Solutions - Articles

Rafael Alvarez - Preparing Students to Succeed

While volunteering at a charter school, Rafael Alvarez was confronted with some shocking information—hardly any students in the senior class had plans to attend college. So, in true social entrepreneurial fashion, he decided to match up this under-served market with another under-served market, entry level IT. Talking with Design for Change host Sheela Sethuraman in this audio interview, he explains how Genesys Works prepares students technically and professionally to enter a corporate environment and change their lives.

Lynne Patterson - Empowering Women in Latin America

One of the best methods proven to alleviate poverty is microlending to women, who have a great track record for using loans wisely to create small business enterprises that sustain their entire families. Host of the Center for Social Innovation at Stanford, Lynne Patterson talks about the creation of Pro Mujer, an international microfinance and women's development network in Latin America. She details the mission, objectives, methods, and progress, illuminating the organization's empowering impact on the lives of its many clients.

Margaret Neale - Myths and Truths About Negotiation

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Everything you've ever assumed about the correct way to negotiate is, well, probably wrong. So says negotiation expert Margaret Neale at Stanford during the 2007 Nonprofit Management Institute. In this audio lecture, she explores many of the beliefs that surround negotiation "best practices" in an attempt to distinguish the reality from wishful (or wrong-headed) thinking. This talk will add to your understanding about negotiation, and give you tools to respond effectively in your next negotiation challenge.

Chip Heath - Missions That Really Inspire

Your organization has an important mission. But could a potential funder or volunteer tell that by looking at your website or your annual report? And could one of your employees make the right decision in a tough situation by reading it? In this audio lecture recorded at the 2007 Nonprofit Management Institute at Stanford, Chip Heath discusses how you can craft a mission statement that inspires people and helps them make important decisions, thereby offering powerful tools to lead your organization.

Kyle Zimmer - Fearlessly Helping the World to Read

First Book is a not-for-profit organization that provides books to low-income students. In this audio interview, founder Kyle Zimmer discusses with Design for Change host Sheela Sethuraman the evolution of her startup from a mere idea in 1992 to an organization with hundreds of employees and millions of books. She also outlines how she's applied best business practices to create a scalable entrepreneurial model.