What Matters Now
July 24th, 2010

Seth Godin is my favorite marketing guru. http://sethgodin.typepad.com/ I met him at a TED Conference a few years ago. http://www.ted.com
Last year he offered a wonderful book, a free eBook featuring more than 70 big thinkers offering ideas for us to think about and share as we navigate making the world a better place for everyone.
Great summertime, anytime reading! Enjoy and share!
What Matters Now

Music brings us together. Waka Waka (This Time For Africa)
June 26th, 2010

A Sea Change
June 8th, 2010

Today is World Ocean Day. Showing the world what you care about and how you want to make a change is an art form. The news barely tells the truth of the irreparable impact and devastation on the ocean and its communities by BP. Here is a beautiful documentary, A Sea Change, about ocean acidification, directed by Barbara Ettinger and co-produced by Sven Huseby of Niijii Films. The trailer gives you the hint of what to expect, “scientific explanation with an intimate story of a Norwegian-American family whose heritage is bound up with the seas.”

http://www.aseachange.net

Citizen You
June 7th, 2010

Recommend reading “Citizen You: Doing Your Part to Change the World” by Jonathan M. Tisch with Karl Weber and foreword by Mayor Cory A. Booker. As Jonathan says “the needs are real, challenges enormous…one person starts with an idea and makes a difference.”  Showcases the new & innovative ways that citizens are changing the world around them for the better.
http://www.citizenyou.org/

A World of Social Change
November 18th, 2009

Changemakers

Whenever I meet a new client, the first question I ask is “what are you most passionate about?” I find the answers very revealing. Most people who are social changemakers know instantly where their passion, their energies and their focus are directed. Not surprisingly, it starts with a small incremental change they have identified where they can solve a difficult social problem with a strategic and replicable solution, creating an action plan that ultimately manifests itself into a large systemic change. Bill Drayton, Founder & CEO of Ashoka would say “they have given themselves permission to be a “Changemaker.” Bill Drayton should know, as the father of social entrepreneurship, for over 25 years, over 2000 Ashoka Fellows and in over 60 countries, he has fostered a network of global citizens creating transformative systemic change to address major social issues in their communities and around the world. http://www.ashoka.org/ 

Recently, I was asked what interests me about social entrepreneurship. I had to quote from one of my favorite sources for “Intelligent Optimists” and positive news, Ode Magazine http://www.odemagazine.com/ in their interview with Bill Drayton. “Social entrepreneurs are the role models, the mass disrupters and the mass recruiters of local changemakers.”

I like this idea that we all get to be changemakers. So much so that when I was asked to teach “Theory of Change” at Ashoka’s Changemaker Campus Initiative Retreat this year, I jumped at the opportunity to surround myself with the power and intensity of university students and their faculty advisors dedicated to bringing the fundamentals of social entrepreneurship across all curriculums to their campuses. Four campuses have participated in the Campus Initiative, Cornell, John Hopkins, University of Maryland and George Mason and, most recently, for its second year, five new campuses have joined their ranks. They are Babson College, the University of Colorado at Boulder, College of the Atlantic, The New School, and Tulane University. 

Ashoka believes that young people are the earliest adopters of creating change and have developed the infrastructure for collaboration with Ashoka Youth Venture. The latest “Stories of Change-vol 2-Youth Making a Difference” a global community of changemakers is inspirational as well as informative. http://www.genv.net/ and for more information on open sourcing social change go to http://www.changemakers.com/

If you want to be a Changemaker, surround yourself with Changemakers! 

Lori Bonn
Founder & CEO
Bonnventures

Senator Edward Kennedy, “The Lion of the Senate”
September 3rd, 2009

“For all those whose cares have been our concern, the work goes on, the cause endures, the hope still lives, and the dream shall never die.”
Senator Ted Kennedy, Democratic National Convention, New York City, Aug 12, 1980 

The first time I met Teddy Kennedy was inside the gymnasium at an elementary school in Waterloo, Iowa. It was January 18, 2004, only a few days before the Iowa caucuses with John Kerry trailing in the polls. As the National Finance Director for Women for Kerry, I had the access to slip quietly into the crowds awaiting the arrival of Senator Edward Kennedy. It was freezing cold outside, but the gym was hot, loud with anticipation to hear the “Lion of the Senate.” When he and John Kerry arrived, the crowd quieted and Teddy roared, rallying the crowd with his thunderous support of Senator John Kerry for President. It was a turning point for John Kerry in the primaries and a memorable night for me.  

