Needpedia.org

Sadly our umbrella nonprofit disbanded without warning, leaving us to evaluate whether we want to find another one or file ourselves.

Because climate change is driven by an endless array of inputs and circumstances, we believe an equally diverse array of solutions and inputs will also be necessary, and that the creation of an archive for all possible solutions to all problems will be key in the facilitation of such solutions. needpedia will both showcase the world's finest ideas, and empower experts and citizens to collaborate on their implementation.

The world is full of good ideas, and we need a purpose build archive for them. People try to share their ideas on platforms like Facebook, but they aren’t designed for collaboration, they're designed for profit, and the ideas people share there are quickly buried under a stream of new content. Furthermore, there are no tools on these platforms for collaborating on ideas, forcing every participant to overcome a mountain of technical and psychological barriers to participate. We live in the ‘age of information’ and yet even the best ideas are often doomed to obscurity simply due to the fact our ‘information highway’ isn’t designed for them. And with the hopelessness of ideas, comes the languishing of their creators. Presently, we are essentially isolated with our ideas, surrounded by monolithic digital landscapes where even our deepest hopes are nothing more than “new content” to briefly entertain and be forgotten. An incredible amount of human potential is wasted every single day.

By creating an archive for all people's ideas we can begin to unlock each other's various skills and resources in ways which were truly impossible before. To oppose climate change, but also to create a practical and reliable overarching framework for addressing problems in general.

A purpose built archive like this can go far beyond simply listing ideas, for instance Needpedia’s layer system enables people to create new layers to idea posts, to discuss them from various perspectives. The layer system makes it easy for experts in any field to create their own dedicated channels or spaces to discuss ideas with others within their field, without making the public layer hard for everyone else to understand. The layer system also makes interdisciplinary efforts in science, engineering, and other fields far easier and more organized.

The layer system can also empower people with ‘lived experiences’, such as that of being LGBTQ, or black, to create layers to discuss ideas. This way if someone has an idea for something that effects others, like a homeless shelter, people with disabilities, women, and everyone else get to create their own spaces to discuss the idea. -Then share their feedback on the “public” layer. This way everyone who's impacted by an idea gets to discuss it and share their input.

The last, and possibly most powerful use for the layer system lies in its potential for conflict resolution. Many subjects have become extremely controversial and with well defined conflict resolution formulas like Non-Violent Communication, we have the ability to create layers where these ideas can be discussed using a framework that is free of labels and other problematic language. Even the most controversial subjects can be discussed without insults or loaded terminology because NVC defines an extremely simple yet effective process for expressing needs, and making requests. Ultimately speaking, resolving climate change will require more than technology, it will require us to learn to get through to each other. NVC layers on Needpedia have the power to make a meaningful start.

We want all people in the world to know that if they have a good idea, that the world has a place for it to grow and prosper. We want all people to know their ideas have potential, and that they have a place in the world as creators and as stewards. We want them to know that when they have problems they are not alone, and that the results others experienced from ideas are easy to see and learn from. 

Needpedia is uniquely poised to tackle the complex technical and social challenges ahead, thanks to a robust partnership between our CTO, Murtaza Zazarkhwan, and our founder, Anthony Brasher. Murtaza brings extensive expertise as a full stack developer, with deep roots in web development that have shaped Needpedia’s technological backbone. His location in Pakistan and his understanding of Islamic communities provide us with essential insights into the needs of various international ethnic demographics.

Anthony, a specialist in conflict resolution psychology with substantial experience in the mental health field, crafted Needpedia using extensive experience as an activist. Based in Portland, Oregon, Anthony has an acute understanding of the challenges faced by working-class liberals and LGBTQ communities. His upbringing as a half Middle-Eastern youth in post-9/11 America opened his eyes to the evils of racism long ago, and inspiring him to organize in new and effective ways.

Together, their international experiences and grassroots approach position Needpedia to empower oppressed individuals globally, to not just meet but even exceed the expectations of the communities it aims to serve. Their joint effort is designed to amplify the voices and showcase the ideas of those often left at the margins, ensuring that Needpedia's solutions are as inclusive as they are innovative.

While still only in development, we have already managed to inspire the curiousity of countless early adopters and humanitarians. With our paltry resources and social recognition we have only been able to make progress slowly, and have not yet been able to help people directly, but with recognition from MIT's community, that could change very quickly.

Needpedia's mission is so ambitious that it can be hard for people to believe in it, which can then prevent them from participating. MIT is known for innovation, and being showcased by their community could inspire countless people to join ours. Furthermore, our mission is to showcase the world's finest ideas, and there are few communities on Earth where the concentration of such content would be equal or higher.

