Welcome to our Ideas Box, where you can share your ideas for positive social change. Share your ideas and collaborate with others by discussing and lending your support to existing ideas.
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| Emptying our prisons |
| This idea is already in operation. It's the simplest way to stop re-offending, will save the taxpayer billions, and will do away with the need to build more prisons. In Stoke on Trent the Community Chaplains have linked up with Green Pastures Housing (North west)to provide accommodation for offenders coming out of jail. Where there are no community chaplains to look after the needs of released offenders, the rate of re-offending in the first year is over 60%. With community chaplains,the rate drops to about 25%. In Stoke, where the chaplains can easily contact the ex-offenders, as they know where they are living, the rate is 15%. By investing more in Community chaplains (who cost very little compared to the cost of imprisonment), the benefit for society would be enormous. WORD OF CAUTION: Community Chaplaincy works because it involves dedicated Christians, motivated by the love of God, spending time and effort on people who are on the edge of society. Throwing money at the problem is NOT the answer, because money alone will not produce a relational mode of operation, which is the key to success. A well thought through and researched programme, based on what is clearly working already, is the answer. Finding the right chaplains will take time - but it will be worth it! |
| Dave Smith (18/09/2008 09:09 - 10 comments) |
| Pregnancy and childbirth mentoring schemes? |
| Is it possible to set up a pregnancy mentoring scheme to help young single mothers throughout their pregnancy (i.e. advice), give support at child birth (especially if the mother has no one else for support) and throughout the baby's development? |
| SJ (30/09/2008 13:09 - 5 comments) |
| Community Parking schemes to generate income for local community groups |
| I live close to a busy town centre, and car parking for shoppers is often a problem. I notice that a lot of the carparks for local colleges and council offices stand empty at weekends. I would like to set up a scheme whereby local community groups / charities could 'borrow' the carparks - staff it with volunteers and the proceeds from carparking will go directly to the charity / community group running it that day. I think it would work on a ballot or rolling basis. I'm sure this sort of scheme must run somewhere else in the country - I would love to hear from someone who has already set up a similar scheme, or someone who has some ideas on how I could get started in setting up something like this in my local area. Thanks! Laura |
| Laura Hyde (21/09/2008 18:09 - 7 comments) |
| Having local heroes to emulate |
| This is a social enterprise that I would like to launch in Ghana. With fewer jobs than the number of graduates seeking corporate employment, graduates often seek for ‘greener pastures’ in the west. As a result Ghana (like many other developing countries) is experiencing the ‘brain drain’ at the detriment of the country. In addition to lack of jobs, most graduates are not ready for the work force, as a lot of times this is their first job or first time in the workforce (as work experience is so scarce). This enterprise would pair up students (14-18years) with professionals from all sectors of the workforce. Creating mentors for the students will allow the students to improve their people’s skills, public speaking skills and most importantly; networking skills- as we all know, it’s not what you know, but who you know. This will also let them gain knowledge of a working environment and what it feels like to be in a formal environment. |
| Jackie Manu (18/09/2008 16:09 - 7 comments) |
| Running for a cause! |
| I am currently in the process of establishing my own running club as I am training for the Silverstone half marathon in March! However, unlike other running clubs this one will thrive off of the positivity and enthusiasm of its members to help educate kids on the importance of living healthy and active lifestyles. For example, we will go into local schools and initiate various group learning activities. The running club will also work together to help fundraise for various charitable causes. |
| Julia O'Brien (07/11/2008 20:11 - 5 comments) |
| Creating temporary housing |
