150 words max)

My work, in (n=social) ovation: to understand/innovate where humanity went off course, to grasp/innovate the significance of collective observation, to be an example of communicating/innovating ‘with’ others by being a better listener, to focus-on/innovate others’ gifts, so those gifts can transform the lives of any listener, to change/innovate my habits (even when they do not suit my wants) in order to better understand humanities needs. Last yet not least, to better the way for others to live off the grid [of control] & onto the earth grid freeing humanity from the ten-thousand-fear old trick of giving slaves more income, & rising prices, to “make” us all “believe” we’re free while oppressing us mentally with unnecessary propagandist media. ‘WE’ don't push the envelope; ‘WE’ mail it back to slave masters with messages of love in the face of persecution. Sow, if I am you. Are you me, reaping RW WE?

Please send me more information about Conde Nast Traveler and special offers

Yes, I would like more information about Conde Nast Traveler and special offers.

By Your Side

Created on 07/10/2009 by Sandra R

 

 

About You

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Section 1: About You

First Name

Sandra

Last Name

Ringelstein

Website

Organization

Country

United States

Section 2: About Your Organization

Organization Name

Organization Website

Organization Phone

Organization Address

Organization Country

United States

Your idea

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Are you a traveler or travel company?

No

Name Your Project

By Your Side

Country your work focuses on

n/a

What is the likely impact of your idea? (150 words max)

The likely impact is relationships formed, the world experienced with the hope that those who now are able to travel will encourage others to, for friendships to be formed, for mentorship’s to develop, for those without opportunity to see, the possibility to understand, for long term social ‘movement’, for sustainable development; for development through the eyes of the resident, having experienced what is outside their region because they learned through the doing. To form new ideas through the experience.

Why is promoting global travel and engagement important? What makes your idea innovative? (200 words max)

While global networking is rampant evidenced by the fact that I can Skype, tweet or text from my PC to my son sitting on the floor of a bus, on his back pack on a dirt road in Kenya, most of those sitting on the bus with him have never left their area. Where some are more educationally or economically privileged, politically savvy, and socially confident, others don’t know where their next meal is coming from or how to obtain medical treatment for their family and can only dream of what life is outside of their domain. Travel, with guidance, proper immunization, and mentorship has the possibility of encouraging those in developing nations and remote areas of developed nations to see beyond their condition. This idea is innovative because while those more fortunate have been able to go to developing nations (NGOs, Missions, Medical treatment), the ‘rescue’ is one sided. Those from the ‘inside’ should go, travel, see, learn, and rally the experience (sustainable resources, education, culture, adventure pursuits). It is a fresh look at how to help from within and develop partnerships through shared experience.

Describe Your Idea

            To partner, thru a recruiting program & internet ‘matching’ system, willing & experienced travelers with new ‘friends’ around the globe to travel together.  By uniting a travel host with a travel partner, providing companionship & guidance, giving the new traveler opportunity for growth through a travel experience not otherwise possible. 

What would it take to launch or spread your idea? How much would it cost to make your idea a reality? (150 words max)

I have not yet researched the cost at this 'idea' stage. BYS would act as the agent, much like an on line dating service, for would-be travelers, offering a place to meet and offering travel at a significant discount for travel partners. Partners will always be an experienced traveler with a less experienced one.
The program will be advertised by travel agencies, on line travel programs, airlines, hotel chains and other travel related companies. By signing on with BYS, more experienced travelers are matched with those who desire to travel from their geographic locale and agree to meet via an internet match/banking system. Those who desire to be partnered with those more experienced travelers will do so individually directly to the website or be recommended by a variety of hosts such as universities or NGOs.
Upon a ‘match’, travel partnerships will develop. Written correspondence will be necessary and the commencement of a travel relationship.
It will be necessary to secure both corporate and government sponsorship and recruit travel agents/carriers/retailers to sponsor this newest form of global social networking……

Describe your work as a social innovator (150 words max)

Today, my son traveled from Tanzania into Kenya, with his friend Frank. Frank is from a village outside of Kampala, Uganda and has never traveled outside of the Kampala area.
Together, Zak and Frank traveled thru Kenya and into Tanzania and together they climbed Mt Meru. Tired but very fulfilled by their shared experience and 3 day climb, they boarded their bus bound for Kenya and their ultimate destination, Kampala, Uganda. Frank slept as Zak texted me about his travels. Together, by each others side, the journey brought shared experience, joy and has, hopefully opened the door for Frank to leave his village again and encourage others to do the same.

