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Our photo of the week:
Our photo this week is from our Current Fellows Conference held during the last week in January. The full album gives you glimpse into four days of hard work, lots of play, and an opportunity for nearly 100 Fellows to connect and re-connect. With this particular photo, we’re sending a lot of love and big shout-out to the graduating class of 2007. This dynamic group of passionate visionaries marked some notable firsts for Echoing Green, including work on safe water technologies and for-profit social innovations. We can’t to see where they’re headed to next.

Trends and topics:

Egypt
Egypt was on our minds, as it was with so many of you. When the news of Mubarak’s resignation resounded around the world, we were reminded of Margaret Mead’s sentiment: "Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world." In that moment, no words seemed to ring more true.

We learned, yet again, that non-violent movements are incredible models for revolution. Chris Myers Asch, 2007 Echoing Green Fellow and currently a professor history at the University of the District of Columbia, speaks to the lessons that Mubarak could learn from George Washington. The art and tact of stepping down is something we could all probably learn—especially as entrepreneurs. What else are you learning from this people’s revolution?

In other news
It seems we all want to know if we live in the one of the world’s most visionary cities! Travel & Leisure magazine shared innovations from cities that are leading the charge in sustainability, transportation, innovation and infrastructure—from urban farming in Cleveland, Ohio to public internet across the capital of Estonia.

Paul Lamb is leading a discussion about the current training programs for social entrepreneurs on Social Edge. With a growing number of training programs, business plan competitions, and over 50 social innovation challenges, which ones are really the most effective?

Finally, we need more women inventors to save the world! But, studies show that women rarely see themselves in that role and despite an affinity for math and science, are not pursuing an academic path that might lead them to inventive careers. Role models, stronger educational environments, and training in entrepreneurship, could however, help turn the tide.

Inside Echoing Green:
We released our first newsletter of the year this past week, with updates from research in the field of social entrepreneurship to an inside look at the books our staff is reading. Have a look and let us know what you would like to hear about next month.

We also released a sneak peak of Work on Purpose! Our new program will include an online platform, a new book, and interactive tools that support young people in the journey towards developing a meaningful career and a purposeful life. Join our mailing list to be among the first to read Work on Purpose.

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