Main Page
From ssc.aspirationtech.org
getgetcnale
Contents |
Overview
The Social Source Commons seeks to address a real NPO/NGO need - better access to relevant software and supporting documentation, localization and support. A profusion of software has led to exciting innovation in civil societyâs use of technology while also creating a confusing landscape of choices. Much of the software developed could be open or community source, and freely shareable between organizations. However, NPO/NGOs routinely go without tools or spend scarce resources re-creating already existing applications. Why?
Excellent resources exist to assist NPO/NGOs with their technology needs, but there is currently no comprehensive map of software for the sector, or a tool for creating those maps. Finding solutions requires exhaustive searching of various sources on (and off) the Internet. When NPO/NGO or non-profit technology assistance providers (NTAPs) find useful software, it often lacks developers or intermediaries who can offer customization, localization, and ongoing support. Developers find it difficult to connect with application development projects in need of volunteers, or with implementers who can articulate NPO/NGO needs into viable projects. Funders asked to support software projects that assist NPO/NGOs often lack good information of what already exists and what is missing. The absence of any âcoverage mapsâ makes it difficult for all involved to identify gaps in need of filling and projects deserving of support and use.
The ultimate goal of SSC is to create a âknowledge commonsâ that maps the NPO/NGO software space and makes sense of the collective expertise related to that software. It aims to provide those who need information on NPO/NGO software access to lists of what's available, with each list item linked to relevant documentation, localization tools, services and events, user reviews and a place to request the tools and features they can't find. It is envisioned to catalyze a network of shared resources and contributors rather than simply building a single comprehensive web site or database, connecting the rich but relatively unlinked array of NPO/NGO-focused software information resources that already exist and builds upon it.
The SSC will allow anyone passionate about sharing their knowledge of NPO/NGO software and documentation to distribute that information across a global community network. This wiki exists to provide up-to-date information on the SSC project; we welcome comments and contributions to what is already here.
Project Details
Summary describes the project vision and goals.
Functionality lists core features of the system as they are currently envisioned.
Usage Scenarios describes how the system is envisioned to be used.
Project Principles enumerates the values that will inform the development process.
Requirements documents the core software components and required support.
Implementation provides an overview of the implementation strategy and milestones.
SSC "Extreme Usability" Design Sprint
The first SSC Design Sprint took place as part of the 2nd FLOSS Usability Sprint in San Francisco, 22-24 August. The notes are still in raw form, but offer snapshots of discussions which took place.
An Implementation Plan for the next SSC release was generated following this event.
Background
The development of Social Source Commons (SSC) is led by Aspiration, a nonprofit organization that supports effective software development for the NPO/NGO sector. Aspiration is working in partnership with a broad range of entities to research, design and implement the initiative. SSC is seeded by the Open Society Institute and Aspiration invites other funders to support this initiative. Funders represent a critical constituency of SSC users because part of its objective is to help them better identify software projects to fund and tools to recommend to NPO/NGO partners.
Please see documentation on customizing the interface and the User's Guide for usage and configuration help.
