How to Participate in IBM Smarter Cities projects

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Last month, I mentioned that I was named [one of the faces of IBM Smarter Planet campaign]. This resulted in some interesting email, including a college student named Hamas from India who asks:

"How can I participate in IBM's Smarter Planet, specifically Smarter Cities?"

With a lot of college students graduating next month, I thought this would be a good question to answer.

Apply for a Job at IBM

The best way to participate in IBM Smarter Cities is to get a job within IBM, and then get assigned to one of the many IBM Smarter Cities projects. Visit IBM's [Employment Page] to learn why IBM is recognized as one of the top 50 most attractive employers in the world. Mention "Smarter Cities" on your Resume so it can be routed to the appropriate manager.

Join the Conversation

Another way to participate in Smarter Cities is to "join the conversation". Each of IBM's 25 different programs has folks that are focused on that area, with blogs, forums and case studies. Here is the conversations page for [Smarter Cities]. Watch the videos at []ibm.com/theSmarterCity]. Play IBM's [City One], IBM's Smarter Planet for game for Smarter Cities. Provide IBM feedback on any ideas you might have to help make cities smarter.

You can also join in one of the many upcoming [IBM Jam events]. Jams are not restricted to generating business ideas. Their methods, tools and technology can also be applied to social issues. In 2005, over three days, the Government of Canada, UN-HABITAT and IBM hosted Habitat Jam. Tens of thousands of participants - from urban specialists, to government leaders, to residents from cities around the world - discussed issues of urban sustainability. Their ideas shaped the agenda for the UN World Urban Forum, held in June 2006. People from 158 countries registered for the jam and shared their ideas for action to improve the environment, health, safety and quality of life in the world's burgeoning cities.

Buy Products and/or Services from IBM

IBM has the resources to help the planet in so many ways that NGOs and non-profit agencies only dream of. With IBM's advocacy for causes like global public education, universal healthcare, and improved infrastructures, people often forget that IBM is not itself a non-profit organization. IBM has learned early on that creating value for the world can also be good business. The more people buy from IBM, the more skills and resources IBM will have to solve the world's toughest challenges.

IBM ... Let's build a smarter planet!

technorati tags: IBM, Smarter Planet, Smarter Cities, CityOne