In less than 100 words, what is your idea?:
Users contribute ideas as to small ACTIONS one person can do to make a difference in their community. Individuals can then pledge their time or money to undertake these short/ medium/ long term, real world, location-based commitments, and are incentivised to do so.
These commitments are then grouped according to existing mainstream interests (eg sport/ physical activity, art/ written word etc) and targeted to relevant groups (eg local sports clubs/ art schools etc) to encourage everyday ‘non-activists’ to take part. Existing social media/ bookmarking will bring new and repeat users to the website, through the use of an ACTION tag.
What is the social need or challenge your idea could address?:
A feeling of apathy or disengagement among communities swamped with constant news of significant global problems such as poverty or climate change.
What’s really new about your idea?:
This idea leverages existing online and offline networks to foster engagement, connection, momentum and finally, ACTION. In doing so, it helps to solve an array of user-identified social problems; locally, nationally and potentially, globally.
Comments
Re: Connecting communities: solving social problems one ...
I like this one. I can imagine using it already.
Re: Connecting communities: solving social problems one ...
Love this.
In addition to "What is the social need or challenge your idea could address?"...
This also helps organise & fully utilise untapped resources (skills, interests, gifts, time, money etc) available in communities at large, and channel them toward causes, problem-solving & tangible solutions. Many good ideas and intentions remain just that; not acted upon because of the challenges or a lack of ease in harnessing necessary resources. This makes it easier to match resources up with ideas & problem-solving efforts.
It can give people a greater sense of meaning to know that they are contributing in a real way to something that makes a difference.
After all, as Margaret Mead famously said, "Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world; indeed, it's the only thing that ever has." I see this idea facilitating little "action-groups" that come together to do something about the things they care about.