Online communities bring good karma: report
One of Australia's most successful online community stories is Good Karma Networks - suburb-specific purpose driven online communities around the nation that help people connect and make a positive difference in their neighbourhoods.
GKN was founded by ACM member Amy Churchouse in 2015. Local collectives are run by community managers called Guardians and each draws on a proven model of community building and management to scale positive impacts, tailored to local priorities.
Amy and her team recently conducted research to better understand the effects of GKN, and we're excited to reveal them here.
Online communities make a measurable impact
The Good Karma Network Evaluation Survey drew over 3000 respondents nationally and the results are a definitive endorsement of online community as a model for positive change.
89% of respondents said their GKN had increased their sense of belonging to their local community, while 65% reported being more aware of diversity in their local community through their GKN.
91% of network members said their GKN has driven positive outcomes for the local community, and 68% agree they feel more inspired to make a difference in their communities.
Good Karma networks are also a constructive centre of problem-solving for participants.
• 74% rated their local network 8/10 or higher for helping them to solve problems
• 66% agreed their network has empowered them to ask for help
• 72% said their network has provided them with innovative solutions to their problems
• 66% said they've learned new ways to solve problems by observing interactions in their local network
Good Karma Networks founder Amy Churchouse
The most common problems members use their GKN to solve:
• Offering free items (69%)
• Providing help or assistance (60%)
• Accepting free items (53%)
• Providing recommendations for a local business/service (52%)
The most beneficial activities for members include:
• Recycling/giving or receiving free items (68%)
• Sharing information, education and advice (48%)
• Problem resolution (asking for and receiving help) (37%)
• Sharing humour, gratitude and positive experiences (32%)
To learn more about Good Karma Networks, visit www.goodkarmaeffect.com.
