Do you want to Take IT Global? Find out how youth around the world are making a difference.
TakingITGlobal Website
UPDATE: TakingITGlobal is looking for volunteer interns to work in their Toronto office for the summer! Have a look at the opportunities here – and please forward on to any friends or colleagues you think might be interested.
When asked to review a social media application with a couple of colleagues for my social digital media class, I didn’t think it would be the most interesting project. I’m not someone who gets her excitement from tech applications.
What we found however, was really interesting and made me rethink my relationship to social media applications and the potential they have.
TakingITGlobal is a website that was founded in 1999 by two young Canadians, Jennifer Corriero and Michael Furdyk when they were 19 and 17 years old. It seeks to bring youth together through inter-cultural dialogue and information sharing.
The tag line, ‘Inspire. Inform. Involve.” communicates the essence of the tool. Mobilize youth across the world by inspiring them to get involved, through the stories of other youth who are doing the same.
The online community of this website is home to 289,530 members and growing. These members span across 261 countries. The website can be read in 12 languages and discussion board topics range from health care, to human rights, education, environment, peace and conflict, technology, culture and media.
The one limitation that I noticed was that a large percentage of the online community was situated in North America. Canada alone as over 20,000 members. If the TakingITGlobal tool wishes to be as global as its mandate suggests, then I think it would be useful to reach out to more members in the other 261 countries.
Another interesting thing about the online community is that there are many events that happen in real communities throughout the globe that bring youth together. These events are highlighted on the website and help to encourage more people to get involved.
Check out this video where I show you some of the coolest features of the application:
If you are interested in learning more about TakingITGlobal, I recommend that you visit the website and read some of the personal stories of youth who participate. Additionally, my two colleagues Kathleen and Jacque have posted their perspectives on the utility and usability of the website.
I look forward to connecting with you and TakingITGlobal!
