2005 — Social Edge

Berkeley MBA Afghan Music Project: Digital Media Meets Traditional Art

Two Berkeley MBA students, inspired by the rich sounds of Afghanistan and the tragic plight of its people, embarked on a digital recording mission to the country last summer, which has now resulted in the release of their 11-song album of traditional Afghan music, called Afghan Music Project.

The team, Adam Gouttierre and Chris Becherer, both Berkeley MBA 06, traveled to Kabul, Afghanistan, to record folk musicians in a time rife with civil unrest, which included riots and frequent kidnappings of Westerners. The students chronicled the trip through their blog.

The Afghan Music Project, now available for download through 40 online music stores, including Apple’s iTunes and Real’s Rhapsody, was made possible with the help of a fellowship from the Haas School's Clausen Center for International Business and Policy.

The initial idea for the project came to Gouttierre and Becherer on their first-year MBA tech treks to technology companies in the San Francisco Bay Area, when the two fledgling musicians realized just how easy it is to make digital recordings and to distribute them over the Internet.

All proceeds from the project will fund Afghani music teachers in Kabul, who will teach music education to youth, particularly young women. According to the team, just 600 song downloads (or 60 album sales) will fund one teacher's salary for an entire year.

Learn more about the project and how to buy the album

Innovation Summit

The Innovation Funders Network, a network of funders who seek to strengthen nonprofits and improve the lives of people worldwide through the innovative use of information and communication technology, will hold its 2006 summit January 30–31, 2006, in San Francisco.

The theme is Networks, Innovation and Social Change.

Attendees will learn from funders and nonprofits who have innovative ways of carrying out their social missions and explore emerging ideas and opportunities that should be on every funder’s radar, such as social entrepreneurship, collaboration, network-based grantmaking and online organizing.

Keynote speakers will be Lawrence Lessig, author, legal scholar and founder of Creative Commons; and Howard Rheingold, author of Smart Mobs. Victor d'Allant, executive director of Social Edge, will also be a speaker

If you are a funder or social investor, click here to register.

The Purpose Prize

Civic Ventures, an organization working to help the U.S. achieve the greatest return on experience, announces the Purpose Prize: five $100,000 investments in Americans over 60 whose creativity, talent and experience are transforming the way the U.S. addresses critical social problems. To nominate someone you know or to apply yourself, click here.

Leo Burnett is seeking a non-profit organization...

Advertising agency Leo Burnett USA, whose clients include Walt Disney, McDonald’s and Kellogg’s, is seeking a nonprofit organization to grow into a powerful and recognized brand. Read the announcement.

Echoing Green Offers up to $90,000 in Seed Funding

WANTED: VISIONARIES OF SOCIAL CHANGE

Echoing Green seeks world's best new social change entrepreneurs!

Fellowship offers up to $90,000 in seed funding to build effective organizations.

The global nonprofit organization Echoing Green has opened its search for social change entrepreneurs with powerful new ideas for creating innovative nonprofit organizations and social-mission businesses. Through the prestigious two-year Echoing Green Fellowship, emerging visionaries receive up to $90,000 in seed funding, obtain health insurance and gain in Echoing Green a mentor that will help them build organizations that address the root causes of society's seemingly intractable problems.

Echoing Green identifies, funds and supports some of the world's most extraordinary social change entrepreneurs and their organizations. Through its fellowship program, Echoing Green helps these leaders develop new solutions to society's deepest problems in diverse areas including education, health, housing, civil and human rights, the environment, economic development and the arts.

To apply for the 2006 Echoing Green Fellowship, visit www.echoinggreen.org. Leaders over the age of 18 from any nation, working in any field are eligible to apply for the fellowship. The application deadline is December 1st, 2005. For questions about the application process, email apply@echoinggreen.org.

About Echoing Green

Echoing Green has invested over $22 million to help 400 leaders create positive change in 30 countries. Seventy-seven percent of organizations launched by Echoing Green Fellows are still thriving today, and eighty-five percent of all fellows stay in leadership positions within the social sector. From fostering the development of the criminal justice defense systems in China, Vietnam and Cambodia to providing affordable health insurance to freelance workers in New York City, Echoing Green Fellows have launched model organizations around the world. For more information, visit www.echoinggreen.org.

To read about the 2005 Echoing Green Fellows, visit www.echoinggreen.org/2005fellows.

Craigslist Foundation's Nonprofit Boot Camp Networking Reception

Social Edge would like to invite you to Join 1,300 rising nonprofit stars at a Networking Reception on October 8, 6-9PM at the Bill Graham Civic Auditorium in San Francisco, CA. The reception is designed to forge connections between emerging nonprofit leaders and those who can inspire and support them.

Enjoy cocktails and hors d'oeuvres as San Francisco Mayor Gavin Newsom joins Bay Area mayors and elected officials to proclaim "Nonprofit Appreciation Day." Speakers will include Craigslist Customer Service Rep & Founder Craig Newmark and Glide Memorial's Reverend Cecil Williams & Janice Mirikitani. The evening will close with a private concert.

