tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-59958029856982003072023-11-16T10:46:28.089+00:00Red Button DesignThe official blog of Red Button Design: Inventors of the Midomo water purifier and 2x Dragons' Den veterans!Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01531062817640510007noreply@blogger.comBlogger198125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5995802985698200307.post-83808544358602990272012-07-10T13:26:00.002+01:002012-07-10T13:32:33.861+01:00We need your support.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1jGpPilML_x_r1mrbFqjSuI90LYhWKLt_j3A9uGISuhJ3kBnkZF86_0HuUoWbpEGKtOjnJCv1RmE5tsQawRaSNgsRRhy7vjakYUNoHgWmtLGRGykXZZ-HdXRTWo1yj-4HIA_pLcosTTOO/s1600/midomo_donate.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 125px; height: 125px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1jGpPilML_x_r1mrbFqjSuI90LYhWKLt_j3A9uGISuhJ3kBnkZF86_0HuUoWbpEGKtOjnJCv1RmE5tsQawRaSNgsRRhy7vjakYUNoHgWmtLGRGykXZZ-HdXRTWo1yj-4HIA_pLcosTTOO/s320/midomo_donate.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5763517548023217938" /></a>It's tough running any business, let alone a small social enterprise with aspirations to improve the lives of millions of people. There are only really 2 of us behind this whole thing and whilst we don't like to ask for much, today we need a favour.<br /><br />We are working with some of the largest Aid Agencies in the world. The organisations in question are understandably resistant to change and cautious of new solutions, particularly those presented by young westerners.<br /><br />We have been required to meet extremely high targets to prove that small and innovative social enterprises like RBD work as well, if not better, than traditional Aid/Charity. We are currently under a tight deadline to meet such outreach targets and, sadly, failure to do so will have severe consequences on our ability to go on as planned.<br /><br />You can help ensure we are able to continue with our work.<br /><br />Handily, the simplest way is to treat yourself to some designer jewellery(!) 10 of <a href="http://www.midomobracelet.org/midomo-initiative/" target="new">these Alex Monroe sponsored bracelets </a>would meet our target for this month. You can also help by sharing this post or link above with anyone who maybe interested, or <a href="http://midomo.co.uk/pages/main/get-involved" target="new">donating</a> any amount you see fit. <br /><br />For any questions or more information, please drop us a line: Amanda@redbuttondesign.co.uk<br /><br />Thanks.Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01531062817640510007noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5995802985698200307.post-39634900749672010742012-06-14T11:09:00.004+01:002012-06-14T11:16:16.590+01:00"Behind Every Land Grab Is A Water Grab.." (via grain.org)<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhrnQOegapQAxopHvntd3jb7KHNBWt3AGf-7pJ2SO8TcvyUK7EjJZblIS1Mh_743AUEvN4AIHSCbd0oIcnjSYjv4RJgDe5b8LkiYypiMDJPXt17NEvd9DRoYM6GYXYwINQAkkYwa4cTLDW/s1600/Anuak%252520Water%2525201.png"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 176px; height: 256px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhrnQOegapQAxopHvntd3jb7KHNBWt3AGf-7pJ2SO8TcvyUK7EjJZblIS1Mh_743AUEvN4AIHSCbd0oIcnjSYjv4RJgDe5b8LkiYypiMDJPXt17NEvd9DRoYM6GYXYwINQAkkYwa4cTLDW/s320/Anuak%252520Water%2525201.png" border="0" alt="Image via grain.org"id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5753833531476968498" /></a>As Red Button Design starts to move into Ghana, with initial units showing the same promising results as in Kenya, a few key similarities hold true.<br /><br />Beneath every MDG is a requirement for water. It is, as has been said,<br /><i>"The single greatest barrier to third world development"..</i><br /><br /><a href="http://www.grain.org/article/entries/4516-squeezing-africa-dry-behind-every-land-grab-is-a-water-grab<br />" target="new">This wonderful article from Grain</a> is well worth reading.<br /><br /><blockquote>"The reality is that a third of Africans already live in water-scarce environments and climate change is likely to increase these numbers significantly. Massive land deals could rob millions of people of their access to water and risk the depletion of the continent's most precious fresh water sources. "</blockquote>Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01531062817640510007noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5995802985698200307.post-78147368206604855492012-05-18T09:52:00.004+01:002012-05-18T10:05:12.714+01:00A Passing Thought On "Social" Networking..<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVkOsA32mev616QSY5TWMT1no7jxA4ky1CZDvatfVYp70y9qmWxSJvTXvpJFwf62TXRTPDsohEJrHGAjpgf10wjiVFSYQzwMXd6tQmhBxs9jgMFS32jhNQcMZr4PTJX1NK7Pg-3QgxETWE/s1600/safe_image.php.jpeg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 100px; height: 100px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVkOsA32mev616QSY5TWMT1no7jxA4ky1CZDvatfVYp70y9qmWxSJvTXvpJFwf62TXRTPDsohEJrHGAjpgf10wjiVFSYQzwMXd6tQmhBxs9jgMFS32jhNQcMZr4PTJX1NK7Pg-3QgxETWE/s320/safe_image.php.jpeg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5743795800244416914" /></a>So today we learn that the shares Facebook is selling today are valued at $18 Billion? That puts the company at what, around $100 Billion? I can't help, in passing, despair a little at this.<br /><br />For a little perspective, some UNDP estimated costs:<br /><br />Global cost of providing water = 9 Billion<br />Universal education = 6 Billion<br />Basic health & nutrition = 13 Billion<br />Maternal care = 12 Billion<br /><br />When we look at what we value, and how highly; what we interact with day to day, sometimes the phrase "<b>Social</b> Network" seems like a dreadful irony. <br /><br />If you want to, today might be a good day to tell a friend about us:<br /><a href="http://midomo.co.uk/pages/main/get-involved">Get Involved</a>Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01531062817640510007noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5995802985698200307.post-60543974386647760392012-05-04T10:30:00.013+01:002012-05-04T16:30:48.891+01:00Red Button Design's CEO Addresses the MDG Summit.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZ4xkEZkQic6yoXspGtUYPiFuG_3I43vGs4I05Ggm1tFCNNl-3otDRwBNxcusDKmPkNwbdy0gH1VeXygpebjeLQjH9CUQoiu4tSKC-r3O0BGzJ7soEbrDBSS0PsEBiFvcUpAAXWge4DHxp/s1600/IMG_20120504_171545.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZ4xkEZkQic6yoXspGtUYPiFuG_3I43vGs4I05Ggm1tFCNNl-3otDRwBNxcusDKmPkNwbdy0gH1VeXygpebjeLQjH9CUQoiu4tSKC-r3O0BGzJ7soEbrDBSS0PsEBiFvcUpAAXWge4DHxp/s320/IMG_20120504_171545.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5738698385633220706" /></a>This afternoon I was given the opportunity to address the Summit audience under Goal 7: "Environmental Sustainability" <br /><i>(water, agriculture and energy)</i>.<br /><br />My address was entitled "<b>Water Solutions: Designing Against Dependency</b>" as I used our <a href="http://www.midomo.co.uk" target="new">Midomo</a> water purifier as the case study to outline Red Button Design’s theory of change. <br /><br />It is, however, equally applicable to any product or service geared towards affecting grassroots social change. It covers 15 basic points grouped into three stages (design, develop, deploy) which comprise best practise when generating base of the pyramid solutions.<br /><br />The principles were extremely well received and provided the jumping off point for a great deal of theoretical and academic discussion. Of particular interest was the way we view possible alignments between commercially intelligent decisions and urgent social problems, with ethical business and social enterprises such as ours being front runners in the argument 'pro-profit'. <br /><br />Midomo itself was met with its usual instant understanding and unanimous approval. We hope that the feedback from the audience this afternoon, towards both the product and the method of thinking that gave rise to it, is indicative of wider reaction. As we seek to roll <i>(literally!)</i> Midomo out to additional African countries and agencies, and release "Design Against Dependency" as an e-book for other BOP designers, this summer..<br /><br />"Watch <a href="http://www.midomo.co.uk" target"new">this</a> space" - as they say!Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01531062817640510007noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5995802985698200307.post-22212080437551329002012-05-04T09:57:00.005+01:002012-05-04T11:00:59.777+01:00MDG Summit, reflections on Day 1. (James)<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhutmil3Qh9tjyvnx7dL-Yrv_jqeu88oWYwiSAQJDVhyphenhyphenUxu18CBoBXG1dE1PbfIhPa3EuvHxErUgBVkVB9DJnP4A_nI1A7N5PCz0oA1YiPZMkvQL7AR0nA0IAyHJVNvQOsiO3rxb2uddRxg/s1600/546651_10150738816753564_516958563_9713634_1901626162_n.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 250px; height: 250px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhutmil3Qh9tjyvnx7dL-Yrv_jqeu88oWYwiSAQJDVhyphenhyphenUxu18CBoBXG1dE1PbfIhPa3EuvHxErUgBVkVB9DJnP4A_nI1A7N5PCz0oA1YiPZMkvQL7AR0nA0IAyHJVNvQOsiO3rxb2uddRxg/s320/546651_10150738816753564_516958563_9713634_1901626162_n.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5738603854650583986" /></a>The <a href="http://redbuttondesign.blogspot.com/2012/04/millennium-development-summit-cape-town.html">MDG Summit</a> sees representatives from the private sector, governments, the UN and NGOs coming together to discuss how business can contribute to solving the challenges set out in the MDGs.