While my professional life includes working for a private firm in water/wastewater and empowering woman through the birth process, I am a social innovator because we encourage and empower others to live such experiences, to meet others where they are at and to appreciate travel, education and all persons, cultures and religions by hosting others in our home and extending opportunities for such encounters through travel.

Please send me more information about Conde Nast Traveler and special offers

Yes, I would like more information about Conde Nast Traveler and special offers.

MARIA MOTHER OF CHARITY RELIEF HOME

Created on 06/24/2009 by Mary Lusambo

ALLEVIATING POVERTY IN MY COMMUNITY THROUGH EDUCATION EMPOWERMENT BY OFFERING FREE EDUCATION  AND INTRODUCING COMMUNITY SURVIVAL SKILLS FOR THE VULNERABLE.

About You

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Location

Project Street Address

Mungwi Road

Project City

Kasama

Project Province/State

Northern Province

Project Postal/Zip Code

+260/10101

Project Country

Zambia

Your idea

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Country your work focuses on:

ZAMBIA

Website URL

What stage is your project in?

Operating for 1-5 years

YouTube Upload

What is the average monthly household income in your target community, in US Dollars?

<$50

Name Your Project

MARIA MOTHER OF CHARITY RELIEF HOME

Describe Your Idea

ALLEVIATING POVERTY IN MY COMMUNITY THROUGH EDUCATION EMPOWERMENT BY OFFERING FREE EDUCATION  AND INTRODUCING COMMUNITY SURVIVAL SKILLS FOR THE VULNERABLE.

Innovation

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Describe your idea in fewer than 50 words.

EMPOWER THE VULNERABLE SOCIALLY, ACADEMICALLY, ECONOMICALLY, POLITICALLY AND SPIRITUALLY SO THAT THEY COMPETE FREELY IN ALL LIFE CHALLENGES.

What makes your idea unique?

MY IDEA IS INDIGENOUS AND I AM DIRECTLY INVOLVED IN COMMUNITY PARTICIPATION.I AM PART OF MY COMMUNITY AND SO I AM ABLE TO INTERACT FREELY WITH THE TARGET GROUP AND GET THE FIRST FEEL OF WHAT AFFECTS THEM. I RELY ON WHAT I HAVE IN THE HANDS TO ACHIEVE WHAT I HOPE FOR.

I BELIEVE IN LOVE AND SELF CONVICTION WHEN DEALING WITH THESE SOULS AND I AM THEREFORE ABLE TO HELP THEM JOYOUSLY.

I HAVE MANAGED TO MAKE GROW THE CHARITY WITHOUT ANY KIND OF SUPPORT FROM EXTERNAL OR INDEED INTERNAL SOURCES. I HAVE MANAGED TO PRODUCE BREADWINNERS ALREADY WHO ARE AN ENCOURAGEMENT TO THIS NOBLE CAUSE.THIS IDEA HAS ACHIEVED ALOT.

THE SCHOOL HAS INTRODUCED AN ADULT LITERACY CENTER WHICH HAS SEEN A GOOD NUMBER OF PARENTS ENROLLED INTO DIFFERENT GRADES. THEY HAVE LIKED THE IDEA AND THEIR ACADEMIC RESPONSE IS POSITIVE.

WE ARE RUNNING OUR LESSONS USING AN EASY LEARNING TOOL CALLED"BREAKTHROUGH TO LITERACY". THIS IS A SYSTEM WHICH EMBRACES LEARNING IN A VERNACULAR LANGUAGE. THIS MAKES READING AND WRITING VERY EASY EVEN WHEN IT IS INTRODUCED IN AN OFFICIAL LANGUAGE.
BOTH ADULT PUPILS AND THE REGULAR PUPILS HAVE FOUND THIS TYPE OF LEARNING TO BE VERY INTERESTING.

What is your area of work? (Please check as many as apply.)

