Canada's biggest credit union has never been afraid to try new things in the realm of community involvement. So it shouldn't be a surprise they're going to start "a user-driven blog" that has a community focus.
A recent job posting by VanCity called for a passionate blogger who can "animate an online community where people in the Lower Mainland & Victoria can find information, tools and connections to inspire and support change in their own lives, their communities, and the world."
The term position will see the blogger reach out to community members, help them take part, write for the blog, encourage discussions, "moderate comments, defuse conflict and occasionally arbitrate disputes."
VanCity has brought in online strategy firm Social Signal to set up the blog.
What's cool about VanCity is that, while providing financial services that are more than competitive with the banks, they have a strong community focus. And they aren't afraid of projects that have the potential to get a bit messy. Helping young people get off the streets, for example, or creating housing for people in Vancouver's drug-ravaged downtown eastside.
Unlike some other financial insitutions, I think VanCity has the stomach to deal with the hiccups of negative blog comments and online disagreements. This will be a project worth watching.
Update: Brendan Hodgson had almost the same reaction when he heard about VanCity's plans.
Tags: vancity, credit union, community, blogs, vancouver
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I love Vancity, sounds like a great company to work for. Plus, living in Vancouver would be a bonus (and a pricey one too).
Posted by: Spamouflage | June 28, 2006 at 03:56 PM