NONPROFIT CIVIL SOCIETY CSR SOCIAL ENTERPRISE Philanthropy

23 Can Start-Up Mode Founders Lead to Scale?

30 Technical Snag: Getting Started on Digital Strategies

38 Face-Off: Drone Agriculture in Asia

47 Hack That: Community-Led Solutions the Way Forward?

Edition 25 | JUL-SEP 2018 | /AsianNGO | www.asianngo.org/magazine | US$10

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30 Technical Snag: Getting Started on Digital Strategies Photo Feature

Does technology offer anything apart from fundraising and networking 36 Amplifying a capabilities to the typical non-profit? How does a non-profit go on this digital New Generation journey? Meera Rajagopalan explores.

23 Can Start-Up 38 Face-Off: Drone Graphics, stock photos by flaticon.com, freepik.com, 123rf.com, Pixabay, Unsplash and Getty Images Mode Founders Lead Agriculture in Asia • Reuters/Juarawee Kittisilpa to Scale? • Santa Cruz Tech Beat Drone technology, with its precision, • First ResponderApp.com can help farmers assess and predict • eVidyaloka Not necessarily, writes Kriss • Milaap Deiglmeier. When social innovations crop health and prevent losses. As • Operation Asha enterprises work to scale up usage of • Lulu Ash, for Arts Awards and Noise Solution are ready for growth, leaders need to • Ten Photos to Shake the World Photo Contest ask themselves whether they possess drones in African agriculture, iMPACT • AIM Media Team takes a look at the feasibility of using • Sagasitas the skill sets required to take the • Bettr Barista organisation to scale. the technology in Asia, from various • HarrassMap perspectives. • Penelope Boyer • Trevor Lee, WindNest • Land Art Generator Initiative • AidEx • Aniruddh Kaushal/DigitalGreen • TRITHI Robotics India

2 iMPACT | July - September 2018 www.asianngo.org/magazine 4 Editor’s Note Interview 6 Events 28 Bridging the Disconnect: 8 News Duncan Macintosh 10 Numbers & Quotes 13 This Caught Our Eye 42 Innovation is going to be the Differentiating Factor Between Feature Nations: R. Ramanan 16 The Skype is the Limit by Nandhini Shanmugham Cover Story 30 Technical Snag: Getting Started 50 Serving Up Social on Digital Strategies Commitment by Meera Rajagopalan by Meera Rajagopalan Photo Feature 56 Let There Be Art 36 Amplifying a New Generation by Ian Jamotillo Face Off 60 Mapping Safety 38 Remote Possibility? Drone by Shivranjana Rathore Agriculture in Asia

Commentary Books 19 See. Cry. Click. Donate. Smile. 62 Book List: 6 Books for More The Rise of Crowdfunding for Powerful Social Impact in a Healthcare Changing World by Shivranjana Rathore RESOURCES 23 Can Start-Up Mode Founders 27 How to Build an App for your Lead Organisations to Scale? Cause by Kriss Deiglmeier 46 5 Simple Tech Hacks to 25 Beyond the Hype: Keeping a Common Non-Profit Critical Eye on Blockchain for Emergencies Social Impact by Paul Lamb 55 The Making of a Digital Imprint: Secrets to Effective Social 47 Hack That: Community-Led Media Branding Solutions the Way Forward? 47 Hack That: by Shivranjana Rathore 66 Open Calls for Grants Community-Led 53 You Are… the Weakest Link Humour in Development Solutions the Way by Peter John Francisco 67 Enter the Social Technology Forward? Entrepreneur 58 Strengthening the Hands by Meera Rajagopalan When a non-profit has a tech problem that Help that can be solved, traditionally, a by Caroline McLaughlin MARKETING FEATURE hackathon has stepped in. But in the age 63 Why Humanitarian Aid and of Industry 4.0, can technology be used 64 Keeping It Simple: Technology Development Is Entering a to empower the community to innovate for Small-Scale Farmers Critical Digital Phase internally? Shivranjana Rathore finds one likely solution. by Susan Thomas

/AsianNGO iMPACT | July - September 2018 3 Editor’s Note

Dear reader, Publisher & CEO Sreenivas Narayanan

Industry 4.0 is here, if the internet is to be believed. The revolution, as it is being called, Managing Editor seems to be a seamless transition from the digital controls of the third; yet, it stands alone Meera Rajagopalan for its near-complete takeover by machines and data. What seemed like evidence of Humankind’s mastery over machines in the first three instalments increasingly looks like Editorial Associate Ian Jamotillo the setting of a sci-fi book, with machines taking over humans just one step away. Editorial Staff One salient feature of Industry 4.0 is its immense scale and therein also lies its potential Shivranjana Rathore within the social sector. Impact is no longer in the thousands but in the millions, powered Nandhini Shanmugham by the sheer interconnectedness that technology spawns. Creative Director Kelvin Tee A 2017 report from the Business & Sustainable Development Commission pegs the “market opportunity” of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) at USD $12 Senior Multimedia Designer trillion. A significant chunk of this, it is estimated, will come from technology-enabled Joseph Lontoc innovations and solutions. Blockchain technology has entered the conversation, staking Nicole de Leon claim to a decentralized system of finance and processes that will transform the way aid is Multimedia Designer disbursed. The ordinarily-named Internet of Things is a virtual hold-all for technologies Eugine Nisperos not captured by narrower nomenclature, and it too promises to deliver solutions toward Roberto Guerrero achieving the SDGs. Countries are creating digital policies, proactively formulating rules for the use of drones in agriculture, and looking at ways to stay on top of technology. Director of Business Development Aru David

Amidst all this hullabaloo lies the typical social organisation: mostly befuddled by all the Marketing Team hype; yet curious for the potential to completely transform their work. Many of them have Parth Gautam not seen the impact of technology except in their online fundraising efforts. Like a scene Cynthia Tram behind a frosted glass, the contours of Tech for Good are visible; yet, the exact mechanics Riza Banaag of it still seem a bit vague for many practitioners. Web Administrator Chris Daria In this issue, we try and take a look at some of the specifics of Technology for Good: how non-profits can (and have) adopted technology, when we need to curb our enthusiasm (and For Subscriptions how) and the questions that must be posed even as we adopt a particular technology. [email protected]

For Editorial Warm regards, [email protected]

For Partnerships [email protected]

For Sponsorships & Advertising [email protected] Meera Rajagopalan Managing Editor For General Inquiry [email protected]

4 iMPACT | July - September 2018 www.asianngo.org/magazine

Events

1 Gender Spectrum Conference California, USA | July 7-8

The Gender Spectrum Conference will gather 1 3 youth-serving professionals to discuss the most up-to-date information and best practices for serving gender-expansive children and youth.

2 Singapore Water Week 2018 Singapore | July 8-12

Singapore Water Week is a global platform to share and co-create innovative water solutions. The biennial event unites stakeholders from the global water industry to share best practices and showcase the latest technologies and tap business opportunities.

3 Future Food Tech Innovation and Investment New York, USA | July 10-11

Organised by Rethink Events Ltd, the Future Food Tech Innovation Investment: From Farm to Fork is a conference that will cover several advances and improvements related to 6 International Conference on Teacher Education sustainability in the food supply chain. Quezon City, Philippines | August 23-25

4 mastering Public Private Partnerships With the theme “Educational Equity through Singapore | July 17-20 Inclusion”, the International Conference on Teacher Education will focus on the role of education as an Private Public Partnerships (PPP) Masterclass agent for social cohesion, equity and development that is a 4-day event that is specially developed for is responsible for breaking barriers among families, professionals and organisations who are looking schools, and communities. to get involved in PPP Projects or are in their early stages of PPP programs. The event aims 7 International Conference on Offshore Renewable to help participants understand how to plan, Energy develop, and execute effective PPP projects. Glasgow, United Kingdom | August 26-28

5 Conference on Urban Development and The International Conference on Offshore Renewable Economics in the Developing World Energy will tackle issues in the energy sector and the Shanghai, China | August 7-8 developments applied to various offshore renewable energy projects. The Conference on Urban Development and Economics in the Developing World aims to 8 National Education Summit promote the exchange of new research and ideas Melbourne, Australia | August 31-September 1 among researchers, policy makers, and development practitioners on issues such as Organised by the IEC Group Pty Ltd, the National urbanisation, its relation to economic Education Summit reviews the best digital classroom development, and making cities more efficient practices and the use of technology in student learning and productive. and engagement.

6 iMPACT | July - September 2018 www.asianngo.org/magazine 7

11 5 13 9 6 10 2 4 12

8

9 Seamless Vietnam Vietnam | September 4-5

Seamless Vietnam sparks new ideas and inspires the audience to think differently by converging the brightest minds across the payments, ecommerce and retail industries. 12 Asia Power Week 10 the 6th International Conference on Hospitality and Jakarta, Indonesia | September 18-20 Tourism Management Kandy, Sri Lanka | September 14-15 Asia Power Week is the leading force in delivering a platform for the power industry The 6th International Conference on Hospitality and to discuss the challenges facing the power Tourism Management also known as “ICOHT 2018” industry and share solutions for advancing will provide an interactive and dynamic platform Asia’s energy future. where participants can share thoughts, exchange ideas and listen to renowned keynote speakers 13 water Innovation Summit through dialogues on how to better utilise research New Delhi, India | September 26-27 outputs for the benefit of the industry. The Water Innovation Summit will cover

11 2018 Asian Evaluation Week topics on water innovation, treatment, Chengdu, China | September 10-14 and management, and will bring together stakeholders across the world to discuss Co-sponsored by the People’s Republic of China economic and social growth in the context of (PRC), Ministry of Finance Asia-Pacific Finance and water scarcity. Development Institute and ADB’s Independent Evaluation Department, the 2018 Asian Evaluation Week aims to provide a venue for knowledge sharing on the latest and cutting edge ideas on evaluation To include your event in this section, please email within Asia, and between Asia and other regions of details of the event, in the format above, including the world. website, if any, to [email protected]

/AsianNGO iMPACT | July - September 2018 7 News

World Health Assembly Targets South Korea Universal Health Coverage Pledges $5 billion to Africa protection from health emergencies, and promoting better health to 1 billion more people. #WHA71 The assembly, which marked the 40th anniversary of the International Conference on Primary Health Care also highlighted the rising threat of non- communicable diseases (NCDs) such as diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, The 71st World Health Assembly held and cancer, and urged the international 21-26 May in Geneva adopted a five- community to reduce premature death year strategic plan to speed up SDG from NCDs by one-third, by 2030. targets under Goal 3 (Good Health and Infectious diseases such as cholera Wellbeing) with a focus on strengthening were also mentioned, with members universal health coverage and supporting urging affected countries to implement research against non-communicable strategies to reduce cholera deaths by diseases (NCDs). 90% by 2030. According to the World Under the name “Triple Billion” target, Health Organisation (WHO), an estimated South Korea has announced $5 billion in the five-year strategic plan sets three 1.3 million to 4 million cases of cholera, financial aid to African nations following targets to be achieved by 2030: extending and 143,000 fatalities, are reported the Ministerial Roundtable of the Korea- universal health coverage, ensuring worldwide. Africa Economic Cooperation (KOAFEC) conference held in conjunction with African Development Bank’s (AfDB) 53rd Annual Meeting held May 21-25. Renewable Energy As part of a joint declaration and economic cooperation action plan adopted Market Trumps at the KOAFEC, the $5 billion aid aims to Official Resistance boost the region for two years starting 2019. It will focus on investments such Despite the U.S. president’s call for fossil as developing rural areas, expanding fuel revival, renewable energy projects are fuel and coal plants. This is in line with the infrastructure, combating climate change, growing in the U.S. thanks to technology administration’s desire to make the U.S. the and boosting manpower. giants like Apple and Google. largest fossil fuel exporter in the world. According to Deputy Prime Minister According to the Federal Energy However, support for renewable energy of Korea, Kim Dong-yeon, the fund will Regulatory Commission (FERC), 95% of is making big waves in response to the allow for South Korea to bring its expertise the total energy capacity during the first ongoing action plan against climate change. in technology and infrastructure to the quarter of 2018 came from solar, wind, Apple, Google, and Facebook are African region while paving the way for geothermal, and hydropower sources, among the companies that signed an future investments into its economy. with only 3% from natural gas. In contrast, agreement supporting the development In line with the $5 billion assistance, 33% of energy capacity came from natural of 2.8 gigawatts of new renewable power the South Korean government and AfDB gas during the first quarter of 2017 while in the United States. Telecom firms such also signed an agreement that promises to 61% from renewable energy. as T-Mobile and AT&T, food and drink deliver up to $600 million to the region’s During Trump’s first year as president, giant Nestlé, and discount store retailer energy sector. This pledge comes alongside more than 30 expensive environmental Target are some of the largest renewable expanded South Korean-African business regulations were relaxed in favour of fossil energy buyers. relations.

8 iMPACT | July - September 2018 www.asianngo.org/magazine Asia-Pacific Falling Behind Indonesia, Philippines, Vietnam ecosystems. The protection and Sri Lanka are named top of forests and the reduction SDGs: UN five plastic polluters. in the degradation of natural Continuous deforestation habitats has weakened at a Almost two-thirds of the targets noted on issues pertaining to from extractive industries as regional level,” Dr. Shamshad established by the Sustainable inequality, oceans and forests, well as the declining protection Akhtar, UN under-secretary- Development Goals (SDGs) are and climate change. of conserved forests and other general said. not being met by the Asia-Pacific Since 2015, the ocean health natural resources continue to Despite falling short on region as revealed by the latest of the region has drastically aggravate the low development environmental targets, Asia- report released by the United declined, with more plastic in SDG Goal 15 (Life on Land). Pacific performed well on Goal Nations. particles found on different “The health of the region’s 14 (Quality Education) and According to the report, bodies of water. This placed oceans has deteriorated since is likely to meet the target the Asia-Pacific region has a significant toll on Goal 14 2015. There has been no by 2030, according to the fallen behind on 37 out of (Life Below Water) progress progress towards protecting, report. 57 sustainable development of the Asia-Pacific. Additionally, restoring and promoting the targets, with the lowest growth Asian countries such as China, sustainable use of terrestrial

Asia Pacific: DGS s with the Most Progress

North and Central Asia

East and Northeast Asia

afghanistan

Southeast Asia

South and Southwest Asia

/AsianNGO iMPACT | July - September 2018 9 Quotes & Numbers

We all have good When Henry Ford made cheap, intentions to do reliable cars, people said, ‘Nah, good and help what’s wrong with a horse?’ others; however, we are human, and we That was a huge bet he made, forget sometimes. and it worked.

So let’s be positive Elon Musk about the fact [that] CEO of Tesla Inc. mobile can help This waste of talent How do you our us remember is in choose who desire to do good. senseless a world where to help, Paul Rowland President of I Can Go Without, an app that many employers when you creates small pledges that are converted into donations, in an interview with USA Today have trouble filling can’t help skilled positions. them all Giving does ?