Children & Youth , At risk youth , Behavioral issues , Boys' development , Child care , Child exploitation , Child labor , Child protection , Early childhood development , Education , Education reform , Girls' development , Mentorship , Play , Youth development , Youth leadership , Development & Prosperity , Adult education , Business , Communications , Community development , Consumer protection , Corporate social responsibility , Economic development , Employment , Energy , Fundraising , Globalization , Housing , Hunger , Income generation , Information technology , Infrastructure , Labor , Mentorship , Networking , Poverty alleviation , Rural development , Scholarships and grants , Social Enterprise , Sustainable development , Technology , Rural , Water , HIV/AIDS , Recreation , Sports , Substance abuse , Human Rights & Peace , Abuse and violence , Child exploitation , Civil rights , Conflict resolution , Gender equity , Human trafficking , Hunger , Indigenous cultures , Intercultural relations , Men's issues , Racial equality , Security , Tolerance , Vulnerable populations , Women's issues , Public Participation & Engagement , Citizen participation , Citizen sector , Corruption , Cultural preservation , Ethics , Intergenerational relations , Law , Mentoring , Public policy , Social work , Spirituality , Sports , Transparency , Volunteerism , Women's Issues , Youth leadership.

What impact have you had?

GREAT IMPACT AS I SEE SOCIAL, SPIRITUAL AND ECONOMIC TRANSFORMATION IN THE LIVES OF MY TARGET GROUPS.

Describe the primary problem(s) that your project is addressing.

POVERTY ALLEVIATION

Describe the steps that your organization is taking to make your project successful.

EMBARKED ON A SCHOOL PROJECT WHICH OFFERS FREE EDUCATION TO THE VULNERABLE CHILDREN AND ADULTS.
LINKING THE PROJECT WITH POSSIBLE FUNDING AGENCIES WHO SHALL HELP US GROW STABLE INCOME GENERATING ACTIVITIES.

Impact

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What will it take for your project to be successful over the next three years? Success in Year 1:

INTRODUCTION OF A MODERN BOARDING FACILITY ACCESSIBLE BY FEE-PAYING STUDENTS AS AN INCOME GENERATING ACTIVITY ALSO BENEFITING PUPILS WHO CAN NOT ACCESS THE SCHOOL DUE TO THE DISTANCE BETWEEN THE SCHOOL AND THEIR HOMES.

Success in Year 2:

INTRODUCTION OF A SKILLS TRAINING CENTER EQUIPPED WITH WOOD/METAL WORKSHOP MACHINERY, SEWING MACHINES, KNITTING MACHINES ETC.. FOR SERVICING THE VULNERABLE BUT INDIRECTLY ACTING AS AN INCOME GENERATING ACTIVITY.

Success in Year 3:

INTRODUCTION OF MODERN SOCIAL AMENITIES WHICH SHALL ATTRACT MANY FEE-PAYING PUPILS TO THE SCHOOL THEREBY BROADENING THE INCOME BASE FOR THE GOOD OF SELF-SUSTENANCE.

Do you have a business plan or strategic plan? (yes/no)

NO
THE DUTCH STUDENTS AT WORLD SCHOOL ARE DEVELOPING A BUSINESS PLAN AND A PROJECT PROPOSAL FOR US.

What are the three most important actions needed to grow your initiative or organization? STEP 1:

COMPLETE THE CONSTRUCTION AND FURNISHING OF THE SCHOOL INFRASTRUCTURE IN ORDER TO EXPAND THE SCHOOL INTO A FULL FLEDGED SCHOOL.

What are the three most important actions needed to grow your initiative or organization? STEP 2:

EQUIP THE SCHOOL WITH MODERN EQUIPMENT SUCH AS SCIENCE AND COMPUTER LABORATORIES IN ORDER TO EXPOSE OUR PUPILS TO FULL TECHNOLOGY AND ALSO ATTRACT MANY FEE-PAYERS WHO ARE THE MAIN SOURCE OF OUR INCOME.

What are the three most important actions needed to grow your initiative or organization? STEP 3:

ELECTRIFY THE SCHOOL SO THAT THE PUPILS WILL BE ABLE TO CONNECT TO THE GLOBAL NETWORK THROUGH INTERNET FACILITIES AND ALSO SEE THE PUPILS ACCESS MODERN EDUCATIONAL EQUIPMENTS WHICH NEED THE USE OF POWER(ELECTRICITY).

Describe the expected results of these actions.

EXTEND THE LEARNING OPPORTUNITY TO AS MANY VULNERABLE CHILDREN AND ADULTS THEREBY ERADICATING POVERTY IN MANY LIVELIHOODS.

