Kilimo Collective

Thank you for your timely and insightful #COP29 reflections, Kerry! Your talk on Amazon's proactive steps in decarbonization underscores the pivotal role technological innovation, particularly #AI, plays in driving large-scale #sustainable transformations. This "AI evolution" might just be the catalyst we need to embrace more sustainable practices and cleaner energy solutions universally. As we integrate modern #technology into our environmental strategy, it remains a nascent yet potent addition to our global ecosystem. It is our responsibility as innovators and leaders to ensure that these technologies not only evolve but do so in a way that enhances our collective environmental objectives. Your efforts demonstrate a formidable leap towards balancing technological growth with ecological stewardship, inspiring a paradigm of responsible #innovation that I am eager to support and amplify (and 100% here for ??)!

?? New Adventures in #AI and #Impact ?? I'm excited to share some exciting news about my journey at the intersection of AI and social impact! ? As many of you know, I've been deeply involved with the Global Mental Health Task Force (#GMHTF), and I'm passionate about using technology to create positive change. These two new opportunities represent a natural evolution of that passion, and I can't wait to see what we can accomplish together. ?? Director of Partnerships, Global Mental Health Task Force ?? I've joined the Global Mental Health Task Force as Director of Partnerships, where I'll be leading the charge in building a global ecosystem of collaborators dedicated to advancing mental health as a fundamental human right. This role will involve architecting partnership frameworks, fostering collaborations across sectors, and creating sustainable engagement models that drive measurable outcomes in mental health access and innovation. ?? Managing Director, AI & Impact Group at TheSocialArchitects ?? I'm also thrilled to be joining #TheSocialArchitects as Managing Director of their AI & Impact Group. In this role, I'll lead the development and implementation of AI-driven strategies that amplify social impact and drive meaningful change across global communities. This includes fostering collaborations, building impactful social ecosystems of support, and championing ethical AI practices. I'm incredibly excited about these interconnected opportunities and the potential to make a difference. I'm diving headfirst into this new adventure and can't wait to see what we can create together! ?? "Collaboration is the new Competition." #AI #SocialImpact #ClimateImpact #MentalHealth #MentalWellBeing #GlobalMentalHealthTaskForce #TheSocialArchitects #Innovation #Collaboration

?A New Chapter in Safe Spaces ?? The Story Begins... In 1985, we started CityKids in a church basement, creating safe spaces where young people could find their voices and turn pain into purpose. Almost 40 years later, that mission hasn't changed – but the spaces where youth voices need to be heard have evolved dramatically. ?? A Partnership Built on Purpose ??? I'm thrilled to announce CityKids' partnership with WeAre8, a revolutionary social platform reimagining what social media can be. When I first met Zoe Kalar and heard her vision for a social platform built on love, not hate, on empowerment, not exploitation – I felt that same spark of possibility I experienced decades ago at the Albany Empire in London. Just as we've always believed at CityKids that artivism creates transformation, WeAre8 believes that technology and humanity together can revolutionize communities. ?? Why This Matters ??? Their commitment to sharing advertising revenue with users and charities mirrors our core belief: real change requires economic empowerment alongside creative expression. Today, as we confront a global mental health crisis, young people need safe digital spaces more than ever. ?? The Time Is Now ??? On WeAre8's Flows feed, we're starting a conversation about what freedom and liberty mean to today's youth – echoing the powerful dialogue that led to our iconic collaboration with Keith Haring in 1986. It's time to bring that same spirit of creative revolution to the digital world. ? Ready to Build Something Beautiful? ?? Your voice matters in this movement. Download WeAre8 and join @CityKids_nyc as we create a digital home where youth voices don't just echo – they resonate. Where creativity isn't just posted – it's celebrated. Where every moment you spend isn't just scrolling – it's creating real impact for our communities. ?? My Truth After 40 Years: "When you give young people a safe space to be heard, they don't just speak – they soar." Ready to soar with us? ?? #WeAre8 #CityKids #YouthEmpowerment #SocialChange #Artivism #DigitalFreedom #SafeSpaces #YouthVoices

