Last September, 2008, Google launched a contest called Project 10^100 -- it was a "call for ideas to change the world by helping as many people as possible." Almost a year later, it's time to choose!
More than 150,000 ideas were submitted from people in more than 170 countries, which has been narrowed down to 16 possible "big ideas" --
Community:
Create genocide monitoring and alert system
Create real-world issue reporting system
Collect and organize the world's urban data
Create real-time natural crisis tracking system
Make government more transparent
Education:
Enhance science and engineering education
Make educational content available online for free
Encourage positive media depictions of engineers and scientists
Provide quality education to African students
Energy: Drive innovation in public transport
Everything Else: Build real-time, user-reported news service
Environment: Work toward socially conscious tax policies
Health: Promote health monitoring and data analysis
Opportunity:
Build better banking tools for everyone
Help social entrepreneurs drive change
Shelter: Create more efficient landmine removal programs
When deciding how to vote, consider the following criteria:
Reach: How many people would this idea affect?
Depth: How deeply are people impacted? How urgent is the need?
Attainability: Can this idea be implemented within a year or two?
Efficiency: How simple and cost-effective is your idea?
Longevity: How long will the idea's impact last?
Google is committing $10 million to implement these projects, and their goal is to help as many people as possible. So remember, money may provide a jumpstart, but the idea is the thing.
Voting is open now, until October 8!
Here's YOUR chance to build a better world. Note... you may only cast one vote for the idea you think is best.
I just love "feel-good" stories!!
