E-Commerce: Local Man Helps Boost Economies

E-Commerce: Local Man Helps Boost Economies May 14th, 2011

Joseph Davis is a local leader in using the internet to encourage local sustainable economics. He has traveled to Afghanistan, Malawi and Kenya and many other places to teach local people how the internet can help their communities thrive. His work has taken him to more than 30 Alaskan villages to help Alaska Natives utilize the internet to sell their art.

One of Davis’ many overseas projects involved installing an internet system in an orphanage in Africa. The orphanage started a profitable internet cafe. This has proven very successful and helps the orphanage be self sufficient.

Lately, Davis keeps busy leading e-commerce workshops in Alaskan villages. He has traveled to more than 30 villages and worked with more than 60 helping them set up eBay stores and eCommerce websites. Now they can sell their art and other handmade items to help sustain life in the bush. He provides continuing support for a month after the visit to help the community get everything up and running. Click here to watch a video about Joseph Davis’ work in rural Alaska.

eBay Workshop in Hooper Bay, AK

Joseph Davis has been involved with Bristol Bay Regional Vision which is currently underway. He has worked with Jane Angvik on this project. They are in Phase 2, working to accumulate a well-rounded vision for the future, based on the voices of each village. This process involves interviewing community members to learn their core values, needs and concerns. The information will help determine which resources are needed and aid in producing an effective plan for their future.

Desktop Publishing Class in King Salmon, AK

Davis also offers boot-camps, similar to an extended workshop. Attending one can be a great way to really boost your e-commerce. Boot Camps have been held at Victory Bible Camp in the past and are portable. A boot-camp will typically last from Monday to Saturday. Students are taken to the bank to create a bank account dedicated to their online sales efforts. Then they travel to the Alaska Native Heritage Center to really see how respected their art is. “They can really see what high art sales look like,” Davis declares. The remainder of the week is spent setting up accounts and understanding the process of buying and selling online.