Social Innovation Conversations

Carol Larson - Assessing Performance and Refining Strategy

Mon, 17 Nov 2008 00:00:00 CST

What does it take to keep a large foundation focused on evaluation for self-improvement? As part of the Stanford Social Innovation Review's conference on evaluation, Carol Larson, CEO of the David and Lucile Packard Foundation, shares tools, lessons, and strategies for assessing performance to create a "culture of inquiry." Organizational qualities such as innovation, collaboration among stakeholders, and freedom to make "mistakes" are critical elements to foster an effective learning enterprise.

What's the Impact of This All? - Assessing Impact

Tue, 11 Nov 2008 00:00:00 CST

Are you making a difference? Do you add value to your constituents' lives? Are you as effective as possible per dollar output? These are all likely, and potentially useful questions to answer if you're a social entrepreneur or a funding organization. In this interactive 2008 Skoll World Forum session, a talented, experienced panel discusses the challenges of social enterprises and how metrics can impact organizational learning, innovation, and lead to greater resource utilization.

Good Measures Conference - Evaluation in the Nonprofit Sector

Mon, 10 Nov 2008 00:00:00 CST

Evaluation is one of the most powerful mechanisms a nonprofit organization can use to unlock its potential, become more effective, and achieve success. But traditional evaluation methods are expensive, require thorough knowledge of the social sciences, and take a good deal of time to perform. In this part of the Stanford Social Innovation Review's conference on evaluation, Mark Kramer details how nonprofits can better incorporate evaluation to achieve their mission and bring about social change.

Robert James Woolsey, Samantha Power, Michael Posner - Human Rights in the Information Age

Sun, 9 Nov 2008 00:00:00 CST

As you listen to this podcast, you may suddenly feel self-conscious and start to wonder, why have I taken for granted the simple freedoms and rights I enjoy in this digital age? In this challenging panel discussion from the Aspen Ideas Festival, moderator R. James Woolsey, past director of the Central Intelligence Agency, leads a fascinating discussion on "Human Rights in the Information Age" with discussants Samantha Power and Michael Posner.

Thomas M. Siebel - Using Marketing Techniques to Fight Meth Abuse

Sun, 2 Nov 2008 00:00:00 CDT

The abuse of the synthetic drug known as methamphetamine has become a top crime problem in the United States, and now a global epidemic. In this talk, part of the Stanford Social Innovation Review's conference on evaluation, IT leader and philanthropist Thomas Siebel discusses the nature of meth addiction as well as the efforts of the Meth Project, a large-scale prevention program aimed at reducing first-time meth use through public service messaging, public policy, and community outreach.

Wendy Kopp - Raising the Bar for Low-Income Students

Sun, 26 Oct 2008 00:00:00 CDT

Teach For America places thousands of energetic and committed college graduates as teachers in under-resourced schools for their first jobs. In this talk at the Stanford Graduate School of Business, Wendy Kopp shares why and how she started Teach for America in 1980, and its progress in raising the bar for under-achieving children. She also discusses how the organization rode out its "dark years," when enthusiasm and corporate support for the effort began to wane.

Hybrid and For-Profit Business Models - Challenges and Opportunities

Wed, 22 Oct 2008 00:00:00 CDT

Social entrepreneurs discuss how they use for-profit activities to fund their organizations' missions in this session of the Skoll World Forum. These are done in combination with, and in addition to, nonprofit activities. From profitably of providing water to poor villagers to training street children to run business, and from franchising medical care to creating a transparent market place for handmade goods, these entrepreneurs show that business and nonprofit can mix well.

Gary Hirshberg - Making Money While Going Green

Sun, 19 Oct 2008 00:00:00 CDT

Scientists predict that we have less than 10 years to sufficiently reduce carbon emissions to avert a total environmental disaster. Gary Hirshberg, Stonyfield Farm "CE-Yo", tells of his company's efforts over the past 25 years to reduce its environmental footprint while increasing profits. Hirshberg shares lessons from his book Stirring It Up: How to Make Money and Save the World, in this Stanford Center for Social Innovation talk.

Mohammed Abbad Andaloussi - A Bridge Between Education and Business

Tue, 14 Oct 2008 00:00:00 CDT

Do you think we can change the world by involving enterprise one hour a week? Al Jisr, and it's founder Mohammed Abbad Andaloussi, are convinced that we can. In this episode of Design for Change, host Sheela Sethuraman interviews Abbad Analoussi about his efforts to improve education in Moroccan schools by involving businesses. So far, over 100 corporations have adopted over 200 schools. They provide volunteers, support, and a real world perspective to students.

Robert Klein - Proposition 71: Funding Stem Cell Research

Sun, 12 Oct 2008 00:00:00 CDT

When President Bush set limits on stem cell research in 2001, millions of families who were hopeful that such research could help alleviate the diseases of their loved ones were devastated. In this Stanford Center for Social Innovation talk, attorney Robert Klein discusses his efforts to author and push through legislation in California which, so far, has succeeded in advancing such research. Sharing personal and political struggles, Klein movingly underscores the urgency behind his quest.

