You own this site-- please tell us:

~What content will make it useful to your life?

~Is there a theme for an article, debate or online event you would like to participate in that you don't see today?

~Is there a certain article or publication you think should be featured?

K.L.SRIVASTAVA - Jun 3, 2003 7:06 am (#1 Total: 23)
Researcher and Consultant,Hyderabad,INDIA


I wish to congratulate and complement "Social Edge" team for their significant contribution for the cause of promoting happy, trusting, and prosperous communities around the world.

I wish to see some outstanding cases describing the background, motivations, challenges, struggles and achievements of social entrepreneurs on this site. I hope it will add to the value of information on this site.

Thank you.

tdipaola - Jun 3, 2003 4:29 pm (#2 Total: 23)


Great job on the launch!

I found the social sector soapbox category particularly stimulating due to the thought-provoking subject matter. Differing points of view and the friction they create will surely be at the heart of a successful online community. The intelligent and articulate debate catalyzed by the issues presented will definitely bring me back to SocialEdge.

-t

Keely Stevenson - Jul 5, 2003 12:39 pm (#3 Total: 23)
Royal Bafokeng Economic Board


Good day K.L. We will work hard to try to capture opportunities to discuss cases of social entrepreneurs and those working within their social change ecosystem. As you know, this summer is considered the beta/learning phase for Social Edge. After we gather our initial learnings, we will do a major launch in Sept/Oct with an online event focused on Social Entrepreneurship. From your comment above and your high-quality engagement in the discussions focused on Social Entrepreneurship, I thought you might have some ideas about what would make a good online event on social entrepreneurship.

What should the goals of a 2 week online event focused on social entrepreneurship be? Anyone else have suggestions for an event like this? What would you find helpful in terms of the learning objective? Who should be the hosts? How can we design this event so that it is valuable to you?

Steve Rudolph - Jun 23, 2003 10:34 pm (#4 Total: 23)
Director, Jiva


Kudos to the SocialEdge team for a well-designed, interactive space that fills a critical gap for the global non-profit community.

As for Jeff's question of "What will keep people coming back?", I feel some answers are:

1. The navigability of the site. SocialEdge scores well here. There are of course ways that it could become even more effective, but for version 1.0, you are off to a great start.

2. A dedicated host and genuinely motivated moderators. After reading the entries on the site over the past week, I was impressed that the creators and founders of the site are so involved in the postings. There are other social portals out there that I've encountered where the host has paid money to get the site developed. Then it hires (uninspired) moderators. It is no wonder why such sites don't attract many visitors.

3. It should be demand driven. It is critical to listen to what the users are saying, and to react accordingly. If the site is grown in an interactive and participatory manner, it will meet the community's needs and will automatically become widely used.

4. Focus. If you keep your focus on a particular community the exchanges will be much more meaningful. You should avoid the urge to keep adding on new angles, dimensions, and features all within SocialEdge, and allowing the site to become bloated. If over time, you find a need to address multiple communities, spin off a new site.

I'm sure there are many such points, but after having worked with online communities for a while, I find these to be some of the most critical.

I have no doubt that SocialEdge will continue to flourish by staying "on the edge". I hope to be able to contribute to the process, and look forward to participating in the discussions.

Best Wishes, Steve Rudolph Director Jiva www.jiva.org

Lisa Hempel - Jun 24, 2003 9:24 am (#5 Total: 23)
Sparkpr


I just read your meaningful post about what you think makes an online community work -- very helpful.

I'm interested in the issue you raise on maintaining focus. Do you think Social Edge would stray from its focus if we were to include specific areas for those members who have individual categories of interest such as healthcare, environment, education, etc.?

This has been something that we debate internally and some members raise as a potential area of expansion. I'm curious what your reaction is to this idea. I wonder if this type of categorization would enhance or detract from the shared learnings of the broader community?

Cheers.