| Why is not possible for organisations such as councils, social services etc, to make available empty offices or other publicly owned spaces, for the use of the homeless, especially in winter months? The cost of using security, whether it be patrols or physical building security (awnings, railings, boarding windows etc) could be used instead to fund wardens to if need be police these properties at the times of use required. Another possibility would be to give things like soup runs etc the opportunity to use indoor facilities that are not available in a lot of areas. Most temporary shelters, soup runs etc are staffed by volunteers, so cost is not the issue and attracting volunteers may be easier especialy in winter months if activities take place indoors. More importantly, it would provide much needed shelter to some of our most vulnerable citizens. Most of these types of buildings are not in residentail areas where there is likely to be the biggest protest from individuals, We have the ability to house people even if overnight, but unfortunately it seems not necessarily the gumption. |
| vernon flood (24/09/2008 16:09 - 5 comments) |
| Books For Ghana |
| Having spent much of the past two years volunteering in Ghana, West Africa, I was overwhelmed by the sheer enthusiasm and desire of the school children to learn and develop. Unfortunately this desire is hindered by a severe lack of educational resources available to them; the very same types of resources that are going to waste all over the UK. Along with a group of volunteers all with previous experience of working in Ghana, I have founded 'Ghana Learning Project', an initiative aiming to collect relevant and useful books from the UK to provide to schools that we are supporting in Ghana. In the past 4 months we have already collected over 3,000 books from local libraries, schools and individuals, and we are looking to continue this success. We also require to raise around £2,000 to ensure the transportation of the books when we travel to Ghana in summer 2009, and additionally we are constantly looking for ideas and initiatives to further the educational opportunities for children in Ghana. If you believe you might be interested in helping our project, or if you would like to learn any further details, please visit www.ghanalearningproject.com or email richard@ghanalearningproject.com |
| Richard Forsythe (16/10/2008 01:10 - 3 comments) |
| Daniela, Head Banger. |
| I'm setting up 'Harry Bang Bangs', a welcoming hub of the community and an innovative and inspiring space where children learn through play. We exist to bring out our children's gifts today and nurture socially responsible leaders tomorrow. Our long term aim is to link children globally by sparking lasting friendships based on respect and genuine sharing of thoughts information, ideas, and problem solving. It's a tall order but it's our absolute passion and it's coming soon! I need mentors/investors who understand authenticity and passion and have experience of the third sector. I need teachers to ignite little imaginations, whether it be working on our team or running enlightened courses and workshops for our children. I want to find 'individuals' with enthusiasm and excitement and initiative for a whole range of roles. I'm interested in people who think out of the box, have a fab sense of humour, and have time to spend playing, listening and working with children and their families. If this sounds like a shameless plug IT IS! If I cannot network here where can I? |
| Daniela Eavis (02/10/2008 00:10 - 5 comments) |
| Supporting a Network of Social Reporters |
| Supporting a network of Social Reporters (a bit like proposed here http://www.buildingdemocracy.co.uk/fund/2008/09/social-reporter.html ), specifically documenting positive action and creating howtos (a bit like proposed here: http://www.globalswadeshi.net/forum/topic/show?id=2097821%3ATopic%3A2241 ). Subject matter similar to http://peakmoment.tv but delivered in the style of http://submedia.tv |
| Josef Davies-Coates (20/09/2008 15:09 - 2 comments) |
| Tackling Poverty |
| It would be good if we could have a session on how we should work together to tackle poverty. 13m live in poverty - 3.8m are children. Although progress is being made, there is along way to go. How can we work together and innovate to tackle this issue. I am a CEO of a new organisation called Turn2us which is helping people access the money they are entitled to in one place - this is a fundamental need that has never been addressed. We are working with people across all 3 sectors to make this ambitious project happen. But it's just a start. We aim to work closely with employers, so they can support their people and with local community groups across the UK. A session on all the innovations that are taking place would be brilliant (Originally posted by jolanta.lasota@turn2us.org.uk on 1 September ’08 on original Chain Reaction forum – moved by Admin to Ideas Box on 17 September) |
| Laura Hyde (17/09/2008 16:09 - 2 comments) |
| No Agenda! |
| If all that came, from organisations to individuals pledged to work together, without their own agendas but for the good of all - we would truly see a chain reaction! The ripple effect of this kind of event will work if ALL go away feeling empowered, equipped and emboldened to BE the difference right where they are! (Originally posted by Ali Campbell on original Chain Reaction forum on 30 July '08 - Moved by Admin to Ideas Box on 17 September) |
