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Cloud 311 Popularity Grows as Cities of All Sizes Move to Remotely Hosted CRM

Tod Newcombe

June 01, 2017 |

Government Technology |

Text |

1500-3000 Words

Response Location: United States, Sacramento, California

Traditional 311 operations can be costly to maintain, so the city of Sacramento implemented cloud CRM in order to cut costs and increase flexibility of operations. While there is still room to expand what is offered, this cloud-based solution does offer the "ability to set up and launch 311 quickly, without the need for IT staff to maintain the servers and networks."

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How 3 Cities Are Using an App Designed to Help Them Collaborate

Johnny Magdaleno

May 22, 2017 |

Next City |

Text |

800-1500 Words

Response Location: United States

Cities are often alone in trying to develop solutions to their problems. The Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago developed an app— "The Peer Cities Identification Tool"— that matches similar U.S. cities and encourages discussion about challenges and successes.

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Library hotspots can help those in internet deserts

Noah Jones

May 12, 2017 |

Richland Source |

Text |

Under 800 Words

Response Location: United States, Mansfield, Ohio

Rural areas struggle to have internet, which can be a problem for everyone including students. Mansfield/ Richland County Public Libraries have started lending out hot spots, which has been very successful and useful for residents.

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In Kenya, Phones Replace Bank Tellers

Tina Rosenberg

May 09, 2017 |

The New York Times |

Multi-Media |

1500-3000 Words

Response Location: Kenya

Building on the widespread use of mobile phones in Kenya, applications have been developed to provide people with financial services. Through these applications people can securely receive money, save money, and make payments increasing their fiscal stability and their ability to access assistance when adverse events happen. The applications also create a record of financial transactions resulting in people being able to establish credit, receive loans, and access pay-as-you-go programs.

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Getting Help in Emergencies in Super-Quick Time

Gemma Newby Sahar Zand

May 09, 2017 |

BBC |

Radio |

Over 15 Minutes

Response Location: Dominican Republic, Guayubín, Monte Cristi

Jason Friesen, an American paramedic who had served in Haiti after the earthquake, realized that many poor communities in the Caribbean were lacking the equivalent of the United States’ 911 emergency medical services, and were facing increased death tolls as a consequence. Friesen realized he could help such communities set up emergency response systems through the use of volunteers and a simple text message exchange. Now, his organization Trek Medics simplifies and democratizes the emergency dispatch system, and, as a result, saves lives in rural communities.

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How a Cooperative in Indonesia is Bridging the Digital Divide

Nithin Coca

May 04, 2017 |

Shareable |

Text |

800-1500 Words

Response Location: Indonesia, Jakarta

Indonesia has a quickly growing digital market, yet there is a large proportion of the population that does not have digital access and those who do have access are all buying from businesses outside the country. Koperasi Digital Indonesia Mandiri is an Indonesian cooperative that has developed lower cost smartphones to help reach the underserved population.

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A private sector 'productivity tool' to eliminate poverty is catching on around the world

Kelli Rogers

April 27, 2017 |

Devex |

Text |

800-1500 Words

Response Location: Paraguay, Asunción

Fundación Paraguaya is helping drastically redefine the way that poverty is identified, defined, and addressed. Through a simple, interactive, mobile-based survey called "Poverty Spotlight", workers can self-assess their level of poverty. They are then paired with microfinance agents to develop a plan to tackle their own unique challenges, with assistance in the form of training, technology, or small loans.

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The Data Donators

Mukul Devichand Nick Holland

April 18, 2017 |

BBC |

Radio |

Over 15 Minutes

Response Location: United Kingdom, London, Greater London

Around the world, more and more people are launching projects through mobile apps that use smartphones to collect massive amounts of data for solving chronic issues. By asking thousands of volunteers to donate their data for the greater good, researchers can access data in quantities that were previously unobtainable.

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Rwanda's 'solar smart kiosk' provides digital solutions to rural mobile phone users

Christin Roby

April 03, 2017 |

Devex |

Text |

Under 800 Words

Response Location: Rwanda, Kigali

Although an estimated 75% of the world's population uses cell phones, in places like rural Rwanda, the availability and costs of electricity to charge them can be patchwork at best. ARED's 'solar smart kiosk' provides a stand-alone cart that runs on renewable energy and serves not just as a charging station, but a digital and internet center for users at the base of the pyramid. The company also ensures training and monitoring support to keep kiosk operators current on the technology.

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What can the sharing economy bring to emerging markets?

Catherine Cheney

March 09, 2017 |

Devex |

Text |

800-1500 Words

Response Location: United States, Portland, Oregon

April Rinne, a sharing economy adviser in Portland, believes that new technology and the emergence of the sharing economy has massive potential to connect talent, resources, and ideas around the globe, particularly in the context of advancing international development initiatives. She works with clients around the world to "help the sharing economy realize its full potential" and challenge the assumptions surrounding poverty.

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