Steve Rudolph - Jun 24, 2003 9:40 am (#6 Total: 23)
Director, Jiva


Hi Lisa,

You should try to ensure you don't become a victim of your own success, where the site just grows and grows, and becomes a virtual blob. I think the best sites are those that set parameters on how far the platform will go, and ensure that no matter how big it grows, it will manage to maintain itself. E-bay is a good example of such a platform. Users buy and sell stuff, all through self-created accounts and shops. The "organizers" can limit their involvement, as the community manages and monitors itself (with ratings/feedback).

If you go on creating more and more areas, the site could start to become unwieldy after some time, and impossible to manage in a centralized manner.

Think more about establishing parameters and tools that permit and encourage self-organization...

london calling - Jun 24, 2003 10:13 am (#7 Total: 23)


I couldn't agree more with you Steve... I think the best way for this is to start by keep forums together to begin with and then start to seperate once there is a solid community base.

In the end I could see Social Edge working very similar to eBay by having categories and more importantly, also being able to "resort" by regions so that those that are looking for answers/help/questions for a particular part of the world, can find the information they need.

Michael Chertok - Jun 24, 2003 6:39 pm (#8 Total: 23)


Steve, thanks for your thoughtful post with ideas about how to keep folks coming back to SocialEdge...several other posts have had nice ideas as well.

Simon, it's great to see how SocialEdge is already building connections between the organizations we're working with.

As moderator of the Social Sector Soapbox forum on SocialEdge, I think paying attention to what keeps us all engaged in this dialog is critical...not only do I want you to come back, but to use what you find here to make a difference in your work.

In that vein, I'd like to encourage some of you who are posting for the first time to take a look at the "My Social Edge" section of the site. You can register there to receive email messages with new posts on any conversation on SocialEdge site that interests you. I know I'm much more likely to stay engaged and follow the dialog when it appears periodically in my inbox!

Also, come check out the discussions in the Social Sector Soapbox...or start one of your own. In addition to the conversation about the CARE Act, we've been having a critical dialog about the McKinsey research that says there $100 billion that could be saved annually in the sector...and another about whether/how organizations in the sector should be rated by watchdog groups.

One more thing...if we're going to really make this a community, I want to know who you are! You've gotta look better than Consider uploading a digital pic of yourself if you haven't already.

Timothy Freundlich - Jun 23, 2003 11:39 pm (#9 Total: 23)
Director, Strategic Development, Calvert Social Investment Foundation


I think the issue of transactions is key. Door prizes aside...and best practice and shared experience are great, too, but...

If we can engage in the sharing of our social capital, that would be exciting. Our human capital of IP, talent, time and network and financial capital of grants and Program Related Investments...if this environment could incubate innovative and otherwise unlikely partnerships around the efficient flow of social capital into projects and enterprise...that would keep me coming back for more!

So much of the challenge of us all working in this space is that resources and ideas are so siloed. I for one crave environments that break down the barriers that tend to stand between different types of capital...

On doorprizes, off the top, my vote would be for re-regulation by the FCC - if that's something that can be offered it would be nice. Or an end to global warming. Or...

Best to all, Tim

Matthew Hamilton - Jun 24, 2003 8:34 am (#10 Total: 23)


Jeff -

I think one of the very useful things that Social Edge could contribute is a way to constructively create (and identify) "momentum" in the sector -- certain ideas, issues, themes, etc. that people and organizations can help push.

Right now a lot of this happens behind the scenes at various funder gatherings, and it's a game of who knows who. I'd like to see the conversation opened up, not as a place to make pitches, but to see what kinds of things gather traction and lead to real *actionable* possibilities.

- Matt Hamilton

K.L.SRIVASTAVA - Jul 10, 2003 9:12 am (#11 Total: 23)
Researcher and Consultant,Hyderabad,INDIA


Hello Keely, Thank you for seeking suggestions for the proposed online event for Social Edge. I believe that social entrepreneurship is an exciting field of knowledge and practice that offers immense potential for creating happiness and fulfilment for mankind in all parts of the world. I also feel that social entrepreneurship is a old practice that has not been systematically studied in any parts of the world. We are only beginning to understand the cultural, historical, spiritual, technological and other dimensions of SE. Given the importance and complexity of SE, we need to collect and synthesize different perspectives on this subject from different parts of the world.