Sayre Nyce Jim Estill not take Executive director of Talent Beyond CEO of multimillion-dollar home appliance Boundaries, on refugee employment firm Danby, and a social entrepreneur who supports a town resettlement of 58 Syrian away from refugee families in Canada your wealth; it adds value Some people see innovation as to it. change, but we have never really seen it like that. It’s making things better. Alexandre Mars Founded Epic Foundation, a non-profit that bridges the gap between donors and Tim Cook organisations supporting children and youth CEO of Apple Inc.

The goal of philanthropy is to be a laboratory of innovation for breakthrough work; to have that willingness to think about things.

Bill Gates Founder of Microsoft and Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation

10 iMPACT | July - September 2018 www.asianngo.org/magazine HorrorsThe Wonders of the & Industrial 4thRevolution

The Main Robotics Artificial Intelligence/Virtual Reality Component Jobs Threatened of the 4th IR Quantum Computing/Automation by Automation includes: Nanotechnology Legal Secretaries and Paralegals 97.6% Adoption of 4th Industrial Revolution

Bookkeepers and Aerospace Certified Accountants Electronics and Defense 97% 45% 77% 32% 76% now in 5 years now in 5 years Local Government and Administrative Workers Industrial 96.8% Manufacturing

35% 76% Salespersons and now in 5 years Retail Assistants 95.1% Transportation and Logistics 28% 71% Cashiers now in 5 years 90%

Engineering Postal Workers and Construction and Couriers 85.8% 30% 69% now in 5 years Delivery and Taxi Drivers Automotive 56.8% 41% 65% now in 5 years Interpreters and Translators Metals 32% 31% 62% now in 5 years

Companies using Companies using 48% 67% AR and VR in the Virtual Reality (VR) Augmented Reality (AR) 4th Industrial World are considering are considering 37% 39% adopting VR adopting AR in the next in the next 23% three years 30% three years

/AsianNGO iMPACT | July - September 2018 11

This Caught Our Eye

Soon, Hail an Electric Plane!

Dubbed as “air taxi”, this all-electrical vehicle take-off and landing (eVTOL) passenger aircraft is a cross between a drone and a small plane, capable of flying at least 150 miles on a single charge. What’s more, Joby claims it’s 100 times quieter than conventional aircraft during takeoff and landing. Supported by a fund worth US$100 million led by Toyota and Intel, the prototype aircraft named Rachel by the aviation company is meant to solve the top two problems brought by land transportation—air pollution and lying cars were the staple in sci-fi films, with the congestion. Electric motors, advanced promise of freedom from traffic, combined with batteries and sophisticated control software enable the air F the promise of speed proving irresistible. Now, a taxi promise better urban air quality, noise mitigation, and California-based aviation company is all set to make that a energy security. reality, at least for local residents. The company has said that the aircraft is being groomed Joby Aviation announced a 5-seater electric aircraft, to function as a ride-hailing service and will cost the same as envisaged as an alternative to existing land transport. an Uber ride.

The Face of Modern Security

n an effort to promote high-level security and safety, Singapore announced its plans to equip surveillance cameras with facial I recognition technology on all 110,000 lampposts in the country. Under the pilot name “Lamppost-as-a-Platform” (LaaP), the project scheduled for 2019 will install camera sensors that support backend facial recognition software to lampposts and allow for crowd analytics and follow-up investigations during an incident of crime or terrorism. Federal agency GovTech runs the program, which is intended to be part of Singapore’s Smart Nation project—a collective effort of the country to support better living through the use of smart applications. The LaaP program will be the first to provide facial recognition technology to camera sensors. While groups expressed security and privacy concerns over the initiative, questions around whether the cameras would be active round-the-clock (or only during emergencies) also persist. Among other plans of the Singapore government are sensors on lampposts to monitor air quality and water levels, and for footfall data to aid urban and transport planning.

/AsianNGO iMPACT | July - September 2018 13 This Caught Our Eye

Vested Interests

ove over, Paw Patrol, there’s a new group of crime-fighting dogs on the scene: The MWatchdogs. An initiative in Thailand aims to alter negative perceptions about stray dogs by turning them into mobile surveillance units. The program, which is still in pilot mode, uses the dogs’ reaction to something alien on their turf. Dogs wear vests that feature cameras activated by aggressive barking, with a live feed sent to law enforcement. The concept was developed by a team from Cheil Advertising Agency.

Treasure from Trash

everse vending machine (RVM) company KLEAN, and fin-tech firm HelloGold may have just struck gold, while taking steps to solve Malaysia’s recycling problem. RFor every plastic bottle or aluminum can deposited, a new machine deposits 10 Malaysian ringgits or U.S. 2.5¢ worth of gold through a companion app. Not only does this promote an interactive way for Malaysians to dispose waste, but it also increases the country’s low recycling rate. The HelloGold app helps users register their details, and credits are redeemable in various forms including gold and food vouchers. The gold is stored in Singapore, but is redeemable. While this isn’t the first RVM in the world, the Malaysian RVM is the only one that offers real gold in exchange for trash, compared to the traditional cash or coupon vended. A total of 40 machines will be installed across Kuala Lumpur in July, while 500 machines are expected to be launched in key locations across the country by the end of the year. HelloGold has already expressed expanding to countries such as South Africa, where a large informal plastic recycling economy is developing rapidly.

14 iMPACT | July - September 2018 www.asianngo.org/magazine Altered Carbon

reenhouse gases may be building up, but soon, Precipitated Calcium Carbonate (PCC) or Precipitated they may simply help construct buildings. Magnesium Carbonate (PMC) can be used in various Scientists have found a way to convert applications: for example, production of paper, paints and greenhouse gas emissions into building adhesives. In addition, PMCs can be cemented to construct Gmaterials—through carbon capture and conversion buildings, which scientists claim are non-toxic, water technology. resistant, fireproof, and possess good thermal and acoustic

With carbon capture, CO2 emissions are stored insulation properties.

underground, but with carbon conversion, CO2 isn’t just The carbon capture and conversion technology from stored but is also converted into usable compounds. University of Aberdeen is a finalist for the NRG COSIA The technology, developed by a company from the Carbon XPRIZE, a competition aimed to accelerate the

University of Aberdeen, U.K., works by dissolving the CO2 development of technologies that convert CO2 into in dilute alkali and converting it into carbonate ions and functional products. mixing them with calcium or magnesium. The resultant

Have a Heart!

new smartphone app aims to connect first responders to cardiac arrest victims before professional emergency aid arrives,A to enable immediate CPR. Developed by the European Heart Rhythm Association, the First Responder app locates trained rescuers closest to the emergency through integration of existing emergency systems with GPS tracking technology and sends their smartphones a notification about the location of the emergency. The first to respond is given directions to the victim. app with 600 rescuers sent to perform arrest and raise bystander resuscitation Heart disease is the leading cause emergency service. Results revealed rates to 70-90%. Plans are also afoot to of death worldwide with 17.7 million that 36 percent of rescuers arrived extend the service to emergency service fatalities each year, according to the three minutes before emergency agencies such as fire departments and World Health Organisation. services. hospitals. Cardiac arrest victims in Lubeck, Through the app, the developers Germany were the first to test the aim to spread awareness on cardiac

/AsianNGO iMPACT | July - September 2018 15 Feature

The Skype is the Limit

A project by an Indian non-profit organisation, eVidyaloka, helps rural and urban children connect through technology, enabling them to come up with interesting solutions to social challenges, finds Nandhini Shanmugham.

hirteen-year-old Palak Kumari is the only girl in According to a 2016 report by philanthropy foundation her class. In the past few years, she has watched Dasra and Bank of America, in both urban and rural India, as her friends dropped out from school, year after over 50% of girls do not have access to adequate sanitation Tyear. So when eVidyaloka’s National Student Innovation facilities. The lack of proper sanitation facilities is also a reason Challenge (NSIC) came along–encouraging students to for 23% of girls—girls like Palak’s friends—dropping out of use technology as a platform to address a Sustainable school on reaching puberty. Development Goal of their choice–Palak picked Goal No. Started in 2017, NSIC, an initiative of eVidyaloka, an 6–Clean Water & Sanitation. Why? Because poor water Indian non-profit using technology as a tool to work onthe hygiene and sanitation facilities have led to her friends education puzzle, is a unique event that celebrates the spirit dropping out of her rural school in Koymara, in the Indian of connecting rural and urban India. It aims at nurturing the state of Jharkhand. talent of students around critical thinking, leadership, and creative problem solving in a collaborative way. Making this possible is eVidyaloka’s comprehensive technology platform.

16 iMPACT | July - September 2018 www.asianngo.org/magazine A rural school is paired with an urban school, and each urban-rural team, guided by a mentor, attempts to understand an SDG goal of their choice, and develop ways to address it. Over a month, rural students collaborate with their urban counterparts on the e-Vidyaloka platform through Skype to understand their selected SDGs, the problems, challenges, and ways to address them. Their findings and solutions are presented through a project submission either in the form of a document, video, or PPT. Twenty- nine teams across six states in India participated in the 2017 NSIC program. Palak’s Government School partnered with the DAV School, Sreshtha Vihar, New Delhi. Her school has one of 130 digital classrooms that “ eVidyaloka has set up in rural schools across India. For all stakeholders - urban and rural school students, teachers, and mentors – NSIC was an eye opener. meaningful, although the exchange was While the DAV team was keen on, skewed towards the direction of urban Technology has and eventually developed, a prototype to rural children. that enables waste water from When the DAV school team heard not only enabled washbasins to flush toilets and a small about the dismal condition of sanitation and facilitated the sensor controlled cleaning device to in the Koymara Government School, mop and clean bathroom floors, Sarika they introduced to their rural friends conversations and Attri, teacher at DAV, says, “Futuristic toilet cleaning agents, exchanged ideas like ours, we realised, would only information on water-borne diseases interactions among cater to the needs of a few; the larger and infections, and got their school issue, however, is absence of basic doctor to talk about hygiene practices. the children, but facilities which the Koymara school Similarly, when it came to SDG Goal has also brought in is grappling with.” Her thoughts are No. 12 – Responsible Consumption – echoed by Koymara School’s mentor rural students were able to enlighten a huge amount of Sriranjani. their urban friends with some “Students in villages remain agriculture insights. It was through zeal and eagerness ignorant of practices as simple as their friends Giridas, Pasha and Anusha, washing hands. NSIC gave students an studying at the Madanpalle Government to pursue these opportunity to take stock of the current School in the neighbouring state of sanitation practices in their village and Andhra Pradesh did urban children first type of projects.” how they could address it,” she says. hear of crop rotation and its benefits. Swapna Ramkumar What is interesting to note is how Intrigued to know more, the urban team NSIC coordinator both urban and rural students could researched extensively on the subject eVidyaloka share best practices from their worlds and put together a four-way crop with each other in a way that was rotation demonstration model, showing

/AsianNGO iMPACT | July - September 2018 17

Feature “

how the old technique can help in pest they captured the information, they control, prevent soil erosion, treat water could all be shared online. I strongly feel that pollution, suppress weeds, and minimise But what next? greenhouse gas emissions. Children have created awareness in having more of The takeaway for participants has their neighbourhoods, says Ramkumar. these programs will been aplenty; some out-of-the box ideas Palak and her teammates Ananth sprang up; positive changes initiated and Kumar and Uday Kumar have, after help shrink the gap new friendships formed. But the “real the conclusion of the NSIC program, star” of the program is technology. conducted door-to-door awareness of between urban and “In the absence of which,” says good sanitation practices and water- rural communities. NSIC coordinator Swapna Ramkumar, borne diseases among 20 households. “the entire model would have remained Students at the Hanumakoppa This will certainly just a dream. Technology has not Government School in Karnataka have only enabled and facilitated the requested their headmaster for water pave way for children conversations and interactions among filters in the school. from both sides to the children, but has also brought in a “I strongly feel that having more of huge amount of zeal and eagerness to these programs will help shrink the gap empathise with each pursue these type of projects.” between urban and rural communities. The technology-backed initiative This will certainly pave the way for other’s lifestyle and has certainly given “wings to the children from both sides to empathise imagination of the students,” says Attri, with each other’s lifestyle and value value what they who feels that the since this was also what they possess,” says Ramkumar. And possess.” a tech-based initiative, students and maybe one day Palak will not be the only mentors had the “complete freedom to girl student in her class. Swapna Ramkumar cover the project in ways they wanted NSIC coordinator eVidyaloka to, be it surveys, charts, demo models, and videos.” Because no matter how

18 iMPACT | July - September 2018 www.asianngo.org/magazine Commentary

See. Cry. Click. Donate. Smile.

n a crowdfunding site, a The Rise of child with a swollen stomach O stares ahead, with an appeal to help save his life. A second child Crowdfunding is held by his mother, and a third is sitting within the confines of a for Healthcare hospital bed. Row after row features images of people (mostly children) in By Shivranjana Rathore hospital beds, requiring treatment for their medical malaise (mostly cancer). The stories accompanying them are Crowdfunding in healthcare is a great way to provide heart-wrenching, reflective of all relief in an emergency, and for uninsured medical kinds of problems in society: social, expenses where public healthcare systems break down. gender, substance abuse, and uncaring However, by its very emotional appeal, does it also healthcare systems. come at the cost of projects that have the potential for What one notices, however, is that the younger the child, the more greater social impact? Does it take away from systemic likely their campaign is funded fully. issues of public healthcare? Campaigns for amounts as high as

/AsianNGO iMPACT | July - September 2018 19

Commentary “

It is worrisome USD 50,000-100,000 are met within according to market norms. This a couple of weeks. While it’s not true means that it advantages children, if one might across the board, campaigns for adults photogenic persons, and those with and a less “immediate” need—say, the ability to communicate well and come to see it education—lag behind. likely disadvantages those facing (crowdfunding) For instance, close to half of the discrimination, with stigmatised campaigns on the YouCaring website, medical conditions (say, lung cancer), as a solution to, a leader in crowdfunding, are for the and disadvantaged social groups. cause of medical expenses, followed by Reflective of this attitude at a rather than a sign pets and animals, ahead of education, macro level, in a 1992 Time essay, non-profits, and community projects. Walter Isaacson asked, in the context of, our failure The company said roughly USD of the U.S. sending troops to Somalia, to guarantee 400 million was raised last year, with based on what he described a wave cancer treatment campaigns growing of sentimentality, “Will the world end universal access the fastest. up rescuing Somalia while ignoring In today’s visual world with the Sudan mainly because the former to medical care.” decreasing attention spans, does proves more photogenic?” crowdfunding’s appeal lie solely in Anoj Vishwanathan, founder, Jeremy Snyder instant gratification for donors? India-based Milaap, agrees this is Associate professor of health sciences, Jeremy Snyder, associate professor one issue Milaap constantly grapples Simon Fraser University, B.C., of health sciences at Simon Fraser with, but credits the shift to donor Canada University in Canada, says that preferences. In fact, Milaap started the problem with crowdfunding off in 2010 as a micro-lending site to is that it tends to distribute funds build rural entrepreneurship. Today,

20 iMPACT | July - September 2018 www.asianngo.org/magazine covered by insurance. In a suffering healthcare system, this does seem to be a source of temporary relief. Snyder acknowledges that, but cautions against complacency, “… it is worrisome if one might come to see it as a solution to, rather than a sign of, our failure to guarantee universal access to medical care.” There are alternative uses of the platforms to enable breaking away from the model that promotes bias. Watsi, for example, is a platform that uses

crowdfunding to finance surgeries while using the same technology to provide

community-based health coverage for 8,112 people (as of July 21, 2018) in “ rural Uganda. Crowdfunding platforms are doing their bit. Ketto branches out more than 80% of the appeals are for to use crowdfunding for larger social medical needs. impact by helping close to 4,000 One of Milaap’s solutions is to The ultimate non-profit organisations raise funds, consciously promote worthy causes solution lies in and Milaap is working with partner that seem to be lagging behind. In hospitals to enable cutting down of fact, the site features, amongst a sea of smarter usage of the final payment. medical campaigns, two lone rows of subsidies and funds Viswanathan is trying to bring non-medical campaigns, promoted to in foundations set up by corporate enable an increasingly elusive balance. and crowdfunding entities to enable subsidy of expensive However, it does not change wherever tertiary treatments. According to the fact that the greater focus on him, “the ultimate solution lies in medical crowdfunding continues required, along smarter usage of subsidies and funds to reinstate biases through the and crowdfunding wherever required, commodification of suffering, with developing along with developing better financial pointing towards, and perhaps better financial instruments, with health insurance feeding, a growing system of being a key instrument in that aspect.” injustice, while distracting from instruments, with The other solution, he says, might larger systemic problems. In health insurance lie in competitive pricing of treatment, addressing this distraction may where the pricing of the components lie the solution to crowdfunding’s being a key of treatment are more transparent, dominance by medical issues, which, instrument in that leading to better decision-making. too, is likely unsustainable at the However, these moves, while current rate of growth. aspect.” aiming to be inclusive, are still To understand the phenomenon, small-scale and large-scale impact Snyder says, we need to look at Anoj Viswanathan will require a move toward universal its origins in the U.S. as a solution Founder medical care. In the meantime, photos Milaap to insurance gaps, particularly will attract clicks, and that might be for cancer, and in some cases, to the best thing that has happened to try experimental treatments not the families of the children lying in hospital beds.

