FAQ
From Shareideas
1.) What is the objective of ShareIdeas.org?
ShareIdeas.org was created as a virtual gathering place where individuals and organizations can share their successes and challenges in using mobile communications to strengthen their social change work. Our goal is to maximize the potential of existing technology solutions, while exploring new ways of overcoming social and environmental challenges. Together, we can achieve far more than we can alone.
2.) What are the origins of ShareIdeas.org?
Nokia and Vodafone have a long tradition of supporting non profit organisations and social causes with mobile technology. The inspiration for ShareIdeas.org can be traced back to Ndidi Nwuneli, founder and CEO of LEAP Africa, a Nigerian NGO promoting leadership development. Ndidi attended a Nokia stakeholder event in 2005 where she spoke about a growing need amongst NGOs for information and ‘real life’ examples on how to use mobile communications to strengthen their work. Similar requests came from NGO representatives engaged in networks in which Nokia and Vodafone are active. ShareIdeas.org was created in response to these requests.
3.) What was the role of Nokia and Vodafone in ShareIdeas.org?
In 2006, Nokia, the world’s largest manufacturer of mobile phones, and Vodafone, the largest mobile telecommunications network company, entered into discussion on how to further address the needs of their nonprofit partners and related stakeholders. Together, they decided to create a platform to stimulate knowledge-sharing on the social uses of mobile technology. Both companies provided financial and technical support for the initiative.
While Nokia and Vodafone created the infrastructure for the site, it has been built for the ShareIdeas.org community. They will determine further develop the site, its content, and future shape.
4.) What does mobile communications mean?
Mobile communications is a wireless form of communication in which voice and data information is emitted, transmitted, and received, allowing individuals to converse with one another and/or transmit and receive data while moving from place to place. Examples include: cellular and digital cordless telephones, air-to-ground telecommunications, and satellite-based communications.
5.) Who manages the website and reviews content submissions?
The site is coordinated by a small, virtual team of independent consultants with expertise in nonprofit communications and new media. Technical and management support is provided by INdT staff. The ShareIdeas.org editorial team reviews content regularly to safeguard against inappropriate, offensive, or overtly promotional language. An informal group of content advisors, representing NGOs in diverse regions of the world, offers regular input into content development, outreach, and planning activities.
6.) Why was the site created in a Wiki format?
The wiki format gives everybody the chance to contribute, edit, update, and improve the case studies and technology approaches featured.
7.) How did ShareIdeas.org select the six thematic issues the case studies are clustered around?
The site's thematic areas were selected following an extensive consultative process with NGOs around the globe about the issues they are seeking to address with the help of mobile communications. Should you wish to propose additional issue areas, please contact the editorial team at info@shareideas.org.
8.) Can I promote my product/service through ShareIdeas.org?
ShareIdeas.org is not a commercial marketplace. Postings that focus on selling a product or service will be removed from the site. See content guidelines for further information.