In this context, I wish to suggest following topic for the proposed online event (discussion): "Harnessing social entrepreneurship for worldwide sustainable development: prospects and problems"

Obviously, this broad theme will have several sub-themes. My main consideration in suggesting this broad theme is that it will provide opportunity to discuss SE from several angles, and lead to improved understanding of potentials, institutional considerations as well as pitfalls.

We can think of other details later on. I shall be only too happy to offer further suggestions. Thanks. K.L.Srivastava

esther - Jul 30, 2003 1:28 pm (#12 Total: 23)
At Help, Heal & Learn


Keely Hi!

It have been unable to take part, so reading has taken up that time, it is great everyone had something valuable too contribute. I am with K L Srivastava, I think here, the journey of others and the barrier that they over came will give insight and incentive to those struggling and at time frustrated in the process unsure if they should pursue their goals.

I truly hope in the future, we get more responses from the business world. A friend of mine, has been in the business world forever and he, also is the top gun in a very large well visual, non- profit. He is brilliant in thinking and has a heart, he is exceptional. I am trying to encourage him to help by getting involved, as I am doing to other in places such as he is, we need to give a good sell to them they, normally don't get the non-profit pitch, I did not in the business world. There has to be a basic , balance out come that will benefit the world. So I fine less of the poor thing stuff, a little but, some of the truth in facts that is a person learns to read, if they have job opportunities, and if they are able to over come barrier they will active independence, leaving one less off the train of getting and they become a giver in a broad sense.

There are few exception that service is just getting them to live day to day, do to situations that are not correctable, that is understandable and you have needs for funds in this case a lot of what is happening to them is needed to get other involved.

I think the approach has to be on a personal level, get them where they can relate to the lost in what ever the social needs are, but also many times that social need is costing at another end, whether it is here in the US or over seas, and it is aid financially from our country and others. If we make them self providing we low the scale and balance it. In the same action we give wanted, needed, welcomed freedom from depending on other for their basic lives. Many business level people can relate better to the out come benefits.

I can tell you few truly want to live like that, emotional it is crippling, once productive, "they blossom". I am sure Simon Healy my friend at OrphanIT can testify to smiles and happier people, when they become financially free. I can testify here in the US being financially independent does make a person feel free. As with any other need social, reading, medical etc.....

Does the business community have more to add, you bet ya! They rarely have to think with their heart on the level that the social sector does, they deal with people yes, but they all have a job that ties in to peoples assets, or products, they are dealing with the public, but as the old saying , you do not have to go home with them, but you have to agree with them the customer is always right, does not mean your not, "hissing" when they leave.

In the Social Sector we do a completely different level of emotion dealing, most if not all of our clients ( are not customers) they are people in need, oppressed, suffering and in need of your heart the mushy stuff that come from you that says, it has to change, the passion the endless, sleepless hours, of thought. I don't not know about all of you, but when I am in the building phase as I am now, I wake up with thoughts at 3 AM and start the dragon up to dictate.

We all are driven by the need, that gift that says, I am not going to stop, until I can make it some better.

I will tell you something, 20 years ago, I would not volunteer for anything, nor my family. We had not been bite by the Passionate Bat, once bitten there is no return. They have to feel like they are a part of the cause and the solution to keep them hooked, giving them something to do.

I recently started a board for a task force mandate by the government I have business members and survivors and professionals we are very large and growing. I given out stuff to everyone to do, it take a town to raise a child. We are successful in raising because everyone feels needed. We need the business mines to help us bring other ways of raising funds, structuring differently and "maybe just maybe", we could ring a few in or get them involved for good. We need them in this financial time in history, we cannot just give up the mission.