/AsianNGO iMPACT | July - September 2018 21

Commentary

Can Start-Up Mode Founders Lead Organisations to Scale? Not necessarily, writes Kriss Deiglmeier. When social innovations are ready for growth, leaders need to ask themselves whether they possess the skill sets required to take the organisation to scale.

ach social innovation several troubling barriers appeared begins with a vision, and, between the piloting and scaling most likely, a visionary, phases of growth. This created a eagerE to make an impact and willing “stagnation chasm,” where even the to go to great lengths and sacrifice best ideas can languish before moving to do so. As an idea evolves, it often forward to deliver results. During expands; there are new requirements this difficult period of transition, of the organisation that has grown organisations are often faced with around it, as well as new demands on profound challenges, chief among its leaders. them a shift in what is required to My colleagues and I recently adequately lead the organisation. studied the path that ten social It is a hard truth that the very Kriss Deiglmeier is the CEO of innovations took in order to scale, necessary skills— the personal Tides, a global foundation and and the challenges that they faced charisma and resourcefulness, for social venture accelerator focused on shared prosperity and social along the way. We based our work example—that serve an entrepreneur justice. In 2016, she was named on research and practices over the well during the ideation and piloting one of the “50 Most Influential past decade at Stanford University’s phase are not necessarily the ones Women in Philanthropy” by Center for Social Innovation; at most important for fostering a team, Philanthropy Insider. SI-Drive, a European Union-based galvanizing a board of directors, and initiative to advance social innovation brokering and sustaining successful on a global scale; and at Tides, a partnerships. With growth also comes philanthropic partner and non-profit additional complexity in the realms of accelerator that works with both human resources and infrastructure, funders and changemakers across the cross-sector collaboration, and world. We found that in every case, organisation talent development. All

/AsianNGO iMPACT | July - September 2018 23 Commentary

these areas become more essential to Empathic Listening: While technology Adaptability: By definition, social scale a social innovation. has helped us with connection, innovators see opportunities where Given all of these essential areas, collaboration is something else. others see only obstacles. Bringing if the leader cannot make this skill- Trust, the glue of all promises and an idea to fruition requires a great level transition from ideation and plans, still takes time and significant deal of energy, as well as integrative piloting to organisational growth, the effort. A leader presiding over thinking—the ability to simultaneously leader needs to move to another role unwavering commitment to his or her hold two opposing ideas in one’s or leave the organisation. There are personal values, cannot operate as an mind and then reach a synthesis that rare cases of founders who understand island. He or she must reach out to, improves each one. But it also requires that they don’t have the skill set listen to, understand and engage with real patience, and the ability to required to move their organisation others. In order to drive lasting social navigate ambiguity while envisioning a ahead and who hire a CEO to replace change, a leader must engage with a better future. themselves. More often, leadership variety of perspectives—that is what requires a significant group effort forms the foundation for deep and As we, as a society, grapple that includes difficult conversations continuous collaboration that leads to with the tremendous needs of our and creative solutions. In either case, growth. time, social innovation enables us here are the attributes that we believe to redefine possibility. Scaling these are essential to leaders of social A User-Centered Core: It is often not ideas is not easy, but it is possible— innovation when getting across the much of a stretch for the heads of a especially if you have the right stagnation chasm: small, entrepreneurial organisation to leadership in place. easily and often directly connect with Here at Tides—working Systems Thinking: When you are in the people they are serving. One main at the nexus of funders and start-up mode, you need to be laser goal of scale is to reach more people; changemakers—we want to share focused. But a social innovator must a profound downside is the distance our tools, our will, and our vision, so think and act beyond responding to such growth can create. As powerful that we can turn what we know into targeted problems, events or needs. as innovation is, we believe that it has action. And when the ups and downs Systems thinking enables leaders to to be rooted in deep empathy— a real get tough, it helps to focus on the consider the interplay of factors and understanding of and sensitivity to the endgame: to leave our world more forces relative to a broad ecosystem— experience of another person — in just, prosperous and sustainable than and to make unprecedented order to be most appropriate, useful, it was when we found it. connections in the quest for more and effective. To put it more simply: effective solutions. Even though you are scaling, you can’t lose sight of who you are serving.

24 iMPACT | July - September 2018 www.asianngo.org/magazine Commentary

Beyond the Hype: Keeping a Critical Eye on Blockchain for Social Impact

While blockchain on social good is a fast-growing area of interest in the sector, it is necessary to take a critical look at the technology, aiming for a more humanistic approach, writes Paul Lamb.

hile the hype around bitcoin has largely faded, overabundance of solutions chasing the interest in the application of its underlying problems. One example is the effort to blockchain technology to address social sector design decentralized, immutable, and challenges continues to grow. Conferences, secure blockchain-based databases for refugees and others lacking identity hackathons, and meetups in cities around the documentation. But are refugees world exploring “blockchain for social impact” are extremely really interested in online and mobile popular and often experience standing room only. systems for identification tracking, especially when there may be a concern about being identified in the “Blockchain for good” is indeed (see Everledger), a more critical look at first place? a burgeoning field. A Spring 2018 blockchain for social impact is needed. Naturally not every solution Stanford University report identified One reason to be more thoughtful can be fully stress-tested in real- 192 blockchain and cryptocurrency is that blockchain for good initiatives world environments in advance of for social impact projects worldwide, are often driven by technologists deployment, and the lack of a pre- over a third of which were launched and not necessarily by social sector existing demand for a technology or in 2017 or later. Initiatives covered practitioners. Numerous white papers service does not always determine its in the report included areas such as produced by “tech for good” startups validity (think Uber), but the user and health, financial inclusion, governance espouse the transformative nature user-centred design should always and voting, land rights, philanthropy of blockchain-based services, but come first. In the case of blockchain and aid, and the environment. most arguments for its applicability initiatives it is often the case of the tail Despite the excitement and some are unsupported by user surveys wagging the dog. early successes in areas like socially or successful pilots. The field is rife In addition, many of the responsible supply chain management with speculation, and there is an blockchain solutions targeting

/AsianNGO iMPACT | July - September 2018 25 “ Commentary

Could the very systems being code and loopholes allowing for developed to support underserved their manipulation are occasionally discovered. or threatened populations be used The good news is that there are dedicated individuals already hard at against them?” work exploring the larger implications for, and relevance of blockchain around social impact. Technical, NGO and social practitioner collaboratives such as the Blockchain for Social Impact Coalition and Blockchain for Humanity, among others, are looking closely at issues of governance, standards, applicability, and ethics. At the end of the day, social sector organisations should be careful before taking the leap; first asking questions like “Is this technology relevant developing world populations technology experts to use it, in the to my needs?” and “Do existing require Internet connectivity and same way that drivers of a cars don’t technology solutions work better?” smartphones. Accessing Web-based need to understand mechanics. But It is also important to know that in blockchain databases for proving land until we have a way to simplify and most cases, we are years away from ownership, one of the most commonly humanize communications around understanding the true benefits of the promoted use cases, is not realistic for blockchain products and services, not technology and practical proofs of poor farmers who may not have access to mention develop more user-friendly concept are needed across the board. the Internet. For solutions to serve the interfaces, adoption by social sector While piloting should be encouraged, unbanked, many blockchain solutions organisations and end users is likely to and the technology truly does have require the use of smartphones to remain limited. transformative potential for the social host digital wallets for cryptocurrency Finally, there is the question of sector, we need to take it one step, or access. However innovative the ethics. Could the very systems being one block, at a time. approach, it does not necessarily take developed to support underserved into account projections that, even or threatened populations be used in 2018, only 36% of individuals against them? Bad actors and corrupt worldwide will own smartphones. officials might control or co-opt For non-technical individuals it systems designed for the social good can also be challenging to grasp the and use them for nefarious purposes. highly technical language surrounding A recent blockchain initiative blockchain, and therefore fully designed to provide an identity understand its potential uses. Websites system for Rohingyan refugees, introducing new blockchain initiatives for example, received criticism for regularly lead with terminology like potentially offering Myanmar officials “smart contracts” and “tokenised a way to find Rohingyan activists, ecosystems,” which mean nothing should access to individual records Paul Lamb is the principal of Man on A to the uninitiated. Indeed, the be unwittingly made available to Mission Consulting, a U.S.-based non- technology is so new and unique that them. While blockchain platforms profit management consulting firm. He has over 25 years’ experience as a we are still discovering the language are generally highly secure due non-profit executive, and writes and to talk about it. At the same time to their cryptographic nature, the speaks frequently on cryptocurrency adopters don’t necessarily need to be software is based on open-source and blockchain for social impact.

26 iMPACT | July - September 2018 www.asianngo.org/magazine Resources How to Build an App for your cause

STEP 1 STEP 2 Mobile apps continue to be perceived as a business Visualise oriented and investment-intensive tool. However, Research Once the app’s goal is clear, whether you are a social enterprise, a non-profit The next step is to research organisation or a philanthropist, apps and social media the next step is to create apps serving similar goals. For a storyboard to design its can be used as powerful tools to get you connected with example, if you are looking to interface. This process needs various stakeholders. And the best news is, it need not create an educational game no designing or sketching cost a fortune. that deals with mental health, skills; all that is needed is So far, there have been two types of apps in the you could check games that complete clarity on the social sector: the internal app, to help with efficient data are already available in the desired outcome and user collection and communication, and the external app market. This will help you interface. MIT App Inventor which helps communicate with the external audience, understand the feasibility of and AppInstitute have the often toward a particular goal. your app from users’ reviews, as well as common bugs that facility to help you preview Microfinance institutions like Micro Housing Finance similar apps have each screen of your app Corporation in India and Digital Green use internal apps, run into. Research while app-based games like Hunger Crunch, from non- on your smartphone, to would also help you help generate a clearer profit Rice Bowls, help with a particular project. understand the legal understanding of The first step, therefore, is to identify your aspects/copyright the final product. organisation’s exact need for an app: maybe internal clauses of any Based on that, operations need a little more efficiency, or maybe an designs that you you can create intervention could benefit more from the creation of might be using. rough sketches of an app. Unless there is a need for a highly nuanced each of the sections app, they can be built internally, with a little bit of tech- of your app: from savviness and learning, without high costs or need for a STEP 4 the ‘About’ to developer. the ‘Share’ There are multiple platforms such as Appsbuilder, sections of iBuildApp, BuildFire and MIT App Inventor that help Test the app. create apps. These feature simple user interfaces Each of the app builders that ease the technical challenges of app building. have the facility to test the However, the crucial part of process lies in the prototype on your device. brainstorming and trials before actually This will help you refine the putting together the app. app before launch. Once you are through STEP 3 with all these steps and the app seems good to go, you Design can upload the same on Play Store/App Store and focus If your initial on marketing the app. Most app looks app-building websites charge feasible and a minimum fee to enable you executable, to keep track of your app’s it is time to performance: number of play around on downloads, reviews, and even an app-building errors that you can fix using website and create the same platform. a prototype. Most app sites feature a drag-and- So, go ahead, happy app- drop functionality for each building! step to help you structure the look of the app.

