On April 21^st and 22^nd we brought together a select group of tech innovators and nonprofit leaders on St. Simons Island, Georgia to shape the way technology fuels citizen participation in response to our nation’s most pressing challenges.   The group thought creatively about technology as a lever for social change, specifically to inform our next generation of civic engagement and voluntary action in the United States and beyond.  The group was asked to envision the ways technology might truly change the world by equipping, inspiring and mobilizing individuals.

The tech innovators and nonprofit leaders focused on three major trends and how they might affect the volunteer sector. One major trend discussed was the rising popularity of online communities and social networks.    These new online communities offer new connections and more ways for the 21^st century citizen to volunteer through time, talent, voice, and money.  Existing online communities that already generate high levels of participation like Facebook are great resources for citizens to share ideas, projects, and discuss service with other service leaders across the U.S.

The second trend that was discussed was the increased use of mobile technologies and geolocation. Because of these new geolocation capabilities technology will be able to offer ways to connect those who can help with people in need.  This new technology will be able to allow people to act wherever they happen to be and find volunteer projects at the touch of a button.

The last discussion at St Simon’s was about the changing marketing trends online where serving is the new selling and support is the new marketing.  Social media communities like twitter and facebook offer spaces where competitors are allies. Companies that are respectful, polite, and share content are the ones that get the most visibility and “likes.” These social media areas are free marketing tools and offer new ways to build and sustain relationships directly between companies and volunteers.

All of these technology trends will increase volunteer retention, referrals, and engagement. What are some other ways these new trends like geolocation might be used to positively affect social change?