Invitation to sign the DiDIY Creative Society Manifesto

(this text was originally published by the DiDIY Project. We partially republish it here, because the DiDIY Manifesto is very in line with the FKI founding principles, and we therefore invite everybody to sign it! (see privacy information below))

Do It Yourself DIY happens when people and communities just go ahead and make something for themselves, without waiting for a professional or for permission. DiDIY (Digital DIY) is the huge boost to this activity and the associated can do mindset facilitated by digital technologies, through the sharing of designs, tools, support, and inspiration.

The DiDIY Project has summarized the many benefits of DiDIY in a Creative Society Manifesto, whose points are listed below. Full text and goals of the Manifesto, that we are are all invited sign, are described in a blog post on the DiDIY website.

 

For society to reap the full benefits of Digital DIY there is a need:

[In the interests of sharing, learning and inspiration:]

• To promote opportunities for a thriving circuit of sharing, learning and inspiration in all fields of Digital DIY making.
• To explore alternate forms of creative platform online, offline, and interlinked which offer new opportunities to make, share, connect, include and inspire.

[In the interests of widening access:]

• To support growth of community making in a diverse range of locations, and attract people of different backgrounds and interests.
• To diversify notions of making to include a greater range of tools, practices and interests (and therefore more radically diverse makerspaces).
• To consider creating spaces and facilities for making in library, museum, school, and other civic developments.

[In the interests of economy, business and entrepreneurship:]

• To value the Digital DIY spirit of innovation, invention and entrepreneurship, and support grassroots and entrepreneurial initiatives.
• To support new business models based in sharing of knowledge, collaborative making and circular economy.
• To support education, learning and continuing professional development which will enhance collaborative and entrepreneurial traits in employees.

[In the interests of well-being and sustainability:]

• To enable more people to experience the enhanced well-being reported by makers, associated with close social interaction, creative problem-solving and greater creative confidence.
• To embrace and enhance the role of Digital DIY in realising sustainable futures.

[In the interests of our rights and responsibilities:]

• To use open standards to drive innovation, and ensure that regulations on product safety and intellectual property do not stifle creativity.
• To make responsible use of the power of Digital DIY, respecting other citizens rights, increasing meaningful participation, and contributing to positive societal development.

DiDIY Manifesto privacy info: the list of signatures is public, and will be presented to the European Commission. On Google's side, data will be managed according to Google's policies.