iNSPiRED PRACTiCE » Social Entrepreneurship

20 Take-Aways from re:Vision 2010

admin — Tue, 30 Mar 2010 14:07:28 +0000

It is now 2 days after re:Vision 2010 and I have had ample time to reflect (and get organized). These are my take-aways from the conference.

1. Grab talent from the audience.

Reject that invisible line that separates the “experts” from the “participants” at professional development gatherings. The re:Vision 2010 conference organizers saw value in grabbing talent for their program from the pool of amazing young social entrepreneurs attending the conference. The results were fantastic.

2. Adapt in ‘real time’.

Day 1 of the conference got to be a little too program-driven and structured. But organizers and volunteers listened to the feedback they were hearing from participants and changed the game plan to respond to our desire to simply connect and talk – allowing learning to happen organically. Very cool.

3. Pens are overrated.

Blue pens. Red pens. Any pens. Totally overrated. Use crayon instead.

4. I am not alone.

Hallelujah! During one of the workshop sessions, a tension surfaced that – when viewed in black and white – seemed insurmountable. But one participant shared the shades of grey – suggesting that there is always an opportunity to educate and influence. I truly believe this and it was especially heartening to hear it come out of someone else’s mouth for a change.

5. Awkward turtles are hilarious.

I can’t say anymore than that.

(Pictured above: The Biz Crew)

6. The people make the experience.

I think the people make EVERY experience. I met some rad folks at re:Vision 2010. Organizers. Gurus. Creators. Initiators. Agitators. Architects. Connectors. Innovators. I walked away having made truly meaningful connections.

7. We are all born motivated.

Motivation comes from within. It is useful to remember that when developing strategies to build a better world. Remove the barriers to accessing that motivation. (via Tim Higgins of In2:InThinking)

8. Two words: ‘elevator striptease’.

I have often struggled to find the words to communicate what I do in a succinct way. (Yes I am talking about the all-important elevator pitch.) And then I find myself frustrated with not being able to explain and maintain someone’s interest with only 30 seconds on the clock. I took a different approach at re:Vision 2010. I tested out an “elevator striptease” whereby I began with one overarching statement about what I do and then exposed more – little by little – using enticing language and examples. (via Kelly Parkinson of Copylicious)

9. Know your ABCs.

When it comes to connecting with PEOPLE, know your ABCs. Autonomous – people like to have their independence respected. Bigger – people want to feel that they belong to something bigger. Competent – people need to know that they are contributing their own knowledge, skills, experience, etc… and that it is valued. (via Tim Higgins of In2:InThinking)

10. We are here to ‘revolutionize the fishing industry’.

“Social entrepreneurs are not content just to give a fish or teach how to fish. They will not rest until they have revolutionized the fishing industry.” (Bill Drayton via Celia Cruz of Ashoka Canada)

11. There’s no one-stop shop.

I experienced the biggest reality check when it comes to looking for a mentor who gets both parts of the “social mission” and “enterprise” equation. They likely don’t exist. Duh. This is an emerging field. So quit waiting for the perfect person and grab as many people as possible from whom you can take different bits of learning. (via Mark Simpson of The Institute of Entrepreneurship & Community Innovation @George Brown College)

12. Everyone has her own sphere of influence.

When it comes to collaborating, you’d better have a serious framework for governance. Nothing kills an initiative faster than in-fighting. (via Tonya Surman of Centre for Social Innovation)

13. Never underestimate the power of 140 characters.

Need I say more tweeps?

14. Social ventures are sector agnostic.

Don’t get caught up in sectoral positioning. Most social ventures transcend boundaries of conventional sectors anyway. (via Cheryl May of Social Innovation Generation @MaRSDD)

15. You never know what can happen when the lights go out.

Although I was dead tired by the time Earth Hour rolled around on Saturday night, I ended up making three amazing connections with people NOT part of the re:Vision 2010 conference that I hope will grow into something bigger for iNSPiRED PRACTiCE down the road. You never know what will happen.

16. Share.

Be generous with others when sharing your network, energy and ideas and others will share alike.

17. Set your own schedule.

I didn’t worry about “missing out” on content at re:Vision 2010. If a conversation was taking place that seemed meaningful, I went with it. Sometimes the program isn’t as important as the people.

18. Soak up the inspiration.

Lots of great personal stories of people “living the dream”. Listen. Absorb.

19. Don’t flinch.

The trick to succeeding when playing Waffles is – don’t flinch.