/AsianNGO iMPACT | July - September 2018 27 Interview

Disconnect Bridging the

An Interview with Duncan Macintosh, CEO, APNIC

igital technology is and moved to APNIC in 2014 to lead shaping the world for several programs on technical training, development—there are community development, and internet currentlyD 3.9 billion internet users as research. of 2017 with 3.1 billion active social In an interview with iMPACT’s Ian media users. Jamotillo, he speaks on the influence Despite this remarkable innovation, of the internet in the Asia-Pacific and many communities still lack access to how APNIC Foundation is shaping

the internet. Not only does that prevent the region’s future through digital

the disadvantaged from experiencing empowerment and internet security. development, it also inhibits their potential for growth. Slow network iMPACT: What are the challenges “ speed and privacy threats prove to be that hinder the Asia-Pacific barricades for internet development, region in accessing the internet? particularly in the Asia-Pacific region. What is the APNIC Foundation Duncan Macintosh is the chief doing to solve these challenges? executive officer/executive director The Asia-Pacific of the Asia-Pacific Networking Duncan Macintosh: One of Information Center (APNIC) the biggest challenges I see is poor region is where Foundation. APNIC is the official infrastructure. When you have poor internet registry focused on internet infrastructure, the baseline of internet the action is development in the Asia-Pacific will be greatly affected, preventing going to be” region. He was earlier development both access and development. This Duncan Macintosh director at the International Rice is where APNIC Foundation comes CEO and executive director, Research Institute in the Philippines in, where we work on creating a solid APNIC Foundation

28 iMPACT | July - September 2018 www.asianngo.org/magazine “

infrastructure so that the internet can flourish in the region. One, we The development sector cannot just want the infrastructure to be secure, assume that the internet will be there so when you perform a transaction on the internet, you can be sure it is all the time and it will be always a secure transaction. Two, we want the infrastructure to be inexpensive; secure and safe.” so, when you try to subscribe on your mobile phone it doesn’t cost you, say, 5,000 pesos to access the internet. With all the issues concerning Three, we want it to be fast. You don’t also support physical infrastructure the internet such as security want to sit around waiting for five such as internet exchange points (IXP). and cyber threats, how you do minutes for a download. It works like a domestic airport for promote it as a positive tool internet traffic. Earlier, if you sent an in general, and not just to the How does APNIC Foundation fit e-mail from Manila to Cebu, your development sector? into the ecosystem of the internet e-mail went to Hong Kong and then and the development sector? to Cebu because that’s where the I have to admit that it is a challenge IXP was. Now that you have an IXP for us to promote the internet as a Our role is to ensure that all the in the Philippines, when you e-mail positive force but our approach is development services can deliver your friend in Manila from Cebu, through technical training because we what they want. One is to increase your e-mail stays in the country. believe that if we are properly trained, infrastructure investment. We feel that we have the knowledge to manage and the development sector does not invest What do you think is the role of operate even the most extraordinarily enough, so we want to raise money internet in the development sector complex networks. If the people who and increase investment for internet as a whole? Where do future manage the networks aren’t properly infrastructure and technical training. opportunities lie? What must the trained, the networks can be hacked Second, we want to educate the sector do, in your opinion, to use and infiltrated. The internet is indeed development sector. Most people have those opportunities? a powerful and beneficial tool, but it never heard of the internet registry, really depends on how we are going to and don’t know how the internet works. I think it is very clear that in almost use it for our own good. every aspect of life, the internet plays One of your programs is to a fundamental role in the development How do you see the Asia-Pacific provide a fast internet connection sector. It doesn’t matter if you’re in Region in the next five years now and I’m sure you are aware that health, education, good governance that internet has evolved in the the Philippines has the slowest or environment; the internet has region? internet speed in the Asia-Pacific. allowed all those development sectors What is the role of APNIC in to greatly boost their impact and First of all, we need to recognise that the solving issues like these in the efficiency. The message that we Asia-Pacific region is where the action is Asia-Pacific? (APNIC Foundation) have for the going to be (with regard to the internet). development sector is that it needs It has the largest internet community and The main work that we do here to pay more attention to issues of the most dynamic internet innovation. in the Philippines is to work with infrastructure. The development America has been traditionally the driver, organisations that allow network sector cannot just assume that the but the growth in sheer numbers of engineers to collaborate and engage. internet will be there all the time people joining the internet is in Asia- APNIC Foundation is focused on and it will be always secure and safe. Pacific and will remain in that region for training network engineers to the They must start to understand the many years. As we bring the internet to highest possible level. If network importance of network engineers, and more communities, I believe that the engineers are not trained well, the the important role of infrastructure coming years will open more doors for internet will not work properly. We like IXPs. development.

/AsianNGO iMPACT | July - September 2018 29 Cover Story

Technical Snag: Getting Started on Digital Strategies

While conversations often turn to the immense potential of technology in the social sector, some non-profit organisations do not see what the fuss is all about. Does technology offer anything apart from fundraising and networking capabilities to the typical non- profit? How does a non-profit go on this digital journey?

30 iMPACT | July - September 2018 www.asianngo.org/magazine “

Technology can enable a feedback loop, making

echnology for Good. An inclusive sure that organisations pay phrase that has, with each utterance, expanded to bring within its more heed to the voices of meaning every conceivable idea that the people.” encompassesT technology, or social good. While some organisations view their social media Jessica Kempner pages as evidence of the same, others are looking at the Business development manager larger picture and how Industry 4.0 will change the way The Social Investment Consultancy they do social good. And then there are technologies: blockchain, the new kid on the (what else but) block, IoT, big data, and the eternal favourite: ICT. For a non-profit working on the ground, though, much of this is irrelevant. What matters is this: how do I deliver better services through technology (and can it be done)? Or how do I make processes more efficient through technology? Recent studies have confirmed what has long been suspected: that apart from organisations for whom tech is part of their DNA—a crowdsourcing platform, for example—others are slow to take to technology. A 2017 paper, “What Next for Digital Social Innovation?” (Stokes, Baeck and Baker) reveals, “We are far from making the most of the potential in Digital Social Innovation (DSI) with few examples of DSI achieving impact at scale. Systemic barriers to growth include the availability and accessibility of funding and skills, a fragmented ecosystem and limited uptake of DSI by the public sector and established civil society organisations (CSOs).” The report cites the most commonly used technology as “Social Media/Social Networks.” Therein lies the challenge of technology and its role for social good. It seems to be primarily need-based— when it relates directly to fundraising, for example, or when donors require evidence of their impact. Jessica Kempner, business development manager, The Social Investment Consultancy, a U.K.-based organisation working toward social change strategies for clients, says that charities are slow on the uptake when it comes to innovation using technology, but are moving toward using technology in other ways—for instance, in impact measurement, which is fast becoming a requirement for most non-profits.

/AsianNGO iMPACT | July - September 2018 31 Cover“ Story

If technology isn’t connected to the “analogue” processes. Like making mission and integrated into the strategic changes to the structure of a lived-in home, moving from an analogue to a plan for the organisation, there’s no way technology-enabled mode can mean we can expect our technology to truly a lot of change for the organisation, including that of the mind-set of the help us in all the ways we need it to.” organisation itself. A few non-profits have a natural fit Amy Sample Ward CEO with technology. Some organisations Nonprofit Technology Network meticulously plan the ways technology can be used and some stumble upon its immense potential. The National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), based in the U.S., included Leveraging Technology as part of its strategic plan, and used it in various ways: to identify potential students for their training, to deploy learning at scale using a Learning Management System, and to identify underserved areas to focus on efforts in those geographic regions. “What used to take weeks now takes minutes and it is all done online in a mobile friendly environment,” says James Stewart, chief information officer, NAMI. Operation Asha, which primarily works in India and Cambodia toward eradication of tuberculosis, uses technology, including biometrics, to Organisations are also using the funder requirements. Organisations ensure that the patient and the health Cloud and CRM systems extensively; that start off with a technology worker actually work together to however, it is not common to see “DNA” have it easier in some ways, take the required dose of medicine. charities use technology for their core as it is built into the process. Applications have also helped non- services—with notable exceptions Watsi is an organisation that medical staff quickly note symptoms in education technology, commonly provides community-based health of tuberculosis, with a central medical called EdTech. coverage and crowdfunds surgeries record system for monitoring and data “It’s a rare charity who will look to for those who cannot afford it. So far, crunching. (See box: Beacon of Hope) technology for their core program and Watsi has helped over 16,500 patients Noise Solution works toward be confident about it,” says Kempner, receive free surgery. The feted Khan social and emotional well-being using “Charities are still very much behind Academy helps students from all over music and created positive circles when it comes to innovating using the world access education through of influence for the youth using technology.” technology for free. These are, technology. Although technology Making the transition from however, built with technology from was initially meant to be used for a highly human process to one the ground up. reporting, its impact lent itself that uses automation can be very It is the rare non-profit that to integration into the program difficult for non-profits, especially harnesses the power of technology itself. (See Box: Sound Advice). in the face of stringent donor/ to work with its already established Examples of organisations that

32 iMPACT | July - September 2018 www.asianngo.org/magazine improved their services, processes, and even cut costs abound. The Pieces of the Puzzle How can non-profits start on this journey to exploring technology? 1. Think Experts have some pointers. The number one mistake that people 4. Network make, says Simon Glenister of Noise The non-profit world, in large part, Start from the Top Solution, is to tack on evaluation at works in silos, and information While some organisations’ programs the end of their work. “Think early exchange is hard to come by. When and processes are suitable for on about how to build the process,” becoming a part of a network like transforming to technology, others he says. “Why not build that into the NTEN, solutions emerge. are looking to simply migrate parts process itself?” of their operations. This, in itself, 5. Get help/pilot can be a big problem to surmount 2. Get ready If there is internal capacity, there is no and in many ways, it starts with the When an organisation decides to need to worry about getting external leadership. expand its utilisation of technology, help. However, most non-profits do “A lot of people we spoke to (for the field, so to speak, must be tilled not have in-house tech departments, the study), said that when it comes appropriately: starting with the people and might require some handholding. to tech, there needs to be more in the organisation. Rahman suggests matching solutions active leadership from the top,” says Amy Sample Ward, CEO, NTEN, to their specific needs before going Kempner. “The manager needs to suggests starting with the staff of the whole nine yards. The Engine really be an interpreneur.” the organisation, ensuring that they Room’s Tool Selection Assistant helps “Ultimately, we want to be “know that they can and should non-profits better articulate what their sure that organisations recognise continually learn about the technology needs are. technology as a leadership issue. tools that help them do their job If technology isn’t connected to (training isn’t only on your first day 6. Go the mission and integrated into the of the job) and then create space for Once the tech solution is in place, it strategic plan for the organisation, that ongoing learning inside your might meet with some resistance. there’s no way we can expect our organisation.” Organisations that have a culture of technology to truly help us in all the With the buy-in of the leadership, innovation and change will find it a bit ways we need it to,” says Amy Sample this should be an easy step to cross. easier, as will younger organisations. Ward, CEO of Oregon, U.S.-based “Multilateral agencies adopt Nonprofit Technology Network, 3. Introspect technology at a slower pace too,” which provides information, resources, “Start with the problem,” says Zara Jessica Kempner, TSIC, says. and education for non-profits faced Rahman, The Engine Room. “Don’t with a multitude of technology say, ‘We want to use blockchain.’ Try 7. Analyse problems and opportunities. and start with what you are trying to If something fails, don’t make She also advocates bringing achieve, and what technology might technology the scapegoat. Analyse technology into the budgets, be able to do in that space.” ways in which things might have integrating it in all discussions, so The widely popular health gone wrong. When The Engine that, “perspectives and understanding financing platform, Watsi, started with Room did a Reflection series, with technology are reflected in the the problem of access and financing analysing technology solutions decisions and outcomes.” of healthcare and the solution that did not work, what emerged Also, practitioners caution, emerged from there. Operation was that most times, it had nothing technology should not mean a retreat Asha, for example, wanted to ensure to do with technology, but rather, from the human aspect of the services. the integrity of the data that was communications breakdown, or “Technology is only a layer on top,” submitted. cultural issues, or not understanding says Sonali Batra, chief technology the limitations of the technology. officer of Operation Asha. “If your existing program is not strong,

/AsianNGO iMPACT | July - September 2018 33

Cover Story “

Start with the problem. Sound Advice: Impact Measure Transforms to Program Input Don’t say, ‘We want to use blockchain.’ Try and start with what you are trying to achieve, and what technology might be able to do in that space.”

Zara Rahman Research and engagement team lead The Engine Room

technology cannot help, and it’s certainly not a magic solution.”

Security in Networks U.K.-based Noise Solution’s path toward technology was a Several charities reach out for external help when bit accidental. As a non-profit organisation providing a one- they need to do something in the tech space, and on-one music mentoring program to youth in challenging often, that leads to a larger conversation about how circumstances as a way to up their well-being, Noise they can unlock the potential of technology. Solution initially used technology only to document the Creating a larger community and collaborating youths’ musical journey. seems to be the need of the hour. So, each participant would, through video blogs, blogs, Consultants and advisors on technology for non- and pictures, write about their experiences and share it with profits help design programs in a way that integrates a select group of people. However, it soon emerged that the technology into the project. The Engine Room helps medium used to document the experiences had, in itself, with just that, using a combination of project design the potential to positively influence the participant. This and support, research, and building specialised resulted in a bespoke social media platform that became an communities around data and technology. integral part of the project. Measurements have shown the Zara Rahman, research and engagement team program to impact well-being positively. Simon Glenister, lead, The Engine Room, agrees that community director of Noise Solution, says, “The most important thing is key. This assumes even greater significance with is that what started off as a thing that measured impact non-profits, whose margin of error is almost nil. became part of the impact.” “Too often we see organisations diving in and For instance, a participant would post a blog on her thinking, ‘I’m going to be the one to do this’ but session and the resulting encouragement from her social maybe they should hold on and look around,” says worker would spur her on, the whole process impacting the Rahman, whose organisation has worked on more pillars of self-determination: autonomy, competency, and than 175 projects in 2017. “People should try and relatedness. learn from others.” Glenister, working on his master’s degree in education, It is this sense of community that led specifically with reference to Noise Solution, says the The Engine Room to begin collaboration process provided both qualitative and quantitative data to form the Responsible Data community, that could, in the future, be analysed and worked on, with where over 800 professionals from different automation built in when the need arises. fields talk about data, privacy, and responsible use, through forums and newsletters.

34 iMPACT | July - September 2018 www.asianngo.org/magazine This need for a community A Beacon of Hope: Accountability and Metrics has also led to organisations such as NTEN. Ward says that while organisations primarily come to them when they have an immediate project in hand, NTEN recommends membership, so they can connect to other organisations that have been through the same path. With several articles, resources and courses, the network acts as a place where non- profits come together to embark on a tech journey together. Stewart, of NAMI, says the NTEN community was a huge help. “Calling on the community for suggestions on how to solve issues and identify tools we can use for a variety of reasons is part of the culture here at NAMI,” he says, adding that one of the tools they ended up using was identified from an NTEN discussion thread. This technology journey can be as simple as migrating on to a CRM or Operation Asha works directly in using the Cloud to store and manage India and Cambodia, serving 15.6 all data. million people in the healthcare field, While many non-profits look at primarily in eradicating tuberculosis. technology with a wary eye, experts A lot of the work involves extensive do believe that the earlier they adopt field visits and ensuring that patients technology, the better prepared they take their medication on time, as will be for the future. missing even a single dose can “To say ‘We don’t need prove disastrous. However, tracking technology’ is an increasingly to ensure that the dose has been unpopular way,” says Kempner, and administered was not fool-proof. Says Glenister agrees. “There seems to Sonali Batra, chief technology officer be no reason to not use technology of Operation Asha, “In India, data anyway,” he says. fudging is very rampant. We wanted patient records were migrated on to Kempner says that ultimately, to ensure quality of services within a central electronic medical system. the value of technology may lie Operation Asha.” Batra says that far from requiring in creating more human-centric In 2010, Operation Asha started extra resources, going tech meant that approaches to service design. work on eCompliance in collaboration resources were freed up. After these “We need to start with service with Microsoft and in 2014, migrated tools were put in place, there was no users and ask them what they need to using tablet devices powered looking back and large parts of the and start with that. Technology can by their own technology. The operation were automated. “Once enable a feedback loop, making sure applications use biometric data to you realise the power of technology, that organisations pay more heed to the help tracking of and by Community and that initial barrier is crossed, voices of the people. Technology is key Health Workers. The entire data and opportunities open up,” says Batra. to making that happen,” she says.

/AsianNGO iMPACT | July - September 2018 35 Photo Feature

1

This issue’s photo feature dives into the advanced world of technology and how it can be used to illuminate lives, Amplifying a both literally and metaphorically. These pictures--featuring alternate transport, renewable energy, and digital learning-- are testimony to the rapidly advancing technologies that New Generation have started to impact remote areas of the world.

