Top 5 Digital Do-Gooders
This week, the Chronicle of Philanthropy highlights 10 people in technology who will be honored for their accomplishments in social-change next month at SXSW Interactive Festival in Austin, Texas. At BiddingForGood, we embrace the use of technology to bolster the fundraising efforts of non-profits and schools via online auctions. Tomorrow’s social entrepreneurs and agents of change are embracing technology to do good, and we think it’s something worth celebrating. In this week’s round up, we’ll dive into the list and introduce you 5 of these social entrepreneurs and their inspiring work. Let's meet them:
Josh Nesbit, Medic Mobile
Medic Mobile is using text messages to save lives in poor regions of Africa and Asia. In Malawi, more than 100 patients started TB treatment after their symptoms were noticed in the community and reported by text message.
Aleph Molinari, Fundación Proacceso
Fundación Proacceso provides access to computer equipment, the Internet, and other new media resources to improve the quality of life of people living in low-income areas of Mexico. With 70 education centers, Fundación Proacceso supports literacy and education and has helped more than 200,000 people improve their skills.
Izzy Johnston, Girl Develop It
Girl Develop It helps females gain a foothold in the male-dominated world of Web coding, offering classes and technical workshops in a supportive learning environment.
Brian Elliot, Friendfactor
Friendfactor uses social media to support advocacy to fight discrimination against gay people nationwide. Before the 2011 bill legalizing gay marriage in New York, Friendfactor encouraged straight people to send messages to state legislators in support of the bill.
Jacquie Jones, Public Media Corps
Ms. Jones’ goal is to promote and extend broadband adoption in underserved communities by placing those skilled in technology, media production, and outreach in residencies at underperforming high schools, public broadcast stations, and non-profit community institutions. Training then extends into the wider community including educators, parents, youth leaders and social service providers.
There are more companies popping up every day in the social good space. There are literally thousands of ways companies and people can start thinking about social good. Some companies have decided to pay their employees more money, some have gone green, and some have added a charitable overlay to their business.
What are some other ideas people and companies are doing to be socially good? Please tell us in the comment section!