| Laura Hyde (17/09/2008 16:09 - 2 comments) |
| Global Civil Society |
| If Chain Reaction could take another small step towards a global, self-aware civil society it would be fantastic. And if I or Skillshare International can do something to make that happen then please dont hesitate to tell me how. ***originally posted by jon_e_gee of Skillshare on 2 July. Moved to Ideas Box by Admin on 17 September*** |
| Laura Hyde (17/09/2008 15:09 - 2 comments) |
| Getting the elderly and vulnerable out of fuel poverty |
| I'm not sure if this is the type of idea you are looking for or not, but I had a thought that with increasing utility prices and so many individuals falling into 'fuel poverty' could there be some sort of legislation that means that gas and electricity costs could be shared between landlord and tenants? 50 / 50 perhaps? perhaps this wouldt be suitable in every situation, but for those of pension age or those in sheltered housing this could literally be a life saver... |
| SJ (19/09/2008 19:09 - 1 comments) |
| Creating relationships that drive influential social change |
| Sitting underneath the initiatives and ideas that foster social change is the way we engage others in that change. This influential engagement occurs in terms of one to one and one to many and many to many, and the change process can succeed or fail depending on this core influential engagement. To best integrate something new, novel or different into new ways of behaving and being, we need to have some conditions in place. These conditions are provided by an influential person (the change, creative or learning agent) that provides: 1. Safety in the process 2. Listening to the person or group creating the change 3. Unconditionally respecting the person or group creating the change 4. Unconditionally believing in the ability of the person or group to create the change 5. Key skills and knowledge in facilitating the change When these conditions are present, the people involved in creating the change feel: 1. Confidence in effecting the change 2. Reciprocal respect for the change/creative/learning agent 3. A deep commitment to the change and others involved in the change - a desire to go out of their way not to let the change or others down. This is based on strong research outcomes that we have conducted in the Education and Third sectors, and has universal application in learning, development and change. Where a deficit in the necessary conditions exists, the people involved in the change become resistant and will tend strongly towards the existing status quo. The question is then, how do we create organisations that 'supply' these necessary conditions towards increasing the integration of the social change process? My 'idea' really is to place the issue of the need to pay attention to the 'change relationships' on the table for discussion. At the end of the day, if we each can individually change the way we engage with others through unconditional respect, love or belief, then we can influence and effect any social change agenda. |
| Andrew Mowat (18/11/2008 11:11 - 1 comments) |
| Rewarding charity donations |
| Hi We are working on a project to reward people who donate to charity by giving them products/items and are looking for feedback/collaborators before we officially launch. more info at www.freetraid.org It is set up by volunteers for volunteers and we are always interested to hear from other volunteers! |
| ed (16/11/2008 21:11 - 1 comments) |
| LocalEyes – The “VOICE” - http://www.localeyes.org |
| We will create a consultation tool, called the “VOICE” that will dramatically improve the communication infrastructure in any community or social network. We will pilot this new technology throughout the UK in areas that have active “Transition Town” groups. The consultation tool can be applied to various different sectors: 1. “Kids VOICE”: for ages 7 to 10 2. “Teenage VOICE”: for ages 11 to 18 3. “Community VOICE”: for geographical communities (there are 9763 “wards” in the UK) 4. “District VOICE”: for geographical districts (there are 434 districts in the UK) 5. “County VOICE”: for geographical counties (there are 117 in the UK) 6. “Group VOICE”: for any social group 7. “Business VOICE”: for any business 2 pilots have been successfully completed so far. These new communication tools will have 2 fundamental functions: 1. To Empower People: enabling a dialogue between any governing bodies and their members, empowering people and engaging people in the decision making processes. 2. To Identify Demand: enabling a community (geographic or social interest) to be self organising, identifying areas of common interest and demand for services What will it look like? What will it look like? Imagine... 