Help me support homeless bloggers in Nashville

I want to develop a council of homeless and non-homeless that supports the blogging efforts of the homeless and chronically homeless, starting in Nashville.

Friday I pitched an idea about a network to support homeless blogging at the Nashville Startup Weekend, an event in which entrepreneurs converge for a weekend to develop businesses in teams. Friday, we went through the process of sifting through all our ideas and picking the few we wanted to work on. Thanks Andy for inviting me!

Here’s Jackons’s recap of the first day. My idea (which ok, really wasn’t an idea with a money-making model) got three votes in the first round, but soon was pushed out for the current project list. It’s a great list by the way. I’m working on an application that would help mothers plan play dates…

BUT, this doesn’t mean I’ve lost any passion for my idea. Friday was the first time I presented my thoughts to a public forum—those pitching ideas were allotted one minute, and I was more nervous than I thought I would be in front of the crowd of business, tech, and marketing folks.

Luckily I got a lot out of it, because sharing the idea felt like the spark I needed to pursue it further.

I want feedback and support. Please let me know your reactions and thoughts…

The Idea:

I want to develop a council of homeless and non-homeless that supports the blogging efforts of the homeless and chronically homeless, starting in Nashville.

What the council would do:

• Help develop and maintain the structure of blogs for homeless writers
• Advise on best practises for blogging
  (story-telling, linking, social media)
• Help advocate for policy and a culture that encourages homeless blogging
  (build a network for homeless bloggers, confront the issue of anonymous and unconstructive comments, look at policies at libraries and wifi zones)
• Award scholarships to homeless bloggers
  ( Gift cards to wifi-enabled food places such as McDonald’s, Starbucks, and Panera would be given to homeless bloggers. Sponsored bloggers would be encouraged to write and help other bloggers in return.)
• Seek fundraising and partnerships to fund scholarships. All work of the consul would be donated.

Expected Outcomes:

• The homeless are empowered, because their voice is cultivated
• The public is informed on issues of homelessness from a need perspective
• We have a more diverse and robust online community experience
• The homeless are supported with food/a place to be inside
• Community is strengthened and bridges are built between the homeless and non-homeless

Next Steps:

I need help refining these ideas. Do you see any red flags? I’m not suggesting this will solve anything. I’m suggesting this will help, and we should try to make our world better. I would love your thoughts.

I strongly believe in the changing power of story; in the way it changes those that write and those that read. I started following Kevin’s blog when I was in high school, and I feel blessed to have learned so much from him.

I have limited time, and really need a few people to jump on board with me so we can maximize efforts. I was really encouraged Friday, when a gentlemen at an advertising and marketing firm gave me his card and said they would help.

I’d love anyone to offer thoughts and suggestions below, especially homeless bloggers. If you think this idea sucks, it probably does, and I want to know why…

If you see a way you want to get involved, please email me: nathantbaker AT gmail DOT com.

Also, I started an IdeaBlob. Please vote for the idea! They give money to the best idea every month.