Which nonprofits are having global impact?

Web 2.0 Summit asks public to nominate organizations creating positive change

If you were to ask me to name the single most important technology conference of the year, I’d say the Web 2.0 Summit (with TechCrunch 50 coming on strong in second place). Startup executives, VCs, entrepreneurs and others will gather at the Westin in San Francisco on Oct. 20-22 to hear about the latest trends in Web 2.0.

Now, the conference’s organizers — John Battelle, Tim O’Reilly (pictured above) and team — want to enlist the tech industry to “step up” and support a nonprofit that can make a significant contribution to “the principles of openness, collective intelligence and transparency.”

They write: “The spark of inspiration that led to this year’s Web 2.0 Summit theme, Web Squared (Web + World), has made it clear that we must embrace not only disruptive change, but also a ‘pay it forward’ attitude if we are to realize change on a global scale. We’re excited to put inspiration into action by asking our attendees to join us as partners in creating change.

“This year, attendees will have the opportunity to donate to one of three charities that embody the spirit of Web Squared. But we need your help determining those three charities. Let us know about any organization that is leveraging innovative solutions to create positive change on a global scale. Join the discussion and give us your suggestions on the Web 2.0 Summit Facebook fan page.”

Tim and John outlined the thrust of this year’s theme recently in a 13-page whitepaper, Web Squared: Web 2.0 Five Years On.

All suggestions must be received by midnight PDT on Labor Day, Monday, Sept. 7, 2009. Post your nominations to the Wall or email them to web2feedback@oreilly.com.

JD Lasica, founder and former editor of Socialbrite, is co-founder of Cruiseable. Contact JD or follow him on Twitter or Google Plus.