Do It Yourself

Picasso once said that we are all born artists, the problem is staying one as we grow up. DIY.org is a San Francisco-based online creative community for kids. “We give kids tools to collect everything they make as they grow up and a place to share it. We've all seen how kids can be like little MacGyvers. They're able to take anything apart, recycle what you've thrown away—or if they're Caine, build their own cardboard arcade. This is play, but it's also creativity and it's a valuable skill.” Far-away family members are able to see the masterful creations of their little ones online. This community allows children, six and up, to explore their imagination while honing their skills as future makers and doers. Of course, children have to get parental permission to use the site via an email from the parents to the developers. Parents can then follow and support the activity of their children using a ‘Parent Dashboard’. When using the site each child picks an animal avatar, to literally ‘mask’ their identity, and is then able to upload pictures and instructions of their current or finished creative projects. It’s a safe place where kids can connect and learn from each other. It’s also worth noting that DIY.org is the most recent project of Zach Klein, of Vimeo, CollegeHumor and Founder Collective fame.