The idea

The average home size in America is roughly 2,000 square feet. The average tiny house is less than one quarter of that size.

Tiny houses are literally what you might imagine: miniature dwellings complete with everything you need to live. (Think the adult version of a doll-house.) While most common in the U.S., tiny houses are gaining in popularity around the world, and can be found in countries from England to Japan.

The size may be less, but the options are many. You can buy a pre-fab home, or build your own. You can use straw, or wood. You can opt for a modern style, or a rustic one. Regardless of how you go about it, everyone who lives in a tiny house will agree: Bigger doesn’t necessarily mean better.

Why we’re adding it to the Idea File

• Ecologically sustainable. Tiny houses not only use less materials, but often try to be as ecologically sound as possible, from energy to water to light.
• Increases self-awareness. The design is completely in your control. Every single decision has to be considered, which makes you examine how your choices align with your personal philosophy and needs.
• Frees up time. Forget spending your weekends organizing the basement or mopping your kitchen. Smaller square footage means not only less clutter, but less time spent on the drudgery of cleaning, and more time to dedicate to family and friends, your hobbies and passions.
• Intellectual challenge. Most tiny house advocates find there is a certain draw and excitement about making a small space perfectly functionally efficient.
• Freedom of mobility. Tiny houses are often on wheels, and no matter where you are in the world, you always have a place to come home to.

How you can replicate it

Portland, OR is one of the leading cities in the tiny house movement. (Photo from nicolas. boullosa via Flickr’s Creative Commons.)

Herbalist Karin Parramore in Portland, Oregon has recently started to build her own tiny house. As someone who’s always loved small things – her first doll named Tiny was two and half inches long – and traveled all over the globe, the idea of a miniature dwelling was immediately appealing.

Her future home will be built on wheels and include recycled materials. It will have solar power, an alcohol stove, electrical heater, and clear cabinets so she can see what she does and doesn’t use. For Karin, it aligns with her core values about ecological sustainability and fits with her nomadic lifestyle.

It’s been a three-year-process, from which she’s learned a lot from. Here’s what she has to say about building your own tiny house:

Philosophy

1. Consider your relationship with personal space. From living all over the world, Karin has seen that there are radically varying ideas about what personal space means. Before you begin, examine your relationship with personal space, and know your limits. If you don’t like little spaces, then little spaces aren’t for you.
2. Be willing to confront your philosophies. “It’s easy to say you believe in this or that,” Karin says. “But when you’re making the decision to live that philosophy, it really takes facing it head on and asking, Is it true? Do I really believe this? Is this how I want to live my life?”
3. Set a minimum. Stop and reflect a moment. If there are amenities you absolutely have to have, or a certain amount of square footage to make you feel comfortable, it helps to know that from the beginning.
4. Be open to the possibility of tossing physical memories. Some people give their memory boxes to family to keep. Others, like Karin, pick and choose which photos, objects, etc. to discard.

Building

1. There’s always an answer to a problem. Because so many people have done this before you, there are a ton of ideas for you to steal. Don’t know what to do with your waste from the toilet? Try worm composting. Concerned about how to do laundry? Look into the Wonderwash. Perplexed about bathing? Consider a Japanese soaking tub, where you can store stuff when not in use.
2. Know your zoning laws. Laws vary from state to state, county to county. Oregon, for example, prohibits dwellings less than 200 square feet. But because this is still a bit of a gray area, it’s a good opportunity for you to help influence the legal process from the start.
3. Talk to your neighbors. To help lessen the chances that a neighbor will cause problems, go around and knock on doors to make sure there aren’t any issues.
4. Don’t let cost deter you. Depending on what you want to do and your time constraints, expenses can range from next to nothing (if you use salvaged materials) to thousands of dollars.
5. If you build it they will come. Karing found that once she started telling people about her idea, offers to help came out of the woodwork from friends, family, and the ever-growing tiny house community. Don’t be daunted by zero building experience; there are lots of resources already available from video blogs to networking events to books.