<br /><br />One of the key themes is the importance of partnerships; <b>success, it is being argued, relies upon all implementing actors working together to achieve sustainable outcomes.</b> <br /><br />But with all this talk of donors, philanthropists, governments, businesses, charities and the UN all working together, one important stakeholder has been somewhat sidelined.<br /><br />It is indicative, perhaps, of the distancing effect of working towards a set of global, all-encompassing development goals that throughout the first day of the conference very little mention has been made of the communities, families and individuals whose lives we are trying to improve. One presentation in particular stood out in this regard, explaining a project which used the sale of carbon credits from reductions in emissions from boiling water to fund the provision of water filters to 900,000 households. Although innovative in its use of new funding models this project, as it was presented, seemed to totally avoid any kind of community engagement to understand the needs of those communities. Although it could be argued that the provision of water filters to families in need is a no-brainer, I worry that without a deep understanding of the issues faced at a local level projects like this will not achieve the long-term outcomes they were designed to.<br /><br /><b>We must not let funding models, or even the MDGs become any more than the tools, else we risk losing sight of the very point of development work – to improve lives.</b>Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01531062817640510007noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5995802985698200307.post-4737566762710198992012-04-28T11:46:00.017+01:002012-05-02T22:31:36.654+01:00Millennium Development Summit - Cape Town<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBdymixe24lRdsSCejA4_eBlrBKP1RIbsFiLfOvNrfi9XYkLRy7znl4udV07RGkmwGwBtIDIGJ5Ttk-tHW4Th8gSt6lnU6CSFIjhPY-mGuCxyd2yi605LTuPQjmgCZaTsWbi7l8fDJt-sc/s1600/149321_10150722895888564_516958563_9703804_1516265184_n.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 250px; height: 250px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBdymixe24lRdsSCejA4_eBlrBKP1RIbsFiLfOvNrfi9XYkLRy7znl4udV07RGkmwGwBtIDIGJ5Ttk-tHW4Th8gSt6lnU6CSFIjhPY-mGuCxyd2yi605LTuPQjmgCZaTsWbi7l8fDJt-sc/s320/149321_10150722895888564_516958563_9703804_1516265184_n.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5738049594718181330" /></a>Red Button Design have a much coveted speaker's spot at this year's UN MDG Summit in Cape Town, May 3rd & 4th.<br /><br />On Friday, Amanda will address the summit's distinguished audience outlining "Design Against Dependency" (our 15-step theory of change) using the Midomo water purifier as a case study. Later that day James will participate in a panel discussion "Analysing Bottlenecks and Constraints to Accelerated Water Development". <br /><br />This is an unparalleled opportunity for us to take to the global stage with our life-saving design. Cross your fingers for us, we'll let you know how it goes..<br /><blockquote>"The UN describes the eight Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) – which range from halving extreme poverty to halting the spread of HIV/AIDS and providing universal primary education, all by the target date of 2015 – as a blueprint agreed to by all the world’s countries and all the world’s leading development institutions. These goals have galvanized unprecedented efforts to meet the needs of the world’s poorest.<br /><br />Progress towards reaching the goals has remained uneven. Some countries have achieved many of the goals, while others remain off-track to realize any. The major countries that have been achieving their goals include countries like China and India due to clear internal and external factors of population and economic development. However, areas needing the most reduction, such as the Sub-Saharan Africa regions have yet to make any drastic changes in improving their quality of life.<br /><br />The role of business in creating employment, wealth and services has been grossly overlooked in the entire MDG campaign <br /><br />The private sector only gets a brief mention in the Millennium Development Goals. Yet it is business –entrepreneurs, employers, investors and workers – who are best positioned to help areas such as Africa and the rest of the developing world achieve the Goals.<br /><br />At this event some of the world’s key solution providers will be available to showcase their products and services and speak about the importance of engaging them as an equal partner in promoting sustainable development and making the MDGs a reality for all."</blockquote>Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01531062817640510007noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5995802985698200307.post-79415494127625330972012-02-27T10:03:00.004+00:002012-02-27T10:22:23.538+00:00Celebrate Life! - £50 off Alex Monroe for Red Button Design<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhk_f8o4yMxDGlqFeJNaoAZJwfk9uE1ICy7InpYJI2XTLe3BLOoJVPkMeMhN5_jnk_FRdr1_GvT8ujZL8D_EVk9SPDqnHIva32tHKvQYxjwudoUUCWS92Murp8rsxmJCNDDKrvTxXcr1oko/s1600/387717614.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhk_f8o4yMxDGlqFeJNaoAZJwfk9uE1ICy7InpYJI2XTLe3BLOoJVPkMeMhN5_jnk_FRdr1_GvT8ujZL8D_EVk9SPDqnHIva32tHKvQYxjwudoUUCWS92Murp8rsxmJCNDDKrvTxXcr1oko/s320/387717614.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5713758567357743602" /></a>One of the things we liked most about our jewellery collaboration with <a href="http://www.alexmonroe.com/" target="new">Alex Monroe</a> was how neatly the collaboration provided benefit to <i>everyone</i>. <br /><br />Our customers got beautiful designer jewellery and the chance to change a young woman's life, our partner charities got free tools to help in their ongoing fight against unnecessary illness and death, the users themselves got a new chance at life, and the donated units gave us flexibility in our deal structure with new customers. <br /><br />We're currently a few units short of being ready to go with the next batch of Midomo and need your help. So, to test this fair business model yet again, we have released the <b>Discount Code "CelebrateLife" for an amazing £50 Off!</b><br /><br />Please <a href="http://www.facebook.com/redbuttondesign" target="new">share</a>, <a href="http://www.twitter.com/redbuttondesign" target="new">tweet</a>, blog, or even treat yourself to a <a href="<br />http://www.midomobracelet.org/midomo-bracelet.html" target="new">Midomo Bracelet</a> so that everyone can #CelebrateLife!Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01531062817640510007noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5995802985698200307.post-68392250012307344252012-01-05T14:15:00.006+00:002012-01-05T15:02:53.189+00:005 Newsworthy Notes to welcome 2012..<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhikYtJ6vYzMo8JRzJB_4F1QZDFkfrZ_nL9wGtkV6Ry5wn84G2dW3ztBI9JeVQCousWfY3Twu1JjbPgZf_eteQOTXA-08sfjHaiiBWpdbOS9d1LDeoSV0hUeNXu6yJRYKnyzpdexodq69dB/s1600/61892_151888068185312_138202296220556_249161_563581_n.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 260px; height: 195px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhikYtJ6vYzMo8JRzJB_4F1QZDFkfrZ_nL9wGtkV6Ry5wn84G2dW3ztBI9JeVQCousWfY3Twu1JjbPgZf_eteQOTXA-08sfjHaiiBWpdbOS9d1LDeoSV0hUeNXu6yJRYKnyzpdexodq69dB/s320/61892_151888068185312_138202296220556_249161_563581_n.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5694158232179073874" /></a>Happy New Year! I hope you're all settling back into routine as invigorated and inspired as we are. I wanted to take this opportunity to share some of our more noteworthy news. We hope you will take a few minutes to read of our progress and please do get back to us with any comments and/or connections you are able to make. Your support is, and always has been, invaluable to us..<br /><br /><b>1.) Pilot Deployment with FARM Africa </b><br /><br />As <a href="http://redbuttondesign.blogspot.com/2011/07/successful-launch-in-mwingi.html">you will have seen</a>, this summer saw a pilot deployment of 8 units in Mwingi, Eastern Kenya, with the support of <a href="http://www.farmafrica.org.uk/" target="new">FARM Africa</a>. The trial was extremely successful and saw the culmination of many months of supply chain and logistical work as well as updates to the design of the unit itself and over a year of relationship building with partners in the UK, China and Kenya.<br /><br />The core components of the units were shipped from the factory in China to Mombasa, then brought overland from Mombasa to our workshop in Nairobi where the frames were built using local materials and labour. Working with FARM Africa’s local staff, we then trialled these units with the community in Mwingi, where they were very well received by the site staff and local women/girls, alike. We were also able to establish that local craftsmen were more than capable of carrying out required routine maintenance such as replacing the filter cartridge and adjusting the cycle chain. <br /><br /><b>2.) Subsequent Product Development</b><br /><br />Following the deployment in Mwingi we judged that the current pump, whilst perfectly functional, was not optimal for the usage environment. In response to this we have established a relationship with UK-based pump manufacturers, Williamson, and are collaborating on a bespoke pump design which, when completed in early 2012, will not only increase performance but will significantly reduce the cost of production and give us much greater control over component sourcing.