:Title:      Kindling enthusiasm for the Worldwide Connectory 
:Author:   David Bale
:Date:     Sun, 27 Jan 2008 15:54:15 PST
:Modified: Fri, 01 Feb 2008 16:46:36 PST
:URL:      http://www.ned.com/group/wwc/news/2/

*Originally I gave this thread the title of "Selling the Worldwide Connectory" pointing out that I wasn't talking about a commercial sale but how best to "sell" the* **idea** *of the World Connectory Project?*  *John Powers has alerted me to the misunderstanding that could arise from the original title and, thanks to his good advice, I've re-named it.  His continually helpful ideas have also prompted me to gather some of his ideas and others into a* Kindling_ *workspace*.

I'm still as enthused as ever with the prospect of every district in every developed country in the world having the responsibility for working with a district in one of the world's most poverty-stricken countries.  By including ALL of the wealthiest and ALL of the poorest areas in the world, the Worldwide Connectory offers a unique opportunity to make a real difference to people's lives.

People in poor countries have seen little benefit from top-down aid - either because promises of aid have not be kept or have been scaled down or else because corrupt practices have siphoned off the benefits intended for the poor.  In contrast, the WWC will offer poor people direct access to potential allies in developed countries who have a capacity to offer real help through local projects based in the actual communities where poor people live.

Many of these local projects are already operative.  The Worldwide Connectory has the potential both to recruit new supporters for existing projects and also to help develop and support new projects chosen by the very people most in need of the resources to build themselves new and sustainable livelihoods.  But recruitment won’t just happen.  The project will need the oxygen of publicity if it is to take on a sustainable life of its own.

Hence this thread.

I feel as if I’m sitting in the middle of a coalfield with stacks of coal all around me and with the WWC idea like a lighter in my hands.  There is a capacity here to harness a huge stock of energy to warm communities across the globe.

But actually to ignite the coal will require some kindling.  And that kindling will involve a range of practical publicity techniques or strategies.  Among those that I think need to be recruited to the cause are the following:

.. line-block ::

 International development non-profits
 National & local media in over a hundred countries
 Translation services
 Geography teachers
 Organisations with a worldwide membership
  
Others whose support could be invaluable might include

.. line-block ::

 Celebrities
 TV programme makers
 Producers of a best-selling (or top-rated) video, book or film
 Award panels for best new ideas

So, what is it that can ensure that the WWC idea most easily catches fire and burns ever more warmly and brightly?