“This is my solution to despair about the state of the world,” Karin finally says.”It’s selfish. I want to feel better. I don’t want to feel like I’m hopelessly watching the world devolve. This is my way of remaining hopeful.”
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Interested in building a tiny house of your own? Feel free to reach out to Karin for advice: herbalearn@yahoo.com.

The idea

Every year in September, groups of people band together to transform parking spaces in cities across the world as part of PARK (ing) Day.

Idealist’s Idea Swap at PARK (ing) Day 2009, where we asked New Yorkers for their suggestions for a better city. (Photo from IIP State via Flickr/Creative Commons.)

From their website:

“The mission of PARK (ing) Day is to call attention to the need for more urban open space, to generate critical debate around how public space is created and allocated, and to improve the quality of urban human habitat … at least until the meter runs out!”

The event began in 2005 when the art and design studio Rebar temporarily planted themselves, a sod of grass, a bench, and a tree in a parking spot as a way to challenge San Francisco’s use of downtown outdoor space.

Since then, thousands of activists, artists, and everyday citizens have put their own local spin on the event as a way to playfully engage their communities. Think flash mob — but with a social conscience.

Why we’re adding it to the Idea File

• Open source community development. Locals decide what issues in their communities they want to address, and how.
• Purposeful repurposing. From health clinics to free bike repair shops to urban farms, creative participants all over the world are careful to not let one inch of empty space go to waste.
• Attainable impact. It may seem like a small thing, but it’s recently inspired city governments to take action. NYC’s pop up café program temporarily places table and chairs in front of businesses to utilize limited street space, for example, while in San Francisco small urban parks called “parklets” can frequently be found where cars used to be.
• Takes fun seriously. Sure, the ultimate goal is to drive change, but who says you gotta have a straight face to do it? Play a community piano, explore a mini-jungle, or show off your moves at a dance party: the possibilities are endless.

How you can replicate it

In 2011 alone, there were 975 parks in 35 countries from Brazil to South Korea. Rebar has made it easy for you to add to that number this year, providing a comprehensive how-to manual and promotional material such as posters, T-shirts, and more.

We also reached out to the folks behind Brisbane PARK (ing) Day, who’ve helped numerous other cities in Australia get organized, for their advice on how to host a successful event.

Here’s what designer and urbanist Yen Trinh had to say:

1. Don’t reinvent the wheel. Be tenacious about tapping into the knowledge of the international network.
2. Partner with the community. Design schools, cafe owners, landscape architects, and urban designers can offer a lot of good ideas.
3. Know the local laws. There is no quick answer as to whether or not the event is legal. Make sure you know what you can and cannot do, and speak to your local politicians.
4. Ignore the haters. You’ll likely encounter people who think it’s risky; chances are you’ll pull off the event trouble-free.

“Urban design and public spaces are critical to the well-being of our cities,” Yen finally says. “Things like Park(ing) Day are just one small step to broaden the discussion of what kinds of places we want to live in.”

Do you know of other projects that are fun and potentially replicable? If you’d like us to consider posting it as part of this series, leave a comment below or email celeste [at] idealist [dot] org.

The idea

A female firefighter who rappels out of helicopters and slogs through swamps to help people in distress. A woman who has provided foster care to over 200 troubled teens in her lifetime. A young Somali man who escaped his country’s civil war, won a scholarship to a Canadian university, and now helps refugees.

They, along with others, have volunteered to be on loan at Surrey Libraries in British Columbia as part of the Human Library, an event where people become living books.

The Human Library is as straightforward as it sounds: instead of grabbing a book off the shelf, you sign out a person and listen to them tell tales for a couple of hours. Think audio book, but with a handshake (or better yet, hug) at the end.

This notion of bringing books to life began twelve years ago with a Denmark youth organization that wanted to challenge prejudices. The idea has since been adapted around the world, and can now be found in over 45 countries.