<br /><br /><b>3.) Intellectual Property</b><br /><br />Last month we were excited to receive a “Notice of Allowance” from the European Patent Office that confirms our patent will be granted. The patent was originally filed at the beginning of 2007 so to reach this stage represents a marked success in a major ongoing body of work. <br /><br /><b>4.) Partnership with Rotary </b><br /><br />We have also spent much of the last 6 months building a relationship with <a href="http://www.rotary.org/Pages/VariationRoot.aspx" target="new">Rotary International</a>. At the end of 2011, at least one local club has taken the initiative and committed to fundraise for at least 50 units. We have high hopes that this enthusiasm, which is being followed up by a number of other local clubs, will be indicative of the wider Rotary response. <br /><br /><b>5.) Launch of a suite of CSR Packages and Donate Function</b><br /><br />In response to inbound enquiries we launched a number of Corporate Social Responsibility packages at the annual “Good Deals” Social Enterprise conference in November. Beginning at £25k to supply 250 individuals with safe drinking water, Midomo is seen as a great low-cost, media-friendly option for organisations looking to create measurable social impact across multiple targets whilst reinforcing brand ethics amongst consumers and employees alike.<br /><br />We also added the option for <a href="http://midomo.co.uk/pages/main/get-involved" target="new">individual donations</a>, and our <a href="http://www.midomobracelet.org" target="new">Midomo Bracelet</a> campaign is ongoing into 2012.<br /><br /><br />If you have any comments or if there are any connections you'd like to make relating to the above, please do not hesitate to <a href="http://midomo.co.uk/pages/info/contact" target"new">get in touch.</a><br /><br /><p></p><br />All the best, <br />Team RBD.Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01531062817640510007noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5995802985698200307.post-79599901022876937142011-11-16T15:05:00.003+00:002011-11-17T08:17:18.264+00:00Welcome to SHINE!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi11rZAf0oR4mgJHxeg6ebFmdlOEIa-F-GIvIE1jql7iM3xTjVTAd8ESCCV9qqaEiTE5wdFJa3zSyv3qgL_qjawSM125reicwZYIbFRAzMJO12vsfu1vKkGO5BF5r2FBJ1lR37FYH4rf9HK/s1600/150_shine_2010_152.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 133px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi11rZAf0oR4mgJHxeg6ebFmdlOEIa-F-GIvIE1jql7iM3xTjVTAd8ESCCV9qqaEiTE5wdFJa3zSyv3qgL_qjawSM125reicwZYIbFRAzMJO12vsfu1vKkGO5BF5r2FBJ1lR37FYH4rf9HK/s200/150_shine_2010_152.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5675875844448629986" /></a>(As producer for this year's SHINE, I was asked to write and present a quick handover between the policy events and the unconference true. I'm posting it here because.. well, it's not bad. This is what you can expect if you're heading to <a href="http://www.shineunconference.org">SHINE: the Unconference for Social Entrepreneurs</a> this Global Entrepreneurship Week..)<br /><br /><br />From here the SHINE Unconference launches full force into a packed two days of activities from keynotes to conversations, one-to-ones to panel discussions, pitching for cash to wandering through the social enterprise marketplace.<br /><br />To name just a few of our amazing contributors, we’ll be hearing from: <br /><br />Pamela Hartigan, Executive Director of the Skoll Centre at Oxford University’s Saïd Business School, who will be talking about creating entrepreneuring teams..<br /><br />The infamous Liam Black; co-founder of Wavelength, author of “There’s No Business Like Social Business”, and co- founder of the Social Enterprise Coalition, will be telling us how not to screw up our ideas..<br /><br />Drawing from experience in both the corporate world and conflict zones worldwide, Mark Walsh is here to advise us on staying sane while staring up..<br /><br />Mark Walton will warn us of the dangers of drinking by sharing his story of how a couple of beers in the pub lead to the creation of start up with a mission to create a 21st century commons..<br /><br />We’ll hear from former professional motorsport driver, Trudy Thompson, who dramatically changed her career and lifestyle in 2001 when she started adapting to a low carbon lifestyle and taught herself eco building..<br /><br />And Nick Jankel, former rural African science teacher, come writer for The Guardian and Financial Times, will be sharing how to use Hollywood storytelling techniques to engage investors..<br /><br /><i>What’s more! </i><br /><br />We have panels on the next generation of social entrepreneurs, the debate over diversity, money!: do you need it and how to get it, what we can learn from women in social enterprise, whether social media promotes activism or just slacktivism, and how the fashion industry can play a huge part in better social and environmental conditions for all..<br /><br />And, don’t forget, we have the Minister for Civil Society, Nick Hurd, in the mastermind chair ready to take your questions!<br /><br />And that’s just what <i>we’re</i> doing. I wont begin to assume I can predict the amazing connections and ideas that will come out of the conversations over lunch or a beer.. so on that note, welcome to SHINE and grab yourself a drink!Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01531062817640510007noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5995802985698200307.post-53694841491845170102011-10-27T16:28:00.004+01:002011-10-27T16:40:31.462+01:005 Tech Breakthroughs Bringing Clean Water to the Developing World<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiow3lR7IbXiDIKqL07cycTI9JKQi82Sg5d9lWlkePfAkEF1fs7JSdMuENfBKCZY6dmWcIcXIdGyPYjMu1_WbEZt6JpTRWPWGK6RcNxZNlLF-odQIxv10TCk1u9pUeBgOu4t_3mD0rG3pGC/s1600/news-key.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiow3lR7IbXiDIKqL07cycTI9JKQi82Sg5d9lWlkePfAkEF1fs7JSdMuENfBKCZY6dmWcIcXIdGyPYjMu1_WbEZt6JpTRWPWGK6RcNxZNlLF-odQIxv10TCk1u9pUeBgOu4t_3mD0rG3pGC/s320/news-key.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5668195852221324722" /></a>Mashable (y'know: "the largest independent online news site dedicated to covering digital culture, social media and technology"..) are currently highlighting <b>"five innovations that are bringing sanitary and safe drinking water to people in the developing world"</b> and, I'm happy to say, <a href="http://mashable.com/2011/10/26/clean-water-innovations/#k4oYmmdaVrw" target"new">we feature at number 3!</a><br /><br />Though we get our fair share of publicity, as a bit of a geek myself I'm disproportionately excited by this one. Or maybe it's not out of proportion at all, with more than 20 million unique monthly visitors Mashable is one of the most engaged online news communities out there.. either way I'm thrilled. <a href="http://mashable.com/2011/10/26/clean-water-innovations/#k4oYmmdaVrw" target"new">Check it out!</a>Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01531062817640510007noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5995802985698200307.post-39776232173696336092011-10-26T11:40:00.000+01:002011-10-26T12:58:13.679+01:00So long from Sophie!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj71xEed7r_hNlILn8_Jk8kKqVZ2Ki3Qyxi9DeKLVinI-rwh9mRMRC6EfUCBtFgt8vVzQmPMB3pmDcNSyrEQlm5UuV2N6GR-pdYsX_TddFxvV1AWHEd50VBQ3LIAsPIGis8lf3UlR7DgFMy/s1600/sophieorbaum2.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 133px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj71xEed7r_hNlILn8_Jk8kKqVZ2Ki3Qyxi9DeKLVinI-rwh9mRMRC6EfUCBtFgt8vVzQmPMB3pmDcNSyrEQlm5UuV2N6GR-pdYsX_TddFxvV1AWHEd50VBQ3LIAsPIGis8lf3UlR7DgFMy/s200/sophieorbaum2.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5667752289712204098" /></a><p style="font-family: arial;" class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-size:100%;" ><span style="font-size:12pt;">In a way it feels like yesterday that I was sitting in Rich Mix café, writing my <a href="http://redbuttondesign.blogspot.com/2010/07/meet-sophie.html" target="new">‘meet Sophie’</a> blog with all the zeal and cockiness of a newly-hired recent graduate. In another way it feels like far longer than a year and a bit ago. It’s really only now, as I prepare to move on to new employment, that I realise how far we’ve come as a company since July 2010.<br /></span></span></p><p style="font-family: arial;" class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-size:100%;" ><span style="font-size:12pt;"><br /></span></span></p><p style="font-family: arial;" class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-size:100%;" ><span style="font-size:12pt;">When I started at Red Button Design, there was a Midomo prototype, secured investment, and some pretty impressive awards in the bag. As I leave, there is a deployment of actual <a href="http://midomo.co.uk/pages/main/about" target="new"> Midomo </a> units in </span></span><st1:place><st1:city>Mwingi</st1:city>, <st1:country-region>Kenya</st1:country-region></st1:place>, a designer <a href="http://www.midomobracelet.org/" target="new"> jewellery collaboration </a> in place that funded them, some exciting high-profile charity partnerships in the pipeline, and the dawning realisation that we may actually succeed in both making money and effecting vital impact to people’s lives.