Creating an archive for ideas unlocks human potential by making it so that if someone has an idea that would make the world better for us, we no longer require them to miraculously make everything happen on their own. Instead we create an archive for all ideas then simply compare them side by side until we know what we can do to improve the world ourselves. Sometimes that might involve legislation, and we have to work with elected officials, while others will stay as far from politics as they possibly can, and will be free to collaborate with experts and other citizens directly.
We also create context, because we make it possible for an idea to go from being 'some random idea on the internet' to being 'the highest rated solution' to a known problem, which inspires people to rally around the idea. In this way, instead of feeling lost, we can provide people with direction by creating an overarching framework for reflection and action.
These tools can also be used by scientists and other experts to create interdisciplinary efforts that advance medicine and science, while also making their work more transparent to the public, which helps foster trust. Additionally, the single thread running through all of humanities most serious problems is the communication breakdown which occurs around "controversial" subjects. By using Needpedia's layer system to create NVC layers, we create a powerful new way for citizens and experts to begin addressing their concerns without labels, loaded terminology, or insinuation.

The world already has a long history of benefiting from the free exchange of ideas, ultimately, we're merely suggesting it should have a dedicated archive for them.

Our software can be used to break down each objective necessary for the implementation of an idea, and to organize the input of experts in every related field. We will make it easier than ever for interdisciplinary collaboration by scientists and others to combat real world problems like climate change, by reducing the barriers to generating new science, as well as helping propagate ideas which reduce consumption.

We can make it easy to see all options side by side. And while an AI can often do the same, if you have a good idea, they won't communicate it to others. Only by connecting people can we make an archive which truly empowers them. AI can still be used to weed out scammers and other problems but at the end of the day, what the world needs now, is a way for people to come together over the world's best ideas, then start acting on them.

We believe Needpedia will greatly enable members of communities of all sizes and nationalities to adapt to climate change by leveraging the collective creativity and urgency of people being affected by its ramifications. All too often there is no way for working class people to share the resources they have effectively. For example child care is far too expensive for many parents, and yet they need child care to work and make more. With an archive for ideas like Needpedia, it becomes far easier for them to create organizations or collectives that work to the benefit of all. For example, a mother could propose a babysitting collective, where parents take turns watching kids, teaching, or contributing other resources. Ordinarily the legal liabilities of childcare might hold this idea back but with Needpedia’s layer system, a layer could be generated for discussion of the legal details specifically. Additionally, the URL address to that layer becomes an easy yet powerful tool for families to seek consultation because it links any expert interested right back to the full discussion, where their input can also remain and be used by others. For an expert to provide legal consultation a fee may be required, but if the idea is important enough, that fee may well be quite worth paying. Many parents pay as much as $1600 /month for childcare services, so the ability to create a collective that brings the cost down to a few hundred, would easily be worth traditional legal consultation fees. Furthermore, this price comparison accounts for only a single person, and the consultation fees might only have to happen once or twice. Meaning that a few parents, networked properly, might only need to invest a few hundred dollars each once or twice for consultation in order to begin saving over a thousand dollars a month, for years. And the legal framework they developed, can immediately start being implemented by other families.

We anticipate there will be a wide array of metrics which can be used to assess our platform’s role in the catalysis of innovative solutions. To not only showcase the achievements within the arena of climate change, but also provide a clear framework for evaluating all sustainability practices Needpedia facilitates.

Traditional quantitative engagement metrics will be used to track the number of climate-related projects initiated, the number of user interactions with these projects, and the success rates of implemented solutions. These figures will provide a tangible measure of our platform’s ability to mobilize action, and facilitate collaboration on climate change solutions, (using Needpedia’s framework and collaborative tools).

Additionally, partnerships with environmental organizations will enable us to integrate environmental impact assessment tools into Needpedia. To both monitor and enable us to report on the environmental impacts of projects. As the scale of proposals increase, providing concrete data on reductions in greenhouse gas emissions and other relevant indicators will be essential to ensuring the success of projects, as well as our continued support from users.

To ensure our users can have a social media platform where they’re all connected, and can always reach their audiences without paywalls, we’ve created an entire social media section on Needpedia.org. And to showcase the efficacy of projects and the communities behind them even more effectively, we’ve also created a mascot account, which by default is automatically friends with all users, and as such, can reach users on their feeds, (assuming they don’t opt out, by unfriending our mascot, “Jolty”). Through Needpedia’s social media functionalities, including the mascot account’s spotlight on successful initiatives, we will ensure continuous public engagement and recognition of impactful solutions. This approach will not only celebrate achievements, but also foster a culture of feedback and iterative improvement, encouraging users to refine and escalate their efforts in combating climate change and other problems.

1. Core Technology Framework: Needpedia harnesses a sophisticated platform integrating artificial intelligence, social networking, and a wiki-style database to streamline the gathering, organization, and assessment of global ideas and solutions. Its core technology revolves around an advanced layer system that allows users to navigate and contribute to different aspects of problems and ideas effectively. This layer system is key to fostering interdisciplinary collaboration and ensuring that diverse viewpoints are considered and incorporated into each proposed solution.