Why we’re adding it to the Idea File

• New take on an old concept. Libraries everywhere have gone through many transformations (books rescued from the trash in Bogota and traveling donkey libraries in Ethiopia come to mind), and the Human Library further proves these institutions aren’t dying, but rather, evolving.
• Respects and appreciates diversity. Everyone has a story to tell. People of all experiences, ages, and backgrounds are encouraged to participate, tapping into the knowledge and expertise of the local community.
• Encourages empathy. We read to immerse ourselves in other contexts and see the world from someone else’s point of view. When talking to living books, you might find that your similarities thread you together, instead of your differences.
• Values real-time conversation. With eBooks, iPads and everything in between dominating much of our time today, being able to look into someone’s eyes and connect around our humanity is refreshing.
• Adaptable in many contexts. The concept doesn’t have to be limited to an actual library: it could work at schools, festivals, government offices, corporations, and more. Depending on resources, it could also be an ongoing program or a once-in-a-while event.

How you can replicate it

The folks who created the first Human Library want nothing more than for you to borrow their idea. They’ve already done a lot of the initial legwork for you; their website has a guide for organizers in eight different languages, sample evaluation reports and forms, tips for readers, and more.

Interesting fact: the first Human Library took place at a music festival in Denmark. (Photo via Ravi Basi.)

We also reached out to Ravi Basi, one of the organizers at Surrey Libraries, to hear her advice for people looking to start a Human Library where they live. Here’s what she had to say:

Finding living books

1. Use your own networks. Relying on unsolicited offers from the public is too random and complicated of an approach. Instead, gather recommendations from staff, community agencies, colleges, and nonprofits in addition to scanning local newspapers.
2. Set your criteria from the beginning. Living book volunteers at Surrey Libraries, for example, had to have a story to tell, good communication skills, be personable and friendly, and understand the concept and goals of the Human Library. If they met this criteria, they then went through an interview process.
3. Incentives, while not necessary, are nice. The living books will probably be enthusiastic and eager to participate. But still, to show gratitude, you can do things such as offset parking costs, provide lunch and snacks, and give gift bags.

Organizing the event

1. Start small. Rather than hosting a day-long event, try an afternoon or evening event of four hours. Learn the glitches, and then improve next time around.
2. Allow readers to pre-register. To ensure the living books aren’t left without readers, devise a registration system where people can sign up for time slots in advance.
3. Have a back-up plan. Err on the side of having an abundance of living books and line up spare readers to account for no-shows.

“Anyone who plans or participates in the Human Library will find it to be a valuable, even profound experience,” says Ravi. “It’s worth doing.”

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If you’re inspired to bring the Human Library to your community, feel free to email Ravi for more advice: rkbasi@surrey.ca.

Do you know of other projects that are fun and potentially replicable? If you’d like us to consider posting it as part of this series, leave a comment below or email celeste [at] idealist [dot] org.

Today’s idea funding model

The idea

Food + creativity = community. That’s the concept behind Sunday Soup, a micro-granting model that brings together those with a taste for innovative ideas and the people who want to help fund them.

Here’s how it works: a local group organizes an affordable meal. People pitch their ideas for a creative project during the course of the gathering, with attendees voting on who to give the proceeds of the meal to. Think Kickstarter, but offline and with good grub.

So far, the network has collectively granted almost $60,000 to initiatives around the world such as an art project that transforms abandoned signs in Albuquerque, NM; a documentary featuring children’s thoughts on the political situation in Egypt; bike taxis in Toledo, OH; and more.

Photo of Detroit SOUP event by Vanessa Miller.