<br /></p><p style="font-family: arial;" class="MsoNormal"><br /></p><p style="font-family: arial;" class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-size:100%;" ><span style="font-size:12pt;">I’m certainly not saying this was all down to me. I may be cocky and zealous but I’m not delusional! Obviously there is also a long way for Red Button Design still to go. But grant me if you will a small moment to marvel at what Amanda and James have achieved in little over a year, with some help from me, and some from Esme. <o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p style="font-family: arial;" class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-size:100%;" ><span style="font-size:12pt;"><o:p></o:p><br /></span></span></p><p style="font-family: arial;" class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-size:100%;" ><span style="font-size:12pt;">And wow, have I learned a lot. I learned that business is difficult, but it’s certainly do-able, with an ‘If you don’t ask, you don’t get’ spirit.<span style=""> </span>I am no longer a ‘networking novice,’ hiding behind my glass and not wanting to disrupt people’s conversations, but instead, I have thrust cards into the hands of Matthew <span class="SpellE">Pinsent</span>, Baroness Butler-Sloss, Doug Richard, and yes, Peter Jones (all of whom were gracious). I can just about get in front of a camera now without being completely trashed.<br /></span></span></p><p style="font-family: arial;" class="MsoNormal"><br /><span style=";font-size:100%;" ><span style="font-size:12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p style="font-family: arial;" class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-size:100%;" ><span style="font-size:12pt;"><o:p></o:p>I’ve also realised the simple fact that good business is all about good relationships. We’re social animals and all, so the trick to getting press, sales, collaborations and stuff done seems to be to just talk to people and be decent and direct. And that can be by email, twitter or even the scary old phone. Getting on with your colleagues also helps the day along and I know this won’t be the last I’ll see of Amanda or James. I owe them much.</span></span></p><p style="font-family: arial;" class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-size:100%;" ><span style="font-size:12pt;"><br /></span></span></p><p style="font-family: arial;" class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-size:100%;" ><span style="font-size:12pt;"></span></span><meta equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8"><meta name="ProgId" content="Word.Document"><meta name="Generator" content="Microsoft Word 10"><meta name="Originator" content="Microsoft Word 10"><link rel="File-List" href="file:///C:%5CDOCUME%7E1%5CSophie%5CLOCALS%7E1%5CTemp%5Cmsohtml1%5C01%5Cclip_filelist.xml"><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:worddocument> <w:view>Normal</w:View> <w:zoom>0</w:Zoom> <w:compatibility> <w:breakwrappedtables/> <w:snaptogridincell/> <w:applybreakingrules/> <w:wraptextwithpunct/> <w:useasianbreakrules/> <w:usefelayout/> </w:Compatibility> <w:browserlevel>MicrosoftInternetExplorer4</w:BrowserLevel> </w:WordDocument> </xml><![endif]--><style> <!-- /* Font Definitions */ @font-face {font-family:SimSun; panose-1:2 1 6 0 3 1 1 1 1 1; mso-font-alt:??¨¬?; mso-font-charset:134; mso-generic-font-family:auto; mso-font-pitch:variable; mso-font-signature:3 135135232 16 0 262145 0;} @font-face {font-family:"\@SimSun"; panose-1:2 1 6 0 3 1 1 1 1 1; mso-font-charset:134; mso-generic-font-family:auto; mso-font-pitch:variable; mso-font-signature:3 135135232 16 0 262145 0;} /* Style Definitions */ p.MsoNormal, li.MsoNormal, div.MsoNormal {mso-style-parent:""; margin:0cm; margin-bottom:.0001pt; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:12.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family:SimSun;} @page Section1 {size:612.0pt 792.0pt; margin:72.0pt 90.0pt 72.0pt 90.0pt; mso-header-margin:36.0pt; mso-footer-margin:36.0pt; mso-paper-source:0;} div.Section1 {page:Section1;} --> </style><!--[if gte mso 10]> <style> /* Style Definitions */ table.MsoNormalTable {mso-style-name:"Table Normal"; mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0; mso-tstyle-colband-size:0; mso-style-noshow:yes; mso-style-parent:""; mso-padding-alt:0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; mso-para-margin:0cm; mso-para-margin-bottom:.0001pt; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:10.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman";} </style> <![endif]--><span style=";font-size:12pt;" >And that’s quite enough precocious musing from me for now</span><meta equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8"><meta name="ProgId" content="Word.Document"><meta name="Generator" content="Microsoft Word 10"><meta name="Originator" content="Microsoft Word 10"><link rel="File-List" href="file:///C:%5CDOCUME%7E1%5CSophie%5CLOCALS%7E1%5CTemp%5Cmsohtml1%5C01%5Cclip_filelist.xml"><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:worddocument> <w:view>Normal</w:View> <w:zoom>0</w:Zoom> <w:compatibility> <w:breakwrappedtables/> <w:snaptogridincell/> <w:applybreakingrules/> <w:wraptextwithpunct/> <w:useasianbreakrules/> <w:usefelayout/> </w:Compatibility> <w:browserlevel>MicrosoftInternetExplorer4</w:BrowserLevel> </w:WordDocument> </xml><![endif]--><style> <!-- /* Font Definitions */ @font-face {font-family:SimSun; panose-1:2 1 6 0 3 1 1 1 1 1; mso-font-alt:??¨¬?; mso-font-charset:134; mso-generic-font-family:auto; mso-font-pitch:variable; mso-font-signature:3 135135232 16 0 262145 0;} @font-face {font-family:"\@SimSun"; panose-1:2 1 6 0 3 1 1 1 1 1; mso-font-charset:134; mso-generic-font-family:auto; mso-font-pitch:variable; mso-font-signature:3 135135232 16 0 262145 0;} /* Style Definitions */ p.MsoNormal, li.MsoNormal, div.MsoNormal {mso-style-parent:""; margin:0cm; margin-bottom:.0001pt; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:12.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family:SimSun;} span.MsoFootnoteReference {mso-style-noshow:yes; vertical-align:super;} @page Section1 {size:612.0pt 792.0pt; margin:72.0pt 90.0pt 72.0pt 90.0pt; mso-header-margin:36.0pt; mso-footer-margin:36.0pt; mso-paper-source:0;} div.Section1 {page:Section1;} --> </style><!--[if gte mso 10]> <style> /* Style Definitions */ table.MsoNormalTable {mso-style-name:"Table Normal"; mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0; mso-tstyle-colband-size:0; mso-style-noshow:yes; mso-style-parent:""; mso-padding-alt:0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; mso-para-margin:0cm; mso-para-margin-bottom:.0001pt; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:10.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman";} </style> <![endif]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style=";font-size:12pt;" ><span style=""><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style=";font-size:12pt;" >[1]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></span></span><span style=";font-size:100%;" ><span style="font-size:12pt;">. If you want me, I’m moving to Knowledge Peers to work with directors of businesses and charities, challenging them to work better. I’ll also be working with Esme, in a new #marcomms team that will never forget its RBD roots.</span></span></p><p style="font-family: arial;" class="MsoNormal"><br /><span style=";font-size:100%;" ><span style="font-size:12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p><span style="font-family: arial;font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:100%;" ><span style="font-size:12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span><p style="font-family: arial;" class="MsoNormal"><meta equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8"><meta name="ProgId" content="Word.Document"><meta name="Generator" content="Microsoft Word 10"><meta name="Originator" content="Microsoft Word 10"><link rel="File-List" href="file:///C:%5CDOCUME%7E1%5CSophie%5CLOCALS%7E1%5CTemp%5Cmsohtml1%5C01%5Cclip_filelist.xml"><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:worddocument> <w:view>Normal</w:View> <w:zoom>0</w:Zoom> <w:compatibility> <w:breakwrappedtables/> <w:snaptogridincell/> <w:applybreakingrules/> <w:wraptextwithpunct/> <w:useasianbreakrules/> <w:usefelayout/> </w:Compatibility> <w:browserlevel>MicrosoftInternetExplorer4</w:BrowserLevel> </w:WordDocument> </xml><![endif]--><style> <!-- /* Font Definitions */ @font-face {font-family:SimSun; panose-1:2 1 6 0 3 1 1 1 1 1; mso-font-alt:??¨¬?; mso-font-charset:134; mso-generic-font-family:auto; mso-font-pitch:variable; mso-font-signature:3 135135232 16 0 262145 0;} @font-face {font-family:"\@SimSun"; panose-1:2 1 6 0 3 1 1 1 1 1; mso-font-charset:134; mso-generic-font-family:auto; mso-font-pitch:variable; mso-font-signature:3 135135232 16 0 262145 0;} /* Style Definitions */ p.MsoNormal, li.MsoNormal, div.MsoNormal {mso-style-parent:""; margin:0cm; margin-bottom:.0001pt; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:12.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family:SimSun;} span.MsoFootnoteReference {mso-style-noshow:yes; vertical-align:super;} @page Section1 {size:612.0pt 792.0pt; margin:72.0pt 90.0pt 72.0pt 90.0pt; mso-header-margin:36.0pt; mso-footer-margin:36.0pt; mso-paper-source:0;} div.Section1 {page:Section1;} --> </style><!--[if gte mso 10]> <style> /* Style Definitions */ table.MsoNormalTable {mso-style-name:"Table Normal"; mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0; mso-tstyle-colband-size:0; mso-style-noshow:yes; mso-style-parent:""; mso-padding-alt:0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; mso-para-margin:0cm; mso-para-margin-bottom:.0001pt; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:10.