Africa Rural Connect kicks off 2010 ideas competition

Africa Rural Connect (ARC), a program of the National Peace Corps Association (NPCA), is an online global collaboration network, where knowledgeable people work together to communicate and respond to the needs of African farmers. After a highly successful first year, the ARC program is preparing to kick off its second annual contest, on 15 March 2010, to generate ideas to help rural Africa. In every round of the contest, ARC will award prizes to the top ideas.

“This is a brand new competition since the pilot launch last summer,” says Molly Mattessich, manager of online initiatives for the National Peace Corps Association. “We are excited to see both new and returning participants.”

Sharing ideas made easier

Using innovative software called Wegora, ARC allows participants to share their ideas, applicable skills, and knowledge in order to build the best ideas. Participants are encouraged to join in any part of the ideas process, from posting ideas, to remixing and commenting and endorsing them. The end goal is to develop sustainable project plans that can be implemented in rural Africa on a modest budget.

As a way to give everyone a level playing field, ARC has reset all the endorsements back to zero. However, this does not mean an old idea can't compete in this year's competition. All posts, old and new, can be remixed, commented on, and endorsed. The only ideas that are excluded from winning in the 2010 competition are those that have won prizes in past rounds, although even those ideas can continue to receive feedback, comments, and remixes. Also, those who created an idea are welcome to remix it into something new and updated to compete in this year's contest as remixed ideas with fresh information or insights can win a prize.

“Last year proved how the discussions on the site generated innovative ideas, which in turn created lasting partnerships and that goes farther than any prize money awarded,” adds Mattessich. “We're already seeing the impacts these discussions are having on communities throughout rural Africa and this is just the beginning.”

To share your ideas with the ARC online community, go to www.AfricaRuralConnect.org.

Check out the National Peace Corps Association's new Africa Rural Connect video! www.youtube.com/watch?v=tKrt1nvEPLA.