2

36 iMPACT | July - September 2018 www.asianngo.org/magazine 3

5

1 Members of the Igorot, an Austronesian ethnic group living in the Philippines, scan through a tablet. Photo by Ricardo Cerdia

2 A solar panel provides electricity for a local shack. Photo by Dhrubajyoti Bhattacharjee

3 Children in Cambodia learn using tablets while a mini solar panel powers their lamp to provide lighting. Photo by Froi Rivera

4 Visitors traverse a park using mini scooters. Photo by Arturo de Vera Jr.

5 A young girl learns painting using a laptop. Photo by Eduardo Seastres 4

/AsianNGO iMPACT | July - September 2018 37 Face-Off

Remote Possibility? Drone Agriculture in Asia

he use of drone technology While the technology is more prevalent in the U.S., Africa in agriculture is increasing has batted for more widespread use of drones to create social by leaps and bounds. impact. Stemming from a situation where drones are widely T used for humanitarian assistance, the technology’s adaptation Various studies telescope their growth to agriculture was but a step away. differently, based on their definition Several social enterprises are working on drone technology of drones: from USD 10.7 billion with specific applications for African agriculture. In fact, the in 2022 (Allied Market Research) to 2018 meeting of the African Union saw its executive council a more conservative USD 1 billion requesting the AU and member states to harness drones for agriculture. by 2024 (Global Market Insights, Drone technology, with its precision, can help farmers Inc.). Business Insider defines assess and predict crop health and take decisions early enough drones as aerial vehicles that can to prevent losses. Despite 54 different sets of regulations in all fly autonomously or be piloted by a of Africa, the likely impact on agriculture in Africa is great. As enterprises come up with ways of scaling up usage of drones in remote individual and expects sales of African agriculture, iMPACT takes a look at the feasibility of drones to surpass $12 billion in 2021. using the technology in Asia, from various perspectives.

38 iMPACT | July - September 2018 www.asianngo.org/magazine “

What particularly helps in the Asian context is a collaborative effort not only on the part of the suppliers of the technology, but also the users.”

Vasant Bhat Founder, TRITHI Robotics, India

The twin usage of drone technology– analysis of crop health and spraying of pesticides–holds good potential in Asian agriculture. While crop analysis allows farmers to make smarter decisions well in time, drone sprays reduce the effort of spraying by 70-80%, while simultaneously ensuring a more precise and accurate dosage based on crop requirement as assessed and calculated by the drone. Traditional spraying methods often can take a day to cover 2-5 acres of land in a day, whereas a drone can spray 20-25 acres per hour. If farmers have larger acreage as in Europe and the U.S., it is naturally more economical for them to own a fleet of drones and use them as part of their regular farming practice. However, Asia and Southeast Asia have a majority of marginal farmers making it expensive for a small landholding farmer to own and use the technology to make better farming decisions, owing to the lack of funds, lengthy process of training and basic technical knowledge required to operate and maintain drones. However, in my

/AsianNGO iMPACT | July - September 2018 39

Face-Off “

Drones can, in such a changing scenario, result in opinion and experience, this does not mean that a technology known well farming systems that enough for creating great impact on agricultural productivity should be a expose smallholding distant dream for small farmers. For farmers to greater smallholdings, a pay-per-acre service model would be ideal, which is not vulnerability.” offered by many enterprises. Further, I have observed that what particularly helps in the Asian Divya Nazareth context is a collaborative effort not Researcher, Watershed Organisation Trust (WOTR), India only on the part of the suppliers of the technology but also the users of the technology. Farmers across this he use of drones in agriculture In literature, there is a reference to region, make decisions in groups and is much welcome to aid the “deskilling” in agriculture, which usually come in from acreage that state in assessment of crops means the ability of the farmer to generally has the same crop being toT deliver essential services to farmers, undertake crop planning based on farmed. Offering affordable drone such as crop insurance, especially the soil status and resources at his/ services to a group of farmers in the since farmers in semi-arid regions are her disposal, which essentially breaks same area, for example, is the way vulnerable to variations in weather the link between environmental and to enable effective usage of drones and also given that much of Asian social learning; in effect, leading to the in Asia. I also do not think we can agriculture is also rainfall dependent. farmer to be increasingly influenced expect all of Asia to uniformly adapt My concern around the use by market drivers and practices of to drone usage in one go, but enough of drones in Asian agriculture, other farmers. The concern here, then, focus on research and development, however, arises with its use to guide becomes that when used effectively and joint effort on the part of decision-making at the farm level in by a few bigger farmers, the usage businesses offering drone services, an environment where the farmer of drone technology in Asia could farmers and farming co-operatives, is vulnerable to climate change. significantly influence farmer decision- and allied industries such as seed It has been proven that drones making, with little or no environmental companies can ensure effective can be effectively used to provide basis. This could then cause a rise implementation of the technology in recommendations to farmers in cases in certain crops that are not suitable the Asian continent. where the same crop spans many in the context of climate change hectares. However, in the Indian context adaptation, such as paddy and cotton. for example, where farmlands are Farmers, at present, are characterized by small and fragmented confronted with various setbacks land holdings, usage of drones can be such as shortage of labour, to which a challenge due to the varied size of they are responding by undertaking landholdings, which might not provide monocropping and commercial as easy an assessment to guide farmer farming. Drones which have the decision-making in the specific context capacity to guide decision-making of that area. can, in such a scenario, result in My main concern is that using farming systems that can further this technology now could result in expose smallholding farmers to maladaptation to it at the farm level. greater vulnerability.

40 iMPACT | July - September 2018 www.asianngo.org/magazine “

Through drone technology, the potential is endless for innovative entrepreneurs who are up to the challenge.”

Divya Nazareth Arielle Molino Researcher, Watershed Organisation Trust (WOTR), India Sankalp Forum & Startup Wave, Intellecap Advisory Services Private Limited,

he opportunities for using While the potential for impact is model incredibly challenging—in drones to create positive nearly boundless, there are challenges effect, serving as demotivation. impact across developing preventing this promising technology Those businesses creating impact countriesT cannot be understated but from taking off in Africa. There are for smallholder farmers are dealing only after overcoming the obstacles 54 different countries in Africa, and with high customer acquisition that lie in the way. Drone technology drones fall under the mandate of the costs, developing price points for has demonstrated abilities to identify federal civil aviation authority in each customers with limited expendable crop stress, assist with irrigation country. Therefore, for enterprises income and reaching their customers management, and manage pest control looking to scale their drone-enabled in remote rural areas-all for more efficiently and accurately than agriculture management systems servicing just a few acres. any manual alternatives. across East Africa, they’d need to Though the obstacles are steep The average smallholder farmer comply with five different regulations to improve agriculture efficiencies in Africa has limited access to across Kenya, Uganda, Rwanda, across the global south through drone agriculture technology, and climate Ethiopia and Tanzania. technology, the potential is endless for change means that traditional Some countries also have innovative entrepreneurs who are up planting timelines cannot be extremely high costs of drone to the challenge. followed. So, affordable agriculture licensing. For instance, Kenya, where management services through commercial drones were approved drones can be a game-changer just last year, has a legal fee ranging for the 500 million estimated between USD $1,000-3,000, making smallholder farmers in the world. it cheaper to have an illegal drone There are farmers willing to pay confiscated since the penalties for this service–and not just large- include a $5,000 fee and three scale farmers. Smallholder farmers months in jail–trivial repercussions in Kenya are willing to pay about compared to Ghana, where offenders USD $3 per acre for an assessment can be jailed for up to 30 years for of crop stress, based on a business flying an unregistered drone. model pilot between the Dutch In addition to the high costs of Development Agency SNV, and licensing fees, business overhead Third Eye Water, a start-up operating costs can quickly add up, making in Mozambique and Kenya. developing a profitable business

/AsianNGO iMPACT | July - September 2018 41

Interview “

Innovation is going to be the differentiating factor between nations”

R. Ramanan, Director, Atal Innovation Mission

ndia ranks number 60 in the Global Innovation Index, a worldwide ranking of the capabilities and results Iof innovation of nations1. While India’s rank has steadily increased from 81 in 2015 to 60 in 2017, clearly, the country has a long way to go before it catches up with the rest of the world.

When Steve Wozniak mentions from school, to college, all the way to that he doesn’t see creativity in India, bringing the innovation to the market. the country’s Twitterati declare war “Traditionally, education in on him, but only for a few days, India has focussed on rote learning until the next celebrity makes a in school, getting into a good controversial remark. college and then, into a good job in Ramanathan Ramanan, director industry,” says the “59-year-young” of the Atal Innovation Mission former managing director of CMC (AIM) and additional secretary of Computers. “This (Tinkering Labs) NITI Aayog2, India, however, has is one of the greatest disruptions in been living and breathing the ideas education, as we see it.” of sparking innovation for the past In a chat with iMPACT’s Meera year. Through the Atal Tinkering Rajagopalan, Ramanan talks about Labs (ATL), Atal Incubator Centres the mission, its context, and what it and the New India Challenge, his means to be the person entrusted with team has been working on fostering realizing India’s grandest dream for creativity and innovation for students her children.

42 iMPACT | July - September 2018 www.asianngo.org/magazine iMPACT: What is the idea behind population. We have challenges that many the Innovation Mission? Western countries do not have. But Indian innovation is uniquely placed to solve these R. Ramanan: The purpose is really problems, which will be very useful for the to create an environment of innovation rest of the world, as we are known for our in the country. For how do you promote frugal innovation. innovation, and more importantly, cultivate Innovation is key to the progress of a an innovative mind-set? It must start in country like India. Traditionally, education school. Our whole approach is holistic at in India has focussed on rote learning in the school and university level, bringing school, getting into a good college and in industry and state- and national-level then, into a good job in industry. This entities for suitable synergies. We also aim (Tinkering Labs) is one of the greatest for collaboration with the private sector, disruptions in education, as we see it. public sector, and research undertakings, so that innovation is not in isolation. How involved should a government be in fostering innovation? Why do we need to jumpstart innovation? The government is responsible for driving some of these initiatives but in such a Innovation is going to be the differentiating manner that it becomes self-sustaining. factor between nations. We are at a It is important to rope in the necessary crucial point in the world’s history, where collaborations with the private sector technology is everywhere, and has also and industry, who are the eventual become affordable. IoT, AI, Big Data, marketplace for the innovations. So it all of these are coming together, and has to be a dual approach. It is in the are becoming more important, and government’s interest that youth are the environment is right for large-scale empowered through such initiatives. And, applications (of these technologies). at least initially, a project of this scale In such an environment, technology can only be driven at a government-level, and innovation are going to differentiate especially when you are looking at a pan- leaders and followers. India landscape. The government also has an obligation that no part of the country Where does India factor into this be neglected. landscape? What is the idea behind the India is a country with a population of 1.3 Tinkering Labs? billion and a rich demographic dividend. Here, 40% of the economy is agrarian Tinkering Labs are dedicated spaces and 20-25% of the population live below where students from Class 6 to Class 1 The report is published by Cornell University, INSEAD, the poverty line. In India, there are a 12 learn innovation skills. The labs and UN agency World Intellec- million challenges and this can be a million are set up so children are exposed to tual Property Organization. opportunities. Turning a challenge into and familiarised with state-of-the-art 2 The National Institution for an opportunity is only possible through technology such as 3D printing and IoT Transforming India, also called an innovation culture. We must focus on (Internet of Things) devices. NITI Aayog, is the premier pol- icy think tank of the Govern- creating job creators, and not job seekers. Children participate in tinkering ment of India, providing both India is on a cusp, riding rapid challenges and marathons, apart from directional and policy inputs economic growth and a very young various events. Through the ATLs, kids

/AsianNGO iMPACT | July - September 2018 43 Interview

were created during the Tinkering Marathon. About 600 innovations were shortlisted. (Of these, 30 innovations have since been showcased in a special booklet, and the teams will be given special training in entrepreneurship and communication skills: Ed.) When we saw this, we were convinced that the time was ripe to scale. Scaling up is not an issue as setting up a new ATL is a very process- driven approach. The necessary platforms are already created, and a number of parameters for outputs and outcomes have been designed. We are aiming at 5,000 ATLs at the end of the year, one of the largest innovation projects in the world (see graphic).

Along with the labs, AIM also encourages incubators. How relevant are physical incubators in today’s world?

It’s part of the innovation continuum that we want to encourage: from school, to college, to becoming know that they can be problem solvers. The other thing we have done an entrepreneur. We are setting When students innovate, they already is invite young professionals to be up incubators in institutions and acquire a start-up mind-set. This Mentors of Change. More than 5,000 universities. We provide support to new is one of the biggest disruptors in professionals have registered for it, and incubators, as well as scale up support education, as we see it. more than half of them are associated for existing incubators. with ATL. They give students To answer your question, the Many a time, programs in technical help, and help with problem incubators are not going to be based education run into last-mile solving, mentoring, and inspiration. in metros, and only for software-based connectivity issues. How do you They commit a certain number of technologies (see graphic). We are ensure that everyone is on the hours a week. looking at other innovations too— same page? say, an agritech start-up, which will AIM has announced that the require testing out the technology and We have training programs for the Tinkering Labs will be expanded hardware. So a physical incubator teachers, students, and mentors, apart to 5,000 schools in the upcoming is very much relevant. Extending a from the online resources that are free year. What has prompted this physical incubator to a virtual one can to use. There are extensive training move so soon? always happen. programs by the industry as well, for We are very cognizant of the teachers. Many large corporates, We have seen a tremendous response geographic and sector diversity and such as IBM, SAP, and Intel are to the innovation challenges by the want to ensure that we look at sectors partners in the program. students. More than 6,000 innovations like agriculture and rural handicrafts.

44 iMPACT | July - September 2018 www.asianngo.org/magazine “ What are Atal Tinkering Labs?

When students innovate, they already acquire a start-up mind- set. This is one of the biggest disruptors in education, as we see it.”

The rural aspect of the economy is very much Atal Tinkering Labs are specific innovation labs set in focus, and when an incubator is awarded, we up in select schools across India, where students stress that the sector served be most relevant to learn innovation skills and develop ideas. The lab the location of the incubator. activities are designed to foster creativity and out- of-the-box thinking. Public and private schools can The Atal New India Challenge has also apply for the Rs.20 lakh (US $30,000) grant and upon been launched, for innovations in areas selection, the schools must undertake to use the lab in prescribed ways. The ultimate goal is to have that are critical to the nation’s growth, 30,000 ATLs across the country, which will be the such as agriculture, transportation, and largest project of its kind in the world. waste management. How does that fit into AIM?

Innovations truly succeed when there is a buyer 2,441 5,000 300k at the end of it all. Through the New India Number of ATLs Number of ATLs Number of Challenge, we have collaborated with five selected targeted by 2019 students reached March through ATLs ministries to look for solutions to challenges in their respective fields. All the identified challenges are very relevant to the growth of the country 2,000 19 50 and the idea is to identify and promote product Number of Number of Number of innovation. Successful products may be bought mentors incubators incubators by the ministry that has identified the challenge. selected operational targeted by We are trying to make sure that each of our December 2018 initiatives feeds into the other and continuously Of the 19, number of improves the innovation environment in the 7 incubators in rural areas/ country. My hope is that this will create at least non-metro areas one Nobel Prize winner.

