A few weeks ago, I read about a non-profit based here in San Francisco named Architecture For Humantiy. Then the other day, I saw the organization’s founder, Cameron Sinclair, on a great TV show called Iconoclasts. I’m inspired by their work and have been thinking ever since whether their model could be applied to the type of work I do on the web.
Architecture For Humanity works with communities in need and provides them with world-class architecture services from a network of professional volunteers. For example, they are working on a project to rebuild houses for those affected by Katrina. High caliber architects from around the world have donated their time to bring design, construction, and development services to the people in New Orleans who need it most. Instead of just providing families with rudimentary shelter, they are building beautiful, innovative, environmentally-friendly homes for the cost of pre-fab trailer parks.
I’m wondering if a model like this could be applied to a network of professional internet developers, product managers, designers, and marketing people who would volunteer their time to work on online projects that matter to society. When Katrina hit, there was a need for websites and digital tools to help keep families in touch and informed. Even after the initial recovery efforts, there was a need to organize fund raising efforts online for the people affected by the tragedy. When I was at Yahoo!, I had the pleasure of working on a few projects like this that were organized by an internal group called Yahoo! For Good. They do great work, but so much more could be done. Furthermore, I bet there are a lot of talented web developers, business people, and for-profit companies that would like to spend some time working on noble, socially-responsible projects.
Do you know of an organization like this that is focused on improving the world through a network of internet professionals who volunteer their time, engineering skils, and knowledge of the web to solve problems for people in need? If so, I would like to talk to them. If it doesn’t exist, I think I’ll research it some more and try to organize something. Any feedback is welcome. If you have any suggestions, please comment, reblog, or email me.
I’m not familiar with any such organization, but I would be interested in volunteering my time and skills if such an organization existed. Reblogging to spread the word…