After his speech, I was introduced to Teddy by one of his dear friends also serving on the John Kerry Leadership Team. Senator Kennedy gave me a huge bear hug and welcomed me to public service. I was honored and filled with renewed courage and strength to challenge the status quo, to ask questions and to help find answers to social justice issues. Teddy had a strong, boisterous laugh and an intoxicating way to make you feel you have the power to achieve anything. I heard one of his favorite songs is the “Impossible Dream!”

One of the most auspicious nights I can remember with Senator Kennedy, was an evening at a tribute concert for his birthday in Boston in 2004. The audience was brimming with patriotism as he conducted the Boston Pops in “The Stars & Stripes Forever.”     

From those campaign days, I had the great opportunity to meet Vicki at several dinners at their home in Georgetown. She is a brilliant star and together they lit up the rooms and lives of all the people they welcomed into their home. Later, I was invited to Hyannis Port with the Kerry Leadership Team, one of those fundraising events under the tents where you are invited to meet with the Kennedy clan and imagine what it would be like to live in the Kennedy compound. I had the honor of meeting with many of the Kennedy women including Kathleen and Kerry. Caroline and I had met at another dinner in Boston where she announced her support for John Kerry and became a regular surrogate speaker for him on the campaign trail. It took four more years for change to happen.     

On August 25, 2008, at the Denver Democratic Convention, I felt the optimism of hope and change in the audience as Teddy rocked the Pepsi Center with his powerful speech endorsing Barack Obama for President. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pE_eKhUC9rI    

“The work begins anew, the hope rises again, and the dream lives on.”
Senator Ted Kennedy, Democratic National Convention, Denver, August 25, 2008

Teddy Kennedy had his shortcomings and tragedies, yet he taught us how to be brave, courageous and to fight for our ideals to help make the world a better place for everyone. I am honored to have known him and to have been inspired by his dedication and love of family, friends and country.    

In gratitude,    

Lori Bonn, Founder & CEO Bonnventures

Global Competitiveness Forum, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia 2009
September 3rd, 2009

2009 has brought a newly elected President, a global financial crisis in recovery, and the rise of social innovation and social Changemakers across all sectors of society. The lines between non-profits and social ventures are blurring and philanthrocapitalism is on the rise among donors and foundations. Corporations are developing better corporate social responsible initiatives and others have already embedded conscious capitalism in their business model. Technology is bringing us more closely together than ever providing more opportunities to have authentic global dialogues of diplomacy and shared purpose. There is an air of social change embracing optimism, hope and new models of collaboration for developing key partnerships from all stakeholders in the social value chain of individuals, academia, business, governments and civic organizations. Throughout the year, I look forward to sharing some of the stories of hope and innovation amongst these sectors and the people leading the change as Bonnventures joins them on their path.In January, I participated as a guest speaker at the invitation of Governor Amr A. Al Dabbagh of the Saudi Arabian General Investment Authority, (SAGIA), for the 3rd Global Competitiveness Forum (GCF 2009) under the patronage of His Majesty King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz. GCF is a global platform for constructive dialogue on core competitiveness issues bringing together world speakers to discuss the world’s most pressing issues and to share and implement best practices for responsible competitiveness. 

The theme this year was “Where Competitiveness Improves Lives” http://www.gcf.org.sa held in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. The Governor’s opening remarks, “the business community must embrace excellence not only in financial terms but also as responsible corporate citizens.” AbdulMohsen Al-Badr, CEO of the GCF, described the conference as a place where the 100 speakers and 1500 attendees can “raise awareness of how nations can increase prosperity while acting responsibly.” Saudi Arabia’s vision is to transform itself into one of the world’s 10 most competitive countries by 2010.We don’t hear much about the good things that happen in the Kingdom, usually Western media blames Saudi Arabia for everything from violence against women, global terrorism to the rising price of gasoline. The truth revealed to me is a much different story. The Kingdom works at stabilizing oil prices as they too are conserving their natural resources, investing in alternative and renewable energy sources, building infrastructure and investments that address issues of poverty, women and a growing youth population, and health and education for the betterment of their society and the world. They are working to address global issues confronting the world at large, albeit through the lens of the Qur’an and governed by sharia laws, which, by the way, promotes great acts of kindness and philanthropy. More importantly, we in the West must realize that we are deeply connected to the rest of the world, including Saudi Arabia. By embracing the interdependence of our nations, our resources both natural and intellectual, we have a much greater chance of seeing peace and prosperity in the future for all people.    

