Russell from Citizen Driven Stats takes the OZ SI Camp Changemaker Quiz
Open Forum invited all of the Changemakers who have had their ideas selected as projects to be developed at the innaugrual Australian Social Innovation Camp, 5-7 March 2010, to join us for a quick Q&A. Russell Kallaman, co-creator of Citizen Driven Stats shares his answers here.
Have you ever entered a contest like this before?
No. I am prepared to be astounded.
How much research did you do to find out if other people are already developing an idea like yours here or overseas?
The usual google search and a some chats with friendly people in the industry.
I understand it was through that process you teamed up with the project’s co-creator. Tell us about it.
Yes. Harriet Wakelam and I met at an ASIX event in Melbourne where we pitched the idea together. We then worked to post the idea online and collaborate prior to the camp.
In less than 100 words, what is your idea?
Enable Australian citizens and non-profit organisations to suggest ideas for new types of statistics, openly evaluates the potential and supports the idea through to reality by providing a platform for collaboration. Independent experts inform the discussion, but are not approvers. Government can choose to fund an idea, or a partnership of individuals and non-profits can move forward on their own supported by a micro-funding model.
Which individuals or organisations would you really love to see get behind your idea?
Organisations that are engaged every day with real people and would dearly love information to serve them and not the other way around. The ABS would be nice, but we expect that that might be some time down the line.
Are you working on this project as part of your job or in your own time?
On my own time, what little of it exists. I am.
How do you first find out about OZ SI Camp?
Back in October-2009 I saw a Melbourne event listed and thought it was worthwhile to go along. It snowballed from there.
What stage do you expect this project to have reached 12months from now?
Out in the real world, with a supportive group of funders and advocates within public benefit organisations and research institutes.
In your wildest dreams, what would be the ultimate measure of success for this idea?
Truly responsive Government that more quickly recognises counter productive programs. Less cognitive dissonance in society. Those times where reality is in stark contrast with what the statistics are insisting. Turning ‘customers’ into ‘constituents’ that have a stake in describing how they see the world and where they want to go.
What’s the worst that could go wrong?
No one uses the service and we write-off cash and time.
Was this a new idea you developed specifically for SI Camp, or did the call for submissions simply provide an opportunity to get some traction on an idea you’ve been trying to make happen for a while?
This idea was specific for SI Camp, but was a spin-off from a long focus on participative democracy and distributed group collaboration.
Your definition of Social Innovation in one sentence…
I am going to pass on this one. Wiser heads have smashed themselves to bits on this question.
Name your favourite example of social innovation…
Facebook must rate a mention. Overseas we are seeing interesting non-profit public interest journalism that I think is quite interesting.
Highlight the correct answer below. When it comes to technology I’m an:
Will you report back after SI Camp and share your progress with us?
Thanks Russell, it’s been fun comparing your answers with those of your co-creator Harriet. Good luck for making Citizen Driven Stats a reality, it certainly has the potential for real social innovation.
Russell Kallaman is 34 years old and in the process of transitioning from 12 years of IT consulting to a life of entrepreneurship setting up businesses that he believes in. He is keen to connect with anyone game for shaking up the residential real-estate development industry! Russell holds an MBA from Melbourne University and Bachelor of Business Systems from Monash University.
