Welcome tae Aberdeen Dream.scot CIC
Empowerin’ Aberdonians through Open Source, Learnin’ an’ Ethical Innovation
Oor Mission
At Aberdeen Dream.scot CIC, we are buildin’ a new wey for young fowk in Aberdeen tae shape their ain future. As a Community Interest Company, or CIC, we are here tae serve the community rather than generate private profit. Our commitment is tae the people o’ Aberdeen, an’ we believe in the power o’ open source no’ just as a technical approach, but as a wey o’ life. For us, open source means transparency, collaboration, an’ shared ownership in every aspect o’ what we dae.
What We Dae
Core Principles
The traditional models o’ business an’ community engagement often rely on top-down control, profit-driven motives, an’ closed systems that exclude the very people they claim tae serve. At Aberdeen Dream.scot CIC, we turn this model on its head. Our core principles are built on the belief that young fowk should lead the wey, that community benefit should always come first, an’ that transparency an’ openness should be the foundation o’ every project we undertake.
Young fowk in Aberdeen hae the creativity, passion, an’ potential tae drive positive change. We provide them wi’ the tools, resources, an’ support they need tae turn their ideas intae reality. Whether it is through education, cooperative projects, or ethical innovation, we empower young minds tae take ownership o’ their future.
Adults play a different role in this model. While they can support the projects financially through crowdfunding, they are no’ involved in the decision-makin’ processes. This ensures that the projects remain youth-led an’ community-driven, wi’ young fowk at the helm o’ every initiative.
Each project under Aberdeen Dream.scot CIC operates wi’ its ain functional teams, such as IT, Accounting, an’ HR. However, we avoid unnecessary bureaucracy. Instead, we focus on collaboration, efficiency, an’ the shared goal o’ buildin’ somethin’ meaningful for the community.
Oor Flagship Projects
Aberdeen Dream.scot CIC is home tae several flagship projects that embody our mission an’ values. These projects are designed tae address the needs o’ the community while upholdin’ the principles o’ openness, ethics, an’ collaboration.
ThisGuy.scot is oor ethical social media platform, designed tae prioritize the well-bein’ o’ its users over engagement metrics. Unlike mainstream social media platforms that rely on algorithms tae manipulate user behavior, ThisGuy.scot offers a chronological feed, ensuring that users see content in the order it was posted. There are nae endless scrolls, nae addictive loops, an’ nae manipulative features. Instead, the platform focuses on fostering meaningful connections an’ respectful discourse. It is community-owned an’ operates on the principle that social media should serve the people, no’ the other wey around.
Another key project is aberdeencity.scot, which serves as oor hub for local development, research, an’ community resources. This platform is a central space for collaboration, where young fowk can access the tools an’ knowledge they need tae bring their ideas tae life. It also hosts oor growin’ collection o’ reports an’ research, which provide deep context on the impact o’ open source technologies, the ethics o’ AI, an’ the philosophy o’ digital communities.
Learnin’ an’ Research
At Aberdeen Dream.scot CIC, we understand that knowledge is power. That is why we are committed tae buildin’ no’ just projects, but also a robust body o’ research an’ reports that will grow continuously over time. Our goal is tae provide deep, detailed context on the issues that matter tae our community, from the impact o’ open source on local economies tae the ethical implications o’ AI.
Our research is no’ a one-time effort. We are in it for the lang haul, constantly expandin’ an’ refinin’ oor understandin’ o’ the digital landscape an’ its intersection wi’ human values. By drawin’ on philosophical frameworks such as Socratic dialogue, Stoic resilience, an’ Epicurean simplicity, we aim tae foster a holistic approach tae technology an’ innovation.
The reports an’ research we produce will cover a wide range o’ topics, including the long-term analysis o’ digital communities, case studies o’ successful youth-led cooperatives, an’ the philosophical underpinnings o’ ethical technology. These resources will be available on aberdeencity.scot, where they can be accessed by anyone interested in learnin’ more aboot the work we dae an’ the principles we uphold.
Hoo We Work
Our approach is simple: low-cost, low-risk, an’ high-impact. We believe that meaningful change does no’ require fancy offices or big budgets. Instead, it requires passion, collaboration, an’ a commitment tae the community. Young fowk are at the heart o’ this model. They are the ones who propose ideas, form cooperatives, an’ receive the resources an’ support they need tae succeed.
The process is straightforward. A young person or group o’ young fowk comes up wi’ an idea. They then form a cooperative, which is a group o’ individuals who work together tae achieve a common goal. These cooperatives are supported by Aberdeen Dream.scot CIC, which provides the necessary tools, mentorship, an’ resources tae help them thrive. Each cooperative operates wi’ its ain teams, such as IT, Accounting, an’ HR, but these teams are designed tae be functional an’ efficient, wi’ nae unnecessary bureaucracy.
Adults can support these projects financially through crowdfunding, but they are no’ involved in the day-tae-day operations or decision-makin’ processes. This ensures that the projects remain youth-led an’ community-driven, wi’ young fowk makin’ the decisions that shape their future.
Site Under Construction
This website is still a work in progress, an’ we are buildin’ it in the open source style. That means it is transparent, collaborative, an’ always evolvin’. Ye can see what we are workin’ on, an’ we welcome input frae the community. As we continue tae grow an’ improve, this site will evolve alongside us, reflectin’ the progress we make an’ the lessons we learn along the wey.
Get Involved
We believe that everyone has a role tae play in buildin’ a better future for Aberdeen. Whether ye are a young person wi’ a passion for technology, a local business lookin’ tae support ethical innovation, or simply some’body who cares aboot the future o’ oor community, there are many weys tae get involved.
Ye can start a cooperative, contribute tae an existin’ project, or support oor research efforts. If ye are unable tae contribute time or skills, ye can still make a difference by crowdfundin’ oor initiatives. Every bit o’ support helps us continue oor mission o’ empowerin’ young fowk an’ buildin’ a stronger, more connected community.
To learn more or get started, ye can contact us at hiya@aberdeendream.scot. We would love tae hear frae ye an’ explore hoo we can work together tae make a positive impact in Aberdeen.
About Aberdeen Dream.scot CIC
Aberdeen Dream.scot CIC is a Community Interest Company based in Aberdeen, Scotland. Our mission is tae empower young fowk through education, open source technologies, an’ ethical innovation. We are committed tae buildin’ a future where young minds hae the tools, knowledge, an’ support they need tae thrive in a digital world.
We are open, ethical, an’ community-driven. Our work is guided by the principles o’ transparency, collaboration, an’ shared ownership, an’ we are dedicated tae makin’ a positive difference in the lives o’ the people o’ Aberdeen.
Join us as we build a better digital future, the Aberdonian wey.