The Social Development Master Class (SDMC) showcases social entrepreneurs from the global South who have led organizations that have achieved meaningful social impact. We start with the assumption from Scaling Global Change: A Social Entrepreneur’s Guide to Surviving the Start-up Phase and Driving Impact, that social movements require strong organizational foundations to achieve large-scale outcomes. To that end, we ask the following questions:
- What has motivated the work of successful social entrepreneurs?
- What are their goals for their work?
- How have they organized themselves for widespread success?
- What have been the key decisions and experiences along the way?
- What do they envision for the future?
- What recommendations do they have for others?
We have three goals for this initiative. First is for feature stories to be guides for aspiring entrepreneurs. Origin stories can never be replicated in full, but insight into founders’ thinking can be roadmaps for future entrepreneurs. These stories can help leaders learn how to seize opportunities and avoid pitfalls. What have these leaders learned that can increase the likelihood of success for others?
Second, we hope these stories will inspire future investments. In featuring excellent examples of passion, thought, and implementation, we hope international donors and social investors will engage leaders in new projects and programs. No additional charge for this brokering service! Please just let us know how new connections are being made!
Last, we are particularly excited to highlight organizations from Central and South America, Africa, Asia, and the Middle East that have achieved large-scale success. Not only is there a growing trend of country-led initiatives in international social development, but the experience of founding an impactful social enterprise in countries in which work is taking place is very different from situations in which foreign entities drive change:
- What were the circumstances that made the entrepreneur think that a new movement was possible?
- What are the particular challenges and opportunities for creating a successful social-impact organization in a specific country?
- What advice can be shared not only with other entrepreneurs but also government officials and social investors to spur more social initiatives and better social outcomes?
More stories about country-led initiatives will again create better guidance for the next generation of social entrepreneurs.
