Social Entrepreneurs are WORLDSHAPERS

Social Entrepreneurs (An Introduction)

A society that does not have an optimistic, positive, empowering image of the future is endangered. (see http://www.cnam.fr/lipsor/eng/data/the-image-of-the-future.pdf )
When society is skewed so that a small minority controls most of its resources and power, it begins an entropic spiral to dissolution.
Social entrepreneurs can use their skills to rebalance society. (And remember, anyone with the will can be a social entrepreneur.)

Social entrepreneurs are change agents that improve society by developing effective and equitable new models often less hierarchical yet more cooperative and complex than existing ones. Researchers and practitioners have defined social entrepreneurship in various ways but a common denominator is a venture that adds value to a community mission through innovative, risk-taking, business-like practices. Social entrepreneurs combine innovation with fulfillment of community needs and their work overlaps with social justice and environmental preservation movements.

To give a bit more clarity, there may be two kinds of social entrepreneurs. "Social innovators" come up with new and more effective ways (systemically, organizationally, etc.) of dealing with and hopefully mitigating social problems. "Social enterprisers" use the tools and forms of business to provide needed goods and services that help the community at large as well as their clients. They also help themselves by generating earned income. "Social enterprises" may be non-profit or for-profit entities (Some prefer the use the alternative nomenclature "for-benefit" organizations.)

The World is Changing and Needs Social Entrepreneurs to "Bring it into Balance"

Ashoka envisions a world where Everyone is a Changemaker: a world that responds quickly and effectively to social challenges, and where each individual has the freedom, confidence and societal support to address any social problem and drive change. Ashoka has grown to an association of over 1,800 Fellows in over 60 countries on the worlds five main continents. For information about Ashoka contact: info@ashoka.org or call (703) 527-8300

RELOCALIZATION

There are many well-documented benefits to our communities and to each of us in choosing independent, locally owned businesses. Here’s why.

(Michael Shuman, Author of Going Local and The Small Mart Revolution)

Locally owned businesses:

* Spend more money at other local businesses helping the local economy grow – creating a “multiplier effect” - rather than this money “leaking out” through remote corporate headquarters and centralized purchasing departments
* Pay more in local and state taxes than outside corporations
* Are part of what makes the local community unique and distinctive, attracting tourism from surrounding areas and out of state
* Make up the largest employer category, nationally and locally
* Give better customer service overall
* Have owners that live in the communities they do business in and are free to make decisions based on local needs
* Require less public investment than large employers seeking tax breaks or special zoning consideration.

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BALLE Seattle is dedicated to connecting, educating and promoting King County businesses supporting Local Living Economies. We are part an international alliance of 52 independently operated local business networks with more than 15,000 members dedicated to building Local Living Economies. A local living economy is important because it provides an alternative to the harmful effects of globalization. A great way to participate in a local living economy is to be a conscious consumer by asking questions like "Is my food safe?", "Is it local?", "Does the money I spend get invested back into my community?" By strengthening local independent business, BALLE Seattle is fostering economic justice, prosperity, and environmental stewardship. For more information about BALLE-Seattle contact info@socialprofits.com.

MICROFINANCE

(Muhhamed Yunus, Founder Grameen Bank, Nobel Peace Prize Winner)

Grameen Foundation's mission is to empower the world's poorest people to lift themselves out of poverty with dignity through access to financial services and to information. With tiny loans, financial services and technology, we help the poor, mostly women, start self-sustaining businesses to escape poverty. Founded in 1997 by a group of friends who were inspired by the work of Grameen Bank in Bangladesh, our global network of microfinance partners reaches over 3 million families in 22 countries.

Locally in Seattle, Washington CASH provides a business training course, microcredit lending services from $500-$5,000, technical business assistance and peer support to enable low-income women (especially women currently dependent on public assistance), people with disabilities and new immigrants/refugees to start or expand self-employment ventures. For information about Washington CASH contact info@washingtoncash.org or call (206) 352-1945.

Mark Pomerantz

Social Profits

www.socialprofits.com

1233 Olympic Way W.

Seattle, WA 98119

mark@socialprofits.com

WORLDSHAPERS!

Social Entrepreneurs "Rebalancing" Society