I've talked before about the ways modern technology can be used to bring about practical, grassroots change to the lives of vulnerable populations. Ingenuity, creativity and enthusiasm are an enormously important resource, whose impact can be every bit as tangible as a well-funded, well-meaning bureaucracy.

Infotechnology is a field where efficient solutions and amazing results with very scant resources are the norm. This is exactly the mentality  that is needed to help the developing world.

Change Connections is a way to harness that potential. Sponsored by a major European technology company, and implemented by a socially-oriented NGO, it is a place for people to share ideas. Its focus is practicality: a problem is posited, and contributors offer their visions of a solution. Suggestions are discussed, and the best ones are voted up.

It's not just random passers-by, though. The website just launched, but it is already full of content, gathered from seminars, conferences and discussions held with experts in relevant fields. This is what makes this project so interesting: from the start, it is designed to keep the discussion very focused and very practical. From their own description:

While all ideas are welcome, we strongly encourage you to include specific thinking on how your idea can become actionable. What is the context? How will it work? Who are the key players? Your thoughts will be published here for community and Nokia to lead in the development of the future of communication technology for good!

It is this moderated, purposeful environment which makes Change Connections so interesting. The project is backed by both the resources of a corporation, and the skills of experts with a proven track record in problem-solving. The team is standing by to apply its creativity and its tools to the solutions you suggest. The issues that we at Th!nk3 are discussing can be very emotional - this is only natural. I can't think of a way for a blogging competition to enforce the rationality of a conversation - but Change Connections is built around an intention and a mechanism to do just that. And they have an actual purpose in mind: they are looking to give their sponsor corporation (which originates from one of the world's most socially conscious societies) a project, one that would be big enough and significant enough to make the corporation famous for being helpful, responsible, and relevant.

I can't think of a better way to spend an advertising budget.