Tip4change connects small scale producers in India with consumers worldwide through a combination of Fair Trade and micro philanthropy, using Information and Communication Technology (ICT), to achieve sustainable village development and stop exploitation.This technology tool mobilizes power of crowd for social change. The two way information exchange enable consumers make informed buying choices while producers raise funds for their development.
What locality or neighborhood will your project focus on?
Describe the specific community with whom you will be working.
What kinds of news, stories and other content will be created?
Vulnerable farmers and artisans tell their stories that travel along the products for consumers. Also, consumers make enquiry on concerns that resonate with their personal values and extend support even after the purchase. Pictures, videos, short messages on mobiles, online radio to circulate knowledge, forums for discussion of issues, market intelligence and content that create a base of consensus for transparent and mutually accountable market.
What technologies and digital tools do you plan to use in the trainings?
Describe the connections that you or your organization have already established that will contribute to the success of the project.
The existing partnerships are
– Information technology partner – iNot4Profit
– To channel the micro donations – Tracksgiving
– Networks for collaboration– Auroville Village Action Trust
– Incubation, coaching and mentoring – UnLtd Tamilnadu
– Supply chains for pilot run – Various textiles brands souring in India
– A number of visual content development and editing experts
– Retail chain for implementation of the project – glore, Germany
How many participants do you think will be involved in your project?
In the first phase of the project (3 years) we will mobilize 20,000 consumers across the globe to support 10,000 families of vulnerable producer groups. Improved transparency, empowerment to co-create a better market and joy of direct engagement in development will sustain consumers’ participation.
Tangible financial benefits in the form of funds , technological empowerment and stable market will gain loyalty of the producers.
Besides the microgrant funding, what other resources and support are you seeking for your project to ensure its success?
We need experts who develop and evaluate financial models and technology tools for the social enterprise. Also, a lending a hand in outreach and connecting to related networks will be of useful. Rising Voices can be resourceful by designing a mechanism that renders periodical review on progress and critical analysis of the effectiveness in the project delivery. Connecting to volunteers and inters with related skills would be another support.
Organization
GVK Society for Rural Development
