Big World is developing an open source 'toolkit' of sustainable and appropriate utilities, applications and resources to help empower ngos (non-governmental organisations), csos (civil society organisations) and poor communities themselves.

This toolkit, to be developed over the next 5 years, is likely to cover the following areas:

* ecommerce models and technology to help small businesses use the Internet and new technologies to sell their goods (and support their families and communities).

* community and ngo networks to share knowledge and information

* knowledge bases to store knowledge and learning, including the capture and retrieval of indigenous knowledge. Rights management resources to protect the interests of partners and communities - so that owners of data and information are not exploited by the more powerful.

* using email for local, national and international communications - bringing the benefits of speed and economy; and providing access to networks, discussion forums, archives of materials, the world wide web, as well as local, national and international bodies for campaigning and advocacy.

* delivery of learning/training materials via a 'virtual school': exploring how to develop relevant schools/training materials and collaborative learning

* tools for campaigning, advocacy and fund-raising: assisting smaller development organisations to develop their own systems and tools for campaigning and advocacy work (eg web sites, email mailing lists, use of multi-media) and for their own fund-raising (on-line financial processing of donations, donor mailing lists, etc) locally, nationally and internationally.

Elements in the 'toolkit' are likely to take different forms: software; hardware; printable resources and case histories; information sources; specifications for systems.

If you have suggestions for the toolkit, or experience and applications you would like to share with us, please email toolkit@big-world.org