?? From #TheFacebook to WeAre8: A Journey Toward a More Positive Social Media Landscape ?? Picture this: It's 2004, and I'm sitting in my Geology 101 lab at Texas Christian University when I receive an email from a friend inviting me to join this new social media platform called "TheFacebook." It was exclusive to college students, and little did we know that in a short time, it would revolutionize how we connect and share information. ?? Fast forward to today, and the social media landscape is vastly different. While #Facebook has connected billions of people worldwide, it has also faced criticism for its negative impact on mental health, the spread of misinformation, and the erosion of privacy. ?? And rightfully so - as a society, we're becoming increasingly aware of the need for social media platforms to be held accountable for the content they host and their impact on our well-being. ? Enter #WeAre8: A Social Media Platform with a Purpose ? Amidst this evolving landscape, I'm excited to share my discovery of WeAre8, a social media platform that's rewriting the rules and prioritizing the well-being of its users and the planet. ?? Here's what sets WeAre8 apart: ?? Focus on #Kindness and #Community: WeAre8 actively promotes positivity and discourages hate speech and negativity. It fosters a sense of community where users can connect, support each other, and make a real impact. ?? #Empowering Users: WeAre8 is built on the belief that users should control their data and online experience. The platform shares 50% of advertising revenue with users, 5% to charities and carbon offsetting, and 5% to a creator fund. ?? #Sustainability: WeAre8 is committed to environmental sustainability and is a certified B Corporation. ?? #MentalHealth and a Safer Digital Space ?? One thing that truly sets WeAre8 apart is its dedication to creating a safe and supportive online environment, especially for young people. The platform has signed the #InspiredInternetPledge, a commitment to making the internet healthier for everyone. This means prioritizing emotional well-being, protecting user data and privacy, and combating hate speech and misinformation. This commitment aligns perfectly with the work of The CityKids Foundation, Inc., which empowers young people to use their artistic talents to fight against injustice and oppression, and is a founding organization of the Global Mental Health Task Force. Through initiatives like the #InspiredInternetPledge, #WeAre8 creates a space where all people can express themselves freely and safely, using their voices to create positive change. ?? Join the Movement ?? Ready to be part of a social media platform making an authentic difference? Check out #WeAre8 and join the movement for a more positive and impactful online experience! Keep an eye out for something exciting brewing on the platform - a collaboration that's all about empowering the next generation of #changemakers! https://www.weare8.com/ ?? Stay Tuned! ??

??Celebrating Adam Fung: Art and Activism Collide at COP29 Azerbaijan?? I'm absolutely thrilled to share some exciting news from the #artivism world! My friend and climbing buddy, Adam Fung, a talented artist and associate professor at Texas Christian University, premiered his incredible film, "Fathom," earlier this year at the Arlington Museum of Art. ?? "Fathom" is a mesmerizing four-channel film that takes viewers on a journey to the Arctic Circle, exploring the delicate beauty and fragility of this rapidly changing environment. ?? Adam's masterful use of visuals and sound creates an immersive experience that is both captivating and thought-provoking. But here's the truly amazing part: Adam's film was selected to be showcased at #COP29 in Baku, Azerbaijan, as part of the Extreme Hangout exhibition! This is a HUGE honor, and it's a testament to the power of art to inspire action and drive change. ?? This incredible opportunity was sparked by Elizabeth Markevitch, the visionary founder of IkonoTV, a global media platform that's making art as accessible as music! Elizabeth's passion for showcasing art that inspires change led her to create #ArtSpeaksOut, an initiative that gives artists a platform to address critical issues like climate change. I'm so proud of Adam and excited for the opportunity for his work to reach a global audience at #COP29. If you're attending the conference, be sure to check out "Fathom" at the COP29 Baku Azerbaijan Extreme Hangout. It's an experience you won't want to miss! For those who can't make it to Baku, don't worry! You can still experience the magic of "Fathom" online. ?? Check out the links below to learn more about Adam's work, IkonoTV, and COP29 Baku Azerbaijan Extreme Hangout. Adam Fung - https://www.adamfung.com/ IkonoTV - https://ikonotv.art/ COP29 Baku Azerbaijan Extreme Hangout - https://lnkd.in/efUJrkbV Let's celebrate Adam's achievement and the power of art to spark conversations and inspire action on climate change! ???? #ArtForClimate #COP29 #Fathom #ArcticCircle #Artivism