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman";} </style> <![endif]--> </p><p style="font-family: arial;" class="MsoNormal">Thanks everyone,<o:p></o:p></p> <p style="font-family: arial;" class="MsoNormal">Stay in touch.</p><p style="font-family: arial;" class="MsoNormal"><br /><o:p></o:p></p> <p style="font-family: arial;" class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p style="font-family: arial;" class="MsoNormal">Sophie, FRSA x<o:p></o:p></p> <p style="font-family: arial;" class="MsoNormal">(Enthusiasm and idealism still intact)</p><p style="font-family: arial;" class="MsoNormal"><br /><o:p></o:p></p> <p style="font-family: arial;" class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p style="font-family: arial;" class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: arial;" class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style=""><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><!--[endif]--></span>[1]</span><span style="font-family: arial;"> Save for the job spec to follow...</span><o:p></o:p></p><br /><span style=";font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:100%;" ><span style="font-size:12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span><p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><br /><span style=";font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:100%;" ><span style="font-size:12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p>Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01531062817640510007noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5995802985698200307.post-36623506629614672862011-10-25T14:19:00.005+01:002011-10-25T16:16:51.307+01:00The Winner of the ICADF Raffle is…<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQj7VKrSQvH4UScCGZXR71sase_5qo1BzDozQsDxjEKn8rEPmnO5nRK8f2T9NiYjeZtAgWKeKiKqVMDEe0eL-eUaI0YSB-2_4KVRKsMRqjmyUvgnSeGvEatpq7Nj2BCrczxZwYUPbfr52w/s1600/midomobracelet_boxed.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQj7VKrSQvH4UScCGZXR71sase_5qo1BzDozQsDxjEKn8rEPmnO5nRK8f2T9NiYjeZtAgWKeKiKqVMDEe0eL-eUaI0YSB-2_4KVRKsMRqjmyUvgnSeGvEatpq7Nj2BCrczxZwYUPbfr52w/s320/midomobracelet_boxed.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5667448733003336290" /></a>At the <a href="http://www.icadf.com/" target="new">Islington Contemporary Art and Design Fair</a> this weekend, we ran a raffle to win a Midomo Bracelet.<br /><br />The raffle tickets bought by those who entered have funded a Midomo unit, which will be donated to a family in Mwingi and provide an independent supply of safe drinking water. <br /><br />There could only be one winner of the Midomo Bracelet itself though, and that person is…. <b>Emily Whitesmith!</b> <br /><br />We hope Emily enjoys wearing her Alex Monroe bracelet, and using the hand-engraved ID number to track the difference that the donated Midomo is making. If you would like your own Midomo Bracelet, remember you can still get one right <a href="http://www.midomobracelet.org/" target="new">here</a>! <br /><br />Huge thank-yous to everybody who entered; your contribution has made a real and traceable difference to a community.<br /><br />All the best,<br /><br />The RBD teamAmandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01531062817640510007noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5995802985698200307.post-68951649363832729192011-10-19T16:39:00.002+01:002011-10-19T16:52:25.814+01:00Islington Contemporary Art and Design Fair<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFqMAwtH8fupGMPZcLJFHitw23TmsUZrdH-BL3c3riZjJMcL0VTTu_rvwT-eqbg315rMTT9sgfHaMkG5dzU0hYl5kKIPXo2-p6hNfKaFCFLWjM8_IUeg87hWt6EBJM36-nHZfkXcexZ5gs/s1600/ICADFoct11_eflyer.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 158px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFqMAwtH8fupGMPZcLJFHitw23TmsUZrdH-BL3c3riZjJMcL0VTTu_rvwT-eqbg315rMTT9sgfHaMkG5dzU0hYl5kKIPXo2-p6hNfKaFCFLWjM8_IUeg87hWt6EBJM36-nHZfkXcexZ5gs/s200/ICADFoct11_eflyer.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5665228597140357186" /></a>Attention Please! This Fri/Sat/Sun the Midomo Bracelet will be on sale at the fabulous <a href="http://www.icadf.com/" target="new">Islington Contemporary Art and Design Fair</a>!<br /><br /><a href="http://www.midomobracelet.org" target="new">Our bracelet</a> is designed by the well-established <a href="http://www.alexmonroe.com/" target="new">Alex Monroe</a>, and so well suited to being exhibited at one of the largest contemporary art spaces in London.<br /><br />Most importantly, every piece we sell will of course fund the donation of a Midomo water-purifier to a family in sub-Saharan Africa. If you type in the unique serial number into our website, you can track your donated unit and see where it is helping. <br /><br />Catch us at CANDID ARTS TRUST, 3 Torrens St, London, EC1V 1NQ<br />between 21-23 October and at the preview evening Thursday 20 Oct (6.30-9pm)<br /><br /><a href="http://www.creativeislington.com/system/files/3981/news_detail/ICADFoct11_eflyer.jpg?1315322553" target="new">Download the ICADF Flyer</a>Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01531062817640510007noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5995802985698200307.post-32740797561998214432011-10-17T00:03:00.004+01:002011-10-17T00:06:57.235+01:00Art for Freedom<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEGseXF4igpY7mUB9qI563cwO7K7Y_ZCzn7u3O26qvT9IFpLZcciIL5UokFRvX6wll036lQF4KxPGC6IqkCFwUVB9m2DEvzQ2LXlucpHwip4AVPNmION1ehSBSnYD1evtc48UnNFVBHM9w/s1600/Amanda_Charlotte_MB_A4F.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 138px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEGseXF4igpY7mUB9qI563cwO7K7Y_ZCzn7u3O26qvT9IFpLZcciIL5UokFRvX6wll036lQF4KxPGC6IqkCFwUVB9m2DEvzQ2LXlucpHwip4AVPNmION1ehSBSnYD1evtc48UnNFVBHM9w/s200/Amanda_Charlotte_MB_A4F.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5664229682324193426" /></a>Last Tuesday the Red Button Design team attended the very glamorous Art 4 Freedom auction at Notting Hill’s 20th Century Theatre in our capacity as ‘Gold Sponsors’ of the Row for Freedom. The art auction was put on by the Row for Freedom girls as another opportunity to raise money for charities campaigning to end human trafficking, and they did themselves proud; raising thousands of pounds with this enjoyable evening. <br /><br />We have explained in a <a href="http://redbuttondesign.blogspot.com/2011/08/midomo-and-row-for-freedom.html">previous post</a> why human trafficking is a cause closely linked to Red Button Design, as it is often the long and arduous walk to collect potentially unsafe drinking water that leaves young African girls vulnerable to abduction by sex traffickers. Julia Immonen, Debbie Beadle and the rest of the Row team recognise this connection too, and along with star presenter Sky Sport’s Charlotte Jackson, they were proudly showing off their Midomo Bracelets, knowing that each one provides a family in the developing world with safe drinking water for a year. <br /><br />The auction itself was conducted by Anthony Weld Forester, Managing Director of Sotheby’s Edinburgh, and included works from Michael Vaughan- former England cricket captain, Charlie Mackesy and Gerard Stamp. Christine Beddoe, director of benefiting charity <a href="http://www.ecpat.org.uk/" target="new">ECPAT UK</a>, also gave an insightful speech with staggering facts such as the hundreds of sex slaves being kept in secret brothels on our own doorstep. Consequently it wasn’t only the celebrity artworks that evening that were eye-opening.<br /><br />We thank all the Row for Freedom girls for a fantastic and worthwhile evening, and continue to wish them all the best with the training for their December challenge.Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01531062817640510007noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5995802985698200307.post-24717191785415271692011-09-28T15:16:00.008+01:002011-09-28T15:43:37.033+01:00Building Resilience in East Africa<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgefYh4JSiI-_tCKFKdGxUtbsb-9H3k7Ld8vXKVVFJRntNWV1c7shdqY7tJ74HZEdaGZSFd_zJol8jat2MO9qCJIqHbc_J0n8GbL0dZNc-3FT-RyUaRgJ-X4tMCx75ZA4aqucUHpxOsWwIL/s1600/20110624_2561.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 216px; height: 144px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgefYh4JSiI-_tCKFKdGxUtbsb-9H3k7Ld8vXKVVFJRntNWV1c7shdqY7tJ74HZEdaGZSFd_zJol8jat2MO9qCJIqHbc_J0n8GbL0dZNc-3FT-RyUaRgJ-X4tMCx75ZA4aqucUHpxOsWwIL/s320/20110624_2561.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5657420028592165938" /></a><a href="http://redbuttondesign.blogspot.com/2011/07/successful-launch-in-mwingi.html" target="new">In June</a> we visited the Mwingi district of Eastern Kenya, piloting the first <a href="http://www.midomo.co.uk" target="new">Midomo water purifiers</a>. Mwingi is a few hours drive East of Nairobi on the dusty road to Garissa. It’s a small town of 10,000 people that serves as a service stop for the Somali truckers who race khat harvests from farms in western Kenya over the border to sell fresh in Somalia.<br /><br />Typical of much of Eastern Kenya, the Mwingi district is a semi-arid rural area with a high level of poverty. Many people rely on agriculture for both sustenance and a daily wage, which leaves families vulnerable to a climate that grows increasingly unpredictable. A recent study of communities in the district found that <i>80% of people do not use an improved source of potable water and the same proportion do not have adequate sanitation facilities.