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Social Entrepreneurs

This is a forum to connect social entrepreneurs and to post industry problems for group-think problem solving. See something in your industry that is holding you back, post it! The answer may be closer than you think. Are you a great problem solver who wants to change the world? Check back and offer your solutions! A great idea paired with resolve can change the world. Welcome to the Ark!

Network Leader: Jon Atkinson

Networks > Social Entrepreneurs

Demetra Allen I'm organizing a forum on entrepreneurship at my university.Does anyone have any suggestion on some unique/creative approaches to presenting the forum? Theme? Concept?

1 day ago from Social Entrepreneurs, Brazen Undergrads and Creatively Inspired 1 more

Tariq West: This organization run by my buddy @RickyYean at Stanford puts together some truly extraordinary forums and other events, maybe you'll find some ...MoreThis organization run by my buddy @RickyYean at Stanford puts together some truly extraordinary forums and other events, maybe you'll find some inspiration here: http://bases.stanford.edu/
1 day ago

Demetra Allen: Thanks Tariq.
1 day ago

Jon Atkinson We are trying to start an incubator for SE ventures in nola. Feels like incubator has been done. Any ideas for how to make this inovative?

22 weeks ago from Social Entrepreneurs

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Kim Campbell: Hmm, what other SE incubators, or business incubators in general exist in New Orleans? Once you know your competition, it may be easier to figure ...MoreHmm, what other SE incubators, or business incubators in general exist in New Orleans? Once you know your competition, it may be easier to figure out how you will differentiate yourself from them.
13 weeks ago

Molly Oehmichen: Hey Jon- I'm in nola and I've been looking into starting a non-profit specific incubator. The best example I've found has been Third Sector New ...MoreHey Jon- I'm in nola and I've been looking into starting a non-profit specific incubator. The best example I've found has been Third Sector New England (www.tsne.org). Basic idea is that there are so many non-profits in nola that could benefit from sharing resources and working together to create true change.
2 weeks ago

Emily Moore What are your thoughts on organizations like Project7.com -- which is NOT a 501(c)(3) but still works closely with charitable organizations -- do you think it is an exploitation of the compassion ...MoreWhat are your thoughts on organizations like Project7.com -- which is NOT a 501(c)(3) but still works closely with charitable organizations -- do you think it is an exploitation of the compassion of others for a profit or that it's an innovative way to make a charitable org more sustainable?

2 weeks ago from Social Entrepreneurs

Kim Campbell: I have a pretty business friendly orientation so I think it's taken too long for charitable organizations to adopt useful business principles into ...MoreI have a pretty business friendly orientation so I think it's taken too long for charitable organizations to adopt useful business principles into their approach to doing well. In what ways is it exploitative?
2 weeks ago

Emily Moore: Exploit was too strong of a word to use - but in the sense of knowing there is a charity market and structuring a way to turn a profit while ...MoreExploit was too strong of a word to use - but in the sense of knowing there is a charity market and structuring a way to turn a profit while satisfying customers' charity-wants.

I'm not as terribly business minded, but I do agree that over the next couple of years the organizations that survive the most are going to be those that are the most flexible and adaptable.
2 weeks ago

Stacy A question to the group: Do you think this area is taken over by too many people with a business background? Leaving out those with experience in public health, international aide and development.

3 weeks ago from Social Entrepreneurs

Kim Campbell: I feel so passionately about this, I'm going to go ahead and write a blog addressing this issue solely. No. This area isn't being taken over by ...MoreI feel so passionately about this, I'm going to go ahead and write a blog addressing this issue solely. No. This area isn't being taken over by people with business backgrounds, it exists because of them. The novelty in social enterprise didn't come from people wanting to do good things for others. It came from using capitalistic business principles to do so. People in public health and int'l aid have been doing good for decades. Business people are just applying the things that create efficiency in their fields to organizations geared towards solving problems.
3 weeks ago

Neeraj Bhushan: I think it is a healthy competition. :)
3 weeks ago

Elisabeth Ericson Can anyone recommend a film (fiction or documentary) where social enterprise is prominently featured? I'm planning an event at my university but am having trouble finding something suitable.

6 weeks ago from Social Entrepreneurs

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Kim Campbell: This may be good too.