2. AI and Automation: Artificial intelligence underpins the operational efficiency of Needpedia, automating mundane tasks and enhancing user interactions. AI supports the moderation of content, and helps ensure proper organization of posts. It also powers a user-friendly assistant that helps users navigate the complexities of developing ideas as well as Needpedia’s complex array of features. By integrating insights from various fields, such as project management and psychology, the assistant is also designed to guide users in a highly optimized way, and can teach them project management as well which fosters civic intelligence.

3. Collaborative Tools and Social Media Integration: The platform integrates social media functionalities directly into its framework, allowing for seamless communication and broader dissemination of ideas without the barriers of traditional social networks. This integration ensures that solutions and discussions reach audiences without barriers like pay walls or ads, and enable real-time collaboration and feedback.

4. Adaptability to Ancestral Knowledge: While primarily leveraging modern technologies, Needpedia also holds the capacity to integrate traditional knowledge systems. This could include community-based problem-solving approaches, traditional ecological knowledge, and other non-Western methods of understanding and interacting with the environment. With an idea archive, indigenous people will be free to share their ideas, as well as create a new layer to anyone else's idea to discuss it from their own perspective. On Needpedia indigenous people will be impossible to silence.

5. Scalability and Accessibility: The design of Needpedia allows for scalability, capable of handling inputs ranging from individual community issues to global challenges. Its technology is designed to be accessible to all users, regardless of technical skill, promoting inclusivity and widespread participation.

There's just 2 full time people: 
Needpedia's founder, Anthony Brasher, and Needpedia's CTO Murtaza Zarkhwan. 
Aside from that Needpedia currently has a handful of volunteers. 

We've been working on this idea since the Occupy Movement, when it was realized people had lots of ideas, but no archive for sharing or collaborating on them.

At Needpedia, we are committed to fostering a diverse team that not only minimizes barriers to opportunity but also creates a welcoming and inclusive environment for all team members. Our technology is designed to ensure equality in all forms, including gender, ethnicity, and sexual orientation. We actively empower traditionally underrepresented groups with features like our layer system, and create clear pathways for their participation and leadership within our organization.

Needpedia enables all users, regardless of background to not just vote as equals, but to freely create options on the ballot itself. This feature democratizes the process of decision-making, ensuring everyone can lead and influence community agendas. And that groups can benefit from all human insight.

Additionally, our unique layer system allows groups like the LGBTQ community to frame discussions from their own perspective. This tool also makes it easier for members of these groups to hear from and connect with like-minded individuals all over the world. 

Crowdfunding platforms have proven that when people are interested in gaining access to something interesting, it becomes possible to raise millions. Instead of offering them a videogame, Needpedia offers them a resource. And because it is a resource for sharing ideas, which are often quite seriously people's dreams for a better world, we have the power to showcase content that inspires people in various ways.

Enabling users to list problems with any subject means that many would list problems for Needpedia’s own corporate sponsors, which in time could lead to internal divisions as it represents a direct conflict of interest, so instead, our funding strategy embraces a diversified model to safeguard against such problems, and to ensure long-term operational stability. This model comprises several pillars:

Crowdsourcing Support: By emphasizing community involvement, we can leverage funding platforms such as Patreon, allowing our users to contribute directly to Needpedia using a subscription model which makes income more predictable for organizations like ours. This approach not only fosters a deep sense of community ownership but also ensures that Needpedia remains accountable to those it serves, not to corporate interests, as funding is driven by promotion and increasing engagement. Our commitment to transparency and user empowerment will be paramount, as we build trust by providing regular updates and engaging actively with our supporters.

Grant Funding: Pursuing grants from foundations and organizations aligned with our mission is another key component of our strategy. These grants, focused on innovation, environmental sustainability, and open-source technology, will provide essential support without compromising our platform’s values or direction.

Trust Funds and Philanthropic Endowments: We will seek to establish trust funds and solicit endowments from philanthropists passionate about fostering innovation in climate change solutions. Managed judiciously, and transparently, these funds will offer a stable financial foundation for Needpedia, ensuring our ability to innovate and grow without undue external influence.

AI and Automation: By integrating AI to automate routine processes and enhance user support, we significantly reduce operational costs. This strategic use of technology will allow us to maintain a streamlined team, focusing our resources on innovation and user experience.

And most importantly of all, building a robust volunteer program is central to our strategy. Volunteers will play a vital role in development, content curation, and platform moderation. We will recognize and reward their contributions, fostering a vibrant community that is deeply invested in Needpedia’s success.

So far we have been extremely effective at developing with very little income, and plan to crowdsource to keep expenses low. Grants and other funding will be pursued but our main source of income will be from inspiring users to collaborate and to pitch in a small but reoccurring amount through Patreon. Furthermore Needpedia's tools can be used to the advantage of businesses who work through honesty and transparency, and dedicated consulting services to this end may become marketable.