Stories of nonprofit heroes and social change innovators

Celebrating those with big hearts who are challenging the status quo, a roundup from around the web

Millions lack access to running water. Is the solution hiding in plain sight?  How communities and nonprofits in the U.S. and around the world are finding impactful, bottom-up solutions for rain-catching in drought-ridden and extremely dry climates. “Our work is more about self-determination. This is for us and by us.” (Washington Post)

Technology breakthroughs: A team at George Mason University are harnessing AI to improve accessibility for those using American Sign Language,  to translate sign language into English. For example, to “improve the interface between hard of hearing people and their environment, whether that be when they’re communicating with Amazon’s Alexa or ordering at a restaurant counter.”

Healing and transforming lives: “One of the first (of many) teachings we share with our trainees of our 18-month program is that “you cannot demonize someone you know," a sentiment that explains how we expect formerly gang-involved individuals to work together. At Homeboy, we create an environment that supports our trainees (previously incarcerated and formerly gang-involved individuals), leading them to be the best they can be, to grow, change, thrive, and excel.”  An uplifting and inspiring example of an innovative nonprofit that we can all learn from, read more here.

What I’m reading

The Voltage Effect: How to Make Good Ideas Great and Great Ideas Scale, by economist John A. List.

What we can learn about the nuances of human behavior from field experiments. The book includes many examples from the nonprofit world, such as AARP, D.A.R.E., the Sierra Club, and educational experiments in schools in Chicago. Lessons include cautionary tales reminding us to be wary of what is trendy but ineffective, of false positives, and of bias, “when bad ideas are endorsed by influential people and institutions, they can be contagious.”

Leap of Reason: Managing to Outcomes in an Age of Scarcity, by philanthropist Mario Morino. Free on Kindle.

Always a sign that a book makes you think: lots of underlined passages and making comments in the margins. Morino, founder of Leap Ambassadors Community, has been on both sides of the fence as a philanthropist and as a nonprofit consultant. “We funders, in the name of “measurement” and “accountability,” are foisting unfunded, often simplistic, self-serving mandates on our grantees—rather than helping them define, create, and use the information they need to be disciplined managers.” A candid, practical and insightful book about nonprofit effectiveness, including both pitfalls to avoid, and practical advice that we can put into practice.

In case you missed it…

See my latest piece in Discourse Magazine, What We Can Learn From Those Who Are Building Civil Society?  There is often a fog of uncertainty with social problems. For example, how might nonprofit powerhouse Habitat for Humanity think through the social problem they are trying to solve?

Thrilled by the many touching reader reviews on Amazon and Goodreads. If you’ve read Innovation for Social Change, would you please consider leaving a review? So grateful for this community of social change innovators!

Image source: Unsplash, Towfiqu Barbhuiya