/AsianNGO iMPACT | July - September 2018 45 Resource

Simple Tech Hacks to Common 5 Non-Profit Emergencies number of days since the last donation. This is not just the age That can be calculated using the of technology; this is “=TODAY()-A2” formula (A2 is the date of last donation). Create another column also the age of doing where you test whether this value is good. The two together greater than, say, 330. If so, the value “Email” can be returned. Just sorting perform a valuable the sheet by this will help know how role in multiplying many people need to be reminded. You can have Excel create a separate sheet the impact of a social Scheduling: I need to set up a with the list of donors who need to be sector organisation. suitable time for a meeting. My team is reminded every month. all over the world! However, many small- Online scheduling tools can make and medium-sized the scores of back-and-forth emails obsolete. Doodle is a free software organisations are that will help you schedule slots, or constantly understaffed even ask participants for a preferred time slot so meetings can be scheduled and solutions are appropriately. Google Calendar can also Data Management: I need to get required yesterday. be used for the same purpose. In a pinch, data from the field. Now! and if this is a recurring requirement, Again, while this requires for Facebook-enabled teams, Facebook an extended and planned out Polls may work well too. Signup Genius implementation, quicker band aids are iMPACT presents five is another tool that works wonders. possible. ODK Collect is an Android- simple ideas to save time based app that lets you collect data from the field, and gives the option to add and get that task off your images, geo-tags and audio-clips. Once plate! you create a form on the app and push it out to users, you can receive data that can be downloaded instantly.

Donor management: I need to send annual reminders to my donors. How can I keep track? You know that the solution to this is a dedicated CRM. It is something that must be done, and with many companies Design: Help! I need a poster Everything Else: If you’ve not offering free licenses for a set number (or report, or Facebook campaign) signed up on TechSoup, do it now. of users, most small and medium non- designed right now! They offer discounts and/or free tech profits will be able to afford one. It Free tools like Canva and Easel. resources and licenses for software of takes a little bit of getting used to, but ly and Piktochart help create design all kinds. it does save time and money, especially collateral with little to no design if you have a donor database of over a knowledge. Most of them work on a hundred. drag-and-drop model, with templates In a pinch, and if your data is in Excel, for everything from Facebook posts just sort by date and get the information to banner ads, so it’s easier to create for the month. For a cleaner solution, try good-looking collateral with a little bit of this formula. Create a column for the experimentation.

46 iMPACT | July - September 2018 www.asianngo.org/magazine Feature

Hack That: Community-Led Solutions the Way Forward?

When a non-profit has a tech problem that needs to be solved, traditionally, a hackathon has stepped in. But in the age of Industry 4.0, can other models that empower the community to innovate internally be a better solution? Shivranjana Rathore finds one likely solution.

room full of young engineers on the brink of the However, reality is a bit more start of their careers, a social problem looking complex. Subbu Parameswaran, co-founder and CEO of India- for a technology solution and only 24 hours to based Learning Curve Life Skills Foundation, which was part of the Asolve it. The team of engineers that comes up with the Code for Good hackathon organised best solution wins and possibly, ends up creating social by JP Morgan Chase, says that impact. This is the setting for a typical hackathon for good hackathons can be a good way to where participating non-profits leave with a tailor-made extend tech support and expertise to non-profits that cannot afford to technology solution, and the best among the coders, a invest in technology. However, he job with the sponsoring company. Ideally, the solution is says, “It might not always be the case further refined over a few months, and everyone is happy. to find an easy solution in a 24- or 48-hour session, since the extent to which a non-profit is able to use

/AsianNGO iMPACT | July - September 2018 47 Commentary

the output of the hackathon also depends on other factors: how well the problem statement was defined, the competency of the resources, and the support ecosystem provided by the sponsor organisation. Impact is also variable since, in general, most of the hackathons have a recruitment angle and very few organisations might take the mandate further to a full product.” While hackathons are good for specific technology needs with well- defined use-case scenarios, more complex solutions are tougher to crack with a short burst of coding. In effect, some problems require deeper engagement with the non-profit. A blog post on Benetech, an organisation that helps the social sector with software solutions, states the two-fold problem: first, that funding is tough to come by and the second, more importantly, speaks to the complexity of the problem: “Social issues are complex and have a variety of causes. Addressing even one of these causes can be difficult. To ask a group of individuals with little subject matter expertise to hack a software solution over a weekend is pretty unrealistic.” There might be another model, one that empowers the community to look for solutions within. Based on the insecurity around Industry 4.0 and the projected consequent loss of jobs, emerging markets have started working toward innovation and technology at the local level. This integrates technology into the fabric of every stratum of society, rather than it being the domain of a select few. The ensuing culture of local innovation creates solutions suitable to that particular context.

48 iMPACT | July - September 2018 www.asianngo.org/magazine Anshul Sonak, regional director (education and innovation), Intel Asia says, “The usual approach to hackathons is great; but instead of a one-time event that generates a one-time solution for non-profits, the programmatic concept of brainstorming, unlearning-relearning, incubating and co-creating solutions can be adapted to equip future generations in the developing world with the ability to innovate.” One such model is Intel’s Sagasitas (youth volunteers) model, built in association with the Indonesian government. Intel built an innovation lab where local Sagasitas were, at first, specifically trained by academia and tech experts to innovate toward solving local problems. The training includes social innovation challenges and competitions organised across different areas that solve problems experienced by the participants— for instance, loss of crop due to the manual crop drying process, declining quality of meat, and lower output from fisheries. From the problems, solutions— apps to improve food security and poultry quality, and pH sensors to maintain water pH balance crucial for good production in fisheries—resulted. Past winners of these challenges mentor younger, newer participants from the community today, making for a self- sustained innovation cycle. While non-profits will still derive great benefit from hackathons, the underpinning of technology in every aspect of work will likely necessitate models of innovation where communities look for and create their Images courtesy Sagasitas own solutions.

/AsianNGO iMPACT | July - September 2018 49 Feature

Serving Up Social Commitment

By Meera Rajagopalan

A Singapore-based education enterprise creates value by providing training in specialty coffee to people from vulnerable backgrounds, while maintaining a strong business model.

Where’s the Missing E in Better? The missing “e” represents the imperfection in each of us and the potential that we all have to be better versions of ourselves, says the founder.

50 iMPACT | July - September 2018 www.asianngo.org/magazine Celine Oh at a recent Food & Hotel Asia trade show

SINGAPORE—For Shirley Ng, 24, trainer with Bettr Barista Coffee Academy, the day is not complete without a few cups of coffee. Not so four years ago when Ng was supporting eighteen dependents. However, coffee drinking is the least important way that Bettr Barista has changed Ng’s life. She now has her own home, and is looking forward to a fruitful career in coffee. Apart from moving up in her career, Ng also aspires to compete in the Singapore National Barista Championship. At Singapore-based Bettr Barista, social responsibility and sustainability are the centre of all operations—from ethically sourced coffee to the program that Ng graduated from: the four-month holistic training program in specialty coffee, specifically targeted at people from vulnerable backgrounds. Pamela Chng with students graduating from the Holistic Training Bettr Barista, a certified B-Corp, has so far trained 77 Programme students in the holistic program with a 92% employment rate among graduates. The non-technical parts of the courses provide specific Two of the major sources of revenue for Bettr Barista assistance for anger management and depression, as well as are the professional coffee courses, certified by the Specialty particular issues arising from students’ circumstances. Coffee Association (SCA) and mobile brew bars. Bettr Barista “In the beginning, the very basic idea was to use specialty is the only organisation to offer the certifications in Southeast coffee as a channel to do business in a socially impactful Asia, with over 4,000 people from 30 countries having way,” says Pamela Chng, founder. As a result, Chng says, undergone training from Bettr Barista. the question always revolved around how any new idea or In contrast to the SCA certified courses, the four-month program would be profitable so as to ensure the social mission holistic training program focuses heavily on mental and kept going. physical well-being, alongside specialty coffee skills, which Bettr Barista’s events and retail carts also offer include a foundation in specialty coffee, roasting, and brewing. employment opportunities for the graduates of their holistic

/AsianNGO iMPACT | July - September 2018 51 Feature

Be Responsible: Pointers from Bettr Barista training programs, as in the case of Ng and Celeste Oh, 20, whose latte art came to the fore during training. Oh has since won third place in the Singapore Latte Art Competition. Oh, who took the courses when merely fifteen, has been with the organisation for five years. In fact, Chng says that committing to remain socially responsible means that choices have to be made every day. When Bettr Barista wanted to move to retail sales, the choice was between going mainstream and looking for socially better venues. That meant getting a partner, preferably a corporate partner, on board. That resulted in Bettr Barista making inroads into places specialty coffee would Shirley Ng conducting a WSQ Provide Specialty Coffee class (the local certification class) not be traditionally associated with. Be More Conscious: Be Ready for Cuts: “We started to think, ‘Where can we If an existing organisations wants One thing to look out for is that go where people would not normally to start being socially responsible, change is difficult. It might mean be exposed to it? Could we be in a the best way would be to be more holding your ground and severing community hospital, say? Can we make conscious of who you do business long-standing ties. it accessible to all and not high street- with, says Chng. expensive?” says Chng. The result was Start Slow: specialty coffee, manned by baristas, at Make Business Sense: If you’re already running a company, start slow. Try replacing any one corporate partner buildings, a hospital, While working with socially part of your operation with fairer and a government office. responsible organisations might mean extra costs, relook your options. Then build on it. Start with Bettr Barista has received accolades budget and factor that in. the B Corp List and see if you can and awards aplenty—from the 2017 work with any of the businesses Social Enterprise of the Year from the listed there. President’s Challenge Social Enterprise Award to being on the 2017 Sprudgie Awards list. These awards, says Chng, act as validation for their work, and What’s Specialty an opportunity for replication in Coffee? other countries. Bettr Barista turned profitable in 2015, reports Chng. Specialty coffees are grown in The organisation plans to expand special and ideal climates, and their retail sales, as well as their are distinctive because of their full cup taste and little to no footprint beyond the Singaporean defects. It refers to the whole shores. Also, plans are afoot to move process from farmer to cup using to active seniors, and people with mild single origin coffee. The unique mental disabilities. flavours and tastes are a result of the special characteristics and composition of the soils in which they are produced.

52 iMPACT | July - September 2018 www.asianngo.org/magazine Commentary

You Are… the Weakest Link

The overworked development sector professional whose personal and official digital lives are often fused is an ideal target for tech hackers, says Peter Francisco, who also provides some basic tips to remain secure.

ate one afternoon in the since by the nature and scope of his small office of an NGO work, he and his colleagues across advocating for LGBT different countries find themselves at rights, I wondered how odds with repressive governments and an ill-intentioned person violent institutions that may have the couldL compromise their digital safety. I motive and means to sabotage them. was there to fetch my boyfriend, and as Although it is totally different from my I waited for him to finish work, I wore usual work, which secures businesses, my ethical hacker hat and imagined I safety for this sector is very similar. was that ill-intentioned person. I looked This is not so shocking when around, searching for weaknesses to you realise we all thrive in the same Peter John Francisco is chief ethical hacker and VP of attack. I fired up my laptop, and in less big, broken, and beautiful network information security, Maroon than fifteen minutes I had access to their of servers we call the internet. And Studios, a technology company Wi-Fi’s admin page where I could do all people generally are either naïve or that delivers strategic and sorts of nasty things if I wanted to. paranoid about this. Some believe the affordable innovations for positive It hasn’t been long since I’ve looked internet is basically safe unless they do change. He is also a member of at digital security for organisations something stupid, or that the internet Side B, a Filipino organisation for bisexual activists. working for social justice causes. My is fundamentally insecure and there is primary motive was to see how I could nothing they can do to work around this. help keep my boyfriend safe, especially Reality is, it is a little bit of both. By its

/AsianNGO iMPACT | July - September 2018 53 Commentary“

Hacking technology is the hard part. Exploiting weaknesses and biases to human psychology is far easier.”

very nature, the act of going online is a risky affair, and you’ll never be 100% safe as This list is a good starting point for long as you’re on the internet. However, there are steps you can take to reach a point personal digital security for anyone. where you’re as safe as you reasonably need to be. And the reason for this emphasis on This is a sentiment that resonates with every organisation I have worked with, personal online safety is that people whether in the development sector or in businesses that have initiated security are themselves the weakest link in any planning either for compliance’s sake or genuine concern. As one respected activist organisation’s security infrastructure. In and friend confided in me: “There is a lot of ‘you should do this, you should do that’ fact, the first thing a determined hacker talk around digital security and activists are overwhelmed. Not all have advanced would usually do is find weaknesses technology to begin with.” So again, where to begin? in people working in the target Securing yourself online is about knowing certain safety precautions some of organisation. Hacking technology is the which, even if clichéd, are worth repeating: hard part. Exploiting weaknesses and biases in human psychology is far easier. Use strong passwords, and do not And the dedicated and passionate 1 use the same password on multiple development worker who doesn’t sleep well, eat well, or set boundaries between accounts. work and leisure is easy to exploit. Besides subscribing to a checklist Keep your antivirus and anti-malware of digital safety precautions, securing 2 software updated. ourselves online has a lot to do with our own lifestyles. Make sure you keep yourself healthy enough to stay vigilant Keep your programs and operating against digital threats, especially those 3 systems patched with the latest that intend to attack you directly. Form security updates. good habits around your online actions and security decisions, and break bad security behaviors. You are part of the Regularly backup your files. system, and addressing the flaws in our 4 psychological make-up is as important as addressing the flaws in technologies. No amount of password changes will help if Be mindful of sharing your personal the person writing those passwords is 5 information in all forms. undermined. The vulnerability I found in my boyfriend’s office Wi-Fi was a low- Do not connect to free, open, hanging fruit that an attacker would 6 public Wi-Fi. have spotted easily. Remember to change the default password of your routers at home and in the office. Access Do not click on links in emails or to these credentials is one web search 7 social media unless you are sure away, if you know where to look. While of the source. 100% security can never be guaranteed, at least now you’re harder to exploit.

54 iMPACT | July - September 2018 www.asianngo.org/magazine Resources

The Making of a Digital Imprint: Secrets to Effective Social Media Branding

By iMPACT Staff

Here’s a fact: There are 1. Tell your story 4. Hashtags are key millions of NGOs (and counting) You can never go wrong with a great Twitter is a great platform for across the globe. Whether they story. With the recent problems NGOs to attract more followers work in education, health, or related to Facebook’s privacy, and supporters, especially those environment, they all exist in making your audience hear you who resist long copy. Apart from the same development space through different channels can tweeting alerts to keep your and aim to make the world a give you an edge. Instagram is a audience hooked and updated, better place for everyone. great tool for NGOs who prefer using strategic hashtags can help In a pool of similar pure imagery—it’s easier to do, too! you increase your following. advocacies, digital marketing Storytelling through captivating The best example of this is can play an essential role for photos can attract more attention when you’re seeking donations NGOs in promoting their “brand” than a long textual narrative. for your cause. Don’t be shy to to a large audience. According participate in trending topics and to the website Statista, the 2. Be responsive and lively current events; it will keep your number of social media users Going beyond the usual Facebook NGO relevant and significant. worldwide will rise to 2.77 likes makes for a healthy and billion by 2019, whether they collaborative relationship with your use Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, audience. NGOs can use Facebook 5. Connect with Pinterest, or YouTube. Messenger for Business to interact the industry While sites such as Facebook with their Facebook page visitors. Amplifying conversations are already tried and tested This will not only boost the number around your work relies on for digital marketing, people of your followers, but also your creating connections within the look for more engaging and reputation for being responsive. development sector. LinkedIn is compelling content as well as the perfect platform for NGOs to fresh channels to engage with. 3. Competition is healthy speak with other organisations iMPACT lists down some NGOs who struggle maintaining and businesses with similar tips on how you can look traction on social media outside advocacies. You can swim through beyond Facebook likes to boost Facebook should opt for creating LinkedIn and find yourself in a your social media presence creative contests to keep their sea of business professionals across digital platforms. audiences engaged while gaining ranging from CXOs to associates. new followers. Pinterest is a social media channel tailored to bloggers and is slowly gaining prominence on contests. These contests allow people to participate by pinning specific posts.

