I’ve just read of a new link between technology and philanthropy – vending machines which allow you to donate your change to a charity or social project.

It’s a very simple idea and perfect for those of us who would rather press a button at eye level than bend down to scoop some coppers from the machine.  So how could we use it here? Why not put them in every car park in Birmingham? Perhaps the Mailbox or the Bullring could lead the way.  Each month the machines could promote and benefit a different local charity. The council could even stipulate these machines in any planning application for car parking. For a little more detail have a gander at this

https://socialedgetechnology.blogspot.com/2006/08/spare-some-change.html 

Birmingham City Council has pulled off a bit of a coup.

They have enticed Professor Michael Parkinson to lead a new team pulling together a 10 year vision for the future of the city centre. His credentials are impeccable, from the Government’s recent State of the English Cities report to leading the Economic and Social Research Council’s CITIES project.
The council’s website tells us: “The team’s task is to draw up a 10 year strategy for development within the ring road which will enable Birmingham to take its rightful place as a globally competitive city”.

Whoa, wait a second…. Read more