“Networked individuals are good at starting things, but the jury is still out on how effective they are at maintaining services over time. And while there are more Internet connected devices on the planet than there are people, not everyone … Continue reading
Blog Archives
Friday’s Thoughts: Once on the Edge; Now Mainstream
“The social economy frame is intended to help us see the full range of business ventures, charitable efforts, philanthropy, and investment capital geared toward producing positive social results. The slow spread of alternative corporate forms (B corporations and L3Cs), the … Continue reading
Friday’s Thoughts: Defining the Social Sector
The social sector is no longer the purview of philanthropy and nonprofits. Social businesses, informal networks, crowdfunded prototypes, and social investments are all part of the mix. We cannot define the social sector by the enterprise form (nonprofit), or type … Continue reading
Friday’s Thoughts: Shifting How We Organize
The mutually reinforcing and accelerating nature of these technologies is shifting the center of gravity in how we organize as a society. Institutions—both formal, such as schools, and informal, such as families—were once at the center of our societies. Now … Continue reading
Friday’s Thoughts: “…there is plenty left to do…”
2 RepliesFrom the inside, well-meaning foundation leaders and staff try to make things easier. They streamline the process… They assess themselves on their responsiveness to applicants and make real efforts to be more available, visible, and helpful. Wouldn’t it be better … Continue reading
Facilitate, Don’t Lead
3 Replies
I have been thinking a lot about leadership lately. Not just my own as I try to grow UnSectored into a platform worthy of our community, but about what it means to lead in a society that is more open … Continue reading
Dark Energy of Social Change: Blueprint 2012
2 Replies
Labeling Lucy Bernholz’s Blueprint 2012 as an industry forecast for philanthropy and social investing is selling it short. Its slim 40 pages are relevant to anyone interested in where social change is at now, where it will be next year, and where … Continue reading
Turning the Dials on an Outdated System
5 Replies
I benefit from the dysfunction of the social sector. Anyone who is employed by a nonprofit does. Nonprofit funding is very donor-driven and subject to the whims of major donors and foundations. This creates a capital stream that is fragmented … Continue reading