Honorary Reception Co-Chairs include House Minority Leader Representative Rep. Nancy Pelosi, Senator Barbara Boxer, Congresswoman Barbara Lee, Assemblyman Mark Leno, Founder of the Well & Seva Foundation Larry Brilliant and environmental activist Julia Butterfly Hill. Guests will include philanthropists, business leaders, grant makers, politicians and nonprofit executives.

The Reception marks the conclusion of Craigslist Foundation's Nonprofit Boot Camp, presented by Acteva. For further information see: http://www.craigslistfoundation.org/bootcamp.html

Tickets are normally $100 per person, but Craigslist Foundation has offered a special discount of 50% to Social Edge members. Discounted tickets can be purchased for $50 per person at:

http://www.acteva.com/booking.cfm?bevaid=95745

For more information about the event or sponsorship opportunities, email info@craigslistfoundation.org or call 415-391-2630.

Craigslist Foundation Nonprofit Boot Camp- Saturday 8 October, San Francisco

Join over 1,300 emerging nonprofit leaders at Craigslist Foundation's 2nd annual Nonprofit Boot Camp. Get educated in all aspects of successfully starting and running a nonprofit, find inspiration and get connected with peers and valuable resources.

With a choice of 30 seminars, workshops and panels, an Exhibit Hall filled with 50+ organizations that serve the nonprofit community, a Networking Reception for graduates to mingle with potential supporters, and speakers such as Craigslist Customer Service Rep & Founder Craig Newmark, Glide's Reverend Cecil Williams and Garage.com's Guy Kawasaki, Boot Camp 2005 will have a profound impact on nonprofits in the Bay Area and beyond

Registration is only $50 and includes the conference and Networking Reception, as well as breakfast, lunch and dinner. In addition, registrants will receive ongoing monthly access to free lunches with experts in nonprofit fields. Register online at www.acteva.com/go/craigslist. For more information go to www.craigslistfoundation.org or call 415-637-5062.

Social Edge in Dallas News today!

In the article "Mind Over Magic: Let's nurture the Harry Potter creative spark", Dallas News illustrates how the energy behind the Harry Potter phenomenon can and should be harnessed for public good. The article states:

Whether by accident or design, the books have become a vehicle for a worldwide outburst of collective storytelling. By virtue of extending the story across seven volumes, author J.K. Rowling has opened the door for fans to imagine for themselves how it will develop, and they've seized the opportunity.

So what? Well, in itself, so nothing. But think what might happen if someone marshaled that kind of creative energy to imagine answers to questions that do matter: say, ending terrorism or poverty.

The article goes on to say how story telling is being harnesses by marketers to employ a more effective message. The article closes as follows:

You'd have to call eBay founder Jeff Skoll a pretty smart marketer. Well, he's also a philanthropist, and among his ventures is a Web site designed to "connect social entrepreneurs, their partners and allies to discuss cutting-edge issues shaping the field."

It's fair to assume that, as of today, the Potter sites generate more traffic than Mr. Skoll's does. But who knows? Today, www.mugglenet.com ; tomorrow, www.socialedge.org.

To read the full article, click here (free registration required).

Alex's Lemonade Stand For Pediatric Cancer

From alexslemonade.com: Alexandra "Alex" Scott was the 8 year old founder of Alex's Lemonade Stand For Pediatric Cancer Research. Two days before her first birthday she was diagnosed with neuroblastoma, an aggressive childhood cancer. At the age of four, Alex decided to do something to make that cure more likely. She opened her first lemonade stand in July of 2000 with the idea of donating the proceeds to "her hospital." Each year since, Alex has held an annual lemonade stand in her front yard. As word has spread, donations have poured in from around the world, and she has raised over $2,500,000 for pediatric cancer.

Learn more about this couragous little girl at Alex's Lemonade Stand.

What is the G8?

The Group of Eight (G8) is the coalition of eight of the world's leading industrialized nations: France, Germany (West Germany to 1990), Italy, Japan, the United Kingdom, the United States, (the G6, 1975), Canada (the G7, 1976), and Russia (not participating in all events), as well as the European Union. The hallmark of the G8 is an annual economic and political summit (G8 Summit) of the heads of government with international officials, though there are numerous subsidiary meetings and policy research.

From Wikipedia.org

Education Resources Information Center (ERIC)

The Education Resources Information Center (ERIC) is sponsored by the U.S. Department of Education and produces a wealth of journals and literature on a wide range of educational topics. ERIC used to sponsor clearinghouses on topics like Math and Science, Elementary and Early Childhood Education, Disabilities and Gifted Education, and more. These have lost their funding, although many of the host organizations are continuing in some form.

To learn how to access articles or to be referred to a specific contact go to www.eric.ed.gov or 800-LET-ERIC.

Click here to learn how to contact a clearinghouse.

Background Notes on the Countries of the World

Going to a country where you’ve never been before? Background Notes on the Countries of the World is a series of short, factual pamphlets with information on the country's land, people, history, government, political conditions, economy, foreign relations and U.S. Foreign policy. Each pamphlet also includes a factual profile, brief travel notes, a country map and a reading list.