MoreThis may be good too.

http://www.apowerfulnoise.org/
6 weeks ago

Elisabeth Ericson: Both of those look great-- thanks, Kim!
6 weeks ago

Demetra Allen Advice needed MoreAdvice needed http://estfall1988.com/2010/01/23/my-new-career-plan/. I've officially refocused my energy from pursuing a life of riches to pursuing a life of purpose.

7 weeks ago from Social Entrepreneurs

Kim Campbell So, I'm curious. For all you people in this group...why are you here? Are you a social entrepreneur? On your way to becoming one? Curious about the field? Following a Brazen Careerist you think is ...MoreSo, I'm curious. For all you people in this group...why are you here? Are you a social entrepreneur? On your way to becoming one? Curious about the field? Following a Brazen Careerist you think is cute? lol, what brings you to the group!

12 weeks ago from Social Entrepreneurs

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JR Moreau: I see advocacy as being a root of all social enterprises. Usually for those who cannot do so for themselves. Are there any other key attributes?
12 weeks ago

Jessica: I don't know if I'd consider myself a social entrepreneur at this point, but I certainly hope to become one someday! I'm currently working on ...MoreI don't know if I'd consider myself a social entrepreneur at this point, but I certainly hope to become one someday! I'm currently working on creating a Nonprofit Accelerator & Development Center, which is based on a social enterprise model. And in my everyday work as a Program Associate and consultant, I work with social entrepreneurs on a regular basis.
8 weeks ago

Kim Campbell Hey guys, do any of you know of great comprehensive websites for how to start social enterprises. I frequent skoll's site socialedge a lot but was curious to know if you all know any others.
MoreHey guys, do any of you know of great comprehensive websites for how to start social enterprises. I frequent skoll's site socialedge a lot but was curious to know if you all know any others.

www.socialedge.org

13 weeks ago from Social Entrepreneurs

Jessica: Some good resources are...Ashoka, the Social Enterprise Alliance and the Acumen Fund
12 weeks ago

Kim Campbell @Demetra, as someone with caribbean heritage who is american, I'm interested in building organizations to address problems both abroad and domestically. I think the building begins with the idea. ...More@Demetra, as someone with caribbean heritage who is american, I'm interested in building organizations to address problems both abroad and domestically. I think the building begins with the idea. Once you devise an approach to solving a particular problem in a community, it becomes a little easier to take the next step because then you can learn from people who are solving the same problem or are using the same approach you are. Do you have an idea of what your enterprise will adress?

13 weeks ago from Social Entrepreneurs

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Demetra Allen: @sarah: Thanks for the encouragement
13 weeks ago

Kim Campbell: Yeah, maybe finding a mentor who runs financial literacy programs would be helpful to because s/he could point you to some resources and smart ...MoreYeah, maybe finding a mentor who runs financial literacy programs would be helpful to because s/he could point you to some resources and smart approaches to getting your awesome idea started
13 weeks ago

Elisabeth Ericson Still in undergrad (Dartmouth), but interning at the Clinton Foundation in New York this fall and learning lots about market-based approaches to global health and economic development. Would love ...MoreStill in undergrad (Dartmouth), but interning at the Clinton Foundation in New York this fall and learning lots about market-based approaches to global health and economic development. Would love to pursue a career in the area, but feel a bit presumptuous opining on the subject when I've never traveled outside Europe and North America. Anybody have experience with or recommendations for worthwhile international volunteer ventures?

13 weeks ago from Social Entrepreneurs

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JR Moreau: No pity party here, but I've got 100k+ in student debt, which limited my options after graduation considerably. However I did find some ...MoreNo pity party here, but I've got 100k+ in student debt, which limited my options after graduation considerably. However I did find some interesting social work/community development opportunities that either covered my expenses or deffered my debt. I was a finalist for a fellowship at the Island Institute in Maine, which is an AMAZING program (domestic). I simply ask about these practical things because the path for someone with financial burden and someone who has no debt is different.
13 weeks ago

Sarah Hartley: For international development work it is great experience. At Volunteer Support Network we place volunteers with a number of economic development ...MoreFor international development work it is great experience. At Volunteer Support Network we place volunteers with a number of economic development organizations in Uganda, and many have used our fundraising guide to successfully cover their costs. www.volunteersupportnetwork.org. Or for a long term financially supported placement try Peace Corps or VSO.
13 weeks ago

Demetra Allen Question: I understand there are several global opportunities for students to get involved in social innovation. But how can you start a career in developing social innovation in the U.S. I mean ...MoreQuestion: I understand there are several global opportunities for students to get involved in social innovation. But how can you start a career in developing social innovation in the U.S. I mean where do you go after college to begin this course at home instead of abroad?

