People I know well and I have great respect of asked me to stand as a judge in something called the European Social Innovation Competition. It is a European Commission initiative; an attempt to honor the memory of the late Diogo Vasconcelos, a dedicated champion of social innovation in Eurospace.
I accepted. I choose to interpret my role as that of a supporter of radical, out-of-the-box-thinking ideas; and, even more so, of unexpected executors of those ideas. A social innovator does not need to fit into the Silicon Valley young genius “gonna change the world” stereotype. Whoever you are, wherever you are (non-EU citizens are also eligible in some cases), you will have my support as long as you have a great idea and are committed to carrying it to the end. I might be unable to wrap my head around your idea – and I certainly might be unable to convince the other ten judges to see it my way – but I promise I will not balk, no matter how disruptive and scary your project is.
You stand to win some money (three projects will be awarded with € 20K each); some mentoring; some recognition. Bring it on, my fellow Europeans: let’s rock the world with our vision and execution. I’ve got your back. Deadline December 21st.
Alberto – I don’t know if you met Diogo, but he was a great guy and I am sure you would have loved him. Glad you have been asked to be a judge in the competition in his memory. He would be glad 🙂
Paul
Hello Paul, long time no speak! I did meet Diogo, though I cannot claim to have known him well. No discussion, he has been a source of inspiration for people close to me. I will try to honor him, and them.
Cerco radicali liberi per veloce invecchiamento
isn’t it a shame that they don’t ask anything about the team/people behind the proposals?
(the most important factor to make them happen IMO)
nice initiative anyway 🙂
Giacomo
Its correct . I agree with you. 😎
Buonasera Alberto. Dove potrei inviare il mio progetto? In che ambito potrebbe essere concepito per fare breccia? Marco da Matera @marcoliuzzi73
Grazie
Marco, segui il link che trovi nel post o cerca in rete il sito della European Social Innovation Prize. Trovi lì tutte le info e il formulario (che è molto semplice).