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The Wandering Chip Initiative
This project, which we can call The Wandering Chip Initiative, is a social experiment designed to track the movement and return rate of physical tokens within a community. To maximize the return rate, you need a mix of clear instructions, a sense of “mission,” and a frictionless return process.
Below is a comprehensive project plan to execute this.
Vision Statement
“To transform the world’s quiet acts of service into a visible currency of hope, sparking a global movement where every person is empowered to go ‘all-in’ on the betterment of society.”
Mission Statement
“To identify and honor the individuals who are ‘all-in’ for their communities by awarding them engraved symbols of recognition that validate their contributions, strengthen social bonds, and inspire a continuous chain of positive action.”
The 48-Hour Logic:
By adding a time constraint, TR and GG transformed a static award into a dynamic mission. It forced the recipients to become “scouts for good,” actively looking for the best in the people around them.
Phase 1: Concept & Design
Before ordering, you must define how the chips “check in.”
**Define the Objective:** Are you measuring community trust, geographic spread, or the effectiveness of a specific incentive?
**Unique Identification:** Each chip must have a **unique serial number** or a **QR code** engraved on one side. This allows you to track specific chips.
**The “Hook” (Side A):** Engrave a compelling call to action, e.g., *”Return for a Surprise”* or *”Scan to see my journey.”*
**The Instructions (Side B):** Clearly state where the chip should go. (e.g., *”Return to [Location Name] or visit [URL]”*).
**Tracking”:** Using a **QR code** that leads to a simple mobile landing page is the most effective way to track “touches” even if the chip isn’t physically returned yet.
Phase 2: Sourcing & Logistics
– **Chip Material:** Choose heavy clay or ceramic chips ($10–$14$ grams). They feel “valuable,” making people less likely to throw them away.
– **Engraving Method:** Laser engraving is best for durability. Ensure the contrast is high (e.g., white engraving on dark blue/black chips).
– **Batch Size:** Start with a controlled batch of **50 chips** to test the return rate before scaling.
Phase 3: Distribution Strategy
How you give the chips out determines the “velocity” of the experiment.
– **Direct Hand-off:** Giving a chip to a person with a 15-second explanation of the project. This usually yields the highest return rate. This is our method of choice.
– **The “Pay it Forward” Method:** Give one person two chips—one to keep/return and one to pass to a stranger.
– **Passive Placement:** Leaving chips in high-traffic areas (libraries, coffee shops, park benches). This tests “findability” but has the lowest return rate.
Phase 4: The Return & Incentive System
People need a reason to bring the chip back.
| Incentive Type | Description | Pros |
| :— | :— | :— |
| **Gamification** | A leaderboard showing which “serial number” traveled the furthest. | Low cost, high engagement. |
| **Tangible Reward** | “Trade this chip for a free coffee/sticker/entry into a raffle.” | Highest return rate. | — If the project becomes effective, we will start to solicit donations to add to the reward system. These will be added to the web page.
| **Social Good** | “For every chip returned, we donate \$1 to [Local Charity].” | Build community goodwill. If the project becomes effective, we will start to request donations from the local businesses to match donations for the poker chip returns. These donations will go to a small list of charities that we provide. One being Kairos Prison Ministries.
Phase 5: Tracking & Analysis
Use a simple spreadsheet or a basic web dashboard to log data.
1. **Deployment Log:** Note the date, time, and location where each serial number was released.
2. **Check-in Points:** If using QR codes, log the GPS location (with permission) every time a chip is scanned.
3. **Return Log:** Record the date and “condition” of the chip when it returns. Did they write on it? Is it worn down?
Recommended Timeline (Starting Feb 2026)
– **Week 1:** Finalize design and tracking URL.
– **Week 2-3:** Engrave chips.
– **Week 4:** Official “Launch Day” distribution.
– **Month 2:** Data collection and mid-point “shout-outs” on social media to encourage returns.
– **Month 3:** Project conclusion and results shared with the community.
> **Legalities:** Ensure your landing page has a clear privacy policy stating that you are only collecting data for a social experiment.
Define what the goals are, how many are we expecting to have returned? What will we do with them when they are returned? What is the point of the project? What will we do with the information? Write the project description.