What was the defining moment that led you to this innovation?

I GREW UP IN THESE COMMUNITIES AND MY PARENTS STRUGGLED TO GIVE ME AND THE REST OF MY FAMILY MEMBERS THE HUMBLE EDUCATION THAT WE HAVE TODAY. I HAVE PERSONALLY TESTED POVERTY AND SO I KNOW ITS IMPACT IN UNEXPLAINABLE TERMS.

Tell us about the social innovator behind this idea.

THE SOCIAL INNOVATOR BEHIND THIS IDEA IS THAT POVERTY WHICH HAS STRICKEN MOST HOMES IN MY COMMUNITY CAUSING YOUTHS TO RESORT TO SOCIAL VICES SUCH PROMISCUITY, THEFT,DRUNKENNESS AND THEREBY BRINGING FORTH INCURABLE DISEASES SUCH AS HIV/AIDS, SHALL BE REDUCED.

How did you first hear about Changemakers?

I FIRST HEARD ABOUT CHANGE MAKERS THROUGH "TEACH A MAN TO FISH" WHO SENT ME AN INVITATION TO PARTICIPATE IN THIS COMPETITION.

This Entry is about (Issues)

Sustainability

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What would prevent your project from being a success?

LACK OF INCOME GENERATING ACTIVITIES AND LACK OF INFORMATION LEADING TO POSSIBLE FUNDING AGENCIES.

Financing source

N

If yes, provide organization name.

N/A

How long has this organization been operating? (i.e. less than a year; 1-5 years; more than 5 years)

1-5 YEARS

Does your organization have a Board of Directors or an Advisory Board?

YES

Does your organization have any non-monetary partnerships with NGOs? (yes/no)

NO

Does your organization have any non-monetary partnerships with businesses? (yes/no)

NO

The Story

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Does your organization have any non-monetary partnerships with government? (yes/no)

YES

Please tell us more about how these partnerships are critical to the success of your innovation.

THE ZAMBIAN GOVERNMENT IS A STAKEHOLDER IN ALL EDUCATION RELATED BUSINESSES. IT ACTS AS A REGULATORY BOARD THROUGH THE MINISTRY OF EDUCATION AND IT INSPECTS ALL BUSINESSES TO MAKE SURE THAT THEY ARE IN CONFORMITY WITH THE SET RULES AND REGULATIONS.
GOVERNMENT ALSO SUPPORTS THE SCHOOLS BY ISSUANCE OF PRACTICING CERTIFICATES AND WHICH ARE AUDITED ANNUALLY. THEY ALSO PROVIDE US WITH TEACHING AIDS LIKE BOOKS(READERS) AND THEY INVITE US TO EDUCATIONAL WORKSHOPS AND SEMINARS.

How many people will your project serve annually?

100-1000

What is the total number of employees and total number of volunteers at your organization?

1 PRINCIPAL
1 SENIOR TEACHER
12 TEACHERS
5 CDEs

What is your organization's business classification?

Non-profit/NGO/citizen sector organization

Have you received funding from any of the following groups? (Please check as many as apply.)

Visions of Youth

Created on 06/1/2009 by Stewart A. Photography

Our idea is to compile portraits and short statements from Pittsburgh youth and with their input, create a digital slideshow that will be projected on public buildings throughout Allegheny county. The student statements will focus on young people's ability to think globally and analyze their place and identity within their society, their school, their neighborhood, their state, their country, as well as, within the world.

About You

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Location

Project Street Address

809 Saint James Apt. 2

Project City

Pittsburgh

Project Province/State

PA

Project Postal/Zip Code

15232

Project Country

United States

Your idea

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Name Your Project

Visions of Youth

Describe Your Idea

Our idea is to compile portraits and short statements from Pittsburgh youth and with their input, create a digital slideshow that will be projected on public buildings throughout Allegheny county. The student statements will focus on young people's ability to think globally and analyze their place and identity within their society, their school, their neighborhood, their state, their country, as well as, within the world.

Innovation

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What is your idea? What makes your project innovative? Why is it important?

The innovation of this project lies in the belief that youth view the world in a much more sincere and clear way than adults. It is common knowledge that as adults, we can not help but view the world through certain societal, cultural, religious, and economic filters. Since children have not experienced many of the life-changing events that begin to form our filters, it is our belief that their thoughts and feelings are more altruistic and pure, and command the attention and respect of adults.