Why we’re adding it to the Idea File

• Cheap and easy. While it’s the meal that brings people together, the idea is that it should be low-cost, like soup.
• Circumvents bureaucracy. The people who decide which idea will benefit your community are the ones you pass in the street everyday – not foundation officers whom you might never meet.
• Increases supporters. Don’t lose, schmooze. Even if your project doesn’t win the cash, it’s a great opportunity to make contacts – maybe even an employer or new flame. And, Amy adds, getting your project funded from a Soup event also gives you a leg up when applying for funding elsewhere.
• Awesomeness awareness. There are probably a gazillion good ideas waiting to be discovered where you live; why not get them all out in the open?
• Adaptable in many contexts. The model is flexible and Sunday Soup encourages you to adapt it, taking regional and cultural quirks into account.

How you can replicate it

First, see if one already exists where you live. If not, and the 63 groups from the U.S. to South Korea to Ukraine have whet your appetite, check out Sunday Soup’s tips for getting started.

We also reached out to the folks at Detroit SOUP, who’ve helped other SOUPS in Michigan and across the U.S. get up and running, to hear their tips on how to make your group a success.

Here’s what Lead Coordinator Amy Kaherl had to say:

1. Don’t restrict the types of projects. Allow everyone from business entrepreneurs to artists to activists to pitch their ideas to keep the discussions and voting process interesting. Here are the Detroit project proposal guidelines.
2. Know what’s affordable and what’s not. Detroit SOUP, for example, charges $5 per plate so as to include as many community members as possible.
3. Ask for help. Local restaurants, gardens, farms, and friends might be happy to donate food.
4. Proposals first, dinner second. People are more likely to converse and exchange ideas when there is a point of connection.
5. Stay informed and curious. Listen to the community’s needs, and cultivate an environment where people are encouraged to ask questions.

“Don’t be afraid to fail either with the dinner or with the projects,” Amy finally says. “When things break down, we all learn from one another about what to do and not to do.”

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If you’re inspired to bring Sunday Soup to your community, feel free to email Amy for more advice: detroit.soup@gmail.com.

Do you know of other projects that are fun and potentially replicable? If you’d like us to consider posting it as part of this series, leave a comment below or email celeste [at] idealist [dot] org.

A stripped down version of the internet (read: no Facebook or YouTube) is now available in some developing areas.

Idea

What causes rotting of cassava roots? Why are my tomato leaves turning white? Can a mother with HIV pass it on to her baby? How can we control soil erosion in our village?

These questions and more can now be easily answered in Uganda through Question Box, a project of the nonprofit Open Mind that aims to make Internet access in developing countries as common as soccer.

In Pune, the team recently created a Question Box with solar panels. They're also about to launch a box that can reach multiple information lines (e.g. the hospital, government, etc.). Photo via blogger Paul Smith (bitter wallet).

Here’s how it works: the curious call a given number. At the receiving end, operators search online and answer the caller’s question in one of Uganda’s 14 national languages or regional dialects. If the internet or power is out, operators can browse an offline repository of local knowledge to pass on the needed information.

In Pune, India where Question Box is currently being piloted, this idea of a box is taken in the most literal sense. All locals need to do is push a green button on a metal box hanging somewhere in the streets, and are connected to an operator faster than you can say namaste.

Both the Indian and Uganda models are all about ease: “Any solution must require the person to take no more than one step from what they already know.”

Why we’re adding it to the Idea File

• Circumvents the limitations of the web. If you’re like me and speak one of the top ten languages on the internet, then you probably take for granted that we have access to an incredible wealth of information with just one click. But the world has 1,000+ languages, and Google is available in “nearly 40″ of them.
• Gives most everyone access. Reaches people on the margins: the illiterate, women who are excluded from communication, the visually impaired, and those who are too poor to even have a mobile phone.
• Provides employment. Operators have the opportunity to use their language skills, and make some money while they’re at it.
• Utilizes local knowledge. In many villages, knowledge is passed down from generation to generation, or neighbor to neighbor. Question Box not only places values on its importance, but helps capture it for future use.

