Using Technology for Social Impact
Meet social entrepreneurs who are using the power of information technology to achieve social impact offline.
Monday, May 3, 2010
7-9pm
Free, but pre-register here to guarantee your spot.
Net Impact is putting together an exciting roster of speakers, including Leila Chirayath Janah of Samasource.
Samasource, which derives its name from the Sanskrit word sama, which means equal, is a 501(c)(3) non-profit social business. Their tagline is "Microwork for the next billion - We bring dignified, computer-based work to women, youth, and refugees living in poverty." Thus far they have worked with 18 small businesses, nonprofit training centers, and rural data centers that provide dignified jobs to more than 500 marginalized individuals in Kenya, Uganda, Cameroon, Ghana, and Pakistan.
Stay tuned for updates about this May 3 event, and location info.
In the meantime check out this TED talk given by Leila Chirayath Janah. Can't wait to hear her speak on May 3!
I gave a talk in December at a local TED event on Social Change and Innovation. The main idea is that handouts aren’t very effective, and that digital work is a new way to provide good employment to the people who need it most. I also talked briefly about the “virtual assembly line” — the idea that technology can stitch together groups of casual workers across time zones and geographies to work on large projects for paying customers. This concept is what makes Samasource viable, and I think it lies at the heart of the emerging field of paid crowdsourcing.
I can't wait to hear what you think about the info you learn tonight!
ReplyDeleteThanks, Melissa! One of the panelists encouraged everyone to volunteer their specialized skills. He sees a need for that in his line of work. The Google Grants panelist commended Energy Action Coalition and Direct Relief for their use of free Google products. I need to check out Direct Relief. Already love EAC:)
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