Media connects people to their world, gives voice to their ideas and dreams, and equips them with knowledge to improve their lives and the lives of others. In all these ways, media catalyzes participatory citizenship, on both a local and global scale.
But even in this age of pervasive media, many millions of people marginalized by political and economic barriers lack access to even the most basic tools of information — thereby depriving them of valuable input and connection, and depriving the rest of the world of their voices.
Ashoka Changemakers in partnership with Google hopes to change that by inviting the world’s citizens — notably you — to enter Citizen Media: A Global Innovation Competition with the purpose of boosting media access and participation around the world. Here are some initial ideas for what strong entries might hope to achieve:
- Give voice to underserved, vulnerable populations, introducing them to media creation and distribution (e.g., crowdsourcing strategies, training to advance digital literacy);
- Equip journalists and publishers with tools or channels to report important news that otherwise gets missed (e.g., content creation, aggregation and distribution solutions);
- Advance free speech and privacy protections (e.g., encryption tools to protect the identity of content creators and users);
- Address the financial sustainability of quality news (e.g., micropayments systems that reward journalists, models for revenue sources); and
- Help people better navigate information and ascertain content reliability and authenticity (e.g., content sorting and fact-checking tools).
Who should enter
If you are a changemaker who is transforming the way people communicate or access news and information, we want to hear from you! Ashoka Changemakers are seeking innovations that will allow all global citizens to have a voice and the information they need to make change. They welcome solutions that work with any communication or information technologies—not just the Internet. The competition is open to solutions around the world, though they can only accept your entry in English, Spanish, Portuguese, French, Arabic, Thai, Indonesian, Mandarin, or Japanese.
Why you should enter
- – Connect to a global online community that supports the impact you are making, or seeking to make, on the ground.
- – Gain visibility with our community and our competition partner, Google.
- – Position yourself as a candidate for an Ashoka Fellowship within our News & Knowledge program.
- – A Chance to win!
Prizes you can win
One of four US $5,000 cash prizes in unrestricted funding to boost your project. A US $500 additional cash prize (if you enter before August 3, 2011). Consideration for an Ashoka Fellowship—complete with a three-year living stipend, international recognition, and access to a network of systems-changing social entrepreneurs.
Nominations
If you know of someone with a great idea, nominate their project. The innovator will receive an invitation to enter.
Last date for submission of applications is September 14, 2011
For more information and details, please visit this link.
