Tarin "Rin" Greco, 31, is a partner at social enterprise Mysocialmotion and also the head consultant of the UN’s "MY World 2015 Campaign" for Thailand. MY World is an online survey that allows people to vote for various issues - from gender equality to political freedom - that are most important to them, or even suggest new ones. The results will be shared with leaders to help them shape a better world. Rin, who holds a philosophy degree from Birkbeck, University of London, and his team will hold "MY World 2015 Parade" to drum up awareness of the campaign tomorrow (Aug 31). It will start in front of CentralWorld at 1pm. Go to mysocialmotion’s Facebook page(facebook.com/mysocialmotion) or call 089-200-9595for more details.
WHY WAS MYSOCIALMOTION CHOSEN TO PROMOTE MY WORLD?
Our projects so far have been about public participation, bridging different sectors of society and utilising their joined forces for change, ideas, social media tools and a lot of enthusiasm. The UN appreciated these values so they consulted with us before beginning the Thai part of their campaign and, a few months later, asked us to come and run it.
WHAT IS THE MY WORLD CAMPAIGN ABOUT?
MY World is an opinion survey that people around the world can participate in both online and offline. They get to tell the United Nations about the most important issues they would like to see addressed by world leaders and policymakers. The survey asks individuals which six out of 16 issues they think would make the most difference to their lives and families. These 16 issues were built up from the priorities expressed by poor people in existing research and polls, as well as from ongoing technical and political discussions about possible future goals.
HOW CAN SOMEONE VOTE FOR A CHANGE?
Vote online at www.myworld2015.org. For the Thai version, go to social.myworld2015.org. We also have a few things planned for tomorrow [Aug 31], which we have called MY World National Voting Day and we'll also have a parade. I don't want to give away too much [about the event] but I can say that it will involve an ad hoc cosplay parade made up of enthusiastic activists and drop-in participants themed around the MY World issues in the centre of Bangkok. Seriously, do not miss it.
WHAT SIX ISSUES ARE MOST IMPORTANT TO YOU?
The first one would have to be equality between men and women because this alone would take care of several other issues such as education and crime. An honest and responsive government is needed to ensure political freedom for people. Then, access to clean water and sanitation. Support for people who can't work, because the number of people who, for whatever reason, are honestly unable to make a living is staggering, and poverty is both more dispiriting and expensive than the cost of basic welfare. Better transport and roads. And, lastly, I would vote for phone and internet access as they are instrumental to individual empowerment in a globalised society.G