13 weeks ago from Social Entrepreneurs

JR Moreau: @Demetra, I mentioned this place earlier. Great resource. Check it out. Just one example.
More@Demetra, I mentioned this place earlier. Great resource. Check it out. Just one example.
http://www.islandinstitute.org/FellowsFAQs.php
http://www.workingwaterfront.com/articles/Island-Fellows-sought-for-comm...
13 weeks ago

Demetra Allen: Thanks for the links JR
13 weeks ago

Kim Campbell @JR nooo kidding! I am so jealous of my German boyfriend who has not payed nor borrowed a cent for his education, and he has a PhD. I think the debt I've incurred pursuing an education has further ...More@JR nooo kidding! I am so jealous of my German boyfriend who has not payed nor borrowed a cent for his education, and he has a PhD. I think the debt I've incurred pursuing an education has further incentivized me to be entrepreneurial. In my mind, it is the only viable way of earning enough to pay this off before I die. lol

13 weeks ago from Social Entrepreneurs

JR Moreau: @Kim, I seriously used to be so bitter about my student debt. Now I feel I've got less to lose and everything to gain. There are no more "secure" ...More@Kim, I seriously used to be so bitter about my student debt. Now I feel I've got less to lose and everything to gain. There are no more "secure" jobs or careers anymore for most of us. Middle management is a thing of the past(not that it was ever appealing). Might as well get creative and go for broke in your career, because if you do nothing, you'll wind up broke anyways! :-) and call me morbid, but there's nothing in any religions that says "thoult shalt not die with a poor FICO score" haha!
13 weeks ago

Elisabeth Ericson Kim, I can relate (I originally included my debt in this comment, but the sum is so large that I don't even want to mention it). My university offers some funding for volunteer work and public ...MoreKim, I can relate (I originally included my debt in this comment, but the sum is so large that I don't even want to mention it). My university offers some funding for volunteer work and public service internship, but those are extremely competitive grants, so I'll have to try my best and see what happens. Good luck with your Think Impact application, and thanks very much for the links!

13 weeks ago from Social Entrepreneurs

Kim Campbell: No problem. :)
13 weeks ago

JR Moreau: Elizabeth and Kim, I think the opportunities are there for funding and creative placement. Epecially if you're able to separate yourself from the ...MoreElizabeth and Kim, I think the opportunities are there for funding and creative placement. Epecially if you're able to separate yourself from the pack with some sort of personal branding that says "I've got the academic chops to be competent AND I've some some flair and style." I'd definitely network as much as you possibly can with people doing the type of work that you want to do. Ask questions, be annoying and you never know what kind of things you'll find out.
13 weeks ago

Kim Campbell Am I the only one crazy enough to try to get a nonprofit/soc enterprise idea off the ground instead of going to grad school?

26 weeks ago from Social Entrepreneurs

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Neema Syovata: Plus Columbia and Harvard have really good Social Enterprise programs. So the experience will help you in the future to get into grad school.
17 weeks ago

Kim Campbell: Thanks so much for responding guys! These comments encourage me to take the leap!
@ Alyea and Jon that is my thinking too. the practical ...MoreThanks so much for responding guys! These comments encourage me to take the leap!
@ Alyea and Jon that is my thinking too. the practical experience will better inform my academic focus in Bschool
@ Demetra I think meeting burgeoning AND experienced social entrepreneurs will totally help in this regard. I'm going to start looking for mentors soon
@ Neema, Stanford has an incredible social enterprise arm. That's a dream school destination for sure. But not an immediate priority for me right now.
13 weeks ago

Kim Campbell I'm an aspiring social entrepreneur hoping to meet others who are part of this movement.

26 weeks ago from Social Entrepreneurs