Articles P6910

Ken Roth - Who’s Falling Short on Human Rights?

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. In this audio lecture, he argues the biggest issue in human rights is the lack of leadership from governments that can exert a positive influence. He takes a critical look at the role of the United States and the European Union, in particular.

Philanthropy

Privacy Matters

By Marcia Stepanek

Donor information is being shared too freely.

Microloan Sharks - Thumbnail
Social Innovations

Microloan Sharks

By Jonathan C. Lewis

Commercial microfinance institutions (MFIs) must calculate two bottom lines: alleviating poverty for clients and also generating profits for investors. To achieve the latter goal, some MFIs charge their impoverished clients exorbitant interest rates. The recent Banco Compartamos IPO in Mexico raises a red flag, demonstrating how easily well-intentioned MFIs and their investors can shift from microlending to microloan-sharking.

David Galenson - Social Entrepreneurs as Long-Horizon Creatives

At what stage in life do innovators make their most significant contributions to social enterprise? In this audio lecture, 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.