</i><br /><br />Farmers in Mwingi are used to dry conditions, however in recent years rainfall has become even more scarce. Looking out over a depleted watering hole made by damming a small stream with earth, a local farmer told me that the April rains – which usually bring a month of daily downpours – this year lasted just two days. But in Mwingi, despite the ongoing drought crops are still grown with surprising success. Farmers have moved from growing maize <i>(made popular by Western diets)</i> to drought-resistant crops such as green grams, cow peas, sorghum and millet. 6,000 farmers in Mwingi are part of an agricultural resilience programme being run by <a href="http://www.farmafrica.org.uk/">FARM Africa</a>, which teaches techniques for increasing water efficiency and growing a range of drought-resistant crops. The scheme additionally supports pastoralists by supplying seeds and equipment.<br /><br />FARM-Africa is a British NGO founded in 1985 and now working across eastern Africa. It promises to be an extremely good partner for RBD in terms of their approach to the development of rural independence. They recognize that while 80% of Africans survive on the produce of their own smallholdings, it is here – in small, often isolated rural communities – that agricultural development is best directed. Working with smallholder farmers, pastoralists, and forest communities, FARM-Africa aims to develop skills and resources. In so doing, they enable locals to grow more food, keep their livestock healthy, and manage their natural resources in a sustainable way. The dryland farming projects that FARM-Africa are facilitating in Mwingi – including the introduction of drip-irrigation systems and water-saving techniques such as the <a href="http://www.guardian.co.uk/global-development/2011/sep/13/africa-small-farmers-agricultural-development?intcmp=122" target="new">zai pit</a> – are increasingly important as the climate in eastern Africa becomes ever more unreliable.<div align="right"><br />- <a href="http://makerlab.wordpress.com/2011/09/28/building-resilience-in-east-africa/" target="new">James</a></div>Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01531062817640510007noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5995802985698200307.post-51684285620029831122011-09-27T16:56:00.000+01:002011-09-28T17:02:17.972+01:00SIX Magazine- ‘Change a life with the Midomo Bracelet’<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOVVeIe_08Ee36AJpIwEsAh3ocd0QBUXIO4HUptwQ0FGuIwJXR_Au1erWQirVdzrtOZcNFGXNtsB0K_SKFiKwX3BFHievtut-EsTohni3SEUC_vHZOrxVo5wldYpMx6Ifv-RwBNfQlVV19/s1600/154349_121079337956164_121079097956188_165048_6424142_n.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 140px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOVVeIe_08Ee36AJpIwEsAh3ocd0QBUXIO4HUptwQ0FGuIwJXR_Au1erWQirVdzrtOZcNFGXNtsB0K_SKFiKwX3BFHievtut-EsTohni3SEUC_vHZOrxVo5wldYpMx6Ifv-RwBNfQlVV19/s200/154349_121079337956164_121079097956188_165048_6424142_n.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5657440783166289410" /></a><i>“The Midomo Bracelet was born out of Red Button Design’s collaboration with jewellery designer Alex Monroe and is a unique piece of jewellery which has been thoughtfully designed to help change lives”</i><br /><br />So runs the <a href="http://six-magazine.co.uk/2011/09/25/change-a-life-with-the-midomo-bracelet/" target="new">opening paragraph</a> of an online article of one of RBD’s favourite magazines: <a href="http://six-magazine.co.uk/2011/09/25/change-a-life-with-the-midomo-bracelet/" target="new">SIX</a>. SIX was founded with the mission to celebrate the designers, individuals, independent brands and companies who are creating a more ethical and sustainable future for the fashion industry. The people at SIX believe that all fashion should have style and value, so the <a href="http://www.midomobracelet.org" target="new">Midomo Bracelet</a>, each of which sponsors a <a href="http://www.midomo.co.uk" target="new">Midomo</a> unit, was a natural fit. <br />At Red Button we hope that the popularity of magazines like SIX is a sign that consumers are becoming increasingly conscientious and demanding ‘value’ for money in every sense. We also think that £275 for a beautiful, hand-crafted, sterling silver bracelet, which also provides an African family with safe water is a pretty amazing deal.Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01531062817640510007noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5995802985698200307.post-66770861758342417512011-09-14T12:04:00.007+01:002011-09-15T16:58:46.139+01:00RBD returns to BBC 2’s “The Dragons’ Den”!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZzBpWQ-5rRG-ybU1QKDP4Qhr7b6MiykO81rNHfLBddw4TYxT8bvexT9d3ojjOSAJonGM0vT_NJaQLGZ2P_Y6HWzhi0FaCZ69KBuxj5CRqtkV5OTMLcaRLnJLwbYMwdBD2B2yXJmkKsywW/s1600/b006vq92_178_100.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 178px; height: 100px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZzBpWQ-5rRG-ybU1QKDP4Qhr7b6MiykO81rNHfLBddw4TYxT8bvexT9d3ojjOSAJonGM0vT_NJaQLGZ2P_Y6HWzhi0FaCZ69KBuxj5CRqtkV5OTMLcaRLnJLwbYMwdBD2B2yXJmkKsywW/s320/b006vq92_178_100.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5652173152441214338" /></a>Red Button Design will be returning to ‘The Den’ and your TV screens on Wed 28th Sept! </p>The new series “How To Win In The Den” will bring viewers up to date with RBD’s progress and showcase the Midomo water-purifiers at their most advanced stage of development. The units will at last be shown out in a community in Eastern Kenya doing what they were designed to do; providing locally managed, environmentally neutral, safe drinking water.</p>Directors Amanda Jones and James Brown will also be interviewed on the triumphs and tribulations they have experienced along their 4 year journey. </p><b>The episode will air in a fortnight: Wednesday 28th September, BBC2 8pm Scotland /9pm England</b></p><font color="red">EDIT: check for regional variations / repeats via the <a href="http://www.radiotimes.com/episode/m98h9/dragons'-den-how-to-win-in-the-den-dragons'-den-how-to-win-in-the-den" target="new">RadioTimes.com</a> listing</font></p>In the mean time, you can catch up with us on <a href="http://www.midomo.co.uk" target="new">www.midomo.co.uk</a><br> and, for real-time communication, on twitter:<br> <a ref="http://www.twitter.com/redbuttondesign" target="new">@RedButtonDesign</a> and <a ref="http://www.twitter.com/midomobracelet" target="new">@MidomoBracelet</a>Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01531062817640510007noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5995802985698200307.post-27331517879543637312011-09-12T13:15:00.009+01:002011-09-14T11:45:45.009+01:00Midomo Bracelet on Boticca's Style Hunters' Diary<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2gXBcJYpga90pYFYkPxm9yLANamx_laL2GcxuTD3v7YhpDYpOKR6R31XK0hP9WlUW4_g2ODty0Yo1-LcpsGMPv4jFiu8Iozs28_zPlPRutL3RpFJeK10qrDzUws8L5h99GIvYA2XUgTCN/s1600/tumblr_lr972fI9ZY1qaah7po6_250.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 160px; height: 160px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2gXBcJYpga90pYFYkPxm9yLANamx_laL2GcxuTD3v7YhpDYpOKR6R31XK0hP9WlUW4_g2ODty0Yo1-LcpsGMPv4jFiu8Iozs28_zPlPRutL3RpFJeK10qrDzUws8L5h99GIvYA2XUgTCN/s320/tumblr_lr972fI9ZY1qaah7po6_250.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5651446323502174466" /></a> In our last blog we mentioned how we were receiving quite a run of media attention lately, and this is looking to be more a marathon than a sprint! <br />Our <a href="http://stylehuntersdiary.boticca.com/post/9995847823/midomo-bracelet-a-good-cause" target="new">latest piece of press</a>, however, comes with the added bonus of a discount code..<p></p><br />Boticca is an online boutique for unique jewellery and fashion accessories by the most exciting emerging designers from around the world. Their blog, <a href="http://stylehuntersdiary.boticca.com/post/9995847823/midomo-bracelet-a-good-cause" target="new">'Style Hunters’ Diary'</a> showcases their global inspirations. As their website has a dedicated section for ethical designers, the people at Bottica were particularly taken with the Midomo Bracelet, which donates a Midomo water purifier to Africa with every sale. <br /><br />To say thank you for telling their huge, devoted following about us, we gave them the discount code, ‘BOTICCA’ for 10% off at <a href="http://www.midomobracelet.org" target="new">midomobracelet.org</a><br /><br />There are some beautiful accessories on <a href="http://boticca.com/" target="new">Boticca</a>, and we wouldn’t hesitate to recommend it. In fact, some of those bangles would complement a Midomo Bracelet perfectly…Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01531062817640510007noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5995802985698200307.post-68048212257517892952011-09-05T13:05:00.010+01:002011-09-05T14:20:03.034+01:00Kind words..<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtKM__ca88q8DpTOFnPq70RrIXJUlv4M5yJQwr0lkrOCazuiThQE2i3i2vpClweIDTrY_SmIXrX1-15mJnrrZb_fUHDS8wHVNLPADJAfjTUFk42oR4CC4fuJFT2POYVJQp58iSxQi5k4dF/s1600/StuffWeHeart.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 222px; height: 145px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtKM__ca88q8DpTOFnPq70RrIXJUlv4M5yJQwr0lkrOCazuiThQE2i3i2vpClweIDTrY_SmIXrX1-15mJnrrZb_fUHDS8wHVNLPADJAfjTUFk42oR4CC4fuJFT2POYVJQp58iSxQi5k4dF/s320/StuffWeHeart.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5648851191221732242" /></a>The Midomo Bracelet featuring in the ‘Stuff we Love’ section of School for Startups is just the latest in a recent run of media attention for Red Button Design. Here’s our five favourite pieces of current press, for your browsing pleasure.