Impact

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What will be the impact of your idea?

It is our intention to show children that not only are their thoughts and feelings valid, but also that they can utilize art (both photography and writing) to express their sentiments to their peers, their families, their neighborhoods, and indeed, the world. It is our hope that this project will instill in children the ideal that many adults know to be true, that is, that that youth are the future of our societies.
We need to engage adults in the Pittsburgh area in a socio-communal dialogue that will address the issues facing the youth of today. By confronting the general public with these portraits and statements addressing youth issues, we hope to enliven the community's interest and activism in these aforementioned issues.

What will it take to launch your idea? How will you secure community support and youth participation?

In order to launch this project, we will need a team of eight qualified, motivated people willing to dedicate approximately 20 hours per week for approximately 3 months to meet with school officials, execute photo-shoots with students, document student's statements, compile and archive all files and resources, produce a digital slideshow and functional website. This team of people must have a passion for working with youth, as well as, a sincere desire to have a hand in creating social change. This project will require $25,000 in labor and resources, as outlined in our completed budget (available upon request.)
Our team will garner community support by contacting and engaging approximately 24 schools across 7 school districts throughout allegheny county. The schools that we have chosen were based on a combination of PSSA 2008 math and verbal scores, geographic location, tax brackets, gender ratios, as well as, ethnic make up in order to address as many varied issues from as diverse a student body as is possible within allegheny county. We intend to partner with the administration and faculty of these schools so as to reach the maximum number of interested students.

This Entry is about (Issues)

Sustainability

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We are looking for ideas from people who can make them happen. Tell us about yourself or your team.

As the team leader for this project, I bring many years of youth leadership and school administration familiarity to the table. In 2003 I founded the first GSA(Gay Straight Alliance) in a public school in the state of Pennsylvania to be recognized by GLSEN(the Gay Lesbian Straight Education Network) and the HRC (the Human Rights Campaign.) In the past, I have been a guest panelist at the True Colors Conference, a national LGBT youth leadership conference, and I was a finalist for the position of State Representative for GLSEN's annual Day of Silence.
Over the last ten years I have been heavily involved in all levels of theatrical production. My time with different theater groups has taught me how to be highly effective, how to inspire and motivate others in my team, and how to accomplish our goals in a timely fashion.
Recently, I founded the photographic club, Lightworks, at The Art Institute of Pittsburgh. Through teamwork we held an excellent exhibition of student work, ventured into fundraising, and garnered support from our faculty and the student body.
I have chosen several members of my team, but more are needed. I intend to hold open interviews for individuals who are

Mug Shot: Personal Ceramics as Public Art

Created on 05/29/2009 by unionproject

Engaging youth voices in the future of the city, the Union Project will create 1,500 individual pieces of art with at risk youth to be distributed to the artists -- young people at risk -- and the surrounding community, rather than creating a single piece of art to be shown publicly, .

About You

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Location

Project Street Address

801 North Negley Avenue

Project City

Pittsburgh

Project Province/State

PA

Project Postal/Zip Code

15206

Project Country

United States

Your idea

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Name Your Project

Mug Shot: Personal Ceramics as Public Art

Describe Your Idea

Engaging youth voices in the future of the city, the Union Project will create 1,500 individual pieces of art with at risk youth to be distributed to the artists -- young people at risk -- and the surrounding community, rather than creating a single piece of art to be shown publicly, . The young artists will be asked to address an important central question: What is Your Dream for the Future?

The Union Project's Ceramics@UP (CUP) will work with 500 youth at risk, including youth transitioning out of foster care, to create three sets of 500 mugs to be distributed in three different ways. One set of 500 mugs will go directly to the youth artists. The second set of mugs will be given to all attendees of the Union Project's annual Martin Luther King Day, Jr. Celebration in January 2010. The third set of mugs will be given away at the Union Project's Eat UP café to the community, helping to enhance a customer base for the cafe which trains young men and women through our Youth Barista Program.

The mugs will be created using an award winning decal process refined by CUP staff over the past three years and recognized for its innovation by the Greater Pittsburgh Arts Council, American Craft Council, and Ceramics Monthly. This process allows any small piece of art to be transfered to a production pottery piece. The art can be one color or full color, and has no limits but size and the imagination of the young artists.

