How to Change the World
In India, where the streets are full of homeless children, a compassionate woman created a 24-hour toll free hotline to connect street children with food, shelter, medical care, safety and access to people who care. Who staffs the phone lines? Other children who have been saved from a life on the streets!
In South Africa, hundreds of thousands of people every year lie alone in their squallid homes dying of AIDS. Now, thanks to a wonderful nurse, some patients are being given home hospice care. Who would provide that kind of care? Young people once unemployed and hopeless, now trained to ease the pain and suffering of others!
In the U.S., thousands of low income high school students never make it to college because there is no one to show them how to apply or how to find funding. One man took action. His four-day College Summits offer help with college applications, essays, scholarship applications and financial aid forms. Of those who attend, 80% get into college!
In his new book, How to Change the World – Social Entrepreneurs and the Power of New Ideas, noted author David Bornstein, whose first book shared the story of the Grameen Bank and microfinance, offers a look at the inspirational individuals like these who have used their innovative ideas to change the world rather than accept the status quo. Bornstein describes them as “social entrepreneurs”, a term increasingly used interchangabley with “social enterprise” to describe those who combine creative innovation, corporate strategies and social awareness to address persistent problems.
The social entrepreneurial movement, evidenced in the phenomenal rise in non-governmental organizations worldwide, is being recognized for not only its ability to inspire individuals to join the ranks of those working for the Greater Good, but also for the success of the many initiatives. It is worth noting that thirty years ago, governments were the major players in serving the educational and economic needs of people around the world. Tribes, clubs and communities responded to social needs. Religious institutions completed the picture by offering spiritual support. A few philanthropic groups in the US and other western countries sought to fill the gaps of the needy and disenfranchised, but NGOs tended to be limited in scope and power.
Today things are vastly different. In the past three decades with an acceleration of late, both wealthy families and impassioned others have founded non-profit organizations to address social, economic, environmental, medical and human rights issues. In fact, some believe that with the rise in international communication and trade, these international groups hold the key to successful globalization in the future. For me, it is affirmation of many of the ideas of InSpiritry: community, compassion, creativity, collaboration, consilience and courage!
In How to Change the World, David Bornstein tells the inspirational stories of a dozen social entrepreneurs who have brought creative thinking to the problems that tugged at their hearts. I have mentioned three of them in my intro: Jeroo Billimoria, Veronica Khosa and J.B. Schramm. Others profiled by Bornstein include amazing women and men in Brazil, Hungary, Africa, the U.S. and India, all of whom have found ways to address difficult problems with innovative thinking and passionate determination. Ashoka, an organization started by social entrepreneur Bill Drayton, supports many of these pioneers with funding and networking. The book makes great storytelling, and Bornstein adds his own insightful thoughts on the social entrepreneur movement.
So what does social entrepreneurism mean for each of us? Maybe the start of something “good!”
- In your life, is there is a need that tugs on your heart strings?
- Do you have a great idea that won’t leave you alone?
- Are you ready to make a difference in the world?
Reading about David Bornstein’s heroes may be just what you need to be inspired to stop accepting the current situation and bring your own talents and energies to bear on the problems you care about most. Best of all, when we find a passion for the Greater Good – we inspire others! And if we all work together, who knows what is possible!
We Will Be A Blessing, when We Decide to Change the World!
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