Here's hoping we all gather our business friends and their talents. Bring them to Socialedge, and Socialedge be ready, ( this means all of us) to ask question, dig deep find out what there is that we could uses in growth, maybe it time for change for all of us, never losing sight for our dream for others, holding on to the passion, but reaching a new vision that will keep us all alive , financially and productive for the ones we help. Many diverse mines bring great results. Respectfully said, without them the dream would grow old. We have to trust on Socialedge and believe that we all strive for one goal universal that is to give opportunity to those that would never see it or taste the victory. In the end we make the world a better place. No one ever has to list the things I do, just let me leave here knowing I will be remember for caring to make it a better place. Maybe someone will pick up my dream for others.



Best to all at Socialedge, I enjoy reading all of your posting they have brought, thought, answers and laughter. The dogs just really were a gift at the right time. It is priceless to bring gifts from the mind. Esther

David Martin - Jul 30, 2003 11:25 pm (#13 Total: 23)
Researching & designing financial services for low-to-moderate income Americans


I have a couple of ideas, one is similar to what I think Timothy F. is alluding to. I have a vision that business models should become publically owned intellectual property, similar to the open source movement. How is this done? Simple, set up an area of the site where best practices can be shared and entire business models and/or business plans can be shared for regional/ local social entrepreneurs to peruse and connect on. Social Entrepreneurism has a huge advantage over pure play for-profit businesses in that replication (newest buzz term "going to scale") can happen inside OR outside the original organization, similar to the nonprofit world. Thus maximizing the triple bottom line will happen faster when we let go of our good ideas and give them over to the community--leading to better ideas, more interested parties and hopefully more robust social enterprises.

The latter part of this is also very important. Getting social enterprises to germinate does not necessarily involve the standard incubator approach. Good ideas coupled with a committed and talented local/regional community that trusts each other is enough...the Bay Area local talent pool of the people already posting on this site is proof enough. So then developing local / regional communities where people can meet face-to-face after they have logged off is also important.

esther - Jul 31, 2003 12:06 pm (#14 Total: 23)
At Help, Heal & Learn


David: I like that vision and I can only hope we get others on the wagon. Funding is not easily accessed these days. We need to look to new avenues in the future. We should prepare for what seems to be a bit of a tightening in spending.

The people we service need us to keep getting them to their goals. Never stop dreaming the dream, bring minds to the table can only do one thing, change the future. With that as the driving force, it will not only be a great challenge, but a pleasant and exciting adventure together. This will benefit all, I have always saw Socialedge as a opportunity to learn, give advice and grow.

P.S. I am in for it! Hope we get others to realizes this is a great opportunity.

Esther

Amanda - Aug 11, 2003 2:56 pm (#15 Total: 23)


Particularly, I am pleased to see that the Knowledge Vault is available for members to research and access various tools to enhance his or her understanding of a particular issue. Also, I recently visited the Social Sector Soapbox, and enjoyed it immensely. A wide variety of contemporary concerns are exhibited in this section, which encourages a versatile membership with versatile opinions. I am pleased to see this because I believe that learning from others is essential to growing as an individual, as well as growing as an organization. By their willingness to be open to suggestions, criticism and praise, Social Edge and the Skoll Foundation have established the framework necessary to pursue and achieve their goals.

My suggestion, however, is that it may be effective to place the discussions questions/issues as sub headings under a more broad, main heading. There are a number of manners in approaching this. For example, one method is to create topic specific headings such as: Environment, Education, Technology, Government, et cetera. This may enhance navigation and maintain a wide variety of discussion options, while simultaneously limiting certain discussions or content that might clutter the web site.

Once again, I am pleased to witness the extensive effort Social Edge and its members have exerted on behalf of social entrepreneurship. Thank you.

Amanda Marshall

Juliette - Aug 19, 2003 6:18 pm (#16 Total: 23)


Hello, Lisa - I am new to Social Edge, and saw your question regarding categorization.

