Story Search Results

Advanced Search

There are so many ways to search the solutions journalism stories in this database. Explore our searchable fields:

Search Results

You searched for: -

There are 225 results for your search. View and Refine Your Search Terms

Anyone Who Needs Help Seeing Has 2 Million Pairs of Eyes Available With This App

Monica Humphries

April 17, 2019 |

NationSwell |

Text |

Under 800 Words

Response Location: Denmark

Using the camera of a smartphone, individuals who are blind or visually impaired can receive quick and easy help from volunteers. The Danish company, Be My Eyes uses a smartphone application to connect those who are blind or visually impaired to an international network of sighted volunteers ready to assist. The on-demand access to assistance provides visually impaired individuals with more independence in their daily lives.

Read More
Go to Original Story
Use of Safe2Tell, created in response to Columbine, is growing as front line tool in school safety

Kevin Simpson

April 11, 2019 |

The Colorado Sun |

Text |

1500-3000 Words

Response Location: United States, Colorado

What started as a telephone tip line, Colorado’s anonymous tip program, Safe2Tell has now become an app that is publicly funded and part of the Attorney General’s office. The program gives students a way to report potentially dangerous situations they hear about or read online. While Safe2Tell does receive some false reports, overall, it has bolstered a sense of trust and protection in schools across the state.

Read More
Go to Original Story
A.I. Joins the Campaign Against Sex Trafficking

Tina Rosenberg

April 09, 2019 |

The New York Times |

Text |

1500-3000 Words

Response Location: United States, New York, New York

Online buyers of sex now have a great chance of running into the NYPD's latest initiative to combat trafficking amongst prostitution: a chatbot called Freedom Signal. Originated by an organization called Seattle Against Slavery, this bot collects solicitors' phone numbers and warns them of arrest, as well as using strategically-placed ads and text conversations with real trafficking survivors. The bot is 1,200% more productive than a full-time staff, 10 times more effective than on-the-street outreach, is currently being used in 13 cities, and makes buyers 50-80% less likely to be caught a second time.

Read More
Go to Original Story
Inside the Crowdfunded Charity Helping Refugees by Topping Up Their Phones

Alissa Greenberg

March 20, 2019 |

Pacific Standard |

Text |

1500-3000 Words

Response Location: France, Calais

For many refugees living in camps and on the move, mobile phones can be a life line to families and the outside world. Phones can help organize political activities, arrange medical supplies, and so much more. But although SIM cards are fairly cheap now, data can be expensive. To address this, a Facebook group called Phone Credit for Refugees and Displaced People, or PC4R, raises funds for refugees to top up their mobile phones to support free and dignified communication.

Read More
Go to Original Story
“WhatsApp has come in to fill the void”: In Zimbabwe, the future of news is messaging

Julia Thomas

March 13, 2019 |

Nieman Lab |

Text |

1500-3000 Words

Response Location: Zimbabwe

In Zimbabwe, messaging app WhatsApp makes up almost half of all internet usage in the country. That means it's a prime way to distribute news, especially to those who would otherwise not have access but outlets are finding that the distribution model comes with its own challenges.

Read More
Go to Original Story
Be a geofence: The story behind the technology that millennial-led Mississippi Votes uses to help more young Mississippians vote

R.L. Nave

March 12, 2019 |

Mississippi Today |

Text |

1500-3000 Words

Response Location: United States, Jackson, Mississippi

Geofencing, a smartphone technology typically associated with retail marketing, offers an innovative way to educate and register voters. In order to help mobilize voters in the face of shrinking turnout, the Mississippi nonprofit, Mississippi Votes, has implemented digital tools such as geofencing in its campaign. The initiative is part of the organization’s larger mission to create a culture of civic engagement.

Read More
Go to Original Story
In India, New Tactics Are Being Implemented to Prevent Human-Elephant Clashes

Vasudevan Sridharan

March 07, 2019 |

Pacific Standard |

Text |

800-1500 Words

Response Location: India, Valparai

Elephant-human interaction has too often led to conflict or danger in India. New research supports a forest authority’s early-warning system to send text, phone, and visual alerts when elephants are nearby. The integrated system has reduced fatalities to almost zero.

Read More
Go to Original Story
If you die early, how will your children remember you?

Dougal Shaw

March 05, 2019 |

BBC |

Text |

Over 3000 Words

Response Location: Canada

Experiencing the death of a parent is oftentimes extremely traumatic, but an app created by a woman who personally experienced this type of loss, aims to bring some sense of help and closure for family members. Implementing a simple design and based on question prompts, the app known as RecordMeNow has been widely used and shown to specifically impact those diagnosed with terminal cancer as well as Motor Neurone Disease.

Read More
Go to Original Story
The Instant, Custom, Connected Future of Medical Devices

Janet Morrissey

February 14, 2019 |

The New York Times |

Text |

1500-3000 Words

Response Location: United States

The future of medical devices is beginning to heavily rely on the integration of technological advances including apps, robotic and 3-D printing. From increasing education around diabetes via an app to digital smart pills that treat mental illnesses, technology has become a crucial partner to not just those working in the health industry, but also to the consumers.

Read More
Go to Original Story
When refugees need emergency help with a language barrier, this app connects them to a translator

Adele Peters

February 07, 2019 |

FastCompany |

Text |

Under 800 Words

Response Location: United States

A new mobile app called Tarjimly connects refugees with much needed translation services, especially in times of emergency. With over 8,000 volunteer translators who speak over 90 languages, the adaptable app can break down language barriers in any situation in which a refugee has access to a mobile phone.

Read More
Go to Original Story