By distributing these pieces in multiple ways throughout the Pittsburgh community, and to the artists themselves, the project will validate their artistry while sharing their vision of the future, and opening up important cross communication with youth and their community.

Innovation

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What is your idea? What makes your project innovative? Why is it important?

"Mug Shot" takes the idea of public art and moves it from the usual idea of a large public piece to individual pieces of ceramic ware to be distributed to a wide range of people throughout Pittsburgh. Youth at risk, including youth aging out of the foster system, will have the opportunity to voice their vision of the future through the creation of individualized pieces.

Coffee mugs were chosen for this project as they symbolize shared conversation and the sharing of food, important modes of simple engagement in a larger community. These pieces will open up a dialogue about the importance of Pittsburgh's youth and their participation in creating a future vision for themselves and their city., This conversation will be held in large and small groups alike: from a discussion with the 500 community members participating in the Union Project's annual Martin Luther King, Jr. Day event to two individuals over a daily cup of coffee. “Mug Shot” will empower youth to begin and continue conversations about the city’s future with each other and their community at large. This project will also highlight the power of art in communities, as well as the important and impact of civic engagement at all ages.

Impact

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What will be the impact of your idea?

The impact of this project has multiple levels: - A nearly voiceless segment of the population -- youth currently in the foster system -- will have an opportunity for hands-on arts participation, and will have their voices heard by a larger, diverse population. -These youth will each have a tangible piece of art to take with them (one of the three mugs made from their artwork), allowing them to hold their vision of the future in their hands. -Youth interested in the process of ceramics making will also have the opportunity to volunteer at Ceramics@UP, creating a further connection to their art and the finished pieces, and gaining valuable artistic skills. –Youth will have the opportunity for civic engagement, realizing the value of engagement and its impact on the city at large. -Men and women throughout Pittsburgh will discuss and engage with the art, both through our Martin Luther King, Jr. Day celebration in January 2010 and the follow-up discussion series in February 2010.

What will it take to launch your idea? How will you secure community support and youth participation?

Union Project staff will work directly with youth to create art in Fall 2009. The Union Project has an existing relationship with the Allegheny County Department of Humans Services (DHS) through our Youth Barista Program. This partnership allows us to access interested youth fairly quickly and easily. Two-hour workshops will be held with youth, allowing them to create their art with the guidance of professional artists. The Union Project has a history of incredible community support, including approximately 1,000 volunteer hours given annually by community members. This project will be marketed to our community through our weekly e-blast, quarterly newsletters, and intensive schedule of community programming.

This Entry is about (Issues)

Sustainability

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We are looking for ideas from people who can make them happen. Tell us about yourself or your team.

The Union Project creates community by connecting neighbors and celebrating art and faith in common space. The Union Project encourages creative expression, promotes civic engagement, and connects neighborhoods through social enterprise, job training, and community programming.

Our social enterprises (businesses with a strong mission component) include:

• SPACE RENTAL: Below market rate use of spaces at the Union Project building by non-profits and community organizations, including Union Project tenant partners;
•CERAMICS@UP: A production pottery offering below market co-op space to all members and free co-op space to low income community members;
•EATUP CAFE: A full service cafe and training ground for the Youth Barista Program, training young men and women aging out of the foster system in Cafe and Food Service.

These enterprises are held together through the overall mission of the organization and our community programming, including monthly and annual events which engage the community and bring thousands together each year to celebrate our diverse neighborhoods and create a vision for Pittsburgh's East End communities.

Global Art Expeditions

Created: 05/21/09 by gina paoli

Location

main san francisco
United States
See map: Google Maps

Best idea to spread imaginative creative constructive community developement around the world, not just in developing nations but at home where we have similar social issues and poverty.

great work.

good luck

Community Activism Travel by Art Aids Art

Created on 05/21/2009 by ArtAidsArt

About You

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Location

Project Street Address

6 Gaba Street

Project City

Khayelitsha

Project Province/State

Western Cape

Project Postal/Zip Code

Project Country

South Africa

Your idea

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Name Your Project

Community Activism Travel by Art Aids Art

Describe Your Idea

Innovation

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Are you a traveler or a travel company?

Travel company.

Tell us your idea. What makes your idea innovative?