My participation at GCF was to help facilitate a dialogue around Islamic philanthropy and social ventures and to discuss the idea of social rates of return balanced with market rates of returns and how corporations can create social value. I had the great pleasure to meet with Basil Al Ghalayini, CEO of the BMG Corporation. BMG is one of the region’s premier Islamic investment banks and through its BMG Foundation, strives to bridge the East and West through the promotion of art and culture through their CCR or Corporate Cultural Responsibility programs, raising funds and awareness to serve “the less fortunate globally and support several charities that assist the needy.” http://www.bmgfoundation.com.   

There are three major events each year: The GCC Polo Cup in Windsor with HRH The Prince of Wales; Al Farabi Concerto, a series of concerts presenting works by exceptionally gifted composers from the Arab World with renowned London Orchestras; and Art Alive Exhibitions. In 2008, funds raised went towards the Prince Sultan Bin Abdul Aziz Fund for Supporting Small Business Projects for Women in the Eastern Region. “This micro-finance program, run by HRH Prince Mohamed Bin Fahd Bin Abdul Aziz, was selected from a number of local programs for its initiative in supporting Saudi women under the leadership of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah Bin Adul Azziz and Crown Prince Sultan Bin Abdul Aziz.”   

The GCF had many inspiring and distinguished speakers. Among the most auspicious leaders, Mary Robinson, 7th President of Ireland, Founder and President of Realizing Rights, The Ethical Global Initiative, http://www.realizingrights.org and a member of the Elders, http://www.theelders.org/elders/mary-robinson candidly addressed in her speech that competitiveness includes the right for women to work and many of the attendees agreed. Perhaps we will see the laws in the Kingdom change in favor of employing more women. Among other speakers were Michael Porter, business guru & professor from Harvard Business School, Carlos Ghosn, CEO of Nissan, Jean Chretien, 20th Prime Minister of Canada and Peter Brabeck-Letmathe, Chairman of Nestle, and former Prime Minister of Japan, Shinzo Abe. Tim Shriver and Michael Phelps with Carl Lewis spoke on the importance of competitive sports. 

I sat on the panel “Recession Entrepreneurship: How to Thrive in an Economic Downturn” with Maria Otero, President and CEO of Accion International, http://www.accion.org. Maria has just been confirmed as U.S. Under Secretary of State for Democracy and Global Affairs, she becomes the highest-ranking Hispanic ever to serve at the State Department. It was an honor to collaborate with her at the conference and learn more about the latest Accion endeavor, the Center for Financial Inclusion calling for standards in microfinance lending institutions. 

During my visit to the Kingdom, I was invited for tea at the extraordinary palace of HRH Modi bint Kahalid Al Saud and her daughter HRH Princess Banderi Abdul Rahman Al Faisal. Each is deeply committed to women’s education and economic empowerment. 

The Al Nahda Foundation is currently working on the Tourathi project or “My Heritage” project which will empower over 2500 women from many regions in the Kingdom, teaching them business and handicraft skills. http://www.blogcatalog.com/blog/american-bedu-1/a2e8dd058823263d74fce8c143b4d0dd  

The King Khalid Foundation was established in 2001 as a royal, independent, national institution using its resources and expertise to make a positive impact in people’s lives and HRH Princess Banderi has been the Director General since its inception, funding social and economic development projects inside and outside of the Kingdom. http://www.oasis-mag.com/site/the-king-khalid-foundation-initiatives/591/    

King Abdullah is focused on increasing the awareness of the Kingdom’s humanitarian and philanthropic efforts. A Gala Dinner was held at the Royal Al-Athelyah Farm, for an evening of Saudi Cultural Heritage and Cuisine. The photos include Governor Al Dabbagh, Jane Nelson of The Kennedy School, Jean Chretien, 20th Prime Minister of Canada, who spoke at GCF, emphasizing the need to balance job creation and social goals with fiscal responsibility and transparency.  

King Abdullah has worked hard to promote moderation and responsibility, empowering women and promoting education. 70% of the population is under the age of 25, well educated but need jobs, 67% of the women do not work. The Kingdom is working to diversify its economy away from oil by building six economic cities by the year 2020. As Governor Al Dabbagh states, “the hope is that these six economic cities will contribute $150 billion to GDP growth for the Kingdom, 1.3 million jobs are to be created, and accommodate 4.8 million of the total population. The economic cities will help provide jobs for their growing youth population.  

