Our Loop Stitchting

We would use the opportunity to deliver 3 key things:

1) Funding - to design, develop and roll out the use of Interactive Voice Response Technology over GSM and The Web. This tech development is a priority, so that we can hear from the most marginalised populations globally, especially when integrated with our translation capabilities. This would be developed through User Centred Design approaches with local people and organisations in Somalia, Yemen and Zambia to start with.

2) Professional expertise from your network - to develop a sustainable revenue stream for Loop to continue our freemium model at scale. This would include advice on costs at scale, pitching a global public good etc.

3) Links to a global fanbase - to help build the Network Effect of Loop globally, across all users of Loop including: local populations, diaspora, activists, civil society organisations, Mobile Operators, Non Profit organisations, philanthropists, donors etc.

I am a New Zealand mother passionate about Shifting the Power.

I have lived and worked on every continent, as a Child Protection specialist, and in global management roles. I have led emergency responses including the Tsunami in Indonesia, Ebola in West Africa, drought in East Africa, and conflict in Syria and Yemen. All this has taught me that good intentions are not enough.

Therefore, born out of operational frustrations and an optimism that change can happen, I stepped down from my role as the British Red Cross' Director of Programmes and Partnerships and set up a charity that re-imagines accountability.

Loop is a free, global, independent feedback monitoring system, providing space for conversations that change behaviour and improve lives at scale.

Loop envisions a world where everyone can raise their voice safely, transparently and equitably, bringing about increased dignity and agency for affected populations, and more relevant, impactful, and sustainable services, delivered via a people-centred, equitable ecosystem.

We are radically different from anything existing because:

• We are independent 
• We are permanent
• We can scale easily and cheaply
• Our platform only requires phone connectivity
• We operate in real time in multiple languages
• We’re complementary to other existing feedback mechanisms

PROBLEM: 

Recipients of aid are treated as charitable beneficiaries rather than active agents of change. 

This is a problem for:

• affected populations, who feel marginalised and whose needs are not being effectively met; 
• donors, because their funds could deliver greater impact; and 
• service providers, who need to build trust and engage with communities to access populations, facilitate sustainability and local ownership, and deliver high quality support. 

This means the $156 billion spent annually on Aid isn't being used as effectively as it could be.

OUR SOLUTION: 

For the first time, we can communicate directly with people we’re trying to help, in multiple languages, at scale. 

Loop harnesses New Power and uses technology from the private sector to offer a free, global, independent digital feedback platform enabling:

• anyone to initiate feedback
• from anywhere 
• at any time
• on any issue important to them
• whether they are asked to or not
• on a device they already have access to.

Loop is:

• able to be used anonymously;
• adaptable to the local cultural, technological and social context.
• translated into English, Arabic, French and Spanish; and
• able to manage sensitive information, serious complaints or reports of SEA securely, and channel them to the appropriate referral pathways.

Loop is vastly different to anything that currently exists because:

• The platform can be used in communities where access is difficult due to COVID, conflict, remoteness etc.
• We can scale easily and cheaply -  we don’t rely on field staff.
• Our platform is easily accessed through a variety of channels, including: Interactive Voice technology over GSM, SMS, USSD, free messenger services (WhatsApp, IMO, Facebook messenger). Loop is available anywhere there is connectivity to a phone.
• We operate in real time in multiple languages.
• We are complementary to other existing feedback mechanisms, especially face-to-face mechanisms.
• We are accessible, equitable, and free to use, especially for the most vulnerable groups and hard to reach populations.

In our prototyping sessions, we've had feedback like: 

• 'This is the Tesla of the Humanitarian Sector'. 
• 'I can't believe this simple solution doesn't exist already'.

In addition to applying existing technologies in innovative, integrated new ways for a unique purpose, Loop is creating a new charitable model with a Governing Board made up of people from affected communities and an ambition to establish sustainable revenue channels to deliver aGlobal Public Good and not be in competition with response grants, M&E budgets etc.

Loop has three target audiences: those who receive aid, those who provide aid, and those who fund aid activities.

We know we need to add value to all three groups, and be built into the architecture of the international development and humanitarian ecosystems, in order for our global feedback platform to scale and function effectively. 

So we've included recipients, providers and donors throughout our  development process, and Our Governing Board is made up of people who come from affected populations and who work within Organisations who provide Aid. 

Loop has co-developed the current technology with local communities across two countries, hundreds of CSOs, donors and technology specialists.

We are rolling out Loop in Zambia and the Philippines, and we are exploring rollout in Somalia. In each context, we have integrated ourselves into the local ecosystem.

The platform will result in:

• People's questions and concerns being answered.
• Service providers using feedback to improve services and and to inform approaches to communications aimed at addressing rumours.
• Donors increasing their understanding of field realities; having additional data to inform decision-making and - ultimately - a better return on investment.
• Sector-wide enhanced transparency and engagement, contributing to a new accountability paradigm.