20. Take advantage of free hugs.

People-huggers are what tree-huggers aspire to be.

re:Vision 2010

inspiredpractice — Mon, 01 Mar 2010 19:13:00 +0000

At this moment in time, I am buried under piles of…

receipts (tax season is upon us);
random writing implements;
prints of wedding photos;
notebooks full of scribbles, to-do lists and incredibly important life-changing ideas; and,
file folders reflecting the various projects I have on the go.

But before I become overwhelmed by the little things, I want to share with you something BIG.

On March 27 and 28, 2010 Young Social Entrepreneurs of Canada is hosting re:Vision 2010 which will bring together the top 100 young change makers in Ontario. I’m going to be there. Are you?

The program for this two-day conference looks packed and engaging. I will be introduced to a lot of new ways “doing” and “seeing”. But one of the BIGGEST things about this conference is something that isn’t necessarily scheduled into the program – the opportunities for collaboration, dialogue and innovation that will organically surface as people talk and connect.

Every day I try to reach out to businesses, organizations and networks of like mind and heart to enrich the communities in which I live, work and play. I fully appreciate the role that collaboration plays in social entrepreneurship and I am so excited to find an opportunity such as this one to connect with other young imaginative leaders who see and create different possibilities to build a better world. Participating in re:Vision 2010 allows us all (participants, speakers, coordinators, etc…) to make unique contributions via ideas and experience and collaboratively cultivate something new and profound. I look forward to supporting others in their development as social entrepreneurs just as much as they will support me in mine.

Interested? Apply now!

Sprout Redux

inspiredpractice — Sat, 27 Feb 2010 16:03:13 +0000

Last June 2009, I participated in the Sprout e-course – a project of Taking IT Global – as an e-mentor. This is a great course for emerging social entrepreneurs who want to test the waters in a structured environment with the support of a team of course leaders, facilitators, mentors and peers.

This is the Sprout story:

For over a decade, TakingITGlobal has worked to inspire, inform and involve young people in the process of developing a more inclusive, peaceful and sustainable world. That work has taken us to some of the far corners of the earth and into the lives of everyday heroes. The children, peasants, fastidious students, businesspeople, hip hop musicians, incredible teachers, break makers, computer programmers, graffiti artists and farmers, all united by a common vision for a better tomorrow.Never before have global challenges like the HIV/AIDS epidemic, environmental degradation, rising food insecurity and persistent human conflict loomed over a generation so pervasively. And despite the incalculable odds, these challenges are met head on each day in local communities across the world.

The Sprout e-course is for the brave, the courageous and the unstoppable young person who is ignited with an idea to create something better, more fair and just, more safe, more equitable, more healthy and more sustainable for all systems on earth. We do this beacuse we care.

Applications are being received for both participants and e-mentors now until March 14, 2010. Go here to apply!

Working at a Nonprofit Does Not Equal Social Change

inspiredpractice — Tue, 24 Nov 2009 03:31:19 +0000

In an attempt to plug myself into some thought provoking dialogue, I went back to an old stand-by - the Stanford Social Innovation Review Opinion Blog. I read this post by Rosetta Thurman and I must say, “Hallelujah!” Thank goodness somebody else gets it (I was beginning to feel alone…) I am sharing Ms. Thurman’s poignant discussion on what does and does not constitute changemaking.

I firmly believe that meaningful change and social good can be generated in a variety of arenas. It isn’t the sector that dictates that. I have had my share of experiences working in the purely non-profit sector and in some cases it is arguable that these organizations are even benefiting their own employees much less the communities they are designed to support. And that’s no good. (Let’s also be clear on this: ultimate change isn’t derived from an operating model that keeps our non-profit organizations entangled in a web of dependency. But that’s a much longer discussion. For another time.)

I like what Trabian has to say (referenced below in Thurman’s post). But I would like to take it a step further. Just as we should not confuse every nonprofit worker as necessarily a changemaker, we should not dismiss those of us working in a sector that straddles the lines of for-profit and non-profit, as mere mainstreamers here to maintain the status quo. Changemakers come in all shapes and sizes and with all sorts of perspectives and METHODS.

Working at a Nonprofit Does Not Equal Social Change (November 20, 2009)

Last week, Collen Dilen wrote a great blog post called, Does Writing a Check to a Nonprofit Equal Social Change? as a response to my November 11 radio show where I said that no, it did not.

