Joe is the fundraising manager for an environmental organization that tackles the issue of Climate Change. Lucy works in campaigns for a charity that provides assistance to women and children in developing countries.

Lucy began work in the sector shortly after university, almost 12 years ago. Africa, Asia and Latin America feel like her second home.
Joe holds a degree in Marketing, and after a brief dalliance with advertising, he realized that he was far more comfortable volunteering in a tree-top protection camp in the Cambodian rainforest than trying to sell toothpaste.

Both are extremely passionate about their causes and utterly fed-up with the ultra-traditional ways in which their social organizations operate. While the issues surrounding poverty and the environment are changing, NGOs continue to sing the same old song. Their heads are literally bursting with rejected ideas. And if they hear “It won’t work in this country,” “Maybe next year,” “We don’t have the capacity,” “mmmm it’s too risky ,” “Good Luck…but,” “ You know watchdogs are chasing us …,” etc, etc one more time, they’re going to scream!

Things have become so bad, Joe is thinking of packing it all in to open a bar and Lucy just received an offer to manage a Bed and Breakfast in Brazil. They’re pretty tempted but don’t want to give up yet. They’re willing to give things one more try.

Innophoria.com is a new online game that aims to help social organizations all over the world become more innovative.

Lucy and Joe are about to embark on a fascinating journey to Innophoria, where they’ll learn about innovation and its potential within the social sector.

What’s more is that they’ll learn from YOUR experiences. What helps promote innovation within your organization? What hinders it? Help them now, post your stories and thoughts, it’s simple. And maybe your organization will benefit from learning about the positive and negative aspects of innovation too!

Post now to help Lucy, Joe and maybe even yourself!

Will Lucy and Joe reach Innophoria?
Will they persuade their colleagues to become more innovative?
Will Lucy and Joe inspire change within the social sector community?

Find out soon in March 2009.