King Abdullah is putting the finishing touches on the King Abdullah University of Science & Technology (KAUST). It is an international; graduate level, research university dedicated to inspiring a new age of scientific achievement in the Kingdom and for the world.  

My trip to the Kingdom inspired my continued belief that global dialogs, diplomacy and collaboration are the keys to promoting peace and prosperity for the world.  

On June 4, 2009, President Obama spoke in Cairo, Egypt, his speech entitled “On a New Beginning.” The Islamic world was listening as our President moved us closer together with his words of hope and social change. http://www.whitehouse.gov/the_press_office/Remarks-by-the-President-at-Cairo-University-6-04-09/  

 “All of us share this world for but a brief moment in time. The question is whether we spend that time focused on what pushes us apart, or whether we commit ourselves to an effort — a sustained effort — to find common ground, to focus on the future we seek for our children, and to respect the dignity of all human beings.” President Barack Hussein Obama  

Just good sense,  

Lori Bonn, Founder & CEO Bonnventures

Skoll World Forum 2008
April 9th, 2008

Two weeks ago, I was a first timer at the Skoll World Forum in Oxford, a gathering of the most tenacious and thought provoking people I have been around in a long time! The Skoll World Forum was founded by eBay’s, Jeff Skoll, now a full-time philanthropist. I give thanks to all of the attendees and speakers who made me feel like I’m not crazy being a social entrepreneur. The weather may have been a bit cold and rainy, but the warmth and connectivity happening amongst all those social change agents was contagious! The Skoll Foundation’s mission is “to advance systemic change to benefit communities around the world by investing in, connecting and celebrating social entrepreneurs.” I encourage you to head to www.socialedge.org and get acquainted with the participants. Truly they are some of the most amazing people thinking about how to solve many of the world’s problems with sustainable, uplifting solutions. Heartwarming and motivating was a remarkable speech given by President Jimmy Carter, describing his mother’s influence on his life and how it lead to his diplomatic work and the founding of the Carter Center, www.cartercenter.org, and poignantly told, the eradication of a horrible disease plaguing Africa, Guinea Worm Disease. Vice President Al Gore ended the session with a renewed sense of URGENCY that we must all do what we can to mitigate the climate crisis! www.wecansolveit.org

David Bornstein was one of the panel moderators, his book “How to Change the World, Social Entrepreneurs and the Power of New Ideas” is a MUST read www.howtochangetheworld.org. Most provocative for me was Paul Collier, Professor of Economics, University of Oxford, whose book and speech gave a fresh and decidedly different point of view on resource allocation for the world, check out “Social Entrepreneurship and the Bottom Billion: Why the Poorest Countries Are Failing And What Can Be Done About It” http://users.ox.ac.uk/~econpco/. One of the most articulate sessions on hybrid and for-profit business models, was the presentation by our own Priya Haji, World of Good, www.worldofgood.com. She discussed how to balance your for-profit business model with your non-profit organization by illustrating the dynamics between the for-profit company, which holds the brand, and the non-profit company, which creates the standards for the public good. Social entrepreneurship is a constant balancing act, trying to change the world with good business solutions that support social change while making a profit and being sustainable. Tim Brown, of the design firm, IDEO, www.ideo.com, gave an inspiring dialog on how his company innovates through the experience of human centered design.

Among many of the attendees, I met Kim Spencer from Link TV. Link TV broadcasts programs that engage, educate and activate viewers to become involved in the world. These programs provide a unique perspective on international news, current events, and diverse cultures, presenting issues not often covered in the U.S. media. They have a new application to Link TV programs online, full screen using Miro, check-it out at www.linktv.org/miro. Dear to my heart, was a group from Amsterdam, Aflatoun, www.aflatoun.org, they work with schools and other partners to teach the world’s poorest children the discipline of saving, and to build their sense of themselves as capable and responsible citizens of their communities.

Stay tuned for more social entrepreneurial links and the donors who support them!

Cheers,

Lori Bonn

Photo: l-r
Lori Bonn, Bonnventures
Helena Jevons, Aflatoun
Chloe Eunjoo Seo, Google
Sean Murphy, MBA Oxford