/AsianNGO iMPACT | July - September 2018 55 Feature

Ian Jamotillo takes a look at an initiative that aims to combat climate change through art and technology.

By Ian Jamotillo

The Clear Orb, Shortlisted Submission, LAGI 2016 Santa Monica

that aims to help accelerate the n a world where climate change is bearing transition to a renewable world.” down, and technology universally looking bleak, LAGI has one goal—to promote mostly grey and black, how do you inspire renewable energy in the most engaging positive climate change technologies? way. Popular culture is woefully inadequate in focusing on the energy For architect Robert Ferry Back in 2008, Ferry and Monoian were transition, and renewable energy has and designer Elizabeth Monoian, living in Dubai and were inspired by not yet become a cultural movement. both from the U.S., the answer the ambitious nature of development The first LAGI competition was was a competition that reimagines in the city. held in 2010 in Dubai and Abu Dhabi renewable energy as art. “We wanted to recognise the in the UAE. According to Monoian, Land Art Generator Initiative visual impact of renewable energy cities reach out and ask them to (LAGI) conducts an eponymous technology such as solar and wind become hosts of the competition to competition every two years, geared in the public mind, and how it is which they get hundreds of submissions toward encouraging people across the associated with our response to the every two years. The competition globe to become sustainable through issue of climate,” Ferry said. “So we paved the way for several renewable renewable artworks and infrastructure. came up with a design competition energy and sustainable projects that

56 iMPACT | July - September 2018 www.asianngo.org/magazine Renewable Energy Can Be Beautiful are aimed at tackling climate issues such as global warming and pollution.

Since 2010, the LAGI Biennial has been held in several cities such

as New York, Santa Monica, Solar Mural and Copenhagen. The LAGI 2018 “ competition is in Melbourne, in partnership with the State of Victoria. WindNest is one of their projects from the 2010 competition. Originally Just go out and do it. Put solar panels for a site in Abu Dhabi, WindNest consists of two horizontal axis wind wherever you can. If you don’t have turbines that are connected to a micro grid and an organic photovoltaic your own place to put them, be a part film that generates electricity from of a community project that’s doing it. the sunlight. This technology sustainably powers a carousel. We have the technology to make the Another is Solar Murals, paintings and frescoes decorated on change.” street walls that provide not only - Robert Ferry on addressing the challenge of sustainability beautification but also electricity through integrated solar panel films. “I think it’s great because every neighbourhood has murals; they tell stories and connect people to history and culture. Many of them could be solar panels instead of paint because the technology exists,” Monoian said. The winners are awarded cash prizes and the other entries are compiled into a book. Besides renewable energy projects, LAGI also works with children and youth aged 8 to 17 through their “Art + Energy Camp”, where they give lessons on energy science and public art and take children on field trips to different types of energy production sites. The first camp was held in Pennsylvania in 2015. WindNest, 2010 competition, Abu Dhabi

/AsianNGO iMPACT | July - September 2018 57 Commentary

Strengthening the Hands that Help As individuals and foundations look to increase their social impact beyond their own countries, AVPN’s partnership director Caroline McLaughlin presents a quick check-list to get started.

or Singaporeans (and Microsoft—together with Singapore indeed, many who live foundations like Tan ChinTuan and in the Global North), Temasek to talk about how they can be travelling around more effective in their social impact. Southeast Asia is often Especially for Singaporeans who a vivid reminder of the contrast with wish to do more for organisations Ftheir country. Therefore, it is not working elsewhere, traditional surprising to see people increasingly fundraising strategies such as charity look for ways to give back and do balls are not viable because of the rule more than donate money when they requiring 80% of those funds to be return home. They volunteer to spent on local programs. Consequently, support fundraising efforts, join a non- at AVPN’s headquarters in Singapore, profit’s committee or board or start a we are often approached by individuals foundation to support a wide range of or smaller foundations seeking advice beneficiaries. on helping a Southeast Asian non- Caroline McLaughlin has over 15 years’ AVPN, a non-profit network for profit raise funds, awareness, or both. experience creating and managing funders of social investment in Asia, We’ve distilled our experience of different networks globally. With an has over 460 members who provide working with funders and donors from MBA from INSEAD, she has chaired many organisations such as the Ribbons grants, debt and equity for non- across the region to help all those of Hope, Invest In Women Foundation profits and social enterprises across looking to make a difference through (as co-founder) and International the entire Asia-Pacific region. We their non-profit work. (This is by no Women of Istanbul. bring our members—organisations means restricted to Singapore.) such as Rockefeller Foundation and

58 iMPACT | July - September 2018 www.asianngo.org/magazine Do Your Research. Fundraising is hard. If the social sector is new to you, learn all you can. This is, however, the life-blood of a non-profit.

Tip #1: Know the competition. Your non-profit will be Tip #1: You don’t need to be that person who can special but not unique, so look for organisations working sell ice to an Eskimo. It’s a skill that can be taught, so in the same geographic and thematic area. A recent Epic you could take an online course to immediately add value Foundation report found that 63% of 3,500 non-profits to your board contributions and provide fresh thinking surveyed said that they had a unique model, i.e. they were and approaches. Philanthropy University offers free online the first organisation to implement their product/program courses on fundraising strategies. anywhere, which is rarely the case. You can look at AVPN’s Deal Share Platform, Give2Asia or Simply Giving for similar Tip #2: Corporations are tricky to engage with and non-profits. rarely give cash donations. They might, however, be able to provide: 1. In-kind support; 2. Manpower, if you have an employee engagement opportunity; and 3. Some funding through employee donations and a matching scheme, if they have one.

Tip #3: Broaden your base of funders 1. Subscribe to resources such as AsianNGO and FundsforNGOs, which provide an overview of granting opportunities from funders all over the globe. 2. Look at who funds in the region or in your sector. Check out AVPN Landscape report, research other NGOs doing similar work in the region and make a list of their donors, and check which corporations are supporting your cause. 3. Reach out to local foreign government aid groups like DFAT or USAID and see how you can be accredited to receive government and multilateral funding. Tip #2: Know the region your non-profit works in. Your non-profit is part of the greater social investment Tip #4: While you are working on tips 2 and 3, don’t ecosystem; and every country in Asia has a nuanced forget your individual donors. social sector, comprising governments, aid agencies, local 1. Recognise them annually with report on the impact of foundations and corporations that you can tap into for their donation. resources and support. AVPN has produced a comprehensive 2. Look for ways to increase their giving through monthly guide to the Social Investment Landscape in 14 Asian direct debits, and fundraising events. countries detailing key players in each sector. 3. Ask for introductions to their friends and family.

Tip #3: Learn how non-profits work. The non-profit This is just to get you started; as you engage with the world is different, and you will learn this at your first board community and the non-profit of your choice, you will be meeting. Experience with for-profit boards is good, but able to formulate and iterate strategies that will work better learning how non-profits work will help you ask relevant for your cause. questions at board meetings, which will help steer the organisation.

/AsianNGO iMPACT | July - September 2018 59 Feature

Mapping technology and GPS are being used to help make cities safer globally. Today, groups of activists and professionals are working to harness new technologies surrounding the simple map to break taboos around sexual harassment.

By Shivranjana Rathore

exual harassment is basis, HarassMap initially used an Streets in Lebanon, Women Under a daily experience open source platform, Ushahidi, to Siege in Syria, and Safe City in India. for many women crowdsource data on a map, allowing However, the journey has globally, significantly victims of sexual harassment to report been anything but smooth. Noora curtailing movement incidents. With Ushahidi, users can Flinkman, head of marketing, in public spaces. drive customised map-based campaigns communications and technology at AS recent World Bank study notes to source data. HarassMap used the HarassMap, shares that their model that four in five countries do not platform to map crowdsourced data of using mapping saw a decline in have appropriate laws against on sexual harassment incidents. reporting over time. This seems to sexual harassment in public spaces. The use of this simple technology be the case with most organisations. This “geography of fear” and the saw a surge in reports of incidents Flinkman says that this decline can be consequent alteration of women’s of sexual harassment as women attributed to a summation of causes behaviour when accessing public found an outlet to share experiences that does not include a decrease spaces has been well-documented. of harassment in an environment in street sexual harassment. In 2010, a new wave of technology- that deemed the usage of the In the case of HarassMap, the based initiatives to break the silence term “sexual harassment” taboo. first hurdle was the founders lacking around sexual harassment was kick- Encouraged by this, activists from a technology background, to be able started with the launch of HarassMap other countries established their to customise the platform for their in Egypt. Founded on a voluntary own organisations—for example, Safe specific needs. They learnt that while

60 iMPACT | July - September 2018 www.asianngo.org/magazine in the beginning, using Ushahidi to seek help when in danger and make the city safer,” she says. The data was easy, but to sustain an entire two, something along the lines of that Safetipin collected helped light up organisation based on it required far HarassMap, which gives women the about 90% of 7,500 dark spots in New more precision in understanding code. space to share stories, thereby enabling Delhi, upon recommendation to the The other hurdle has been a conversation around harassment. state government. The organisation underreporting. “One challenge over Safetipin with its approximately has been invited by the government these years has been encouraging 100,000 downloads, moves beyond to map another area in the city. victims to continue to report incidences reporting to conducting safety Collaboration and working on of harassment. Since they do not get audits using mapping technology data seems key to making change anything in return, the incentive for through its three unique mobile happen. Otherwise, data might reside a victim today to report an incident applications that use nine parameters in silos, or simply as a billboard warning is less. The only way to tackle that to mark an area as safe or unsafe. against unsafe spaces for women. has been to consistently share the HarassMap’s data, though incident- In October 2018, HarassMap importance of this data during our based, can become a source of data and will pilot its bespoke mapping workshops while we offer free resources information key to creating advocacy platform developed specifically for on our website,” says Flinkman. campaigns to influence decision makers organisations looking to crowdsource Over the years, mapping in this as well as citizens. Viswanathan agrees. data on sexual harassment. The field has seen two types of usage, says “Collecting this data has seen some platform will be free for anyone Kalpana Vishwanathan, co-founder good impact. While mere rating of looking to use mapping, specifically of Safetipin, whose apps were localities as safe or unsafe helps people to tackle sexual harassment. launched five years ago. One use make safer decisions, our aim is not to is the emergency app for someone just label areas as safe or unsafe but to

/AsianNGO iMPACT | July - September 2018 61 Books

6 Books for More Powerful Social Impact in a Changing World

Measuring the Networked Nonprofit: The Solution Revolution: How Team of Teams: New Rules of Using Data to Change the World Business, Government, and Social Engagement for a Complex World (2012) Enterprises Are Teaming Up to Solve (2015) Society’s Toughest Problems (2013) By Beth Kanter, Katie Paine By General Stanley McChrystal with Tantum By William D. Eggers, Paul Macmillan Collins, David Silverman, Chris Fussell This book serves as a great resource for non-profit professionals in a world with This book answers often-asked questions Written by a retired U.S. army official and his connections defined by social media. It is on the solution economy and its players. colleagues, this powerful book shares how important for non-profits to monitor and The authors use examples of people the challenges faced by them as soldiers in measure the impact of their social media, and organisations driving the “solution Iraq can be relevant to countless businesses, the tools and strategies for which are revolution”—social enterprises, mega- non-profits and other organisations in this offered in this book. The tools will enable foundations, and companies doing social good rapidly changing world. This book describes better non-profit decision-making while while remaining profitable. They highlight the that the solution lies in creating teams within producing results-driven metrics for staff and need to change the economic paradigm to teams–giving small groups the autonomy to stakeholders. create value and enable social enterprises so experiment while driving everyone to share that they can add to the lives of citizens. their learnings.

Systems Thinking for Social Change Data Driven Non-profits (2016) The Purpose Economy, Expanded (2015) and Updated (2016) By David Peter Stroh By Steve MacLaughlin By Aaron Hurst

Applying conventional thinking to complex This book is a guidebook for non-profits Ashoka fellow Aaron Hurst shares tools social problems can often further the very to learn to tap into their potential data for individuals and organisations to find problems that were intended to be solved. and create powerful impact. As Big Data purpose and thrive in this new era. Hurst talks This book helps readers understand “systems transforms economic decision making, many about the “purpose revolution” driving the thinking” to devise better strategies based on non-profits remain unprepared to make the changing economic landscape, with purpose- the complex social systems that might exist most of it. This book will enable non-profits centered professionals not only building more in an area of work. It also guides readers on to accelerate impact by way of making sound satisfying careers, but also contributing more incorporating systems thinking in problem decisions based on data. productively to organisations. solving, decision making, and strategic planning to create lasting impact.

