In a world where politics seems hopelessly divided, it’s easy to get discouraged. But what if instead of calling people out for doing the wrong thing, we focus on “naming and faming” people who are doing great work? Blair Glencorse describes “Integrity Idol,” a competition that helps to unearth the most inspiring government employees and give them the recognition they deserve — and may just help to advance a culture of ethical public service around the world. Blair Glencorse is leading a movement for accountability and integrity around the world through the Accountability Lab. The Lab works in communities to make governments more accountable and to open-up civic space- using the arts, media, culture and technology. Blair and his team have done everything from helping to found the first film school in Liberia to monitoring and improving public services in Pakistan to running a global TV show called Integrity Idol to “name and fame” honest government officials.
The Accountability Lab recently won the UN’s International Anti-Corruption Excellence Award. Blair also co-founded the first co-working and innovation space in Liberia; helped to found both TEDxMonrovia and TEDxBamako; and is an expert on anti-corruption with the World Economic Forum. Blair speaks regularly on issues of community engagement, citizen participation and governance; and his work has been published in the New York Times, Washington Post and the Guardian among other outlets. T