Citizens are using the Internet to change their world, to give voice to issues that matter to them. Some do this in conjunction with official media organizations while others engage in their own mission. The power of Ushahidi is that anyone can locate, aggregate and provide a platform to unite many voices, many communication channels.
Some examples include of citizen media projects include:Map.occupy.net.
Our partners at Al Jazeera, Guardian, BBC, ABC Queensland, Houston Chronicle, Chicago Sun times and more have elected to engage the citizenry in their official storytelling using these tools.
Occupy is an important map as they have used it to create their own community and storyline outside of the mainstream media. Their project is extensive with a global network of occupy mappers. Plus their highly customized platform includes a wiki and other tools to make it the center for all activity. This it is more than a map: it is a communications hub and platform in a starfish manner.
Examples:
- Somalia Speaks (Al Jazeera)
- Uganda Speaks (Al Jazeera)
- Tube Strikes (with BBC reporters, November 2010)
- Strengthening Neighbourhoods (Hamilton Reporter)
- Christmas Lights in Houston (Houston Chronicle)