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Executive Summary
The landscape of philanthropy is vast and evolving, with many commendable initiatives and groundbreaking efforts frequently going unnoticed. TiTaN: The Think Tank, an innovative platform, seeks to shine a light on these pivotal yet often underrepresented endeavors by providing a space where both fresh perspectives and established ideals converge.
TiTaN: The Think Tank has a dual mission: Firstly, we are dedicated to thorough, independent research that pinpoints challenges and opportunities within various sectors, offering pragmatic and sustainable solutions. Secondly, we emphasize the commendable contributions of foundations like the Blue Cross Blue Shield Foundation (BCBSF), spotlighting the transformative effects of their endeavors on supported communities. TiTaN, the digital platform is a dynamic space that disseminates research outcomes and philanthropic narratives, nurturing a community of thought leaders, especially from Black and marginalized origins, united by the belief in meaningful change.
In partnering with BCBSF, TiTaN envisions a synergistic alliance that not only amplifies Black leadership in the social sector but also reinforces the belief in the power of informed philanthropy. By pooling resources, knowledge, and passion, we believe we can create a wave of transformative change, ensuring racial equity remains at the forefront of philanthropic endeavors.
Introduction: In an era overflowing with information, Titan: The Think Tank, addresses the challenge of making transformative knowledge accessible beyond academia. We deeply believe in the potential of scholars who tirelessly work towards solutions to global challenges but often face barriers like academic jargon and restricted-access journals that limit the reach of their findings. TiTaN provides an innovative monthly platform, allowing scholars to present their work in a manner easily understood by the public, democratizing access to pivotal ideas and fostering an informed society.
More than just sharing knowledge, we champion inclusive research, amplifying community voices and involving them in the research, ensuring it resonates with real-world contexts and experiences. In essence, TiTaN is not just a Think Tank; it's a movement. A movement to redefine how knowledge is shared, ensuring that the wisdom of scholars and the richness of communities intertwine, culminating in solutions that are both informed and inclusive.
Objectives and Goals
In response to the challenges identified, TiTaN: The Think Tank has set forth a series of clear objectives and goals, grounded in our commitment to make scholarly research more accessible, inclusive, and impactful:
1. Democratize Access to Scholarly Research
Objective: Break down barriers between academia and the broader public, ensuring that scholarly findings are accessible to all.
Goal: Launch a digital platform by February 2024, where scholars can share their research in user-friendly formats, reaching an estimated 65,000 followers/users.
2. Amplify Voices from Within Communities
Objective: Reimagine the research process to be more inclusive, ensuring community members are active participants and not just passive subjects.
Goal: Initiate four community-engaged research during the first year of the, involving at least three community members in co-researcher roles.
3. Provide a Launchpad for Emerging Scholars
Objective: Create opportunities for emerging scholars to gain visibility, share their insights, and collaborate with seasoned experts.
Goal: Showcase the work of at least one emerging scholar on the platform in each quarter, with a dedicated mentorship program to support their growth.
4. Foster Engagement Between Scholars and Public Discourse
Objective: Position scholarly insights at the forefront of public conversations on pressing societal issues.
Goal: Organize four public webinars, panel discussions, or community forums during the debut year
5. Simplify and Humanize Research Communication
Objective: Transform the way scholarly findings are communicated, making them relatable, understandable, and actionable for the general public.
Goal: Develop a series of multimedia content – videos, infographics, and podcasts – to provide monthly research news and translate quarterly research papers into digestible formats each year.
By achieving these objectives and goals, TiTaN: The Think Tank aims to create a paradigm shift in the way knowledge is produced, shared, and consumed. Our vision is a world where research-driven insights are not confined to ivory towers but resonate in the hearts and minds of communities, fueling positive change and informed action.
