"What is a social entrepreneur?" Now that is a really difficult question. First, you have decide what an entrepreneur is. Then you have to decide what qualifies as social entrepreneurship.

Neither task is easy.

Defining Words Used by the Socially Conscious

by Geri Stengel on Dec 23, 2009 - 11:04am

Commentary / Opinion corporate social responsibility How To Motivated by Purpose non profit social change socially responsible

I’m issuing a challenge: define some of the phrases used by the socially conscious. My aim is to to help crystallize your thinking about the essence of making a social impact and your role in it. This is the first in five part series.

What is Your Definition of Corporate Social Responsibility?

by Geri Stengel on Dec 21, 2009 - 3:42pm

Commentary / Opinion definition of corporate social responsibility How To Motivated by Purpose Nonprofit Small Business Social Enterprise social responsibility socially responsible

Definitions of Phrases Making a Difference – One in a Series

How do you define corporate social responsibility? At the least prescriptive end of the spectrum, corporate social responsibility can be defined as doing no harm, following both the spirit and the letter of all regulations and, maybe, sponsoring a local Little League team.

Not bad, not too hard, but not really doing much to earn your stripes as a socially responsible corporation.

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Do You Have To Move Mountains or Is Kicking a Pebble Out of the Road Enough?

by Geri Stengel on Dec 16, 2009 - 12:24pm

Commentary / Opinion definition of social change How To social change

Definitions of Phrases Making a Difference – One in a Series

Sometimes we set standards that are so high, they discourage action. Do you have to make a life-changing difference in the community to be credited with having made a social change or is it enough that you don't add to the burdens of the community?

By Rethinking Design as “Design Thinking,” Organizations Become More Innovative

by Guest Blogger on Dec 15, 2009 - 11:01pm

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The world has finally realized that the way creative people think is a process that can be applied to problems throughout an organization, not just in the design department.

Social Responsibility Is a Winner at 2010 Vancouver Winter Olympics

by Geri Stengel on Dec 13, 2009 - 11:37pm

News non profit social enterprise social responsibility sustainability

When the Olympic torch is lit in Vancouver, Canada, on February 12, 2010, it will mark not only the beginning of the 2010 Winter Olympics but also a victory for social responsibility, inclusion, and environmental sustainability.

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Impact Investors: A New Source of Funding for Social Entrepreneurs

by Geri Stengel on Dec 9, 2009 - 12:41pm

Forecast / Prediction impact investing microfinance social enterprise social entrepreneur

Financial Ingenuity

Ingenious financial solutions to the world's social and environmental challenges are becoming a global force for change.

The microfinance movement started in the '70s in Bangladesh. By 2007, the microfinance industry provided $15 billion in microloans to 106 million of the world’s poorest families, according to the Microcredit Summit Campaign. The campaign was to reach 100 million of the world’s poorest families, especially the women of those families, with credit for self-employment and other financial and business services by the year 2005. That goal was very nearly reached and in November of 2006 the Campaign was extended to 2015 with two new goals: reach 175 million of the world's poorest people and ensure that 100 million families rise above earning $1 a day.

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A List for Santa that Will Make Everyone Smile

by Geri Stengel on Dec 4, 2009 - 6:43pm

charitable giving How To non profit leaders social entrepreneurs

Every year, organizations like Heifer International urge people to give their loved ones cows, goats or chickens that will be used to create a sustainable living for people in third-world countries.