One of the most exciting developments from last week's batch of posts is that many Rising Voices participants are using their blogs as more than just spaces of communication. They have realized that by tapping into the support of a community, they are able to start campaigns to help their neighbors in need.
In the Brazilian town of Januária, a local organization called the Friends of Januária, has been a champion of transparency and accountability within the local municipal government. Now they are engaging residents of the town, especially focusing on youth, teaching them how to use citizen media tools for greater civic participation.
Bait al Karama is a women's center in the Old City of Nablus in Palestine that provides opportunities for culinary social enterprises for local women. The center seeks to teach its members how to use citizen media to document and record personal and family stories about the origins and the traditions of local cuisine.
Three rural libraries in the Guatemalan villages of Huitán, San Carlos Sija, Cabricán in the Quetzaltenango or "Xela" Department will explore ways that they can open their doors through citizen media for local residents to participate more actively in society.
