Web-based Social Innovations

New technology, new ideas Social innovations are new ways of dealing with problems or needs in the community. They often capitalise on the ideas and energy of a diverse group of people. The Australian Social Innovation Exchange is interested in all types of social innovation, but right now, in the lead-up to the Social Innovation Camp of March 2010, we are focusing on proposals that use online social networking. Many great breakthroughs in social action have been made using emails, websites, blogs and messaging. The potential for good ideas with wide reach is phenomenal. This is a selection of tech-based social innovations, some already famous, some less so. FixMyStreet The web becomes a tool to improve civic pride in FixMyStreet, a program started in the UK. Citizens can log on to report problems in their street, such as graffiti, broken pavements, missing lights or traffic hazards. Photos can be uploaded too. FixMyStreet locates the street on Googlemap, informs the relevant local council and tracks progress until the problem is fixed. FixMyStreet, a joint project of mySociety and the Young Foundation, recently won an award for contributing to civic society. The idea is spreading – FixMyStreet operates in Canada, while another Fix My Street is an initiative of Gungahlin Community Council, Canberra. www.fixmystreet.com School of Everything Founded in London, this site lets users find a teacher or course in their local area. The aim is to find someone who can teach any subject, anywhere. The choice and range is already very broad. www.schoolofeverything.com Wikipedia This famous encyclopaedic website is written collaboratively by volunteers from all around the world. Anyone with internet access can make changes to Wikipedia articles. Since its creation in 2001, Wikipedia has grown rapidly into one of the largest reference websites, attracting around 65 million visitors monthly. There are more than 75,000 active contributors working on more than 13,000,000 articles in more than 260 languages.“Wikipedia" is a portmanteau of the words wiki (a type of collaborative Web site) and encyclopedia. www.en.wikipedia.org Reach Out www.au.reachout.com is a website offering information, support and resources to help young people improve their understanding of mental health issues, develop resilience, and increase their coping skills. Anonymous and available 24 hours a day, Reach Out serves young people, in particular those who are geographically or socially isolated, who may not be comfortable seeking professional help, or who are unsure about where to find the help they need in their community. The service aims to break down the stigma attached to seeking help, and connect young people so they can share their stories and provide support to each other in a safe and positive environment. Reachout, an initiative of the Inspire Foundation, was founded in 1996 in response to escalating rates of youth suicide. www.au.reachout.com Patient Opinion Patient Opinion is a web-based forum for people who have used the UK National Health Service. The aim is to make services better for other people. Patients and their carers can describe their experience of doctors and hospitals, and health care providers are able to respond. Patient Opinion was founded by a GP who wanted to make the wisdom of patients available to the NHS, and operates as a not-for-profit social enterprise. www.patientopinion.org.uk