It made me think of Penelope Trunk’s recent post pointing out that you don’t have to work in a nonprofit to do good. She also said that some nonprofits do more good than others. I took that to mean that some organizations produce more social change than others. The measures are arguable and I don’t think we’ll ever agree on them. But I do think that if you work in a nonprofit, you can tell pretty quickly whether your mission is being fulfilled and your community is being helped. Note that I did not say “served.” I said “helped.” Coordinating volunteers to serve food at a homeless shelter is much different to me than mobilizing volunteers to rally for legislation that would help get the homeless off the streets and into homes. That difference lies somewhere along the lines of what Archbishop Hélder Câmara famously said:

When I give food to the poor, they call me a saint. When I ask why the poor have no food, they call me a Communist.”
I think you must do both in order to effect social change. But we can argue about that, too.

You can also tell when a nonprofit was formed out of a founder’s hubris, and the mission is pure bullshit. I’ve met so many of these types who wanted to start a business, but thought it was easier to file as a tax-exempt organization under the guise of helping people. But the only people who get helped are themselves. Cash rules everything around them.

So yes, I agree with Penelope on that point. Just because you go to work at a place that the IRS has deemed tax-exempt doesn’t mean you’re effecting social change. Not just by collecting a paycheck, you aren’t. Not just by doing what you’re told to do and keeping your head down, you aren’t. Even if you call yourself a social entrepreneur, it doesn’t automatically mean you are effecting social change. There’s a lot more to it than that, and I think it depends on how you define the change you’re trying to bring about. If it’s to reduce poverty in your community, for instance, are you doing that in your current role? You could be the development director for a nonprofit whose mission is just that, but does the money you raise enable that mission to occur? Does the bulk of it go to serving that community in a way that truly improves it?

Trabian Shorters,Vice President for Communities Program at the Knight Foundation wrote a brilliant guest post on the Catherine B. Reynolds Foundation Program on Social Entrepreneurship blog last year. His view was that the term “social entrepreneur” means nothing.

I know that the many people who want to make social entrepreneurship a “field” say that we should have many levels of tolerance – from charismatic prodigy to nonprofit paper shuffler. Fine by me but let’s not confuse wage-making with changemaking.

Social change is NOT a field. It is a calling – a profession in the original meaning of the word. You may be called by your faith, your conscience, your ancestors, or your circumstances but the optimistic belief and integrity of a zealous changemaker (by whatever label) is vital to human progress. That makes it sacred.

We call our profession the nonprofit sector, with even more specific professions within that called fundraising, program management, volunteer coordination, etc. And I often see myself as supporting those that “do the work of social change.” But I agree wholeheartedly with Trabian that there is a distinction and we should not confuse every nonprofit employee with being a social changemaker. He puts it much better than I could:

The desire to simultaneously “make a difference” and “earn a living” is admirable and good – but you do have to prioritize one over the other. There is no “program” for social change nor a meaningful life. You must already have that desire kindled inside of you. It is the root of courage. For some, the desire to make a difference smolders and for others it burns. The rest are faking. Like any true love, it is impossible to embrace “social change” from a safe distance.

Think about that. No, really. If your aim is to come to the nonprofit sector to make a difference, have you chosen the right opportunities to allow you to do that? Was your aim to get a nonprofit job with a great salary or did your passion for the cause drive you to where you are now? Are you working in the nonprofit sector or are you effecting social change? Be honest with yourself. You can do both, but it’s not a given.

Kiva = unity

inspiredpractice — Fri, 08 May 2009 16:00:29 +0000

I love the impact of micro loans. An amount like $100 can go a long way to support an entrepreneur in say Cambodia for example and once re-paid, that same $100 can be moved around to an entrepreneur in Mali. But each time the loan money circulates (even within the context of the entrepreneur’s local economy) its impact multiplies.

I think this is perhaps one of the most powerful ways for people to lift themselves out of poverty, transform their lives, build community, support their families and change the world.

Let’s face it – donations are great and can be valuable in situations where seed money is needed or where micro loans do not exist. But most of the time (even here in Canada – just look at our non-profit sector) they create a relationship of dependency and then nothing ever really changes. There is a sense of ownership, pride and commitment that comes with being an entrepreneur. I should know.

Please join us in supporting entrepreneurship around the world. We have started an iNSPiRED PRACTiCE team. You can create a lender profile and when lending, you will be taken to the checkout basket and can have your loan count toward the iNSPiRED PRACTiCE team.

The Power of Unreasonable People

inspiredpractice — Wed, 04 Feb 2009 03:49:30 +0000

iNSPiRED PRACTiCE has long been a proponent of bending traditional definitions of non-profit and for-profit work. We have also been labeled “unreasonable”. This is a supreme compliment. According to George Bernard Shaw, “the reasonable man adapts himself to the world, the unreasonable one persists in trying to adapt the world to himself. Therefore all progress depends on the unreasonable man.” Well it’s about TIME somebody noticed!

