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Putting Cell Phones to Good Use

With over 3 billion users, it can't be denied that the cell phone is as widely familiar as McDonald's arches are around the globe. But the celly isn't just for those with the gift of gab anymore. Increasingly, people are beginning to unlock its potential as a tool for social change.


Photo by activefree MobileActive is a global network of people, projects and resources that embrace innovative mobile technology for the greater good. In Brazil, for example, the mobile is used to convey information such as job opportunities to low-income communities. In Nigeria, teens text questions about HIV/AIDS that they can't ask in other situations, while in California, police officers use a SMS language service to assist foreign victims of domestic abuse. And for Filipino migrant workers, the cell phone is a means for help and protection while living overseas.

If you're interested in ringing in a new era using mobiles in your work but not sure how, MobileActive just released a conference in Johannesburg, South Africa from October 13-15, with over 250 cellular enthusiasts expected to attend.

Can't make it to South Africa but want to connect with others who are working towards bridging the digital divide? Be sure to check out the Social Mobile-MobileActive.org Idealist Group.