MobileActive

This information and communication for development (ICT4D) initiative draws on a web-based platform to facilitate access to knowledge, ideas, and experiences about the use of mobile technology for change. Visitors to this site may access the latest news and data on mobiles, as well as resources such as reports on trends in mobile use by NGOs and a series of Strategy Guides aggregating strategies, case studies, and lessons learned to encourage the adoption of mobile phones by nonprofits. Amongst the tools offered here in an effort to connect those using mobiles for their activism and advocacy projects are a blog and a directory of projects, tools, and services (to which those who carry out a free registration process may contribute).

In addition, key stakeholders interested in the use and application of mobile technology to support social action are gathering (in October 2008, in Johannesburg, South Africa) for a 3-day global summit. MobileActive explains that the conference, which is being organised in collaboration with the Southern African NGO Network (SANGONeT) is intentionally designed to be cross-disciplinary, with specific attention given to the role of mobile technology in health, human rights, economic development, advocacy, education, citizen journalism, and democratic participation. While the event will feature workshops and panels, it is being designed to maximise interaction amongst participants, to feature opportunities to explore creative use of mobiles in a hands-on fashion, and to develop communities of practice among, and training/learning resources useful to, researchers and practitioners that will extend beyond the conference itself.

Technology.

According to organisers, "[e]xamples of innovative campaigns and projects abound. Democracy organizations have used mobile phones to swing elections through innovative get-out-the-vote activities, ensured impartial voting through poll monitoring via SMS [short messaging service], developed ground-breaking new information services with vital civic or health information, documented abuses of political prisoners, and lobbied legislators to pass environmental laws. Mobile phones have been used to mobilize hundreds of thousands of peaceful demonstrators in countries across the world with text messages and brilliant political ringtones. They are being used in environmental campaigns in Argentina, and to advocate for an independent judiciary in India, for support of emigrant and migrant communities in the Philippines, and for disease detection and prevention in Rwanda. Mobile phone services provide sexual health information in the UK, Nigeria, Australia, and the United States, and deliver aids drugs and services in South Africa. Mobiles are used to track financial transaction in microfinance groups in India, and are used to document and monitor fair trade practices in Mexico."