2. GroundTruth Initiative, LLC
We help communities use digital media,
mapping, and open data tools
for greater influence and representation
in development and democracy.
3. What we do:
Train in creative use of new technologies for data
collection and storytelling (mapping, video, mobile,
web)
Engage with specific geographic communities
in-depth
Support open, accessible information for action
4. Why we do it:
Local communities are the most reliable,
important knowledge-holders
for development and political engagement.
Participatory and open technologies and media
are key to amplifying voices
and increasing influence.
5. Why we are here:
We love doing this, and want to do more.
Maybe in collaboration with you.
13. What did they collect?:
• water points
• public latrines
• medical clinics
• informal schools
• churches/mosques
• video shops
• salons
• community organizations
• tons more
17. Citizen Journalism
Content chosen/edited by Kiberans (not us)
Using available and accessible technology
Focus on getting stories out there, not fitting
professional quality standards – building the Supply
19. Community News Site
• Community website for
sharing info relevant to
Kibera residents
• News, videos, and SMS
• Reports are mapped on the
Map Kibera map
28. Some KNN video topics:
- Landslide in Kibera
- Fire outbreak
- Profiles of local artists, clothing designers, musicians
- Protest over anti-Muslim schoolteacher
- Stray monkey entertains Kibera
- Kibera from a dog’s perspective
- HIV positive woman’s story
- Christian basketball tournament
- Railway line evictions
49. Map Kibera Lessons and Challenges
NGO fatigue.
(The world is getting smarter)
50. Map Kibera Lessons and Challenges
Volunteerism conflicts with local
economics;
NGOs distort the economy
51. Map Kibera Lessons and Challenges
Technology is easy. Social change is
still the most important and
hardest part.
52. GT Next Directions: Haiti?
From emergency mapping to sustained, comprehensive
community information
Need images here from Haiti projects,
COSMHA and C-Haiti or whatever,
Noula…
53. GT Next Directions: (What we’d like to do)
Build global Citizen Journalism
More grassroots Mapping
More small pilots and research
Building the Information Commons
54. GT Next Directions: (What we’d like to do)
… budget tracking, Yelp for international
development, feedback and monitoring of
projects, human rights online activism,
strengthening the media…