How you can replicate it

Luckily for you, the folks at Question Box want you to take their idea and run with it. Here’s how:

• Organizations, government or companies: If you want to set up your own, on their website right now is a friendly invitation for you to partner with them. They’ll adapt the hotline to your needs, and help you get it going.
• Community organizations: Indigo Trust recently gave Question Box a grant to complete development of Open Question, an initiative that combines open source tools and how-to manuals so that anyone anywhere can set a hotline up themselves. They’re currently looking for testers.

Could you see Question Box working in your community or another you’ve adopted? Why or why not?

Georgetown University and Ogilvy recently released a study about which causes Americans care about the most. Not surprisingly, unemployment/low wages are number one. But homelessness isn’t too far behind.

The other day while browsing my favorite entrepreneurship-focused site, Springwise, I came across three innovations that seemed like they could be replicated beyond their pilot cities and have a positive impact elsewhere:

In the U.S. alone, as many as 3.5 million people make benches and streets their home in a given year.

1. Homeless-led city tours

Sock Mob’s Unseen Tours of London employs homeless guides to show you the nooks and crannies you might not ordinarily explore. Along with British history, the guides interweave their own stories and experiences from the area – surely making the tour less yawn-worthy. At the end, you can go to a pub or cafe and chat more.

Most of the profits go to the guides, and eventually Sock Mob hopes to turn all of the leadership over to them, too.

A thought: Consider letting the guides choose where to go at the end of the tour, as they may be recovering from substance dependence issues.

2. Green gym + job generator = healthier Detroit?

Recognizing that good health is just as important as a good meal, Cass Community Social Services in Detroit erected a gym in an old warehouse where homeless people can work out. The equipment ranges from treadmills to boxing bags – not to mention stationary bikes that generate electricity.

It’s the first of its kind in the U.S. And not only does the gym raise environmental awareness, but it helps create jobs. Clients pull their weight by rescuing illegally dumped tires, for example, and making mud mats out of them.

A thought: Gyms don’t exist in a vacuum. There’s a whole exercise panorama to consider, from workout clothes to appropriate food to medical care for potential injuries.

3. Refashioned parking meters that collect donations

When parking meters are ready for retirement, what happens? Usually, they find their way to antique shops, are sold on eBay or, sometimes, are turned into bike racks. But here’s an interesting idea: piggy banks to raise money to end homelessness. Last fall the city of Montreal teamed up with a local magazine to park 70 colorful ParcoDons, or meters, around one neighborhood. Local celebrities also helped by jazzing up the change collectors. The hope is to raise $40,000 over the next three years.

It’s a win-win situation: meters get a second life, and loose coins go to a good cause.

A thought: What if people who are homeless could participate in each step of the project? Celebrities are a great way to raise the profile, but is there a way to involve others in the painting and installation of the meters?

What do you think?

Are these innovations helping the cause? Do you have more examples of successful projects where you live?

Today’s idea

Photo by Flickr user andymangold (Creative Commons)

How many times while traveling have you come across an organization that had a practical need you could have easily fulfilled had you just known about it beforehand? The folks behind Stuff Your Rucksack think they can eliminate missed connections like this. Rather than packing an extra T-shirt or towel, the UK-based nonprofit asks idealistic travelers to instead bring items that can help local charities in places from Colombia to Egypt to Vanutau. A quick browse of current needs show books, pens and pencils, Legos, board games, Frisbees, mosquito nets – even fairy wings.

Why we’re adding it to the Idea File

Stuffing your backpack or suitcase with extra items is a quick, easy and concrete way to fill a need. And it can be beneficial for both parties:

• Direct fulfillment of a need. Orgs receive what they are lacking, often at a low cost to the traveler – and without a middleman. And in cases where gently used goods are accepted, the person giving can avoid creating waste in a landfill.
• Increased awareness and helping good ideas travel. Many times, nonprofits are doing great things but the communication about their work is not far-reaching. In this scenario, travelers learn about a new org and can share its work back home or in other places.
• Feel good factor. Locals appreciate that their visitors thought of them, while travelers get immediate satisfaction.

