The Buzz 12-2-11

Whispering 3-4-11.jpg

Here's our quick read on the top tweets, news, and buzz circulating in the field of changemaking this week. Tell us, what's got you talking? And what do you want to be talking about?

• The most talked about news last week was certainly Forbes’ Impact 30 list of the world’s leading social entrepreneurs. Six of our Fellows are on the list—from the beginning of Echoing Green’s history, like Wendy Kopp (1991), are joined by those with over a decade of work, like JB Schramm (1997) and Sara Horowitz (1996). These visionaries lead the way for those just getting started, like Jane Chen (2008) and Josh Nesbit (2010). We are also so proud to see board member Andrew Kassoy also on the list. If you haven’t seen it yet, this is a list you should review: http://ht.ly/7Opix

• The European Commission just made a huge announcement—they are launching a groundbreaking Social Business Initiative to drive systemic change in the sector across the European Union. This means a new fund to expand social enterprises, a multi-language database, and new regulations for impact investment. This is big.  http://ht.ly/7Omu1

• Foreign Policy Magazine revealed their list of top 100 global thinkers—see who’s on the list and tell us who you think should have made it: http://ht.ly/7On4h

• The new trend in education? Intermediary programs that focus on technology and entrepreneurship, like General Assembly, aren’t granting any degrees, but they are giving young people the skills they need in business—from fundraising to wire framing. Think about it—how are you learning outside of traditional education programs? http://ht.ly/7Opax

• Social innovation needs design and design needs social innovation. The School for Visual Arts in New York City is launching a new MFA program in Design and Social Innovation—another trend in the sector we look forward to following: http://ht.ly/7Opop

At Echoing Green:

• The 2012 Fellowship application officially opens on December 5th! Our informational webinar is available here: http://ht.ly/7Optg. Look for our additional special-focus webinars in the coming days.

• In partnership with Open Society Fellowship, we just announced the Black Male Achievement Fellowship— a new fellowship program for individuals dedicated to improving the life outcomes of black men and boys in the U.S. It is the first fellowship program of its kind that targets social entrepreneurs who are starting up new and innovative organizations in the field of black male achievement. To learn more, visit us here: http://ht.ly/7Opyr

Only a few more week of 2011 are left—what are the moments in social innovation this year that struck you as the most memorable?

Tweet