As someone who has moderated community (primarily scholastic) bulletin boards for almost five years now, I have found that a broad range of topics does bring people in, but can sector off the discussions as people find their 'niches' and don't venture outside them.

One of the things I've done to try to reintegrate people in the past is to have a weekly post or board that is just 'announcement based' - something that will review all the topics offered on the site, as well as a list of upcoming events (something that can be received in email as well). This gives people a 'rundown' of what they can encounter, and has worked for me in the past - once-curious onlookers would eventually begin to browse the boards and post a bit more. I have found that they tend to appreciate knowing what else is going on - a bit of feeding, I suppose, but it tends to work.

I do like the idea of categories, because there are (and will be) people who will want to explore topics with greater depth. Events and announcements do help bring people up and out of their original focus, if they have a feeling for the organization as a whole, and appreciate the care and attention being given to the participants.

Good to meet you and everyone! - Juliette

Linda Nguyen - Aug 27, 2003 10:18 am (#17 Total: 23)


There is a good interview in this month's Harvard Business Review with Igbal Quadir, founder of GrameenPhone. It's refreshing to learn the perspectives of an entrepreneur leader on how and why the business community will pay attention to social need.

jenyuan - Aug 30, 2003 7:08 pm (#18 Total: 23)
Catholic Charities of Santa Clara County


So many members already! That's exciting. I'd love to find out how the membership breaks down, i.e. percentage from nonprofits vs business vs government, what state or country members are from, age, career status, etc. My interest is not in seeing the details for each individual member, so the data could be gathered anonymously. Rather, I'm curious as to who and where Social Edge participants are as a group.

My humble $.02. As a whole I'm quite impressed with the design and content of Social Edge.

Thanks, Jennifer Yuan

avidya - Sep 1, 2003 1:05 am (#19 Total: 23)


The members participating in the discussion threads have already provided a huge resource of information relating to social entrepreneurship projects. This is only the tip of the iceberg of data to come.

It would be great to have a system by which this body of knowledge could be organized for easy access by various communities of practice.

Aditi Vidyasagar

dilipindia - Sep 4, 2003 11:56 am (#20 Total: 23)
Associated with Ashoka foundation


This is exciting to find this arrangement.Thanks for the same.Can you provide some good article on Community/Community development urgently.

KAllen - Sep 10, 2003 1:02 pm (#21 Total: 23)


I found the variety of topics in the Social Sector Soapbox refreshing. I enjoyed reading through topics close to my heart, as well as, some issues that were new to me. I agree with Amanda's previous post, that the Knowledge Vault provides an easy to use tool to research topics of interest.

I hope to watch and be an active participant in the growth of Social Edge's Community.

force3 - Dec 4, 2003 7:45 pm (#22 Total: 23)
force3 ( forum for Creative entrepreneurship)


Micro-finance supports collateral free lending for development of micro-enterprise. It is tiny amount of lending in the hands of poor & weak citizen.... Most of which at times fail due to their entrepreneurial inexperience. Give thousands of blind men collateral free money to start a telecenter kiosk... if it doesn't work; given an option to starve or default on loan & tele-bills he choses to default & ultimately goes out of business & starves in the long run.... Money lent to an association of blind which in turn manages the chain of kiosk can very well retain the struggling member by helping him tide over the crisis. It can also institutionalize the mechanism & make available the power of collective bargaining.... I feel concept of Micro-finance needs to be expanded to involve micro-equity based funding so that one man or association of men is able to take care of or support or sustain several persons enterprise... Better impact with micro-equity funding which will help create several sustainable livelihood opportunities...

mathres - Apr 5, 2004 12:23 pm (#23 Total: 23)


I wanted to invite everyone to our second networking event on May 17th in London: www.susten8.com/london.html.

The evening event will connect organisations and individuals with an entrepreneurial approach to addressing issues of sustainability. The audience will include entrepreneurs and intrapreneurs, corporate venturers, consultants, investors, academics, innovators, scientists, public and third sector representatives cutting across industries.

Hope to see you all there!