Global Issues
Notes on Robert Putnam’s “E Pluribus Unum: Diversity and Community in the Twenty-First Century”
Robert Putnam's take on diversity is controversial -- but not necessarily reactionary.
Articles P7150
Nonprofits
It Walks and Quacks Like a Duck—But What Is It Really?
Questions to ask yourself if you're launching a giving program.
Social Innovations
Unselling Meth
The Montana Meth Project's graphic ads saturate TV, radio, billboards, and newspapers to portray the reality of methamphetamine use, in all its grit. Scabs and body sores are just the beginning. So far, the shock factor is working.
Philanthropy
Time for Funders to Take a Stand?
Private and community foundations, as well as individual philanthropists, should be involved at the system and advocacy level of issues.
Podcast
Fazle H. Abed - Thinking Big and Scaling Up
Solving the world's big problems takes large-scale solutions, says Fazle H. Abed, founder of Building Resources Across Communities in Bangladesh. In this audio lecture, Abed outlines the development and market perspectives that have enabled his organization to expand and meet his country's needs in key areas, including microfinance, agriculture, and education.
Nonprofits
Nonprofits Shouldn’t Be Silenced in 2008 Campaign
Nonprofits can help voters make critical decisions.
Podcast
Using Evidence in Nonprofit Management
In nonprofit management, as in business, organizations should make decisions based on facts as well as careful evaluation of their specific situation.
Government
Crushing Corruption
To find out how best to stem corruption in development projects, a Harvard economist conducted a sophisticated experiment in 608 Javanese villages. His results challenge current wisdom: Send in the outside auditors, rather than rely on local monitors.
Podcast
Bill Drayton - Global Social Entrepreneur
Ashoka's founder, Bill Drayton, believes that everyone can be a changemaker. In this audio lecture, he reflects on many of the early influences that helped him understand how to advance true social progress. From these beginnings, he traces his own path in public service, and describes the founding of Ashoka, which has grown into a flourishing network of social entrepreneurs who can serve as role models for further progress in promoting social justice around the globe.
Nonprofits
Stopping the Spread of Trauma
Many Iraq War veterans can't shake the feeling of being constantly imperiled, and their therapists, in turn, may develop traumatic stress symptoms themselves. A new study tells how organizations can protect their frontline providers from psychic distress.