Public Affairs Bureau
U.S. Department of State
2201 C St., NW
Washington, DC 20520
202-647-4000

http://www.state.gov/r/pa/ei/bgn/

Room to Read is Hiring

Room to Read is hiring for two new positions in their San Francisco office, located in the Presidio. If you are ambitious and eager and want to change the world through the lifelong gift of education, Room to Read may have your dream job!

The job descriptions for two newly-created positions (Development Associate and Finance/Accounting Associate) are linked from the Room to Read home page at: www.roomtoread.org

The Room to Read work environment is results-oriented while also encouraging a culture of athletics, humor, and very strong teamwork.

Direct Relief International

Since 1948, Direct Relief International has worked to improve the quality of life for people in need. They focus on health – by providing essential material resources to locally run health programs in poor areas around the world and during times of disaster.

Direct Relief International is a non-profit, non-political and non-sectarian organization that provides assistance without regard to race, ethnicity, political or religious affiliation, gender, or ability to pay. They are committed to making every dollar count – less than 1% of our support goes to administrative and fundraising expenses.

World Travel Tips

Many social entrepreneurs spend an inordinate amount of time traveling around the globe. Are you traveling to a developing country? Or just taking a leisure trip abroad? World Travel Tips is a resource for general information, top destinations and informative tips for travel to countries around the world. Share and discuss your own world travels, publish your personal travel information, upload photos and add your own travel tips.

http://www.worldtraveltips.net/

Bush Administration Gags Advocacy Voice of International Nonprofits

On January 22nd, George W. Bush signed an executive memo that forbids any international family planning organization that receives federal funds to talk about abortion. The order bans these groups from providing abortions, counselling women on abortion, and advocating for changes in abortion law, even with their own private funds. Thus, if a group receives federal funds, either directly from the US Agency for International Development (USAID) or through a US based organization, it cannot spend its own funds on these family planning activities.

Does this decision affect your organization? Is this overstepping the bounds of legislative authority? Click here to discuss on Social Edge!

How to End Human Trafficking

In the United States in 2002, brothers Juan and Ramiro Ramos, along with their cousin Jose Luis Ramos, were cumulatively sentenced to 34 years in prison for transporting Mexicans to Florida to work as enslaved fruit pickers. At least 700 workers were held in the well-guarded camps . . .

The Changemakers Innovation Awards recognize the best social change strategies that emerge from "open source" competitions hosted here every two months. Each competition cycle identifies and refines solutions to a pressing global problem.

To learn more about the program, and to vote on the compelling contest entries, visit www.changemakers.net.

Schwarzenegger Terra-ized by TerraPass

Americans love their cars dearly and the independence they bring. They drive to work, honk at other Americans in traffic, and drive home again. They drive to the mall, they drive to go bowling, they drive to buy Pez and, when convenient, drive to pick up the mail.

And when they get out of their cars, they try to ignore the fact that they can no longer see the sky through the quickly thickening blanket of smog.

This is why a paradox exists for many Americans: cars are bad for the environment. And while many would like to do something about it, giving up their means of transportation is simply out of the question. Even Austrian-born American Arnold Schwarzenegger, in a recent act of manic inspiration, had one of his eight environment-busting Hummers converted to hydrogen power at a cost of $100,000.

What is TerraPass?

For a fee between $30 and $80 per gasoline-powered car, Americans can assuage the guilt of owning a gas-guzzling beast. The money goes to fund renewable energy resources, thus “wiping away” the individual impact of the vehicle upon the environment.

Does TerraPass make make sense? Let us know what you think!

Social Edge Wins Bronze in 2005 Wilmer Shields Rich Awards

The Social Edge team is proud to announce that the Social Edge newsletter received a Bronze Award in the Newsletters category in the 2005 Wilmer Shields Rich Awards for Excellence in Communications program!

Sponsored by the Council on Foundations, the awards program recognizes effective communications efforts to increase public awareness of foundations and corporate giving programs. "The work submitted by The Skoll Foundation demonstrates its commitment to public accountability and effective communications and serves as a model of excellence for other grantmakers," stated Dorothy S. Ridings, President and CEO of Council on Foundations.

The Social Edge team would like to thank the Council on Foundations for this award and the Social Edge community for all the feedback and support you have given us!

Marketing for Community-Based Social Enterprise

Social Entrepreneur Workshop:
Marketing for Community-Based Social Enterprise
Hosted by Paul Lamb
Through February 22

Getting the word out to customers about products and services is a major challenge for small and medium-size social enterprises. These challenges include the lack of a sizeable marketing budget and how to clearly identify and position oneself within an appropriate target market. The added dilemma of whether to market to socially conscious customers (what some call playing up on the “pity factor”) versus marketing purely as a competitive business can powerfully impact marketing decisions and results.

This session will look at some of the unique marketing challenges that social enterprises face and offer practical suggestions for effectively marketing products and services on the ground through a variety of currently available advertising channels.