You may be interested in getting involved with the campaigns that See Change Global supports, but where do you begin? The best way to get started is to educate yourself.
Plenty of partnerships focus on poverty alleviation and corporate social responsibility. The world is becoming more interconnected and people are creating more and more innovative ways to tackle the greatest social and economic challenges.
Read about these types of ideas and organizations by starting with this list:
Online communities
Social Edge http://www.socialedge.com
Great resource for social entrepreneurs (or those interested in social entrepenuership). The site has blogs about pioneers in micro-finance and business solutions to poverty as well as forums that discuss topics related to sustaining these ventures. Hear from others experienced in the field.
Causecast: http://www.causecast.org/
An online platform to connect people who support important causes. Organized by issue. Also has news updates and information on organizations.
TED: Ideas Worth Spreading http://www.ted.com
Free videos of leaders and individuals with inspiring ideas and talks about topics important to humanity.
Organizations
Charity: Water http://www.charitywater.org
non-profit bringing clean and safe drinking water to developing nations.
KIVA http://www.kiva.org
Connects lenders to local entrepreneurs.
ASHOKA http://www.ashoka.org
Supports social entrepreneurs and their work.
ACUMEN http://www.acumenfund.org
Builds enterprises that alleviate poverty and deliver affordable goods and services to the poor.
These are great places to start and will lead you to other resources. Enjoy!
Sunday, April 19, 2009
Wednesday, April 15, 2009
Internews - Empowering Local Media Worldwide
If you are interested in finding out more about the importance of local media in development check out Internews (http://www.internews.org).
Internews is an international non-governmental organization that aims to strengthen local media so that people can access information and have their voices heard. Internews runs programs that build the capacity of communities to sustain their own information systems.
The organization trains local residents in media coverage and reporting, supports the production of independent media in emerging democracies, provides equipment and advocates for fair media laws. They use journalism to influence health and environmental policies, to encourage women's leadership and mainstream women's issues into media, and to improve access to information, governance and transparency.
Internews has started a humanitarian news service in Gaza that supports three news stations. In response to the recent attacks, these stations have informed victims about relief services and reconstruction activities in time for them to get appropriate care.
The news channels host discussions about how international projects and their partners aid the reconstruction process. They also provide information and education about health services, security, water and sanitation issues.
For many people in Gaza, the information provided by the news services have helped them live through the crisis, providing them with pertinent information that otherwise might not have been accessible quickly enough, if at all. clearly information does save lives.
link to the news brief http://www.internews.org/prs/2009/20090407_gaza.shtm
Internews is an international non-governmental organization that aims to strengthen local media so that people can access information and have their voices heard. Internews runs programs that build the capacity of communities to sustain their own information systems.
The organization trains local residents in media coverage and reporting, supports the production of independent media in emerging democracies, provides equipment and advocates for fair media laws. They use journalism to influence health and environmental policies, to encourage women's leadership and mainstream women's issues into media, and to improve access to information, governance and transparency.
Internews has started a humanitarian news service in Gaza that supports three news stations. In response to the recent attacks, these stations have informed victims about relief services and reconstruction activities in time for them to get appropriate care.
The news channels host discussions about how international projects and their partners aid the reconstruction process. They also provide information and education about health services, security, water and sanitation issues.
For many people in Gaza, the information provided by the news services have helped them live through the crisis, providing them with pertinent information that otherwise might not have been accessible quickly enough, if at all. clearly information does save lives.
link to the news brief http://www.internews.org/prs/2009/20090407_gaza.shtm
Tuesday, April 14, 2009
Participatory Media and Good Governance
Thai Protests Reveal Deep Divisions - http://www.nytimes.com/2009/04/15/world/asia/15bangkok.html?emc=eta1
Since the military coup in 2006, Thailand has gone through three Prime Ministers. Protesters have gotten progressively more charged since the coup, and the most violent one yet ended on Tuesday Morning.
Civil unrest in Thailand is divided among the People's Alliance for Democracy (royalists and military supporters) and the Red Shirts (farmers, small business men and supporters of PM Thaksin). Although there is opposition between these two groups, in the end, most Thais simply want a functioning democracy and a restoration of fair elections. The Thai media has been accused of being biased towards the government, and the government has a tight grip on the media, often limiting exposure of the Red Shirts.