1. … the voting technology seen on X-Factor and Strictly Come Dancing grounded into the community enabling the residents or members of social groups to vote on local topics, involving them in the decision making processes and facilitating consultation with governing bodies. 2. … the voting technology seen on Who Wants To Be A Millionaire, working in our local village/town halls, where people gather on a regular basis (i.e. quarterly) to discuss and debate and then vote on local issues in a collective space Awards As well as winning Awards Level 1 & 2 from UnLtd, the TalkTalk Innovation in the Community Award , LocalEyes was also short listed for “The Revolutionary Award” in Gordon Brown’s recent social innovation awards. Peter 07971 219 848 |
| Peter Anderson (13/10/2008 16:10 - 1 comments) |
| Building relationships for sustainable improvement in health and social care |
| The positive values and organisational commitment that people bring to caring roles is an immense asset and yet very often it seems that these values are not given full expression and staff feel demoralised and alienated. Cynicism abounds, particularly in statutory services. I am really interested in connecting with others who are concerned to develop capacity for sustainable improvement by embedding new ways of supporting staff get involved. I am particularly interested in "appreciative" or "solution focused" approaches that build on the best that people bring to work and their achievements and also what can be learned from social movements (the NHS Institute are working on this). The challenge seems to be how to create and sustain improvement in a system that is experienced as working beyond its capacity and to objectives that often seem not be be widely owned by staff. I would love to hear about what people have found effective in this area. |
| Laura Hyde (12/11/2008 10:11 - 1 comments) |
| One world, one life, one solution ;) |
| Hello everyone, It's great find a site where I can finally share my thoughts and ideas...So here goes!!! After studying Islamic banking this year I've recently had a moment of clarity. So without further a do I will summarise my idea in the next couple of sentences. I would like to implement the theory of profit/loss in a business model, therefore, endorsing social and economic equality. I hope to showcase products manufactured by women from impoverished communities around the world to become economically independent and self-sufficient. I'm half-way through writing my business plan and and am tediously sourcing the net in search of fair trade eco-friendly products from the Middle East, Far East and Asia. I will be conducting essential primary market resarch by selling items produced by several Egytian women's working groups next month. Hopefully, this will give me a good indication of market strength and volatility. Any advice and support in the following areas would be wonderful: legal implications and factors affecting business start up in Dubai, Islamic Banking support (ethical business), webdesign, eCommerce, marketing and fair trade support. Yes, I know I'm asking for alot...but I've always been told if you never ask you'll never know!!! I would appreciate comments, advice and support from any members, groups and organisations particulary those from the fair trade and eco-friendly sector. Finally, good luck to all!!! Take care and thank you for reading. Regards from the City of Dreams Sabeena;) little_miss_sunshine037@hotmail.co.uk |
| Sabeena Z Ahmed (09/11/2008 12:11 - 1 comments) |
| Clothing manufacturers should donate faulty items |
| Many big clothing companies still landfill the faulty items they produce. They do this because if they donate them to charity shops they run the risk of consumers buying them at a low price and then visiting the store to exchange them with non-faulty item or to ask for refund. In this case the manufacturer’s loss for every faulty item doubles. However if the manufacturer removes the brand tag from the faulty items, the items can be donated to charities without running the risk of being returned. It’s a very simple idea that would actually benefit many people who need clothing but it would also be good for the environment as useful resources wouldn’t be wasted in landfills. |
| Spyro (07/10/2008 16:10 - 1 comments) |
| Traidmark.org business structure that donates NET profit to fund even more innovative projects. |
| Traidmark represents a new twist on a proven business structure that was created as a way for profits to benefit (by gaining goodwill) from funding innovation with net profits. This is done by donating Net profit to innovative charitable/research organisations and stating the percentage donated clearly for consumer clarity. More information at www.traidmark.org |
| ed (04/11/2008 09:11 - 1 comments) |