CorpComms Magazine

A new app that will make volunteering more appealing to the teens of today, is set to be launched by Sony and YouthNet.

The '+U' app which is still in its early stages of design has been created by electronics giant Sony and the UK's largest volunteering database YouthNet. It will use geo-location technology to point people in the direction of local volunteering projects.

The android mobile app will make volunteering opportunities almost instantly accessible, while providing social gaming advantages. Users will receive points according to volunteering opportunities achieved.

Facebook followers were given the choice of three logos on 2 June 2011, and the final decision will be made based on the feedback. 

The '+U' app, formerly 'Greenbook', was part of the final stages of Sony's 'Open Planet Ideas', an online community tackling environmental challenges. Emily Nicoll, general manager of environmental communications for Sony, said: 'It's a great project to be working on... to develop a real and innovative new approach to volunteering.'

Making volunteering fun, hassle free and more social is key to the initiative. Emma Thomas, chief executive of YouthNet, said: 'there is huge potential to develop the way in which we encourage and motivate people to volunteer.'

The reason for YouthNet to join Sony in this venture is driven by the 'passion to make it as easy as possible to volunteer', and '+U' could help that happen, said Thomas.

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