How you can replicate it

Since a service already exists, see how you can contribute to helping it grow. Add orgs to Stuff Your Rucksack, or share your success story.

But you don’t need a third party website to connect with locals. Before you hop on a plane, reach out to your trusted networks to see if anyone knows a nonprofit you can help. Get in contact with them, and check sites such as Charity Navigator or Guidestar to vouch for its validity. Also try searching Idealist to find people who have either volunteered or worked for the org using our new personal profile system. When in doubt, you can always reach out to the folks at Stuff Your Rucksack for advice.

Caveats and considerations

• Logistics: There might not be an org listed in your destination, or the one listed might have out of date information. It’s best to contact them beforehand to let them know you’re coming. It also requires a leap of faith to trust that the orgs really do need what you’re bringing, and aren’t going to sell or misuse it in some way.
• Cultural impact: People who have the luxury of being able to travel are often perceived as wealthy (especially Westerners), and this could perpetuate the stereotype. Also, dropping off foreign goods and then leaving might actually hurt the local economy.

What do you think? Would you add some weight to your backpack the next time you go abroad? Or does this idea seem too…stuffy?

Today’s idea sharing model

Everyday, all around the world, people are coming up with local solutions to the needs in their communities. Sometimes well-known leaders are the driving force, other times it’s the people we walk by in the grocery store every week. But regardless of who enacts change, the burning question always is: just how did they do it?

Our United Villages is a community-enhancement organization in Portland, OR that strives to answer this question through the event “Sharing Ideas: Grassroots Projects Started by Neighbors.” Here’s how it works: panelists represent projects that (a) have community benefits and (b) might be replicable in other neighborhoods. They talk about initial inspiration, how exactly they moved from the idea to action (including challenges), and their hopes for the project’s future. Audience members can ask further questions, and briefly touch upon their own projects at the conclusion. The whole session is recorded for archival purposes.

Ecotrust atrium photo by Sam Beebe (Flickr/Creative Commons)

This past summer, I was fortunate enough to attend the event at the beautiful downtown Ecotrust building in Portland. There were four panelists, and the topics ranged from urban farming to ice cream socials to traffic calming. Not only did I learn more about Portland and some of the good things going on, but I left the event feeling that such a simple model for idea sharing could work in other places. Here are some things to consider:

Pros

• A focus on an honest assessment of challenges is refreshing
• The guiding questionnaire that speakers complete beforehand helps to keep the talk on track
• A dynamic Q&A gives the audience a chance to participate
• Plugging your own projects enriches knowledge in the room
• The opportunity to informally network with the audience face-to-face increases potential for connections
• Access to an online audio recording is helpful for future reference (in case you can’t make it, or don’t want to take notes)

Cons

• The format lends itself to a slim picking of projects – and you may not be interested in any of them
• Similarly, how do organizers decide which projects to highlight?
• One risk: projects might be compelling, but the speakers might not be so engaging on a panel
• Sustainability can be an issue, as obtaining an event space, finding apt facilitators, etc., can be time consuming

What do you think? Could this work in your village, town or city? And what other replicable idea sharing models are out there?

This week’s successfully replicated idea:

The Haunted Skinny Jeans band before their performance in Portland, OR this summer. Photo by Band Manager Laysa Quintero.

Rock ‘n’ Roll Camp for Girls (RnRC4G) is a nonprofit that empowers young girls and women through music. Originally founded in 2000 by Misty McElroy as part of a women’s studies project at Portland State University, there are now 30 affiliate camps all over the world from Oakland, CA to London. It’s no surprise that the idea has taken center stage in so many places; I volunteered there this summer and can attest to its overall awesomeness.

I interviewed sts—drummer, zinester, filmmaker, and the nonprofit’s current Program Director—to learn how RnRC4G has grown and amplified its impact.

Tell us about how the idea for Rock ‘n’ Roll Camp for Girls was conceived.