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<br />1. Doug Richard’s <a href="http://www.schoolforstartups.co.uk/a-midomo-bracelet-the-perfect-gift-for-an-enterprising-woman/" target="new">School for Startups</a>: The Midomo Bracelet initiative is described as <i>‘intuitive, ambitious and visionary’</i> and <i>‘the perfect gift for an enterprising woman.’</i>
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<br />2. <a href="http://www.bssec.org.uk/blog/?p=2252" target="new">BSSEC blog</a>: The Birmingham and Solihull Social Economy Consortium wrote an article on the successful implementation of the first Midomos in Mwingi, which were funded by the <a href="http://www.midomobracelet.org" target="new">Midomo Bracelet</a> Initiative.
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<br />3. <a href="http://t.co/34ZljR0" target="new">Director magazine</a>: Red Button’s CEO, Amanda, was interviewed on the topic of frugal innovation. She said of Midomo, <i>‘everything about it came down to needs, not wants’</i>
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<br />4. <a href="http://ow.ly/64E14" target="new">Trendhunter</a>: ‘The successful Midomo launch in Mwingi, Kenya goes to show that humanitarian product design coupled with grassroots initiatives can have <i>buoyant results without disrupting a community’s livelihood and way of life.’</i>
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<br />5. <a href="http://t.co/STl6umj" target="new">Elevator</a>: Red Button Design in a double page spread that describes Midomo as <i>‘an extraordinarily effective solution ..that could very quickly change the lives of millions of people,’</i>
<br />Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01531062817640510007noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5995802985698200307.post-70380618631950812862011-08-16T11:25:00.006+01:002011-08-16T13:21:35.367+01:00Midomo and the Row For Freedom.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTOu-IzzqEhvxfF57UWw07w2RiJlq4HkMGuJHKhgiRRbJb6FHwkD3nYmMag2R0SErJiLvMfqSqRjnvN5m8w45cuLdMgseHQMY568MZ_A8IMUJSUVD5eZ8XIum6GXjzGc4MtkF47U5sVT7G/s1600/5761637508_ba4f8f3d2f.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 133px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTOu-IzzqEhvxfF57UWw07w2RiJlq4HkMGuJHKhgiRRbJb6FHwkD3nYmMag2R0SErJiLvMfqSqRjnvN5m8w45cuLdMgseHQMY568MZ_A8IMUJSUVD5eZ8XIum6GXjzGc4MtkF47U5sVT7G/s200/5761637508_ba4f8f3d2f.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5641427778434436690" /></a>In December, the first female crew of 6 will row 3,000 miles across the Atlantic Ocean to raise awareness of one of the largest global organised crimes today: human trafficking.
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<br />It is estimated that 10 million young girls fall victim to trafficking every year, of which a majority are between 8 and 10 years old. With many of the effects of the water crisis also leading contributors to trafficking*, <a href="" target="new">Red Button Design</a> and the <a href="http://www.midomobracelet.org" target="new">Midomo Bracelet</a> campaign are proud to announce their formal support for the <a href="http://www.rowforfreedom.com" target="new">Row For Freedom</a> challenge.
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<br />Lack of access to safe drinking water contributes to poverty and disease, impacts access to healthcare and education, holds back gender equality and takes young women outside of the community for hours of the day into potentially unsafe environments where they are at risk of abduction and trafficking.
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<br />For many young women, simple water management solutions like the <a href="http://www.midomo.co.uk" target="new">Midomo</a> unit could reduce their risk of becoming victims of trafficking. It is our hope that the strong symbolism of the 'Row For Freedom' venture and the amazing physical challenge to the <a href="http://www.rowforfreedom.com/the-team/" target="new">6 brave women</a> involved, will inspire others to look at ways they can support the eradication of modern day slavery.
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<br />To this end, we're also pleased to announce that the Row For Freedom crew will be sporting <a href="http://www.midomobracelet.org">Midomo Bracelets</a>, each covering the cost of donating a Midomo to an African community; supporting a young woman and her family out of water poverty and into education and employment.
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<br />
<br /><font size="1">*For a fantastic and very-readable exploration of how these two causes interlink we recommend:
<br /><a href="http://news.change.org/stories/5-ways-a-lack-of-clean-water-leads-to-modern-day-slavery" target="new">5 Ways A Lack Of Clean Water Leads To Modern Day Slavery</a></font>Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01531062817640510007noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5995802985698200307.post-82078868660831572152011-08-08T12:41:00.005+01:002011-08-08T12:50:48.954+01:00Social Entrepreneurs Needed!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglvSlF1jZQaIlF5T74Mj0-Rk-zUKjZa8bofly-P3N5E7uUCYTzLvO-HXCA8gpURS00qCRjBwTItP5H7TA-yxI0XBnRLpGVmfUU-K8h_vs2_bJy2UpivIrtXQR_fgD318v2PMvwOaLH07Lq/s1600/bigstockphoto_Research_7207748-resized-600.jpg.png"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 133px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglvSlF1jZQaIlF5T74Mj0-Rk-zUKjZa8bofly-P3N5E7uUCYTzLvO-HXCA8gpURS00qCRjBwTItP5H7TA-yxI0XBnRLpGVmfUU-K8h_vs2_bJy2UpivIrtXQR_fgD318v2PMvwOaLH07Lq/s200/bigstockphoto_Research_7207748-resized-600.jpg.png" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5638450606675133442" /></a>
<br />If you're running a Social Enterprise and can spare 30mins to contribute to Chloe's, LSE-based, postgraduate study - please see the call for interviewees below..<p></p>
<br />
<br />"Participation needed for an LSE-based postgraduate study exploring social enterprise and the varying tactics and connections utilised to carry out development practice. If you are directing, helped found or are setting up an enterprise and are interested in being involved for a short (in person or via skype) interview please get in touch. A copy of the final transcript is offered to participants which can hopefully provide a useful resource; bringing together development, social interest and the rise of social entrepreneurialism, and a point for comparison with other enterprises"
<br />
<br />CONTACT: <a href="mailto:chloejanelast@gmail.com">Chloe Last</a>, MSc Urbanisation and Development, London School of Economics and Political Science.
