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

Can we challenge the status quo of what a homeless shelter looks like? Pro bono architects and designers are radically reimagining shelters and  experimenting with  trauma-informed design.  “Severe stress can literally change the brain, affecting memory, coping skills and abilities to regulate emotions. Aware of just how much the physical environment can shape people’s lives, more architects are starting to rethink how they design homeless shelters and spaces such as prisons and foster care centers.”  Story and see beautiful photos in the Guardian (hat tip to Chronicle of Philanthropy).  Bravo!

Filling a market need while building skills, a New Jersey prep school serving at-risk youth identifies an opportunity to address the life guard shortage. “Trained students have gone on to work at swimming centers in the area, including Newark’s Ironbound Recreation Center, DreamWorks Water Park and Central Playground Pool in Orange.” I first learned about the relentlessly innovative St. Benedict’s Prep School when researching my book and have been following them with admiration ever since.  Read the story in NewJersey.com  

“We knew we wanted to create a culture of builders—people who are curious, explorers.” Can we translate and adapt Amazon’s leadership principles to our nonprofit workplace? What do you think?  If you enjoy nerding out on all things workplace effectiveness and innovation, then you will love this insightful blog by Sheril Mathews.

What I’ve been up to:

Book tour! I’m inspired by meeting so many people with big hearts who are committed to solving social problems.

Still find myself on a high after 3 inspiring days with university center leaders and academic entrepreneurs! I am in awe of their passion for students and ideas to make the world a better place. What a treat to ideate alongside old friends and new (and speak on a keynote panel with Dr. Lyall Swim and Josh Hall)! Special thanks to Mercatus Center at George Mason University Ben Klutsey, Devin Scanlon and so many others for putting together the best Summit yet.

What's your superpower? What are your unique gifts and skills? It was my privilege to speak with a group of entrepreneurial and curious social change innovators who are part of the Stand Together alumni group. Special thanks to the Stand Together community, Ashley Connelly, and Jeff Proctor for hosting!

This inspiring group of social changemaking organizations in California have invited me to speak about the book in a 1-hour virtual webinar on Friday August 24 (3 pm EST, 12 PT), no registration required, zoom link here.  I hope you can join us!

If you are heading to the annual Cause Camp Nonprofit Conference in September in Sandusky Ohio, be sure swing by the pop-up bookstore where you’ll find Innovation for Social Change.

I’m thrilled to get to speak about the book at the Acton Institute lunch series, on September 19.  Click the link to register to attend in person in Grand Rapids, Michigan, or participate in the free livestream.  Special thanks to Dan Churchwell for hosting!

On October 21 I’ll be speaking at the American Fundraising Professionals “Lead” Annual Conference in Philadelphia,  “How to spark innovation and energize your nonprofit team: design thinking tools.”

Pleased to learn that Innovation for Social Change is now in in 268 libraries worldwide.  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