Gene Sykes & Mark Tercek - Risks and Opportunities of Going Green

Sun, 5 Oct 2008 00:00:00 CDT

What does Wall Street make of the trends in cleantech, corporate environmental strategy, and emerging carbon markets? In this talk, sponsored by the Stanford Center for Social Innovation, two Goldman Sachs managers discuss how their investment firm is making the financing of corporate deals contingent upon the incorporation of increasingly stringent environmental criteria.

Mechai Viravaidya - The "Condom King" Takes On Public Health

Tue, 30 Sep 2008 00:00:00 CDT

When most people think of condoms, they get a little embarrassed and uncomfortable, not Mechai Viravaidya. Known in Thailand as the "Condom King" Viravaidya began nearly 40 years ago trying to demystify condoms and focus public attention on the public health aspects of contraceptives. Since then he has become a leader in critical public health issues like poverty elevation, family planning, and HIV/AIDS. In this interview with host Sheela Sethuraman, Viravaidya offers pragmatic answers to these vital issues.

Marci Zaroff, Helen Job, Scott Hahn, Julie Gilhart - Challenges in Sustainable Fashion

Mon, 29 Sep 2008 00:00:00 CDT

There is a growing consciousness of environmental responsibility in the fashion industry. This new trend, known as "green design", has inspired some top designers to rebrand their products for the environment savvy consumer, and reform their processes to foster a sustainable environment. Panelists Marci Zaroff, Helen Job, Scott Hahn and Julie Gilhart discuss some of the challenges faced, and the new initiatives introduced by the fashion industry in measuring up to this trend.

Vicente Fox - Mexico's Economic Challenges and Opportunities

Sat, 27 Sep 2008 00:00:00 CDT

Most Americans are unaware of the enormous progress Mexico has enjoyed since the peso's devastating collapse in 1994. Former Mexican President Vicente Fox highlights his country's opportunities to foster democracy, develop entrepreneurism, and promote alternative energy sources as it emerges as a world economic power. He addresses challenges, including a poor educational system, rapid population growth, and dwindling oil reserves. Sponsored by the Stanford Center for Social Innovation.

Alejandro Toledo - Lifting Latin America Out of Poverty

Fri, 19 Sep 2008 00:00:00 CDT

Latin America may be poised to become a much bigger player on the world economic stage, yet 54 percent of its citizens would choose an autocratic regime over a democratically elected government if it meant more jobs. Former Peruvian President Alejandro Toledo reflects on the challenge of democratic development and consolidation in Latin America in this dialog sponsored by the Stanford School of Education and moderated by Stanford sociology and political science professor, Larry Diamond.

Magda Iskander - Health Care for the Homebound

Thu, 11 Sep 2008 00:00:00 CDT

Imagine what it would be like if you had an elderly parent with failing health. What if they didn't want to leave their home to move to an assisted living facility? Now imagine trying to find them a home health care provider in Cairo, Egypt. In this interview with host Sheela Sethuraman, Magda Iskander describes how she founded Care With Love to fill the need in Cairo for short or long term home health care by providing them with well trained and compassionate home health care providers.

Amory Lovins - Business Solutions to Climate Change

Tue, 9 Sep 2008 00:00:00 CDT

Better design integration and materials innovation can lead to big energy and cost savings, and rapid return on investment, particularly in the automotive and housing industries. Amory Lovins, one of America's most influential energy speakers, offers some profitable business-led solutions to climate, oil, and nuclear proliferation problems in this Stanford Center for Social Innovation sponsored talk. Lovins offers strategies to reduce US oil dependence through a menu of renewable and fossil fuel types.

Laura Arrillaga - Philanthropy Today

Wed, 3 Sep 2008 00:00:00 CDT

Venture philanthropy and other new products and trends indicate that philanthropy has changed dramatically over the past 10 years. Donors are younger than ever before and foundations have become increasingly professionalized. In this discussion, sponsored by the Stanford Center for Social Innovation, philanthropy expert Peter Hero interviews Laura Arrillaga, a leader in Silicon Valley, about developments that are now making philanthropy a powerhouse for social change.

Dr. Christopher Elias - Advancing Technology to Improve Health

Mon, 25 Aug 2008 00:00:00 CDT

PATH (Program for Appropriate Technology and Health) is a nonprofit organization designed to ensure that the benefits of innovation in science and technology are available to developing countries and remotely located, low-income groups. Host Sheela Sethuraman interviews Dr. Christopher Elias, president and CEO of PATH, who talks about the beginnings, accomplishments, and challenges of PATH.

Lawrence Summer, Cameron Sinclair, Nancy Birdsall, Harriet Babbitt - What is Sustainable Development?

Sun, 17 Aug 2008 00:00:00 CDT

The Industrial Revolution ushered in an era of technological change, leading to better standards of living for us today. Yet this progress has taken a toll on the non-renewable resources of our planet. Given the accelerated rate at which developing nations now follow in our footsteps in the exploitation of natural resources, how long will our planet be able to sustain such growth? Panelists Harriet Babbitt, Nancy Birdsall, Lawrence Summers and Cameron Sinclair discuss the meaning of, and ways to achieve, sustainable development.

