Ukrainian Anna Melenchuk is the founder of the Institute for Innovative Governance. The Institute of Innovative Governance is an independent, non-partisan non-governmental organisation which aims to promote innovation through interacting with various governmental and civil society actors and by conducting high-quality policy research. The institute values the connection between an individual, rights, and innovation, which is critical for achieving sustainable human development.
1.What do you think is the main reason why some people don’t care about your topic?
The issues I am working on in my NGO are always related to specific target audiences. In case with Inclusive e-democracy we work with people with visual impairments in order to achieve greater access to e-democracy tools. While for people with visual impairments and those working with them this is an important initiative, people with good eyesight do not pay specific attention to the project. I would not say it is bad or wrong. Everyone has their own interests and limited time for various activities. My goal is rather not to raise awareness among everyone on issues which people with visual impairments face in the digital world but to solve the problem of digital sources' accessibility.
2. If you were the president/prime minister of your country for one day, what would you change about this topic?
I would be attentive to the needs of different stakeholders. Even though it is tough to care about everything and everyone in the country if you are a Prime minister the key to your success is to listen to people's' issue and be open to solutions of these issues.
3. Do you have a personal motto?
A dream is a goal with a deadline.
4. Can you share some links to talks or texts, or name literature that you can recommend to any starting activist?
Literature will depend on the activist's interests but I would recommend some general motivational books that would help to develop some important skills:
The 6 Principles Of Sticky Ideas: What Made Ideas Stick by James Tang
Never Eat Alone by Keith Ferrazzi
Tools of Titans by Tim Ferris