The Ripple Effect was the initial research phase of my PM Prize Project Adventure; a six month journey of discovery around New Zealand that began in October 2010. The aim of the journey was to discover and draw together the threads of a new Kiwi vision and culture that cherishes the values and strengths of all our country’s communities and sectors. My inspiration was to help connect the potential in the science community with the needs, skills and inspiration in other sectors.
Inspired by Malcolm Gladwell's book The Tipping Point I went in search of "rebellious optimists" with positive visions for the country and networks flourishing around them. By forming relationships with these key people my plan was to build a network through which to spread a social epidemic of science enthusiasm.
You can read more about the journey and it's inspiration in the following blog posts:
You can read more about the journey and it's inspiration in the following blog posts:
- How the idea was born: The Ripple Effect: What New Zealand Can Offer the World
- My vision for the journey: A Journey Begins
- Day 1 at the 350.org climate working bee: 10/10/10 day 1
- First interview with inspiring Kiwi: Aaron Packard - Science as Activism
- Two weeks in: Ideas, Inspiration, Brain Explosion, Back Spasms and 3 Interesting Encounters
- November 29th: I'm a guinea pig at your service - profoundly uncomfortable and enlightened
- Reflections on the NZ Association of Scientists conference on innovation: NZ incorporated
- Back to Nature: Waka trip down Whanganui River
The Rebellious Optimists
Here are some of the inspiring people I met...
Young Change Makers:
- Billy Matheson: founder of the ReGeneration Network of young change makers
- Aaron Packard: Global Co-ordinator for 350.org climate action group
- Carl Chenery: Youth leader and Trustee of the Intersect Network
- Megan Salole: Designer, Community builder and Ukuleli Orchestra star
Scientists and Engineers
- Paul Callaghan: Physicist, 2011 NZr of the Year and (in my opinion) father of new Kiwi culture
- Shaun Hendy: Physicist, economics enthusiast and Deputy Director of the MacDiarmid Institute
- Susan Krumdieck: Mechanical Engineer and founder of Signs of Change Conference
Government Types
- Peter Gluckman: Prime Minister's Science Adviser
- David Clendon: Green MP
Greenies:
- Al Morrison: Director General of the Department of Conservation
- James Samuel who helped bring Transition Towns to New Zealand and helped set up Ooooby
Social Networking Gurus
- Simon Young: social media consultant, writer, speaker and entrepreneur
Artists, Curators, Entrepreneurs, Economists, Social Innovators and other Inspiring Indefinables
- Sophie Jeram: Art curator and founder of Now Future and Letting Space
- Joshua Vial: founder of social enterprise Enspiral
- Dan McElrae: Director of technology start-up company Puku
- Rob Fenwick: Sustainable Businessman and co-founder of Living Earth
And here are some of the inspiring conferences I attended:
- New Zealand Association of Scientists Annual Conference - Resetting Science and Innovation
- Signs of Change: National e-conference on Sustainability
- Aotearoa Digital Arts Symposium: Energetics and Informatics
Synthesis and Interpretation
After six months of absorbing, gathering and connecting I felt totally inspired but overwhelmed by the scope of the project. To make sense and connect all the ideas and people I'm using a research process inspired by the methods used at 2nd Road training and consulting firm.
- Listening through to all the interviews and making mind maps on a BIG pad of paper
- Reading through all notes and mind-maps making sticky notes of the key points
- Sorting the (hundreds of) sticky notes into envelopes of different overarching themes
- Covering one BIG blank wall in sticky notes to order and connect ideas and concepts
- Synthesising ideas into an orderly structure
- Writing blogs on the ideas that emerge
Research Themes
Here's a list of the themes that are emerging from this process:
- How to Start a Movement
- Innovation: What is it and how do we encourage it?
- The Power of Stories
- Collaboration
- New Media Opportunities
- Sustainability
- Education
- What is Science? - Science culture and social context
- Connecting Generations
- Bio-diversity and Land issues
- Maori and Science
- Science Communication
- Social Networking
- The Problem with Stereotypes
- Cradle to Cradle design and Biomimicry
- Social Enterprise
- Kiwi Culture
- Money and Finance
- Art and Creativity
- Personal and Spiritual Insights
- Science as Activism
What Next?
The Ripple Effect has profoundly effected my life direction and purpose. Whatever I do from here will be enriched and informed by the network of inspiring people and ideas I have developed.
Blog Posts: Every now and then you may notice an idea materialising into pictures and words on my blog
NZSEED: I'm currently working with a small team of enthusiasts to build a platform for collaboration between engineers, scientists, entrepreneurs and designers - watch this space...
The NanoAdventures of Elf and Loo: I'm producing this innovative podcast with Elf Eldridge, my physicist friend and collaborator. Several of the people I met on my journey will turn up as characters in the podcast.
Who knows what else..... I'm open to suggestions...