There is a new book out called The Power of Unreasonable People: How Social Entrepreneurs Create Markets That Change the World – which is co-authored by Jonathan Elkington and Pamela Hartigan.

You may remember John Elkington is co-founder and chief entrepreneur at SustainAbility in the UK. He coined the phrase “triple bottom line” many moons ago and light years ahead of the rest of us. His initial foray into this field, like ours, was motivated by the desire to be involved in building a new order and not in critiquing the old one.

Pamela Hartigan, who was recently interviewed in a Social Innovation Conversations Network podcast, is how we came to hear of the book. We haven’t read it yet (so don’t spoil the ending!) but we would love to hear from those who have.

We resolve to…

inspiredpractice — Fri, 02 Jan 2009 21:01:46 +0000

The New Year often brings with it a huge list of resolutions. Starting again with a clean slate can be very empowering. But it is made better if reflection precedes it. iNSPiRED PRACTiCE has come up with a few New Year’s resolutions we’d like to share.

We resolve…

To place a greater emphasis on purchasing local and organic foods. In our recent work with the Organic Food Council of Manitoba, we were able to explore yet another dimension of food dialogue and learn about the first-hand impact of “buying local”. iNSPiRED PRACTiCE has never taken the “all or nothing” approach to conscious business practices or living for that matter – and so our resolution is to make the choices that make sense.
To monitor our energy and resource consumption. Sometimes we get to a point of complacency. But there are always more opportunities to save energy and in turn money. We are bouncing off the walls in anticipation of Ontario’s new Smart Meters. Our Toronto office is going to get a leg up this year with the implementation of Toronto Hydro’s Smart Meters. Our new meter has already been installed and with any luck, we will be switching over to time-of-use pricing before the end of 2009. Take a stroll down to 10 Smart Meter Lane and see how this new technology will help residents and small business owners conserve energy and save some green.
To spread the wealth. There are many items in our personal and professional existence that are perfectly good but no longer needed by us. These items could easily find new homes with new people. We are hoping to support the work of Inorganic Market by donating electronics for recycling when their collection events begin. In addition to in-kind donations, we have been saving up information on our cumulative carbon footprint so as to create a true offset that actually aims to convert our negative impact into a very positive one. Rather than paying for offsets where the money is disproportionate to the true impact, we are using the funds to purchase energy and water-saving devices for low-income families who might not otherwise be able to. This genius idea was one generated through the Social Planning Council of Winnipeg Environment Committee and we have borrowed it to do some great things for our communities in 2009. This is the Carbon Footprint assessment from one of our past iNSPiRED Events.
To blog more and share stories, ideas and the outcomes of our work in a more timely fashion. Life is busy. And so is work. But our goal with this blog is to keep things fresh and interesting. The blog was also designed to be a bit of a life line to the rest of the world. An invitation for dialogue and innovation.
To have a greater presence. Leaving a profound impression on the world, Nelson Mandela used Marianne Williamson’s words to address the very essence of our fifth resolution. “Your playing small doesn’t serve the world. There is nothing enlightened about shrinking so that other people won’t feel insecure around you…. As we let our own light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same.” We are keen to spread our reach to new people, communities, businesses, organizations and venues. So this year, we are going to hit the ground. Get our face, frog legs and frameworks for possibility out there and every where.

Are you wondering?

inspiredpractice — Fri, 11 Apr 2008 16:09:40 +0000

What have we been up to? (I get this question a lot.)

Absolutely everything under the sun! So here it is nearly 4 months in review.

JANUARY…was jam-packed with new energy and new ideas. We participated in the coordination of Leadership Winnipeg’s Community Forum - Dreaming a Dream of Winnipeg. For more details on the outcomes of the Forum, check this out.

And we welcomed aboard Jennifer Johnson, a Red River College Creative Communications Program student. She has worked with us as a Public Relations Specialist. Helping to get the word out about our projects and bring iNSPiRED PRACTiCE into the mainstream.

FEBRUARY…brought wonderful news of confirmed funds for the Children’s Health & Environment Partnership. Since 2006, Kristle has been working with this pioneering group to facilitate the effective advancement of children’s environmental health so that every child will have the opportunity to maximize his/her potential and be protected from the threat of environmental exposures.

MARCH…sprung the Happiness Challenge. Options for Success decided after a gloomy February, it was time to perk up and think positive. So that’s exactly what we did. And there was good reason to be happy since so many of the “seeds” we planted last year – began to sprout.

