“Tactics of Hope” is a book written by social entrepreneurs for social entrepreneurs. It contains stories of people just like you and I who have committed to making a living by making a difference.
The Tactics of Hope website will assist you to strategically mapping out a personal plan to cause total transformation in your world.
If you have an idea that can make a difference or change the world get started today! Enjoy this short video and the check out the website for Tactics of Hope.
Aug 26
Traditionally speaking, it is quite uncommon to find the words “spirituality” and “business” used in the same sentence. I would suggest that the separation of church and state or anything considered not church along with the church’s often condemning view of those with money (even thought they often control most of it and don’t pay taxes) is the cause of this.
However, in the most commonly read spiritual book in America, the Bible, scholars suggest that the word money and its derivatives are mentioned more than 140 times.
So…lets think for a moment.
The bible is a book of spirituality. Money is a means of exchange in the world of business and commerce and is discussed heavily in this book. Looks like a connection between spirituality and money to me.
So maybe Christianity isn’t your religious flavor…that’s cool. My point is that every spiritual book and teacher talked about money and business, recommended practices regarding both, and/or benefited from both in one way or another.
The Buddha visited other people’s house and ate their food in order to sustain himself. I would imagine that all of the villagers who gave him food paid for it with the money they earned from some form of commerce.
I think you get the point.
What I’m getting at is that spirituality or the effort to raise one consciousness regarding one’s essence as it relates to the divine and others is an important element of commerce.
While this truth has existed for centuries business and spirituality are experiencing a new emergence is western culture and throughout the world.
We are beginning to see the “whole” or the “oneness” of it all.
More and more people are looking for ways to make an honest living and a lasting difference in the world.
Until a few years ago I had never heard of a social venture capital fund (i.e. organizations that only lend money to people starting enterprises that make a difference).
In my experience, the young adults of generation X and Y both express their disappointment with corporations that destroys the environment and the lives of workers for a buck.
Additionally, They openly express regret with their once hippy parents for supporting such establishments with years of labor often to the detriment of their own family.
These generations expect more.
Take a look at the advertisements, everything is “green” and everyone wants to take “holistic” or natural approaches to everything.
(tooth paste, chiropractic care, feminine products, garbage removal, chairs, energy, homes, etc)
Consider the TV shows airing (Oprah’s “Big Give” - which was a big flop unfortunately and “The Philanthropist” are two examples).
Don’t forget the many websites and blogs like this one that are devoted to making a difference.
I believe the world is waking up and individuals are looking for the unity in all.
The statement “God” (or The Light, the endless one, Elohim, Buddha, The Universe, take your pick) is One is no longer reserved for inner sanctum of churches, mosque and synagogues.
Instead, it is a statement that beckons all of us to look within for our “god like-ness” and to be love in action in all areas of life…including business.
So exactly where does one go to learn how to change the world? Really, anywhere in the world he or she chooses.
There are several opportunities to learn about Social Entrepreneurship by finding and filling needs in your own neighborhood.
SE Education is more about being in action and creating results as opposed to simply passively hoping some great guru will come along and teach you something.
In all reality, the world doesn’t need “changing” because there is nothing “wrong” or “right” about it. The world just is…period. As a SE your work is to assist others in find opportunities that allow them to fulfill on the dreams, goals, and desires that are most important to them.
Now, this may mean assisting or supporting others in an effort to do some things differently. However, this is not about changing them or their life, or the world, it is simply about being present to support the natural growth and development of humanity.
I’ve seen many people profess to be SEers but they are only out to fight against something they don’t agree with (again nothing “wrong” here). However, there power is limited to their anger or frustration.
Full power, self-expression and freedom become available when the mind and heart are set upon being in the action of allowing one’s natural goodness to unfold in a way that adds value to your life and lives of others.
You may look for opportunities to make a difference in many ways. You may travel the world, pay close attention to current events, attend seminars, participate in personal development programs or attending a major university.
The key is to find a need and fill it in true win-win-win fashion. The people you serve win, you win, and the world as a whole wins.
The list below will give you an idea of some of the schools that provide social entrepreneurial education. CAUTION: If you’re serious about making a difference consider the avenues above before you mortgage you future at a major school.
Noting wrong with school, I strongly believe in education, and even hold a Master’s degree. However, I’ve seen it used as a hideout and an excuse for inaction. If you see a need that can be filled now. Get to work!
There is no need to procrastinate your greatness.
Nevertheless, the schools below all offer Social Entrepreneurship programs. Visit their sites, visit the campuses, call admissions and let me know what you you liked or disliked. I’m eager to learn about your experience.
Alfred University
Austin Peay State University
Babson College
University of California, Los Angeles
Case Western Reserve University
Clarkson University
Colorado State University
Concordia University
University of Dayton
East Carolina University
Fairleigh Dickinson University
Georgetown University
Grand Valley State University
Harvard University
University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
University of Iowa
Kennesaw State University
University of Kentucky
La Salle University
Loyola College in Maryland
University of Massachusetts-Amherst
University of Missouri-Kansas City
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
Northwestern University
University of Oklahoma * GO SOONERS!
University of Oregon
Saint Joseph’s University
Samford University
San Diego State University
The University of Texas at Austin
Wake Forest University
Washington University
Warwick Business School
I’ve talked to several people about Social Entrepreneurship and have been asked to provide some specific examples of what this concept is actually all about since it is still fairly new. Below are a couple of videos that I’m sure you guys would be able to appreciate.
There are actually a few social entrepreneurial orgainazaitions out there whose sole purpose is fund and support the work or social entrepreneurs.
Here are 3 great website. The videos posted below are actually from the first organization www.Skoll.org.