This conflict is an example of the importance of free and transparent media in democracy. The Thais protest to be heard and to highlight the ways in which their government thwarts democracy. They protest because they feel cut off from the decisions that affect them.
Participatory media (the involvement of citizens) is an essential part of the equation for good governance and thus a functioning, progressive society. Free media holds governments accountable for their actions and unveils corruption. As a government gains tighter control on the media, however, citizens find fewer channels for their voices to be heard and to challenge discriminatory policies. This is why free and transparent media is so important, to prevent the loss of these channels and to strengthen democracy.
Since the military coup in 2006, Thailand has gone through three Prime Ministers. Protesters have gotten progressively more charged since the coup, and the most violent one yet ended on Tuesday Morning.
Civil unrest in Thailand is divided among the People's Alliance for Democracy (royalists and military supporters) and the Red Shirts (farmers, small business men and supporters of PM Thaksin). Although there is opposition between these two groups, in the end, most Thais simply want a functioning democracy and a restoration of fair elections. The Thai media has been accused of being biased towards the government, and the government has a tight grip on the media, often limiting exposure of the Red Shirts.
This conflict is an example of the importance of free and transparent media in democracy. The Thais protest to be heard and to highlight the ways in which their government thwarts democracy. They protest because they feel cut off from the decisions that affect them.
Participatory media (the involvement of citizens) is an essential part of the equation for good governance and thus a functioning, progressive society. Free media holds governments accountable for their actions and unveils corruption. As a government gains tighter control on the media, however, citizens find fewer channels for their voices to be heard and to challenge discriminatory policies. This is why free and transparent media is so important, to prevent the loss of these channels and to strengthen democracy.
Monday, April 13, 2009
Welcome
Thanks for checking out the See Change Global blog. This is the place to go for updates on our projects and for information about innovative ideas for social change.
We're about making connections and taking action; we link people actively improving the lives of communities and individuals around the world with those who will support their efforts. By using interactive media to tell stories, disseminate ideas and inspire action we strive to create a forum for people passionate about making a difference. This will be a portal in which seeds of action are planted and spread.
What can I get out of this blog?
For one, by reading this blog you are tapping into an interactive community. Given the plethora of organizations devoted to community development and the common good, this blog aims to highlight specific social issues and campaigns so that the information can be taken in. It's a way to familiarize yourself with the work of social entrepreneurs, listen to stories, stay up to date on news relating to social policies, engage with others passionate about promoting action and to inspire yourself to get involved.
Thanks for your interest in our work! Please visit us again to join our community for change.
We're about making connections and taking action; we link people actively improving the lives of communities and individuals around the world with those who will support their efforts. By using interactive media to tell stories, disseminate ideas and inspire action we strive to create a forum for people passionate about making a difference. This will be a portal in which seeds of action are planted and spread.
What can I get out of this blog?
For one, by reading this blog you are tapping into an interactive community. Given the plethora of organizations devoted to community development and the common good, this blog aims to highlight specific social issues and campaigns so that the information can be taken in. It's a way to familiarize yourself with the work of social entrepreneurs, listen to stories, stay up to date on news relating to social policies, engage with others passionate about promoting action and to inspire yourself to get involved.
Thanks for your interest in our work! Please visit us again to join our community for change.
Sunday, September 21, 2008
Planning
Hello Friends,
After my 6-week trip to South and South-East Asia I am now building relationships with organizations and individuals in New York in advance of my trip to Ethiopia. The blog will be dormant during this time, but will be continued upon my departure.
Thank you to all those who gave to build a well in Ethiopia. Your support is a tremendous gift and inspiration.
If you know of any compelling social change agents or video editors/web developers please let me know.
Wishing you health and happiness,
Michael
After my 6-week trip to South and South-East Asia I am now building relationships with organizations and individuals in New York in advance of my trip to Ethiopia. The blog will be dormant during this time, but will be continued upon my departure.
Thank you to all those who gave to build a well in Ethiopia. Your support is a tremendous gift and inspiration.
If you know of any compelling social change agents or video editors/web developers please let me know.
Wishing you health and happiness,
Michael
Wednesday, August 27, 2008
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