While the demand for socially conscious tourism is growing, existing programs don’t take full advantage of experiences before, during and afterward. Art Aids Art’s sustainable tourism model – Community Activism Travel – is unique in engaging travelers and their home communities from the moment a trip is planned, transforming an individual’s excursion into a shared experience benefiting a network of active learners.

Meet our traveler, Ella. Instead of traveling solo to South Africa, Ella takes her community “with her.” Before departure, Ella reads her assigned learning materials. She shares insights, solicits questions and receives input from her Travel Team, a supportive group of friends, family and local school children (recruited with Art Aids Art’s help).

Once she departs, Ella stays in touch through video blog entries, creating a “virtual travel” experience for the Travel Team. Ella takes part in education and small business projects at Home in the ‘Hood, a thriving community center, working side by side with residents of Khayelitsha, and gaining a deep understanding of their entrepreneurial efforts to alleviate poverty. Returning home, she now acts as a Global Advocate.

Impact

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What is the likely impact of your idea?

Art Aids Art is transforming travel into a catalytic experience for economic development, community education, and international exchange. Travelers become Global Advocates by engaging deeply with a particular community during their visit and return home as social entrepreneurism ambassadors.

As a Global Advocate, Ella represents Khayelitsha with understanding and vision. She shares her experience with the Travel Team at a homecoming fundraiser party, introducing them to Khayelitsha’s handmade art (shipped by Art Aids Art). The group brainstorms about local venues at which to market the products. Ella visits the school classes that followed her trip and brings letters from their sister school in Khayelitsha. With her return, Ella has generated income for and deepened relationships with the Khayelitsha community, while creating opportunities for ongoing communication and collaboration.

What would it take to launch or spread your idea?

Art Aids Art has been developing Community Activism Travel since 2003, building relationships with schools, collectives and tourism operations. In 2008, after 3 years of fundraising and collaboration, Art Aids Art opened Home in the ‘Hood Community Center in Khayelitsha, the first such American-led project in the Western Cape. Four microbusinesses (Finalists in Intuit’s Small Business Competition), including a tea shop, art boutique, tour service and bed and breakfast, will launch by year’s end.

A multimedia South Africa curriculum is being created for elementary and high schools, to be utilized by Global Advocates. With the exception of a website and second tour van, all elements are in place. Cost: $15,000.

Given demand for responsible tourism, and the relational nature (word of mouth marketing) of the U.S. portion of the program, we plan for sustainability and expansion.

This Entry is about (Issues)

Sustainability

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Describe yourself as a social innovator.

On our last day in South Africa in 2002, my colleague and I met remarkable teachers at a center for malnourished children and, being educators, provided them with literacy training. Inspired by the teachers’ responsiveness, we returned to Khayelitsha township to collaborate further, bringing luggage filled with their requests: children’s books and black dolls.

Upon leaving, our luggage was again full: this time with beaded dolls purchased to support Khayelitsha parents earning a living through beadwork. We hosted a party, selling the dolls and sending profits to secure the artists a workspace -- a shipping container, which they converted into a studio.

Now we travel through our non-profit, Art Aids Art, not only to teach, but to promote economic development. In the U.S., we sell at private homes (no overhead!) and from our website, earning thousands of dollars for Khayelitsha artists.

Changing the World 101

Created: 04/21/09 by Kris Herbst

An interview with David Bornstein, author of How to Change the World: Social Entrepreneurs and the Power of New Ideas.

Bornstein shares his thoughts about why many big ideas are little known, how everyone has the ability to be a changemaker, and what stories have inspired him the most.

The Expertise of the Elderly

Created: 04/17/09 by Anonymous

Want to learn chess? How to play samba music on the drums? Some smooth Latin dance moves? Ideally, you go to the experts -- people who have been doing these things for years and years.

Housing for All, Even on the Moon: Not a Pie in the Sky Idea for the Founder of Habitat for Humanity

Created: 04/16/09 by Anonymous

Millard Fuller, the founder of Habitat for Humanity and one of the world's great social entrepreneurs, cultivated the idea of building affordable housing through the Christian ministries and watched it grow to astronomical proportions. Today, the world-renowned organization has built over 300,000 houses across the globe, giving more than 1.5 million people a safe place to call home. Here, the celebrated humanitarian speaks candidly about working to eliminate poverty housing throughout the world.

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