Dowser
We are living through a historic shift: millions of people around the globe are self-organizing to solve problems that have been mishandled by traditional institutions. Most of this problem-solving activity is hidden from view, however. Typically, the news focuses on what went wrong yesterday, not on what can be done to build a better future. People are over-informed about problems, but under-informed about solutions to achieve positive change.
Dowser’s mission is to make these solutions visible: to become the first independent media outlet dedicated to covering the field of social innovation. In its first iteration, Dowser will disseminate trustworthy news and stories through our website and distribution partnerships. We distinguish ourselves from resources that currently exist in many ways: We illustrate how people are building solutions to social problems. We are interested in ideas and practical details told in an entertaining way; we will reach mainstream users, not just a niche readership; in order to gain traction with the mainstream media as a whole, we will move away from framing stories of social innovation as ‘good news,’ or stories of ‘heroes’ as some news outlets do. We will carry out our goals through interviews, audio slideshows, videos, and related articles that uncover stories of social change.
About You
Section 1: About You
First Name
David
Last Name
Bornstein
Organization
Dowser
Country
United States
Section 2: About Your Organization
Organization Name
Dowser
Organization Website
Organization Phone
(646) 719-1443
Organization Address
148 West 77th Street, 4B, New York, NY 10024
Organization Country
United States
Your idea
Name Your Project
Dowser
What is your idea? What makes it innovative? Why is it important?
We are living through a historic shift: millions of people around the globe are self-organizing to solve problems that have been mishandled by traditional institutions. Most of this problem-solving activity is hidden from view, however. Typically, the news focuses on what went wrong yesterday, not on what can be done to build a better future. People are over-informed about problems, but under-informed about solutions to achieve positive change.
Dowser’s mission is to make these solutions visible: to become the first independent media outlet dedicated to covering the field of social innovation. In its first iteration, Dowser will disseminate trustworthy news and stories through our website and distribution partnerships. We distinguish ourselves from resources that currently exist in many ways: We illustrate how people are building solutions to social problems. We are interested in ideas and practical details told in an entertaining way; we will reach mainstream users, not just a niche readership; in order to gain traction with the mainstream media as a whole, we will move away from framing stories of social innovation as ‘good news,’ or stories of ‘heroes’ as some news outlets do. We will carry out our goals through interviews, audio slideshows, videos, and related articles that uncover stories of social change.
Will you launch your idea as a business or non-profit?
Non-profit
Country your work focuses on
United States
What will be the impact of your idea?
College students and young professionals will gain awareness about new ideas and approaches, specific organizations, role models, and emerging trends that will inform life choices and career goals. They will gain access to practical information about how others are solving problems, building organizations and causing change.
Social innovators will have an opportunity to tell their stories and share their knowledge. Dowser will help to ensure that new ideas circulate through society. Stories will be independent, not promotional. However, we believe that in many cases, they will help organizations gain influence, attract talent, inform other changemakers, and possibly assist in raising funds.
Dowser will also shape the lives and work of:
• High school students interested in causing social change (so called Youth Venturers);
• Mid-career professionals looking to cause changes from within their companies;
• People seeking involvement in social change activities in lieu of retirement (a.k.a. Encore Careers);
• Journalists, editors, academics and foundations who will use Dowser to stay informed about current trends in social entrepreneurship.
Who will help you develop your idea? Why are you the one to make this happen?
David Bornstein, Dowser’s Founder/Chief Storyteller, has specialized in communicating ideas that advance social innovation for over 17 years. He is the author of “How to Change the World: Social Entrepreneurs and the Power of New Ideas”, “The Price of a Dream” and the forthcoming, “Social Entrepreneurship: What Everyone Needs to Know.” He will lead fundraising efforts, develop strategic partnerships, and oversee Dowser content.
Emily Spivack, Dowser’s Project Director, spent six years working as the Founder/Executive Director of Shop Well with You, an organization that helps women with cancer improve their body image and quality of life. Emily will direct and produce Dowser’s website rollout and implement the infrastructure and systems to grow the site.
Manuel Rosaldo, Dowser’s Project Manager, has worked as a labor/community organizer with UNITE HERE! and as a research assistant to David Bornstein. Manuel will manage site content creation and develop partnerships.
Dowser works with freelance writers, editors, multimedia producers and web developers. We have cultivated relationships with networks of innovators including Ashoka, Echoing Green, New Profit, Skoll, and Draper Richard
How much will it cost to launch your idea? (This can be an estimate)
This project needs an estimated $250,000 for the 2010 fiscal year. These funds will support the ongoing production of Dowser’s content including but not limited to articles, interviews, videos, audio slideshows. Funds will also enable user testing and related website enhancements and modifications as well as the staff required to develop partnerships and disseminate content.
Dowser will launch its beta site with 20-35 pieces of content in February 2009, and after incorporating user-testing updates to the site, we will make multiple posts daily.
Dowser is currently under the fiscal sponsorship of Civic Ventures, a 501(c)3 organization. It has received support from the Skoll Foundation, the Kellner Foundation, the William James Foundation, the Peery Foundation and the Jenesis Group. During 2010, we expect to be primarily funded through grants. However, we will be exploring a range of revenue generation models during 2010, including advertising, paid sponsorship, individual support and subscription fees. As Dowser develops, we will consider shifting to a social business format, either an L3C (low-profit, limited liability) company or a conventional for-profit legal structure.
This Entry is about (Issues)
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 | 122 weeks agoa. b said: Please explain why your idea/project, is suited/perfect to using... 'media' ...to bring about A BETTER "WORLD"...the entire planet...? ... about this Competition Entry. - read more > |
| 122 weeks agoDavid Bornstein submitted this idea. |