?? Level Up Mental Wellness: Tackling the #Youth Mental Health Crisis ?? In my last post about the Games for Change #SDGSummit, I shared insights from the Global Mental Health Task Force panel. Today, I want to take you behind the scenes of the Mental Health Workshop, where we explored the power of games to support young people's well-being. The adolescent mental health crisis is a global challenge, and it's inspiring to see how the #GamesForChange community is stepping up to find solutions. This workshop was a fantastic opportunity to collaborate with other passionate individuals and brainstorm innovative ideas. ???Workshop Loading...??? The facilitators, Elizabeth Talerman and Lynn Fiellin, MD, emphasized the importance of addressing the social #stigma surrounding mental health, especially for young people. They stressed the need to "meet young people where they are at" – in the digital spaces they already inhabit, like online games and social media. By creating a #safe and #inclusive space within these platforms, we can empower young people to explore their mental health and well-being without fear of judgment or isolation. This means understanding the unique challenges and experiences of young gamers and designing games that are accessible, engaging, and supportive. It also means breaking down the barriers that prevent young people from seeking help and creating a culture where #mentalhealth is valued and prioritized. We then broke into groups and dove into a thought-provoking exercise. Each group was tasked with creating a hypothetical person and mapping out their gaming experience. My group focused on a game designer building a mental health game, while other groups explored the perspectives of a young person who plays video games and an independent game developer. This exercise helped us understand the challenges and motivations of young gamers and how games can be designed to support their mental health. ??A Quest for Connection?? One group created Ayla, a 15-year-old girl who uses gaming to cope with social anxiety, ADHD, and family struggles. Her story highlighted the power of games to provide a sense of #community and #belonging, especially for those who may feel isolated in real life. Ayla's story emphasized the universal desire for connection and acceptance. ??Game Over, Reflections Unlocked?? This workshop was a powerful reminder of the importance of empathy and understanding when designing for mental health. It also reinforced my belief in the power of games to create positive change. As each group shared their character's story, I couldn't help but notice the #joy and #passion in the presenters' voices. It was as if they were reconnecting with their inner child, remembering the power of play, and recognizing the potential for games to make a real difference in the world. ??Press Start on a Conversation?? How can we create #games that not only entertain but also support young people's mental well-being?

I have not been able to get Anima Interactive’s #AmericanDream out of my mind…games and immersive experiences can be the catalyst for critical conversations, like #immigration. Consider me your #champion, Karla. It was so uplifting to meet impact-oriented leaders like you and others at the #SDGSummit…in the words of the youth, “It’s giving…hope.”

?? Level Up Your Mental Health Game: Insights from the Global Mental Health Task Force Fireside Chat ?? Not to be biased or anything...but one of my favorite sessions at the Games for Change #SDGSummit at the United Nations HQ was the fireside chat titled "Launching a Global Mental Health Task Force" ?? It was a fantastic opportunity to hear from experts in the field and learn about how games and immersive media can be used to address mental health challenges. Games can truly represent the #FutureOfWellBeing. The chat was moderated by the amazing Donnetta Campbell, Founder of TheSocialArchitects, a true champion for social impact and a leader in building personal brands for top executives and thought leaders. Donnetta was the original architect of the #GMHTF, bringing together a diverse group of experts to create a global movement dedicated to improving mental health. Here are a few "power-ups" I gained from the fireside chat: ?? The Power of #Storytelling with Amir Dossal ?? Storytelling is an incredible tool for bringing people together and activating positive change. Amir Dossal, President & CEO of the Global Partnerships Forum, drove this idea home as he highlighted "Vision for the Future," an e-book containing inspiring stories from changemakers around the world. This resonated with me, as I believe that sharing our stories can create connection, empathy, and a shared vision for a better future. ?? #GamesForImpact with Lynn Fiellin, MD ?? Games have this incredible ability to impact decisions and feelings. Lynn Fiellin, MD, Founding Director of the #play2PREVENT Lab at Dartmouth College, highlighted the often-unseen skills that come with gaming, such as coping techniques, problem-solving, collaboration, and creativity. Games can be tools for personal growth and positive change, providing a safe space for exploration, experimentation, and learning. ?? Valuing #MentalHealth Through #Action with Rebecca Jones ?? Rebecca Jones, President of #Mosaicx, shared some great comments about creating thriving and compassionate workplace cultures. "There are opportunities for companies to give back...to understand the economic areas around them...as you support mental health as a leader, you improve the mental health of employees and those around them, also customers and consumers, and drive better health outcomes." I love how Rebecca sees this from a systemic-change lens! ? Why This Matters ? #GMHTF's commitment to addressing mental health through innovative approaches like gaming makes it a valuable ally in the mental health space. By recognizing the diverse needs of individuals and communities and actively working to break down stigma and promote well-being, #GMHTF is creating a ripple effect of positive change. ??? Ready to Press Start? ??? How can you integrate games and technology to create a more inclusive and supportive mental health ecosystem? #GamesForChange #SDGSummit #MentalHealth #UNSDG3 #Wellbeing #GlobalMentalHealthTaskForce

