The Local Resource Network: A social network with real purpose

by Antonio on 13/02/09 at 1:58 pm

Impactt have just released a wonderful new project which aims to improve labour standards across the world.

The Local Resources Network connects corporations and NGOs like M&S, Cadbury’s, Tesco and Oxfam with reliable local organisations all over the world who can help where labour standards issues arise (instances of child labour for example).

I did a bit of work last year helping to define the proposition and functional spec for the LRN, and it’s great to see it come to life.

Some interesting points about this project:

• It’s already being used by some of the UK’s biggest companies – if it works, it’s sure to have impact.
• It’s a social network, but it works because it’s built on a very simple proposition: The client needs an organisation they can rely on to help them in a particular part of the world – the LRN helps them find that organisation.
• Every membership is approved by Impactt. This is where much of the value comes from – not from the features, which are secondary.
• Phase 1 has been built using off-the-shelf software called Yourmembership.  I’d never heard of it before and was surprised to see how comprehensive it is – it puts Ning to shame.
• As well as putting companies in touch, it’ll also grow to become a space for sharing information and discussing.
• And.. the best thing is that it seems to be working. Local Resources are signing up in their droves and adding information. It’s in their interest to do so.

I’m really proud to have contributed to this project. It’s a simple proposition and one that seems already to be working.

More information on the LRN (including a full list of participating clients)