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<br />Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01531062817640510007noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5995802985698200307.post-89366703399956827142011-08-03T12:48:00.004+01:002011-08-03T13:25:09.591+01:00Elevator Magazine Feature<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUrF7FbTtvlk0mmGvKWbdQ2kYyaCOSf8951CzhxwlIz6vGXYLPy8llscd80yDhpIAMZqI0rBimA2z_Fa8DLJ0tRQh0yzbBGbdhDeM1_SsmmUfbJuaIvsR81kFlWuFCJgZ4OneRxaay5OeX/s1600/Elevator+Lusso+RBD-1.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 201px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUrF7FbTtvlk0mmGvKWbdQ2kYyaCOSf8951CzhxwlIz6vGXYLPy8llscd80yDhpIAMZqI0rBimA2z_Fa8DLJ0tRQh0yzbBGbdhDeM1_SsmmUfbJuaIvsR81kFlWuFCJgZ4OneRxaay5OeX/s320/Elevator+Lusso+RBD-1.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5636604325450236114" /></a>Red Button Design features in a double-page article in this quarter’s <a href="http://www.the-elevator.com/" target="new">Elevator</a> - Private Equity and Philanthropy magazine.<p>The piece describes Midomo as <i>‘an extraordinarily effective solution ..that could very quickly change the lives of millions of people,’</i><p> and the <a href="http://www.midomobracelet.org" target="new">Midomo Bracelet</a> initiative as the <i>‘kind of inspired thinking that makes the difference in getting a project and a product noticed.’</i><p><br />It’s always good to hear such praise about ventures you’ve been working relentlessly on, and when that praise is distributed throughout the UK, USA and Switzerland, and to a global digital readership, it’s especially rewarding. <br />The full issue is available to purchase online, or you could try and pinch one from a 1st class airport lounge or office waiting room…<br /><br /><b>Update:</b> You can now read the article <a href="http://www.thisisredbutton.co.uk/press/ElevatorMagazine_Q3.pdf"target="new">in PDF form here</a>Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01531062817640510007noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5995802985698200307.post-14472993694620304622011-07-27T14:33:00.005+01:002011-07-27T15:04:42.202+01:00Introducing a new stockist for the Midomo Bracelet: Ethique.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiurUOKXTsB9QjGswDegq0PeDdtxond1O5I4iHp7dRt9DgQpHS0Psz1Kn-gsC0xaLY32HpkfIa8W4YPmRPfC76GQSElsNcQ0Qsj09dy1jJtMBl68lvL-Zi3xMtv0-q7FnICl2TmrdFKHVcc/s1600/ethique-logo.gif"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 242px; height: 169px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiurUOKXTsB9QjGswDegq0PeDdtxond1O5I4iHp7dRt9DgQpHS0Psz1Kn-gsC0xaLY32HpkfIa8W4YPmRPfC76GQSElsNcQ0Qsj09dy1jJtMBl68lvL-Zi3xMtv0-q7FnICl2TmrdFKHVcc/s320/ethique-logo.gif" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5634024855784480450" /></a>After seeing the recent photographs of the Midomo launch in Mwingi, more and more of you have been inquiring as to how you might personally sponsor a Midomo into a community. Fortunately, this surge of interest coincides with us teaming up with an independent, but similarly principled, stockist for the Midomo Bracelet… <a href="http://www.ethique-concierge.co.uk" target="new">Ethique.</a> <br /> <br />We met Pimmi, Ethique’s founder, at last year’s <a href="http://www.ethicaljustgotfabulous.com/" target="new">Ethical Just Got Fabulous</a> event. Back then we were excitedly showcasing the newly launched Midomo Bracelet; designed by Alex Monroe, made from sterling silver, and the cost of each one funding the donation of one Midomo, which could then be tracked online. Pimmi was there to scout talent for the boutique addition to her online ethical concierge service. Whilst chatting, we quickly discovered that the core values underlying both our separate projects were startlingly similar – ‘ethical’ and ‘luxury’ should not be mutually exclusive. It was Pimmi’s aim to help consumers discover what these terms mean to them, and gently introduce them to products that fulfil both criteria. A short while later, we’re pleased to report that the Ethique boutique has successfully launched and the <a href="http://www.midomobracelet.org" target="new">Midomo Bracelet</a> is one of their few, discerningly selected jewellery products on display.<br /> <br />So if you would like to help Red Button address the global water crisis, in a very stylish way, please check out <a href="http://www.ethique-concierge.co.uk/Bracelets" target="new">this latest avenue of doing so</a>. There’s plenty of other ethical eye-candy to browse over whilst you’re there too...Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01531062817640510007noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5995802985698200307.post-1212391374766746722011-07-08T20:17:00.004+01:002011-07-11T11:28:39.041+01:00Successful launch in Mwingi!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhC8Z91w-omqv9AP3kYouTcUKUgIVl9fDMZMgoYiYVeQrG70zlbob1PX_3qsX6GsjYQ3ouEmpagsna08nABY2pXk1k-psP6TrKnqKGDRo9IRgDNJIkudcDgzWIfunyarAPB4fvyD7S_5q2M/s1600/mwingi_midomo.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 218px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhC8Z91w-omqv9AP3kYouTcUKUgIVl9fDMZMgoYiYVeQrG70zlbob1PX_3qsX6GsjYQ3ouEmpagsna08nABY2pXk1k-psP6TrKnqKGDRo9IRgDNJIkudcDgzWIfunyarAPB4fvyD7S_5q2M/s320/mwingi_midomo.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5627065258592432050" /></a> Following on from my <a href="http://redbuttondesign.blogspot.com/2011/06/midomo-units-to-reach-mwingi-kenya-this.html">last blog post</a> I am <i>very</i> pleased to report that we had a successful launch in Mwingi! <br /><br />The Midomo units arrived in Mombasa complete apart from steel work and wheels, (though with unexpectedly *bright pink* tap attachments!) We began the local fabrication process in our warehouse in Nairobi moving work into the local community at Mwingi as soon as we'd gauged their capacity. In the end there was very little that James and I needed to co-ordinate centrally. The significant hours of design work we'd devoted to engineering a product suitable for local manufacture / maintenance seemed to pay off; next steps will involve securing a secondary, African, factory site for the tricky process used to mould Midomo's robust plastic tanks... but more on that later. <br /><br />For now, I don't want to say much more - pictures, 1,000 words, all that - so I will leave you with <a href="http://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.223630607677724.57556.138202296220556" target="new">some of the stills</a> we captured from the day the units arrived, and will shortly be uploading some of the video footage and interviews with members of the community at Kavoko and with Farm Africa, our NGO host. <br /><br />In the mean time, we'd welcome your thoughts and feedback either via the comment function below or, if you're that way inclined, on our facebook group itself :)Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01531062817640510007noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5995802985698200307.post-82979353714637907132011-06-20T17:27:00.006+01:002011-06-20T17:44:08.603+01:00Midomo units to reach Mwingi, Kenya - this week!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgANI88IivBmQ_PHUE7bXNxIZQtuBfdnYZ_rDhrPR4e43ESy4DBNw2J315Z0-iaJVSsQuQQQOgOBPGElchpk-6f054KzE29IDcy4UBHBPcqeT7IfXepZzghaPLpA_wj96JU4yXg8QvydRj/s1600/_MG_9226_sm.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 204px; height: 163px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgANI88IivBmQ_PHUE7bXNxIZQtuBfdnYZ_rDhrPR4e43ESy4DBNw2J315Z0-iaJVSsQuQQQOgOBPGElchpk-6f054KzE29IDcy4UBHBPcqeT7IfXepZzghaPLpA_wj96JU4yXg8QvydRj/s320/_MG_9226_sm.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5620342413391949234" /></a>I write this cautiously, from a pleasingly well tech-ed up Methodist education centre just outside of Nairobi. <br /><br />Cautiously, not just because of the number of keywords this network will flag as inappropriate (<i>I’ll be watching my language for once!</i>), but because after three years of development and, more recently, what amounts to months of frustrating delays* we’re about to introduce the first batch of Midomo to a community in Mwingi.<br /><br />If you were one of our <a href="http://www.midomobracelet.org/midomo-bracelet.html" target="new">Midomo Bracelet</a> customers prior to the end of March, then it’s your units the community will be receiving this week! Read on with pride! If you’ve yet to discover our collaboration with jewellery designer Alex Monroe .. we’re really proud of it; <a href="http://www.midomobracelet.org/midomo-initiative/" target="new">check it out</a>.<br /><br />Mwingi is an Eastern province of Kenya about 3 hours drive North East of Nairobi with a population of 304k, 79% of which do not have access to safe drinking water. <br /><br />The main source of drinking water (accounting for about 69% of users) is surface water and you’ll easily see from <a href="http://twitpic.com/5ecxvr" target="new">this photo</a> we took last week why it isn’t considered to be safe. In addition, with 66% of the households reporting that they did not treat their water before consuming it, irrespective of the <a href="http://twitpic.com/5ecxyd" target="new">warning signs</a>, it isn’t surprising that at any given time around 1 in 8 of the population is suffering from a water related illness.<br /><br />Midomo is ideal for this community; not just because it’ll take the water from the dam and make it safe to drink but because, like many similar communities, water is collected from many kilometers away from the home. In Mwingi a majority of households (65%) take more than an hour fetching water, with the average time estimated as 1 hour 44 minutes.<br /><br />You can imagine carrying 20 or 30 litres of water this far in the African heat and humidity is hard work, and we saw in Mwingi many of the innovative ways the women used to make this task easier - including using wheelbarrows to carry the full jerry cans! With existing habits like that we already know that Midomo will fit in well here, so we’re thrilled that <a href="http://www.farmafrica.org.uk" target="new">Farm Africa</a> got in touch and have been so supportive and informative in our visits. Part of <a href="http://www.redbuttondesign.co.uk" target="new">Red Button Design’s</a> ‘Design Against Dependency’ philosophy is not to introduce anything unnecessary into the community, be that materials, products or skills, and Farm Africa have been invaluable making sure that everyone possible, from our translators to steel fabricators, were members of the local community.<br /><br />I’d say we’re excited, and to a degree we are of course, but as many of you will appreciate this has been a long time coming(!!) and with every new setback, be it an hour, a day, or a week, the tension mounts. <br /><br />Oh, and as if that wasn’t enough, we’re taking with us a film crew for <a href="http://www.bbc.co.uk/dragonsden/" target="new">some BBC 2 business show</a> we just can’t keep away from ;)<br /><br />So I’ll leave you on a cliffhanger..<br />Pending any more delays, they should be on site by next week! Stay tuned!<br /><br /><br />*(everything from the Mombasa Port Authority’s computer system ‘going down’ for 10 days, to stocked trucks getting locked in warehouses over the weekend!)<br /><br />**source: <a href="http://www.childinfo.org/files/Mwingi_Report.pdf" target="new">KNBS / Unicef</a><br /><br />*** <a href="http://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.216152901758828.55505.138202296220556" target="new">more pictures! </a>Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01531062817640510007noreply@blogger.com3