Try to change the world in 48 hours with #GovJamCLT
What would you do in 48 hours to change the world if you had the chance? Sixty people will try next weekend during the inaugural #GovJamCLT.
They won’t be alone: That week, 34 GovJams will be taking place in 27 countries including Slovenia, Sweden and Brazil.
Here in Charlotte, the members of Charlotte Shapers are coordinating the endeavor, with Meghann Gunderman leading as curator. This is part of their effort through the World Economic Forum to create local programs with a global impact.
The 60 participants will separate into teams to come up with solutions to challenges in Charlotte.
Everyone in the city is invited to register. The Charlotte Shapers reached out to single mothers, homeless neighbors, people in recovery, domestic violence victims, members of the Latino and African-American communities, low-income citizens, LGBT representatives – no one is excluded and all get a voice.
“I’m really jazzed to see a new group of people starting this dialogue,” she said.
One city. 60 people. 48 hours to change the world. Love #CLT? Join me at #GovJamCLT June 12-14. DM for details. pic.twitter.com/NyZ1nWBAU5
— Hannah Levinson (@djhannimal) May 12, 2015
The mystery:
– A theme will connect the community problems the groups set out to solve, but it will be kept secret until the 48-hour stretch begins.
“Everyone is coming there on a level playing field,” Gunderman said.
The breakdown:
– Participants will gather at The Junior League of Charlotte June 12-14.
– Friday night Susan Patterson of the Knight Foundation (a sponsor) will kick off the endeavor by announcing the theme for the weekend.
Design thinking is “more about starting with a goal instead of solving a specific problem,” Gunderman said. “We’re not telling people what the problem is in the beginning. … It gives people the opportunity to fail confidently.”
– On Sunday, the teams will wrap up their work and pitch their prototypes for change.
Although they will have no audience that day, the digital presentations will be shared with the other GovJams happening around the world.
The price:
– It costs $15 to register, but this is not meant to be a barrier. Participants will be reimbursed $5 per day that they participate. Plus: transportation and childcare will be provided for those who need it.
“The end goal is trying to create collaborative connections within the community,” Gunderman said. “Also, we are trying to build innovations and innovators.”
Join the jam.
#GovJamCLT registration is open. Only 60 spots available- reach out to @CLTShapers to learn how to grab your seat! pic.twitter.com/lV7UILFua1
— David Jessup, Jr. (@dljessupjr) May 8, 2015
Graphic by Kevin Chamberlin. Photo by Image is Found.
This story was originally published June 1, 2015 at 11:41 PM with the headline "Try to change the world in 48 hours with #GovJamCLT."