ACTion Alexandria

ACT for Alexandria has devoted itself to philanthropic endeavors in Alexandria, Virginia since it’s formation in 2002.  Initially sparked by a large donation, the foundation continues to work towards addressing the needs of the community while also assisting those who want to join in making positive changes throughout the city.  ACT bridges the gap between those who want to help but don’t know how and organizations in need.  Continually evaluating recipient performance and tracking contribution effectiveness, ACT is akin to a virtual dating site for organizations, activists and philanthropists alike; allowing potential matches to fully vet those they’re considering donating time and/or money to prior to making a commitment. 

Keeping in step with online networking, ACTionAlexandria represents the next step in connecting those across the city of Alexandria.  Progressing beyond mere matchmaking and statistics, ACTionAlexandria hopes to bring involved and informed citizens together to solve community-based problems.  With an uncluttered, straightforward design, the newly-launched ACTionAlexandria website connects citizens and social media outlets with actionable ways to immediately made a different in the community.  The website immediately entices users to ‘Act Now!’ while also rallying them to contribute ideas to ‘Solve a Challenge’ in Alexandria.  At once positive and encouraging, the website not only provides residents with all the tools they need to enact social change, but creates a platform for engagement between activists and organizations.  Blog posts such as ‘Eradicate Homelessness in Alexandria’ examine the history of homelessness within the context of the city, and connects readers with ways they can help solve the problem. 

According to ACT for Alexandria, the goal of the new website is threefold: to create an online platform that  inspires offline action, to universally improve the quality of life for residents in Alexandria, and to connect and engage citizens in solving problems, thereby strengthening the community and increasing residents’ stake in creating positive outcomes.  Trusting that those who live in Alexandria understand the city best, ACTionAlexandria has faith its residents with create positive change throughout the city.  And with a running tally front and center, it’s clear to see the website (as of this writing) has already inspired 33 individual actions and incited 148 ideas to solve local challenges.