62 iMPACT | July - September 2018 www.asianngo.org/magazine Marketing Feature

Why Humanitarian Aid and Development Is Entering a Critical Digital Phase

n a world of rapidly increasing having on the delivery of meeting the internet connectivity, digital literacy seventeen Sustainable Development Goals and advancements in technological (SDGs) by 2030? Can digitalisation be a innovations, how is the tool within itself used to enable better SDG humanitarian aid and development results for more people? sector faring? The event director of AidEx, There is no denying that the aid and theI world’s biggest event for humanitarian development system is changing. As more aid and development professionals, actors enter the field from across the Nicholas Rutherford says AidEx this year is sector, existing organisations are adapting. specifically set against a digital background From embracing new technology, to to answer these crucial questions. inventing new financial services, Head Under the theme “Revolution in the of Innovation for the Red Cross, Nan digital age: Safeguarding a future for Buzard will question the extent technology thinking around the future of aid and all. How can technology contribute to a can accelerate innovation and improve development within a context of digital positive social impact?” the conference, aid efficiency in a keynote speech on revolution. Being the largest event of its to be held November 14-15 in Brussels, November 15. kind, the event in Brussels will see over will explore in-depth the most important Expanding new markets involving 2,000 aid and development professionals and pressing questions that the aid and drones, blockchain, self-driving attend the two-day high-profile conference development community must consider if it vehicles and mobile banking all present and exhibition. is to evolve with the digital revolution. themselves as promising emerging From international government Digital literacy has become vital to solutions, but how do we encourage the officials to private sector CEOs and ensuring that vulnerable and marginalised uptake and integration of technology by heads of charities, expert speakers will people and communities are able to local and traditional enterprises and why contribute their ideas and projections. use technology in a world familiar with is it so important for them to adapt? The major keynote address will come increased connectivity. Louisa Seferis of The ethical concerns behind using from former Under-Secretary-General the Danish Refugee Council will help us big data to secure essential evidence for Humanitarian Affairs & Emergency consider the risks of such connectivity, and and analysis required for sustainable Relief Coordinator at the UN, Sir how people in developing countries can be development must not come at the cost of Stephen O’Brien KBE. Meanwhile, the empowered with digital skills. the sensitivities of vulnerable populations. exhibition will showcase 200 suppliers Beyond internet access, what else is What measures must organisations take, of innovative products and services needed to achieve global digital inclusion? therefore, to become digitally resilient, to on behalf of UN agencies, NGOs and From cyber security to leadership and prevent breaches and cyberattacks? commercial organisations. There will be technical skills in implementing effective Technology is inevitably transforming numerous networking opportunities and regulations, policies and infrastructures, it is the aid and development sector, which is award ceremonies. necessary to learn what is needed to support why it is imperative for the community to AidEx is a free, must-attend event that the building of these systems and processes. come together to discuss how best we can bridges the gap between civil society and The digital age presents both cooperate, in order to ensure “no one is the commercial sector. unprecedented opportunities and left behind.” impediments, in terms of infrastructure Over two days, AidEx 2018 promises For more information about AidEx 2018 events, and data – but what impact are these to instigate dialogue and influence visit www.aid-expo.com

/AsianNGO iMPACT | July - September 2018 63 Commentary

Keeping It Simple: Technology for Small-Scale Farmers

The key to meeting the ever-increasing demand for food in a world that has many young farmers struggling with a grim future, lies is capitalising ICTs and simple technologies such as videos and text messages with contextual content, writes Susan Thomas.

s you read this article the far-reaching implications on the social, various reasons such as generic, top- Indian subcontinent is being political and economic spheres. down content and language barriers. Adrenched by the annual Agricultural practices in developing It was almost ten years ago that a Monsoons–a phenomenon that has a countries such as India are often group of engineers and economists in decisive impact on the subcontinent’s influenced by traditional practices and Microsoft Research’s Technology for economy, and the income and well- farmers’ collective wisdom, which do Emerging Markets office in Bengaluru, being of the majority of its population. not necessarily translate to optimal India hit upon an idea to support The southwest Monsoon in India is productivity or profits. Also, recent agricultural extension. spread over four months starting in studies reveal that most small-scale The solution was quite simple– June and accounts for over 75% of farmers or the youth in the farming to involve the community itself in India’s annual rainfall. Notably, nearly families no longer view farming as a developing content by putting the 70% of India’s farming community is sustainable livelihood source. technology into their own hands– comprised of small-scale farmers who Most agricultural extension and which proved to be at least ten depend entirely on these rains for their and advisory services in developing times more efficient and seven times kharif crops. countries have been following more likely to encourage farmers to As per India’s census of 2011, traditional methods including on-farm adopt new practices compared to 263 million people are engaged in demonstrations, organising farmer conventional agricultural extension the agriculture sector. It provides groups and farmers’ training, training systems. employment to 56% of the Indian of extension providers and developing The idea eventually spun off as workforce. The sector’s performance training modules and materials. a non-profit–Digital Green–which has strong ripple effects on other However, these have been costly, slow developed the approach further. To sectors, directly or indirectly, as well as and limited in effectiveness due to ensure usage of technology available to

64 iMPACT | July - September 2018 www.asianngo.org/magazine technology firms and research teams have already begun exploring how Internet of Things (IoT), Artificial Intelligence (AI) and precision farming can be used to empower farmers. With newer technology being developed, it is possible to provide more nuanced solutions to farmers, if the potential of these technologies is used more effectively. We are currently, in partnership with the Government of Andhra Pradesh’s Department of Agriculture and Cooperation (APDoAC), piloting multiple technologies such as drones and helium balloons as well as soil moisture sensors, weather forecasting smallholder farmers in a manner that smallholder farmers who account for systems to test how newer technology connects the farmer with the content, 80% of global agricultural production can be further engaged to better a community video production team from developing regions–get timely service smallholder farmers in Andhra creates videos using simple, low cost and correct information to increase Pradesh, India. tools, averaging eight to ten minutes in production and gains. This partnership among various length. The content is locally relevant, Despite several well-meaning organisations dedicated to piloting evidence-based and produced in attempts to use ICTs for empowering technology-based innovation in the local language. Members of the communities, its true potential is yet agriculture highlights the importance community are cast in these short to be harnessed in the agriculture of tapping into available technology videos enabling viewers to connect sector while other more complex to enable greater productivity in instantly with the message. Subject technologies continue to be developed. agriculture while empowering the matter experts review the video content Learning from Digital Green’s farmers to adapt to newer technology before it is finalised for screening experience, the solution to this problem and challenges. As our world evolves, using battery-operated Pico projectors lies in capitalising the rise of, and we certainly need more evolved and where a trained village resource person ubiquitous nature of, information collaborative ways of adapting the mediates a discussion around it. Follow- and communication technologies simultaneously evolving technology, to ups are done regularly to ensure (ICTs). Other low-cost technology accelerate progress for all.

adoption of actual practices. such as Interactive Voice Response

According to the FAO, global food (IVR) systems and text messages, that production will need to rise by 70% to smallholder farmers have access to, “ meet the projected demand by 2050. can also be used to send out additional This points to a critical need to act information or reinforce messages. quickly to support farmers–especially, Various development organisations,

The solution was quite simple–to involve the community itself in developing content by putting the technology into their own hands– Susan Thomas manages communications and which proved to be at least ten times for Digital Green, a global development more efficient…” organisation that empowers smallholder farmers by harnessing the collective power of All images courtesy Aniruddh Kaushal/DigitalGreen technology and grassroots-level partnerships.

/AsianNGO iMPACT | July - September 2018 65 Resources

Open Calls for Grants

Request for Proposals: Global Literacy Notice of Funding Opportunity: Call for Applications: Jack Kimmel & Accessibility Challenge Technology and Outcomes in Low and International Grant Program Deadline: 25th July 2018 Middle Income Countries Deadline: 1st October 2018 Amount: $ 30,000 Deadline: 1st September 2018 Amount: $ 10,000 Link: https://research.fb.com/ Amount: $ 125,000 Link: https://www.treefund.org/ programs/research-awards/ Link: https://grants.nih.gov/grants/ researchgrants/kimmel proposals/global-literacy- guide/pa-files/PAR-18-242.html Facilitated by the TREE Fund, this accessibility-challenge-request-for- Applicable for countries including global grant invites applications proposals/ Bangladesh, Bhutan, Cambodia, India, from professionals working in the Facebook Research invites Indonesia, Papua New Guinea, Sri Lanka, areas of urban and forest community academicians globally, to submit Vietnam and others, the grant is to management, plant health, root and soil proposals for grants to improve access encourage exploratory/developmental management and so on. to education and overall literacy. research applications that propose to conduct research to develop or adapt Call for Applications: Publication Notice of Funding Opportunity: U.S. Programme (Nagao Natural Consulate General Hong Kong & low and middle income countries Environment Foundation) Macau (LMICs) and determine the health- Deadline: 16th October 2018 Deadline: 31st July 2018 innovativerelated outcomes mobile associatedhealth (mHealth) with Amount: Upto ¥ 1,000,000 or $ 9,000 Amount: $ 20,000 technologyimplementation specifically of the technology. suited for Link: http://www.nagaofoundation. Link: https://goo.gl/1ACDwd or.jp/e/research/publication.html Grant for arts and culture available under The NEF Publication Programme the Consulate’s Small Grants Program Call for Applications: International Non-violence Training Fund (INTF) by which are derived from applicant’s Kong and Macau, working to build A.J. Muste Memorial Institute own research work and will expand cultural understanding between USA and Deadline: 7th September 2018 knowledge of nature conservation in Amount: $ 4000 supports scientific publications for non-profits and individuals in Hong Link: https://ajmuste.org/ region. programs#intf Call for Proposals: Seed Fund for Grants for trainings that help people HongResearch Kong. and Training, Southeast learn how to collectively use the theory developingCall for Proposals: countries Seizing in the Asia-Pacific the Asian Regional Center for Graduate and practice of nonviolent action as part Moment - Global Sudden Opportunity Study and Research in Agriculture of ongoing campaigns or programs for Grants Deadline: 1st August 2018 social justice. Projects must be located Location: Laos, Indonesia, Cambodia, Amount: $ 15,000 outside the United States, or within its Philippines, Tanzania, Uganda, Kenya, Link: http://www.searca. Native nations. Mali, Niger and Nigeria org/scholarship/seed-fund- Deadline: 31st December 2018 researchtraining Amount: € 5,000 - 200,000 Grant for South East Asian countries Call for Applications: Cambodia Link: https://www.voice.global/calls- aiming to provide start-up funds to Innovate and Learn Grants by Voice for-proposals-overview/ researchers and scientists seeking Global Multiple grants available for proposals Deadline: 16th September 2018 focusing on the interaction between agriculture development in the region. Amount: € 5,000 - 200,000 national and regional/global Link: https://goo.gl/ANLnHp opportunities that are sudden and Voice Global invites applications from unanticipated impacting vulnerable toCall make for Conceptsignificant Notes: contributions Danida Market to organisations that want to learn from communities. Development Partnerships (DMDP) human-centred innovation and/or to test Deadline: 16th August 2018 and scale new approaches. To access more grant opportunities, Amount: $ 10,50,000 please visit www.asianngo.org Link: https://goo.gl/6d4xnP Grants of DKK 80 million to be divided up among 10-12 groups working in the area of responsible business contributing to promoting Goal 8 (local economic growth and employment).

66 iMPACT | July - September 2018 www.asianngo.org/magazine Humour in Development

Enter the Social Technology Entrepreneur By Meera Rajagopalan

It’s a party. You’re being introduced to people, all of whom seem younger than you. You’re very impressed by the fact that they are all looking out for the world; you are positive about the prospects of the planet you live on. You even forget Amitav Ghosh’s dire predictions in “The Great Derangement” and allow yourself some optimism. And then, it happens. You happen to talk to one of them, a tech socialpreneur (or was that social techpreneur?).

You politely ask about her work. the concept of synergising natural children, you want to say, without She starts off by prefacing her sentence learning pedagogies with technology.” sounding critical. Instead, you with “aunty.” You grimace but let it go, Here were these words you’d always say, “You’ve done some study in the interest of the world at large. had a love-hate relationship with: of the target group?” “Aunty, you know, I’m working on a synergy, pedagogy, technology. “Yes, yes.” You notice a hint of social enterprise myself. It will change She’s on a roll. “The student will go irritation, but let it go. “You know the the whole paradigm of learning.” on a learning path of her choosing. If lady who comes home to clean? I’ve “Amazing,” you tell her. a student is inclined towards learning asked her all about it. She has given “What is it about?” numbers, she can simply choose to go me the entire demographic data.” “Aunty, you know how that way, and delve deeper into it. We’re Baseline and needs analysis textbooks are?” targeting primary school children, and from a single source! You realise You wait, not sure how to answer. have created a prototype as well.” that the idea needs a lot more work, Expensive? Outdated? Boring? You blink. You really want to and proceed to talk about needs “Linear.” Wouldn’t have guessed encourage her, but it seems a few key analysis. She interrupts softly. that in a thousand years. steps are missing in the planning. “Aunty, it seems like you are She continues, without a break. “So, who is it for?” you asking for a doctorate for this. “Learning is never linear. Thoughts are ask tentatively. It’s obvious what is required. You not linear; why, even time’s linearity “Anyone. I don’t want it to be just have to look around you.” may only be a construct. You know restrictive. But I really want to give “It can be a very simple what’s the only thing that’s linear?” it to kids who, you know, don’t have process—the needs analysis,” you Textbooks, obviously. a chance to access computers.” insist. “Just use an app to collect My mind seems fuzzed. “But how will they access the app?” the data. I can help you with it.” “Lines,” she declares. “You know the rate of smartphone “App? Aunty, how will they access You’re intrigued. The penetration among schoolchildren, the app? Download it? I doubt it.” elevator pitch is working. aunty? It’s just ridiculous.” “But your product is an app!” “So my product will work on But these are primary school “That’s different—that will

/AsianNGO iMPACT | July - September 2018 67 Resources

Title of article Organisation website

The Skype is the Limit E-Vidyaloka www.evidyaloka.org be learning for the child.” You just nod. “Maybe you can See. Cry. Click. Donate. Milaap www.milaap.org talk to someone who has some Smile. The Rise of Crowdfunding for Healthcare Ketto www.ketto.org experience in this sort of thing, you know, just to get a perspective.” “Aunty, can I be honest? No offence, Can Start-Up Mode TIDES www.tides.org Founders Lead but older people just cannot ‘get’ this Organisations to Scale? generation. They took our grandparents’ world, messed it up, and are now giving Beyond the Hype: Keeping Man on A Mission Consulting www.manonamission.biz a Critical Eye on Blockchain it back to us all broken, as if it were a for Social Impact toy. Can’t take them too seriously.” You see the truth in the Bridging the Disconnect The APNIC Foundation www.apnic.foundation statement, and again, you nod. Technical Snag: Getting The Social Investment www.tsiconsultancy.com “So, you see, aunty, we have Started on Digital Strategies Consultancy already started pilots. And we’ve also National Alliance on Mental www.nami.org Illness started a crowdfunding campaign. Nonprofit Technology Network www.nten.org We don’t want to be going behind the The Engine Room www.theengineroom.org big guys. We can do it all ourselves.” Face-Off: Remote Possibility TRITHI Robotics India www.3thi.com You feel like you are watching an Watershed Organisation Trust www.wotr.org attempt at a jump between buildings— (WOTR) Intellecap www.intellecap.com it could be momentous; it could also mean a crash. You want to try and Innovation is going to be Atal Innovation Mission (AIM) www.aim.gov.in help, but you realise, with a sinking the Differentiating Factor between Nations heart, that tech is the new money. We tend to throw it at everything, Hack That: Community-Led Learning Curve Life Skills www.learning-curve- hoping it will magically solve the Solutions the Way Forward? Foundation foundation.org Intel www.intel.com/innovate problem. Like we threw Facebook at Sagasitas www.sagasitas.org the distances between relationships; biometrics at our systemic corruption; Serving Up Social Bettr Barista www.bettrbarista.com Commitment mammograms at the alarming rise of breast cancer; devices at our You Are… the Weakest Link Maroon Studios www.maroonstudios.com kids (not literally, because—God Let There be Art Land Art Generator Initiative www.landartgenerator.org forbid—that would mean we would have to engage them ourselves). Strengthening the Hands AVPN www.avpn.asia that Help Technology is but an enabler. Clichéd, but true. Mapping Safety HarassMap www.harassmap.org My young friend might well Keeping It Simple: Digital Green www.digitalgreen.org make great strides with her project, Technology for Small-Scale but unless it is done mindfully, Farmers with a deep understanding of the problem underneath, it might simply remain a nice cool layer of cream on a tumbler of scalding milk.

(The views expressed in the column are those of the writer. No techpreneurs were harmed during the making of the column.)

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