APRIL…has started off brilliantly. We helped the Workplace Integration of Newcomers project celebrate a successful Phase 1 – in true inspired-fashion. We designed and executed a planet-friendly event…which has launched us toward a fantastic new prospect. More details on this to come.

On our 1st birthday, Kristle co-hosted a Discovery Cafe with the Prairie Hub Cultivation Team to explore ideas and visions toward establishing a Hub in Winnipeg.

So what’s next?

We are working toward a few site visits this month for clients who have engaged us to conduct eco-audits. Only 1 year in and so much evolution has occurred in our communities and sectors. Kudos to us!

COMING UP IN MAY…Kristle will be in Peterborough from May 4 to 7 participating in the Authentic Leadership in Action Program hosted by the Shambhala Institute. Then it will be time to spend a few days working at our Toronto office (more news on this soon!). Finally, Deep Democracy will be coming to Winnipeg on May 26 & 27 – a revolutionary professional and self-development opportunity 2 years in the making. Don’t miss out – go to www.options4success.com for details.

The Prairie Hub

inspiredpractice — Sun, 27 Jan 2008 07:02:59 +0000

iNSPiRED PRACTiCE is supporting a new initiative to build community in Winnipeg. We are moving fast and furious to gather young and established social innovators to share and shape the future of the Prairie Hub. Take a look at our blog – The Hub Winnipeg - which contains our raison d’etre, values, and other information to introduce you to the Hub Network.

Don’t be a stranger! If you are interested in sharing your own ideas, growing the Hub and being a part of this community, drop us a line: thehub@inspiredpractice.com. Welcome!

i-genius r u?

inspiredpractice — Wed, 10 Oct 2007 01:59:26 +0000

i-genius is an online global community of social entrepreneurs. It seeks to offer resources and serendipitous interaction to a new generation of social innovators, social business and social enterprise. If nothing else, it will provide you with insights into the exceptional work being done all over the globe. In 2008, i-genius will host its first World Summit in Thailand. Taking a participatory and collaborative approach – the concept, format and design of the conference centres around social entrepreneurs leading the programme of activities. The four themes of the Summit include: opportunities for social entrepreneurs; communications and media; partnership building; and funding. Key criteria in coordinating the event focused on ensuring it models the principles of sustainability. Thailand was selected as the host country because of its “unique and inspirational culture” and because it is home to “one of the world’s most eco-friendly hotel resorts”.

For more information on the event and community, click here to be inspired!

Welcome to the Fourth Sector.

inspiredpractice — Fri, 28 Sep 2007 02:51:31 +0000

Yes we know about the public sector (government), the private sector (businesses) and the social sector (non-profit/non-governmental organizations). And now a fourth sector is emerging from the space in between – the for-benefit sector. So what is it?

“Like non-profits, For-Benefits can organize in pursuit of a wide range of social missions. Like for-profits, For-Benefits can generate a broad range of beneficial products and services that improve quality of life for consumers, create jobs, and contribute to the economy. For-Benefits seek to maximize benefits to all stakeholders, and 100% of the economic ‘profits’ they generate are invested to advance social purposes.”

Interested? A network, with origins in North Carolina’s Research Triangle, is underway to support and enable the development of rising for-benefit organizations.

What are the offerings?

*Meshing organizational mandates with personal ethics and community interests.

*Establishing a supportive framework with common standards, legal and tax structures, services, reporting protocols and training.

*Connecting with stakeholders, collaborating, and catalyzing new ventures.

Enviro-Safe Cleaning Worker Cooperative

inspiredpractice — Fri, 06 Apr 2007 04:42:14 +0000

Options for Success and iNSPiRED PRACTiCE are comprised of individuals who believe in collaborating in ways that create social value and build community. We are honoured to begin a mentoring relationship with the Enviro-Safe Cleaning Worker Cooperative – a social enterprise revolutionizing the cleaning industry through a philosophy of fair employment practices and caring for the earth. Our two companies have made a commitment to Enviro-Safe to provide in-kind coaching and financial support toward evolving their enterprise and building individual capacity. On April 4, 2007 as part of our iNSPiRED Success event, we made a special presentation to Enviro-Safe (represented by Musaghi Kizikilwa and Patrick Mutumbi) to symbolize our commitment in working together. We are looking forward to learning and growing in this collaborative venture.

To learn more about this initiative and how you can mentor and build the capacity of newcomers and social enterprises, please contact Eddie at eddie@options4success.com or Kristle at k@inspiredpractice.com

For information on the Cooperative’s services, please contact them at envirosafe2006@hotmail.com.