Empathy and Ethics - Drivers of Our Shifting Culture

Mon, 11 Aug 2008 00:00:00 CDT

Technology has increased the flow of information and made our decision-making more transparent. In this panel discussion on empathy and ethics, Bill Drayton, Mary Gordon, Keith Hammonds, Kirk Hanson, and Jill Vialet consider how empathetic ethics has to begin with individuals and can only then move into the organizations we lead and the societies we serve.

Tim Williamson - Fostering Entrepreneurship in New Orleans

Sun, 10 Aug 2008 00:00:00 CDT

The Idea Village was launched in New Orleans by "five guys who wanted to change the world." The more modest goal of these entrepreneurs was to revitalize the city economically--a mission that became especially important when Hurricane Katrina hit in 2005. In this talk, sponsored by the Stanford Center for Social Innovation, Tim Williamson shares how his nonprofit has been helping rebuild the devastated city economically, and the progress inspired through a powerful network of talented individuals.

Andrea Coleman - Keeping Health Care Mobile Saves Lives

Wed, 6 Aug 2008 00:00:00 CDT

As the prophet Mohammad once said, "If you can't bring the mountain to Mohammad, bring Mohammad to the mountain." However, when it comes to providing life-saving health care to rural Africa, that's easier said than done. That is until Andrea Coleman and her husband founded Riders for Health. In this interview with host Sheela Sethuraman, Coleman explains how using motorcycles to transport health care providers has created a sustainable approach and obtained incredible results.

David Funkhouser - TransFair's Work in Fair Trade

Mon, 4 Aug 2008 00:00:00 CDT

Coffee price fluctuations over past decades have created extreme financial crises and long-term poverty for thousands of small-scale Latin American farmers. In this Stanford Center for Social Innovation sponsored talk, David Funkhouser of TransFair USA, details how the Fair Trade movement arose as a market-based approach to poverty alleviation and international development. He discusses Fair Trade's function to offer suppliers fair, above-market prices, and TransFair's role in supporting that movement.

Thulasiraj Ravilla - Aravind: A Model for Sustainability

Wed, 30 Jul 2008 00:00:00 CDT

How did a free eye clinic that started in a house in south India in 1976 grow to become a self-sustaining institution with 5 hospitals and become Asia's first international training facility for blindness prevention workers? Host Sheela Sethuraman answers that question in an interview with Thulasiraj Ravilla from the Aravind Eye Care System. Ravilla concentrates on the innovative approaches that Aravind has developed to become a model for high-quality, low-cost health care.

Gloria Steinem - In Conversation

Sun, 27 Jul 2008 00:00:00 CDT

Gloria Steinem paints a rich picture of American feminism in this intimate question and answer session at the Oxonian Society. From her anecdotes of 60's activism to her thoughtful analysis of the possibilities for women in political leadership, Steinem continues to advocate that every woman has a part to play in this movement. She promises that any woman who performs one outrageous act to promote simple justice will not only help make the world better, but will be instantly inspired to do more.

Gavin Newsom - Say What You Think, Then Take Action

Wed, 23 Jul 2008 00:00:00 CDT

San Francisco's young and charismatic mayor, Gavin Newsom, has suffered his share of punches for taking bold positions on controversial issues. In this Stanford Center for Social Innovation sponsored talk, Newsom tells of the courage and persistence it takes to make real social change as a leader. He outlines progressive reforms in areas such as education, health care, and business, and reflects on the personal and professional price paid for supporting one particularly contentious issue: gay marriage.

Ken Roth - Human Rights Watch Report

Mon, 21 Jul 2008 00:00:00 CDT

Ken Roth, executive director of Human Rights Watch, gives a thoughtful perspective on the "State of Human Rights" in the 70 countries where they work. He thinks the biggest issue in human rights is the lack of leadership from governments that can exert a positive influence. America has become sidetracked and lost some of its moral high ground, while the European Union's structure keeps it from acting strongly enough.

David Galenson - Social Innovators as Long-Horizon Creatives

Sun, 13 Jul 2008 00:00:00 CDT

At what stage in life do social innovators make their most significant contributions? Economist and creativity researcher David Galenson debunks the myth that high achievement is the domain of youth and genius for an audience of social entrepreneurs over the age of 60. Applying lessons learned from lives of artists and leaders, he considers differences in style and time horizons of creative people, emphasizing that social innovation is more about slow burn than flash in the pan.

Vera Cordeiro Rio - Breaking the Cycle of Poverty-Related Illness

Mon, 7 Jul 2008 00:00:00 CDT

When Dr. Vera Cordeiro Rio worked at Hospital da Lagoa in Rio de Janeiro, she witnessed a constant admission/re-admission cycle in childcare treatment. To break that cycle, she gathered medical community volunteers to form Renascer, addressing root causes that prevent families from providing adequate care. Join host Sheela Sethuraman as she interviews Dr. Cordeiro Rio, and learn how Cordeiro Rio's passion translated into a methodology that is quickly sweeping through Brazil and the world.