Inspired by Ladyfest and the Riot Grrl movement, RnRC4G was founded to address a lack of feminist resources for girls, especially in creating and performing music, and playing instruments such as the drums, electric guitar, and turntables. We have also always provided self-defense classes to every camper.

Why do you think the idea caught on in so many places?

This mission of the RnRC4G is so inspiring! So many women, feminists, and musicians deeply connect with our mission and core values, and they want to see it happen in their own communities, which is incredible. Rock Camp is a great place to explore teamwork, conflict-resolution, creative experimentation, and performance in a supportive environment surrounded by amazing female mentors. It’s fun, exciting, and very positive. I think the magic is in the mission: to put self-esteem and life skills development first, and use music creation and instruction as a tool to help our campers practice being leaders, resolving conflict, working as a team, and putting aside relational-aggressive behaviors in favor of supporting one another. This is a great environment for almost everyone, including the instructors, coaches, and counselors.

How exactly did the other camps come into existence?

It totally varies from camp to camp, but it seems that in the beginning, touring musicians, summer camp volunteers, and other women involved with our programs were so excited about their experiences here that they decided to bring the mission to life in their own cities through opening up their own camps. Most organizers are volunteers who have day jobs. They start the way we started — by gathering support from local feminists, musicians, businesses and other community supporters; borrowing gear; getting donations; and getting campers and volunteers to come together for a week of summer camp.

The Girls Rock Camp Alliance (GRCA) now has about 30 affiliate camps, continually inspiring new camps all over the world. We are not a franchise. GRCA is in place to help network like-minded camps and offer a means of skill sharing, networking, and institutionalizing our programs and mission.

If I wanted to open up a Rock Camp in my town, what would the general step-by-step process look like?

Go to GRCA and see if your idea matches with our mission, statement of purpose and core values. If it does, the next step is to apply to become a pending affiliate organization, and try to attend the annual conference in March each year. Its only $20 to join, and there’s financial assistance to get at least one organizer to attend. We offer workshops on how to start a summer camp, become a nonprofit, organize and train volunteers, fundraise, as well as work with donors, parents, and your community.

Or, get a space, put on a benefit show, and spread the word that you’re starting a Rock Camp and see what happens!

What advice would you give to others looking to replicate this idea?

I tell people that the first things they need is a powerful mission statement and a website. Self-esteem in girls looks different to many people, and in different cultures. Try to get as much community support and input as possible and find out what the needs are in your community. In Rock Camp world, making music in a fun and supportive environment can mean something different for everyone.

Confronting mistakes head on is often done in the business sector, but not so much in the nonprofit world. Why? There can be a lot at stake – maybe you have to answer to donors, or you work with vulnerable populations, or you’re worried about offending someone.

But mistakes happen. They happen often. And if we’re honest enough to admit our mistakes to ourselves and to others—and have a sense of humor about it—we can learn a lot.

Photo via Kristen Taylor (Flickr)

This is the philosophy behind FailFaire, an event hosted by MobileActive.org. The gathering focuses on errors related to MobileActive’s mission (using cell phones in development work). Attendees discuss how X project slipped through the cracks or why Y grant never came through. But instead receiving stern looks of disapproval, the atmosphere is open and supportive. Drinks and food are served alongside failures, and presenters are encouraged to be honest, light-hearted and even irreverent.

The idea is quickly catching on. The first FailFaire event was held in New York City this summer. The World Bank co-hosted an event in Washington, D.C. a few months later, and recently the Social Capital Market’s Conference copied the model and held one in San Francisco revolving around social entrepreneurship. The potential for FailFaire to be replicated all over the world, covering not only facets of the nonprofit sector but other fields as well,  is enormous.

If you’re failure-friendly, the site has a tip sheet of how to host your own event and a blog with some great stories and advice.

FailFaire could very well be the beginnings of a cultural shift in the nonprofit sector – and I have a feeling it won’t fail.