If somebody asked you to name the ten most powerful companies in the Bay Area, would you be able to do it?
We're launching an investigation of the elite social networks surrounding the biggest corporations in the Bay Area. Using LittleSis as a research tool, we will create an interactive database detailing the channels of money and influence that sustain these companies and tie them together.
You can help by donating money or time (join the Little Sis research team)
Our research will map the key relationships:
How are the Bay Area's biggest companies networked into your community? How are they shaping government policy? Do they invest in public works, or in executive bonuses? Support this pitch to find out.
Follow our work on the Little Sis group page.
[Note: we're also producing a cool visualization to complement our research. The more support you give, the cooler it will be!]
Financial and political decisions made by Bay Area companies have a profound effect on the way we work, eat, travel, and experience our homes and communities. Our research will detail an intricate network of noteworthy business people and government officials which can be utilized by journalists, academics, and community groups.
All funds gained from this pitch will be used exclusively for researching and reporting on Bay Area organizations and power networks. All research will be coordinated through LittleSis.org, a free-to-use, nonprofit database for detailing the connections between powerful people and organizations. The relevant data on LittleSis can be further developed by volunteers.
For more information, contact kyle [at] littlesis.org.
LittleSis is a project of Public Accountability Initiative, a 501(c)3 organization focused on corporate and government accountability. Our mission is to facilitate and produce investigative research that promotes transparent and accountable governance. PAI was founded in early 2008 by a group of activists, public interest lawyers, and academics associated with leading universities and major social change organizations. Learn more about the LittleSis team here: http://littlesis.org/team
1) A database containing in-depth profiles on at least 20 Bay Area organizations, 100+ executives and board members, and 1,000+ inter-connections with affiliated organizations and personnel. 2) A visualization (map or interactive graph) depicting the most noteworthy or surprising connections. 3) A series of news reports, informational press releases, and blog posts related to our findings.
