The concept of Design for Social Good is not a new one. In 1963, Ken Garland penned his historic First Things First manifesto – which in very simple terms stated that designers had wasted far too much time and effort working on projects advertising trivial items, while more worthy causes assumed lesser significance. Since then a debate about social responsibility has, to a greater or lesser extent, simmered in the design media.

So pertinent was First Things First that in 2000 Adbusters’ led the charge to publish an updated version of the manifesto and renew the demand that designers take greater social responsibility for their work. The manifesto asks us to consider where we stand in the system of mass production and daily consumption. If we don’t like what we see, we are asked to take greater responsibility for our part in this process.

From climate change to social problems, this design competition is intended to honor those who have made social responsibility part of their working lives and chosen, often at their own expense, to pursue work for social good. It also offers us an opportunity to connect at the cause/affect awards ceremony at the AIGA SF office, on December 4, 2007. We look forward to seeing you then!