?? Games for Change #SDGSummit: A Playground for #Impact and #Innovation ?? Imagine a world where games tackle hunger, fight climate change, and promote mental wellness. That's the world Susanna Pollack, President of Games for Change, and her team invited us to step into at the United Nations Headquarters on Tuesday! Susanna has an incredible knack for bringing together the world's most creative minds to address some of society's toughest challenges, and this summit was no exception. Thank you! Stepping into the #UNHeadquarters for the first time was a humbling, inspiring, and mind-blowing experience. It was incredible to be surrounded by game developers, #UN officials, activists, and #artivists who are all passionate about using games to make a positive impact on the world. The summit was a powerful reminder of the potential of #games to address some of the world's most pressing challenges. Here are some of the "quests" I went on: ?? "#BreakingtheRules" with Eric Zimmerman ?? Eric (New York University) challenged us to think outside the box and "break the rules" of play. He argued that games can be more than just entertainment; they can be powerful tools for learning, collaboration, and social change. He even got us to break the rules of walking! ?? #GamingforGrowth with Asi Burak and Leo Olebe ?? This dynamic duo, Asi (Tilting Point) and Leo (Microsoft #Xbox), explored the exciting growth and evolution happening in the gaming industry with Susanna Pollack. With 3 billion mobile gamers worldwide and emerging markets like India leading the way, the future of gaming is bright! They also discussed the power of gamification to bring out our inner child and foster a sense of play and community. ?? #CollaborationOverPolarization with Anjali Bhimani ?? Anjali sparked a conversation about how "the antidote of polarization is collaboration." She emphasized the importance of games that bring people together from different backgrounds to work towards common goals. "A ha" moments sparking left and right; thank you, Anjali! ??? Immersive Arcade: Where Games Transform Lives ??? The #Arcade was a highlight of the #SDGSummit! I had the opportunity to explore the impact games and immersive experiences featured at the Summit and interact with the game designers. This is where I reconnected with my buds Terry Torok and Sam Sokol, the creators of Graticube, a game designed to foster genuine connection and personal growth. Here are a few other games that caught my eye: ?? #AmericanDream by Karla Reyes: A powerful game that simulates the experience of immigrants crossing the US-Mexico border. ?? #SoulPaint by Sarah Ticho: An XR experience that allows you to paint your emotions and share them with others. ?? #WavesofJeju by Karen Stritzinger: A solarpunk game that explores environmental justice and climate solutions. Ready to level up the world? Join the Games for Change movement and discover how #games can be a force for good. Stay tuned for more!

?? Rising Up for Humanity: Supporting Emergency Relief in #Lebanon ?? I have a confession. Sometimes, the news from conflict zones can feel overwhelming. The scale of suffering can make anyone feel helpless. But then I remember the incredible individuals in my network who are working tirelessly to make a difference, and I'm reminded of the power of hope and collective action. ? That's exactly what happened when I met Tamara Sharifov, LCSW, M.A., M.S., Founder and Vice President of the nonprofit, #RiseUpHumanity (#RUH). Tamara is a powerhouse in the humanitarian world – a licensed clinical social worker, scholar-practitioner, and an expert in conflict resolution and #trauma. She brings a wealth of experience and a deep understanding of the complex challenges faced by communities in crisis. I recently connected with Tamara after she was introduced to the Global Mental Health Task Force (#GMHTF), and it's been a true honor getting to know her better. During a catch-up call earlier this week, she shared her work with #RUH, and I was immediately inspired by their mission to provide emergency humanitarian aid and support in #Lebanon. #RiseUpHumanity focuses on empowerment through partnership, with 100% of donations going directly to their projects. They're currently working to provide emergency relief in #Lebanon, where the ongoing catastrophic war has created a dire need for support. ?? In addition to their efforts in #Lebanon, #RUH is also a fiscal sponsor for #NetworkForPalestine, which provides aid and services to #Palestinians who have been displaced from #Gaza into #Egypt. ?? I'm particularly inspired by #RUH's commitment to working hand-in-hand with communities, ensuring that their efforts are truly empowering and sustainable. They understand that humanitarian aid is not just about providing immediate relief; it's about building long-term #resilience and creating a better future for all. ?? I encourage you to learn more about #RiseUpHumanity and their incredible work. You can find more information on their website: https://ruh-us.org/ #RUH GoFundMe to #SupportLebanon - https://gofund.me/b01ce6a2 Let's rise up together and support those in need! #RiseUpHumanity #HumanitarianAid #Lebanon #EmergencyRelief #GlobalMentalHealth