Social Issues
SSIR’s 2018 Social Innovation Reading List
Highlights of this year’s book reviews and excerpts on issues including women’s inequality, sustainable leadership, and the hypocrisy of elite philanthropists.
Civic Engagement - Most Popular
Social innovations that enrich society and enhance democratic participation (more)
Listening to the Community to Reimagine How a Foundation Delivers on Its Mission
Based on feedback from community listening sessions and consultations with local experts, The San Francisco Foundation reshaped its grantmaking strategy and role in addressing the inequities facing Bay Area residents. Part of a series produced for SSIR with the support of the Hewlett Foundation.
Make Local Advocacy Stronger by Connecting It to the Bigger Story
Activists can be more successful at solving problems in their communities by using three simple strategies to connect local, national, and global narratives.
Video
#GivingTuesday and Changing Philanthropic Behaviors in the Digital Age
Asha Curran, chief innovation officer at the 92nd Street Y and director of its Belfer Center for Innovation & Social Impact, discussed the evolution of the grassroots giving movement at our 2018 Data on Purpose conference.
Schools’ Most Untapped Resource
Green Schoolyards America connects ecological innovation with education, equity, and community engagement.
Review
Not Quite Everything
Nathan Schneider's chronicle of the cooperative movement dazzles with stories but is short on solutions.
Excerpt
How San Francisco Became a ‘Silicon City’
Cary McClelland's new book, Silicon City, documents the transformation of San Francisco in the digital age.
The Secret to Better Storytelling for Social Change: Better Partnerships
No single organization or individual can pull off an effective storytelling campaign alone. Reaping the benefits of storytelling requires that we build better partnerships between three important players.
Podcast
Rewriting Our Cultural Narrative for a More Just Society
Rashad Robinson, president of Color of Change, speaks about the nature of political and cultural power and the importance of continually assessing the nonprofit sector's efforts to bring about change.
Video
How Feedback Shaped a Community Organization
Input from Boston residents changed Union Capital Boston’s rewards program from providing specific material goods to distributing cash in exchange for doing volunteer activities. It also drove the creation of networking events for members. Part of a series produced for SSIR with the support of the Hewlett Foundation.