Here’s the idea:
That Coca Cola use their distribution channels (which are amazing in developing countries) to distribute rehydration salts. Maybe by dedicating one compartment in every 10 crates as ‘the life saving’ compartment?

My interview this week with Eddie Mair for Saturday’s (23/5/08) BBC Radio 4 iPM programme expands on this a bit more (feel free to embed it here if you wish)
http://tinyurl.com/6ajqcf

I’ve set up a facebook group on this and all sorts of resources are developing their: wall posts, photos, links, discussion and video.
http://tinyurl.com/6qxszq

However, everyone isn’t on Facebook. Can technology help to link people up for campaigns like this without them having to come to one place? And . . . what about mapping people so that they can make their own links (peer to peer) more effectively.

If this idea takes off how could it be backed up by technology?

Simon

Simon - thanks for explaining your idea further. Video now posted over here

This is an idea that goes back a few years, to a pitch for a new inclusive form of capitalism to replace the nonprofit in which a fundamental component is the deployment of information technology resources in conjunction with micrcredit is used to lift people out of poverty. A people-centered model of doing business.

Having delivered proof of concept in the leverage of the Tomsk microfinance bank in Siberia, this model is now proposed at a national level for the state of Ukraine.

In brief, it proposes a mixed component model. Broadband rural infrastructure deployment not only as the enabler of information resources, but deployed in a revenue yeilding ‘nore than full cost recovery’ approach to offset the cost of major childcare reform to remove all children from institutional life.

This model, in conjuction with ‘full cost recovery’ microcredit based on the Grameen collateral free model would be catalysed by a faculty for social enterprise in a national university.

The objective, a nil overall cost strategy in a microeconomic ‘Marshall Plan’. Additional focus now being placed on combatting an HIV epidemic in which institutionlised children, rendered disposable by poverty, graduate to the streets and a life of crime, drug abuse and prostition in the majority (estimated 60-70& by many agencies.

The plan has already been delivered with the intention of serving as a model for an MCC Compact agreement. All that is needed from the public is a little support and encouragement to see it through to fruition.

All elements described above can be found on my website link.

There are now hundreds of communities setting up projects which are working towards a future that is not dependent on cheap oil and where carbon emissions are reduced through positive lifestyle choices. How can we reach these groups, share knowledge and support their development using new media tools? A year ago I suggested giving a presentation to a community group by video conference rather than making the journey to them personally. Back then hardly anyone was open to the idea. Now groups are blogging, twittering and using the new technologies more enthusiastically but they still need access to skilled people who can train and support. Any thoughts on how we can partner the skilled and talented with these community groups online? The Community Carbon Network is a start, how about the Channel 4 Innovation Fund considering that?

Idea for Talk:

“Citizens Offline”

Let’s assume that we’ve reached the stage with social media where “my online profile is more important than my offline profile”. It will happen. Then, the challenge becomes “so how do we manage our offline activities to AUGMENT our online personas”.

Today, being online is still “special”. Tomorrow, being offline will be “special”.

I am UK founder of social media consultancy “The Conversation Group” and founder of the Charity “Citizens Online”.

Thanks for the idea, Mark. We now have more information on submitting ideas over here and hope you will be able to develop something on those lines if you are able to join us. Do take a look at the Matt Locke interview , which I think touches on the many different places we will be living in online and off. Clearly a strong theme.

So much for inviting ideas then. Much the same result as responding to the invitation to email C4.

Jeff - if you have difficulty in putting forward an idea once you have registered, do get in touch directly here and let me know the problem.